This summer’s tournament is once again proof the beautiful game is a universal language, spanning iconic powerhouses to exciting debut nations.

48 teams are heading to the United States, Canada, and Mexico. So, fans will hear a colourful mix of languages echoing through stadiums, fan zones, bars, and city streets.

Play with a World of Words

 The teams competing represent more than 40 different languages, reflecting a phenomenal linguistic melting pot.

Intrepid first-time qualifiers include:

• Jordan – Primary language = Arabic
• Uzbekistan – Primary language = Uzbek
• Curaçao – Primary languages = Papiamentu and Dutch
• Cape Verde – Primary languages = Portuguese and Cape Verdean Creole

Elsewhere, familiar faces are making a long-awaited return:

• Scotland – Primary languages = English and Scots
• Norway – Primary language = Norwegian
• Haiti – Primary languages = French and Haitian Creole

And then, there’s the many teams whose mother countries are home to multiple languages.

Take One Team with Four Languages

 Most countries rally around a single national language. But Switzerland likes to keep things interesting.

Depending on where you are, you’ll hear:

• German
• French
• Italian
• Romansh

“Thus, there are different versions of the salutation you’ll hear the most when following the Nati: Hop Suisse/Hopp Schwiiz/Forza Svizzera/Ancora Svizra,” explains the New York Times Athletic’s The Language of Soccer series. “They all mean the same thing – ‘Go Switzerland!’”

Kick Off with Host Languages

 The tournament’s 16 host cities mainly speak the following languages:

• USA host cities – English
• Canadian host cities (Toronto and Vancouver) – English, plus French also an official language nationally
• Mexican host cities (Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey) – Spanish

At la Academia, you don’t need any excuse to experience new cultures, hear new languages, and realise passion for the game sounds similar everywhere.

Get in touch whether you’re cheering in Spanish, Arabic, Norwegian, French English… or just the language of football.

Think military parades in Rome and Frecce Tricolori jets painting the sky red, white and green. Oh, and did we mention Italians in their hordes raising a glass of something divine.

It’s a feast for the senses that really makes you want to go all in and learn Italian. 

Italian is More Than a Numbers Game 

“It is the second most widely spoken native language in the European Union with 67 million native speakers. About 13.4 million EU citizens speak Italian as their second language,” according to the World Population Review’s article Italian Speaking Countries 2026. “Including all Italian speakers around the world, the total number of Italian speakers is about 85 million people.” 

But truthfully, going with the flow isn’t why anybody falls in love with it.

You learn Italian because of:

• The food and wine – Yes, it’s world class to savour and quaff. And then there’s knowing what you’re actually ordering.
• The culture – Italy invented the Renaissance, after all.
• The people – Italians are known for being warm, passionate, and genuinely delighted when you try speaking to them in the mother tongue.

And then there’s your career prospects going up a notch or several.

Learn Italian for Work? Assolutamente! 

Italian business language training for corporate clients is also on the rise.

A case in point is the UK arm of a major Italian pharmaceuticals company in Cheshire. They work with a leading local language school, (that would be us, at la Academia). And we bring more to the festa than learning a language.

Moreover, real business savvy and cultural know-how are vital for business Italian. This is what equips staff at every level to get more confident, communicative, and productive when working with their Italian colleagues.

But today’s busy professionals don’t take too receptively to the dry teaching methods that used to send you to sleep in the school classroom. Instead, it’s kept engaging and fun with elements like:

• Role play
• Listening exercises
• Real life scenarios
• Popular culture 

Who Else Wants to Be La Bella Lingua Ready?

 Republic Day might just be the sign you need to learn Italian for business, pleasure, or both.

At la Academia, we’d love to hear from both total beginners and rusty returnees.

Get in touch about our beginners courses, private tuition, or a FREE try before you buy business Italian taster session at your office.

But May is International Mediterranean Diet Month, when fresh ingredients, bold flavours, and shared meals bring people closer together.

And the languages of the Mediterranean are as rich, expressive, and full of personality as the food.

So, why not fall in love with a language if you’ve already fallen in love with a Mediterranean country via your stomach? There’s a veritable buffet to choose from. 

Learn Spanish 

Spanish is everywhere, from Andalucia to Alabama. So, it’s seriously useful.

What’s on the menu:

Paella, tapas, tortilla, fresh seafood, olive oil, vibrant veggies

Why learn Spanish:

• One of the most widely spoken languages globally
• Ideal for travel, business, and social confidence
• Business Spanish helps you build corporate and trade relationships besides order wine (although… priorities)

Learn French

 French is romantic. But it’s also influential across business, culture, and travel.

What’s on the menu:

• Ratatouille, bouillabaisse, crusty baguettes, cheeseboards and a lot of good wine

Why learn French:

• Spoken across multiple continents
• Perfect for both leisure learners and career climbers
• Business French = added confidence in meetings and at exhibitions

Learn Italian

 Italian is a gateway to passion, people, and plates of perfection.

