I am fascinated by languages, perhaps not surprising considering that I run surfacelanguages for fun.
If you have had a peak around Surface Languages, you will see that I don't recommend many language learnng products.
But I think ItalianPod101 is pretty good. By the way there are some affiliate links scattered around (but not on this page) Surface Languages. If you click on them, I am paid a small commission. I'm in the process of removing these.
I found ItalianPod101 useful, and used it for around six months. It is better value and more helpful than some of the big names in language learning, which I have found over-priced, with more style than substance.
Of course, your mileage may vary with any given product, and the use of any course or product depends on where you are on your language learning journey. Learning a language is a journey of sorts, albeit a journey without end, and the resources that you need depend on the stage that you have reached with the language.
A consequence of this is that:
There is no one perfect solution to learning a language.
No one course will provide all the answers, and learning (anything) is best approached from different directions.
Having said that, ItalianPod101 is one of the best audio based language learning packages around, and particularly useful for beginners and intermediates.
If you don't want to dump any cash,, carry on with or start learning the Italian Sentences on Surface languages. There are FREE, and extremely useful for learning conversational Italian.
IHowever, if you want or need more, then read on. Remember, here is no such thing as a free lunch, although maybe we could call the sentences a free starter.
There are hundreds of podcasts, each one containing a lesson.
For example, 'Absolute Beginner Season 1' starts with 'Greeting your new friends in perfect Italian' and continues from there. Each lesson has a transcript of the dialog, PDFs, extra audio tracks, vocab lists with audio, and ways to practice vocabulary and lesson plans.
I used it as a way of structuring my learning, and would listen to one or more lessons a day, and learn the vocabulary that was relevant to me.
I didn't use the vocabulary tools, as these don't suit my learning style.
I walk my dog every day. He is large and needs a lot of exercise, and this gave me plenty of time to listen to podcasts, which is where ItalianPod really scored for me.
You can try ItalianPod101 for free.
In the same way that 'a picture is worth a thousand words', I'd say try it and see what you think, rather than read me attempt to describe the various features.
Ignore the advertising fluff, and decide how you would integrate the podcasts into your day and learning, and consider how it could help you learn or improve your Italian.
If you subscribe to ItalianPod101, you still need to take charge of your learning to get the most out of it,
Even if you decide not to upgrade your subscription to premium (or basic), you can still listen to the ten most recent lessons produced.
Whatever you do remember that language learning products are just tools around which you can structure your learning. It is up to you to take charge and do the hard work.
Baci,
Moonface