Maria Conte Programs

I have taken two Italian classes (A2.2 and A2.3), with Maria and have really enjoyed myself both times. She is excellent at facilitating conversation and creating an open and welcoming environment for learning. My grammar and conversation skills have improved a lot thanks to Maria. I always look forward to coming to class!

I make a work-related trip to Italy every other year. When I came home from the 2017 trip I vowed to learn Italian, so I signed up for the Brookline Adult Ed class and Maria was my teacher. After I completed all the courses offered there, I continued to study with Maria, joining one of her small groups of students. Our Monday nights are filled with fun and learning. Talking about what we did last week, our plans for the next, this disparate group has gotten to know each other and care about each other—in the here and now. And all while learning Italian. Though it may be hard to get myself out of the house in the cold and dark now that it’s winter, I am always glad to be met by Maria’s warmth and upbeat approach. And, during this 2019 trip to Italy, I could read all the advertisements and signs, make myself understood, and even eavesdrop a bit. Thank you, Maria!

 Judy Fox

November 2019

“This course was so much more than just a language class. Each week, we looked forward to coming together to speak Italian while exploring meaningful topics around love, relationships, and how to navigate them thoughtfully. We learned how to express ourselves more clearly in Italian, but also how to recognize the difference between authentic, healthy relationships and those that aren’t. The conversations were honest, thought-provoking, and often eye-opening — all in a warm, safe, and engaging environment. A special thank-you to our instructor, Maria Conte, whose ability to guide the discussions with insightful questions and clear examples of both positive and negative dynamics made each session truly impactful. Her warmth, professionalism, and intuitive approach helped us grow both linguistically and personally. It was incredibly useful not only for our language growth but also for our self-awareness. We appreciated the space to reflect, connect, and communicate — all while gaining confidence in real-life Italian conversation. This class was interesting, enriching, and a lot of fun. We’re so grateful for the experience!”