What’s on the menu:

• Pasta, pizza, risotto, espresso, gelato

Why learn it:

• Intensifies cultural experiences and menu knowledge
• Brilliant for business with Italian partners
• Fun, expressive, and genuinely joyful to learn

 Beyond the Classic Mediterranean Languages

 The Mediterranean is a linguistic mosaic, extending further than its most commonly known and spoken languages.

In addition, there’s Albanian, Arabic, Croatian, Greek, Maltese and Turkish.

And each one opens a different door, both culturally and professionally. 

Ready to Order? What’s Your Next Flavour?

 At la Academia, our expert tutors bring Mediterranean languages to life, for travel, business, or sheer enjoyment.

Get in touch for the French, Italian and Spanish courses available now, from beginner to advanced, including tailored business language training.

And the rest of the Mediterranean languages? They’re equally as tasty and valuable. But available on request and custom designed around demand.

Mocks are on the horizon. The real exams aren’t far behind. And suddenly, “Let’s see how it goes” attitudes become pit-of-the stomach panic.

You’re not alone if you’re nodding along. And GCSE tuition continues to be a not-so-hidden weapon in the battle against abject exam misery.

Why GCSE Tuition is So Powerful 

Secondary school is intense. Both staff and students are juggling large classes, packed syllabuses, and limited time. For all these reasons, some students slip through the cracks, especially in subjects like languages, which call for confidence besides content.

To be clear, MFL GSCEs shouldn’t be underestimated, because many Russell Group universities expect a modern foreign language at GCSE. So, getting it right can open or quietly close doors when Admissions come up on the agenda in due course.

This is one of many reasons GCSE tuition comes into its own, to:

• Target specific problem areas – Lessons focus on what your child needs, rather than piling on even more generic revision.

• Build exam confidence – Ease the panic and make mocks feel like the practice run they are.

• Reduce stress at home – Less unhelpful in-fighting. More progress.

A Parent’s Verdict

16-year-old Stephen wasn’t exactly over the moon at the prospect of more lessons outside school hours. But he’ll hopefully come to thank his supportive mum Catherine for it one day.

Here’s what she had to say about their experience: 

“My son is easily distracted and doesn’t enjoy English. However, the tutor from la Academia was able to get meaningful work from him and he passed his GCSEs. Would highly recommend!”  

Ultimately, professional GSCE support can turn a scraped pass into quietly smashing it.

Flexible, Engaging GSCE Support Teenagers Get on Board With

 At la Academia, you won’t spot another dull worksheet or bored teenager staring at the clock.

GCSE tuition is available:

• 1:1 or small group sessions
• In person at the language school in Cheadle, Cheshire, or online from home
• With vastly experienced tutors who know how to keep distracted teens on a productive learning curve

Get in touch to enquire about your options for the following subjects:

• Languages – Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese
• Core subjects – Maths, English
• Humanities – Geography, History, Psychology
• Sciences – Biology, Chemistry, Physics

• Stretching your brain
• Expanding your world
• Proving age is absolutely not a barrier to learning something new

In fact, adults are smashing language learning, with sharper memory, boosted confidence and cognitive resilience thrown in for good measure.

Here’s how learning a foreign language delivers the merry.

Why Ageing and Language Learning are a Power Duo

Picking up a new language later in life brightens up your new year in multiple ways. For example, it:

• Strengthens your memory and mental agility
• Improves problem-solving and multitasking
• Boosts confidence and wellbeing
• Delays cognitive decline
• Makes you feel like an international jetsetter, even if you’re only in Tesco’s

You could say learning a new language is the ultimate anti-ageing strategy, without a miracle serum in sight. And this month is an opportune moment to spring into action.

How to Celebrate Learn a Foreign Language Month – and Feel Brilliant Doing It 

Wondering how to get the party started and lay plans to kickstart the year ahead in bilingual style?

• Take a language course – Learn the basics with people who are just as nervous and excited as you.

• Be a culture vulture – Films, festivals, music – observe, listen, get involved.

• Share your language journey on the socials – #ForeignLanguageMonth and #LanguageLearning are trending as we speak.

• Set goals for 2026 – Ordering tapas in Spain? Reading a novel in French? Living la dolce vita in Italy? Your call.

• Connect with others – Language is meant to be shared, online or in person.

Why Learn a Language in 2026?

 Why now? Why wait another year for:

• Cultural understanding – Build bridges and broaden your perspectives.
• Personal growth – Expand your world view while boosting your brain power.
• Career and travel perks – Stand out professionally. And breeze through holidays.

Get in touch with us, at la Academia, with any questions about our classes timetable for January 2026.

