Italidea is a not-for profit organization created in  1995 with the purpose of promoting and expanding  the knowledge of Italian language and culture  throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and the  State of  Illinois. Working in close relationship with  the Istituto Italiano di Cultura and with the Education Office of the Consulate General of Italy, Italidea organizes a variety of private courses and promotes  several public and private school programs for the teaching of  the Italian language, providing financial support for  teachers' salaries as well as instructional materials.

Italidea offers a broad selection of language courses at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura, providing a great opportunity to learn Italian in a friendly environment. Small class sizes allow students to participate and interact with each other in order to achieve fluency in Italian and to get in touch with the Italian culture. Group language courses are available in ten-week terms for all levels. Italian culture courses are offered as well. Private language courses are available year-round to fit your personal or professional needs. Italidea offers courses on Italian cuisine, music, wine, contemporary film, Literature and Theatre.

With the collaboration of the Consulate General of Italy, Education Office, Italidea has been implementing an innovative and unique Italian language program - "Language and Learning for the future"- for K-8 students in the Chicago area schools, since 1998. This program has been funded by matching grants awarded by the Italian Government.

The Consulate General of Italy

Consul General:
Alessandro Motta

The Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago
Director:
Tina Cervone

The Education Office of the Consulate General of Italy
Director:
Eleonora Cammareri

Giovanna Verdecchia
giovanna.chicago@sbcglobal.net

ITALIDEA OFFICE STAFF

Alexandrina Geanina Danis
italidea.chicago@sbcglobal.net