And if learning isn’t on your own agenda right now? Give the gift of language this Learn a Foreign Language Month. Our gift vouchers make a meaningful Christmas pressie for anyone ready to expand their communicative and cultural horizons next year.

So, why is Italian language learning having a moment? And why it might it be your next best move? 

1. Italian Isn’t Just for a Holiday, It’s for a Better Break

 Learning Italian takes you further than the tourist traps. You’ll find yourself connecting with locals, ordering your affogato the right way, and discovering glorious hidden trattorias most tourists never knew existed.

2. Salve, Culture!

 Italian language learning brings meaning to the masterpieces and the menus, unlocking cultural experiences from Renaissance art to opera and fashion. 

3. Tantalise Your Tastebuds

 You can’t fully appreciate Italian food until you know your pecorino from your parmigiano. Italian language learning = total foodie immersion.

4. Make Brain Gains 

Multilingualism boosts memory, focus, and confidence. Think of it as a gym workout for your grey matter. 

5. Italian Language Learning is Easier Than You Think

 Italian shares its Latin roots with English and has consistent pronunciation. This means sounding fluent without twisting your tongue.

6. New People, New Vibes

 Learning Italian opens you up to meeting fellow learners, native speakers, and a whole new community, both in-person and online.

7. Upgrade Your CV

The Italian language is demand in finance, law, education and exports, besides fashion, food, and the motor trade. So, speaking it might give your career the edge. 

8. Walk the Talk of Business

 Speaking your client’s language is a secret business-building weapon to forge relationships and build lasting bridges. 

9. Add Structure to Your Life

 You might not think it, but regular lessons and homework are surprisingly satisfying, especially with a flavoursome glass of Chianti in hand.

 10. It’s Already Here

 Italian isn’t some far off fantasy. It’s already spoken on your doorstep, in UK communities, schools, and universities.

 Tempted?

Say “Sì” to your next great adventure.

At la Academia, we’re ready when you are for the food, flair, and future.

Start your Italian language learning journey with our next complete beginners course:

Where?           la Academia, Cheadle
Teacher?         Rino
When?            Wednesday 24th September 2025    
Time?              7.00 – 9.00pm
Cost?               £120.00 for six consecutive weeks

Plus, our ongoing intermediate group restarts in September, every Wednesday at 10.15am – 12.15pm @ £120.00.

Get in touch to reserve your seat. Or complete and return the application form by email.

But August is Romance Awareness Month – a brilliant reminder to keep the spark alive, intentionally, playfully, and linguistically too.

And when it comes to love, we’d argue learning romance languages has serious courtship currency. 

What Are Romance languages?

There five original romance languages are direct descendants of Latin, which was once the language of the Roman Empire.

Now, it’s the sweet-talking foundation for:

• Spanish (approximately 558 million speakers globally)
• French (approximately 312 million)
• Portuguese (approximately 267 million)
• Italian (approximately 90 million)
• Romanian (approximately 28 million)

Unsurprisingly, these languages still share a ton of common vocabulary, grammar quirks, and a rhythm that makes the crummiest pickup line sound poetic.

Why Learning Romance Languages Remains Relevant in 2025

 Despite the noticeable absence of the lingua franca English, learning romance languages remains a powerful tool in terms of:

• Global reach beyond origin countries – For example, more French speakers live in West Africa than France. More Spanish speakers live in Latin America than Spain. And as for Portuguese? Brazil owns it.

• Growth areas – Parts of Europe are shrinking demographically. In contrast, Francophone Africa and Latin America are booming.

• Worldwide clout – Spanish and French are official UN languages and widely used in diplomacy and international business.

Love and Language Still Going Steady

All the same, romance languages have long been associated with affairs of the heart.

Blame the medieval troubadours who waxed lyrical about love and lit the fire for centuries of romantic poetry. Their legacy still lingers in every Eiffel Tower proposal and every movie with a gondola ride and a Latin accent.

So, this August, why not fall in love with love with a new language?

At la Academia, our flexible range of learning options covers all romance languages. Let learning romance languages steal your heart this year. 

Get in touch for details about your preferred language of lurve.

“As one of the leading economies globally and home to the most cultural heritage sites in the world, Italy is a travel destination filled with both professional opportunities and culturally immersive experiences,” online travel resource Go Overseas concluded in its The 10 Best Languages to Learn in 2025 article. “Exposure to Italian will make for a more impactful and authentic experience while spending time in Italy.”

This article breaks down why learning Italian deserves a starring role on your to-do list.

1. Benefit from Brain Gains

New grammar pathways kickstart fresh neural muscle. This is why learning Italian boosts memory and focus.

2. Live La Dolce Vita Every Single Day 

Decode Nonna-approved recipes straight from Italian blogs. Or read Rome’s street signs without summoning Google Lens. Enough said.

3. Gain Career Edge

Bilingual résumés shine, especially with Italian fashion, design, and food giants hiring abroad. And networking hits differently when you can say, “Parliamo dopo l’aperitivo?”

4. Experience Unfiltered Culture 

Enjoy opera, Renaissance art, and the latest Italian Netflix drama, in HD but without subtitles.

Your Action Plan 

At la Academia, our fabulous Italian teacher Rino Pucci promises plenty of the good stuff. He promises “…my students will hear me talking about Pinocchio (the real one, not Disney’s adaptation), Rossini and his crescendo, Prosecco, rosso Ferrari and spaghetti alla carbonara (vegetarian options are also available).” 

And now you too can start learning Italian in between work and wine o’clock.

Where?           la Academia, Cheadle
When?            Wednesday 24th September 2025    
Time?              7.00 – 9.00pm
Cost?               £120.00 for six consecutive weeks

“Join me to discover the wonders of Italy and the unmistakable rhythm of the Italian language,” says Rino. “Vi aspetto in classe!”

Get in touch to secure your seat today.

Here’s a peek into her world, both at school and outside it.

How the Italian Language and Culture Spark Enrichment and Joy

Besides her teaching work at la Academia, Anna Maria is also a freelance translator, language consultant, and GCSE Italian Teacher at the CDLCI (Education Department of the Italian Consulate in Manchester). In addition, she also teaches the Italian language to adults, from beginner to advanced level, at The Guild for Life Long Learning in Wilmslow.

It adds up to an extremely busy life centred around the Italian language and culture. So, what is it she finds so inspiring about teaching Italian? She doesn’t hesitate to answer.

“Empowering others with a new skill for life, whether it’s language or cooking”, Anna Maria affirmed. “Watching students light up as they embrace Italian culture is my favourite part.”

Fun Facts

• Favourite Dish: Polenta with porcini mushrooms, truffles, and parmigiano reggiano
• Passions: Antique furniture restoration and whipping up a mean tiramisu.
• Languages Spoken: Italian, English, and some German, Spanish, French, Urdu and Punjabi.
• Guilty Pleasure: Playing records to unwind – and occasionally to annoy her kids!

With Anna Maria, Italian is more than a language. It’s a journey – one you can embark on, regardless of your age or current proficiency level (or lack of).

At la Academia, we offer a range of inspiring group and 1:1 learning options, from getting a basic grip of the Italian language for a forthcoming holiday to full-on fluency for business. Get in touch and prepare to learn, laugh, and maybe even try your hand at making your own pasta along the way.

• Caitlin Morton, Condé Naste Traveller

Morton had a boo-tiful time writing her 53 haunted hotels around the world you can stay at – if you dare article. Let’s follow suit and explore some of the world’s most spine-chilling stays this Halloween. And we don’t just mean eerie vibes. We’re talking full-on haunted histories!

Remember to pick up a few local phrases for chatting with the ghostess with the mostest when you’re planning a ghoulish getaway.

Hotel Burchianti in Florence, Italy

Renaissance masterpiece with some lingering visitors, anybody? Guests have seen a skipping child, a knitting woman, and felt freezing breaths. A gentle ciao could help break the ice (pun intended).

Chateau de Marcay in Marcay, France

This Loire Valley chateau arbours a terrible tale of woman accidentally shot dead by a local farmer. Her tormented soul is said to remain to this day. You might want to practice saying Ça va? Because you never know when you’ll meet this ethereal guest!

Hawthorne Hotel in Salem, Massachusetts

The Hawthorne is a real haunt-spot in the witchy town of Salem! This is why TV shows Ghost Hunters and Bewitched both took an interest, with guests reporting tugged sheets and a spectral woman in the mirror of Room 612. Perhaps a good idea to brush up on excuse me in English, just in case you unexpectedly bump into a mischievous spectre.

Ruthin Castle Hotel & Spa in Ruthin, Wales

This medieval gem in North Wales has hosted some doomed tenants in its time, including Bloody Mary herself. Lady Jane Grey’s ghost is also said to wander the halls. Brave enough? Learn a bit of Welsh to truly immerse yourself in the spirit… or spirits.

Toftaholm Herrgård Hotel in Lagan, Sweden

Beneath its Scandinavian charm lies the tragic tale of a forbidden love at Toftaholm Herrgård, with the ghost of a heartbroken young man allegedly roaming Room 324. His fate? Hanging himself from the rafters. Maybe soothe his troubled spirit with a cheery hej (hello) in Swedish if you hear the shutters slamming.

Learning languages opens doors (and possibly secret passages) to the world’s most haunted hotels! Are you ready to book your ghostly getaway?

At la Academia, we’re all about making language learning fun, whether you’re chatting with local mortals or maybe even a phantom or two! Our engaging, immersive teaching methods will cast a spell on you in no time. Ready to unchain new languages (and maybe a supernatural story or two)? Get in touch to explore our classes and 1:1 tuition options today.