Team · The Italian Academy
The people behind a global learning experience.
Quality, Interculturality, Connection: inspire to learn and grow with us in the heart of the Mediterranean.
At The Italian Academy, we are more than just a language center; we are an international hub for transformative education. Our mission is to inspire and guide students through a journey of profound personal and professional growth.
Our Mission & Values
Education becomes powerful when people feel guided.
Every member of our team is part of a larger project: promoting dialogue between cultures and empowering students to achieve their goals through excellence in learning.
If you are passionate about education and cultural exchange, you belong here.
Quality
Certified standards, academic care and meaningful learning experiences.
Interculturality
A multicultural team preparing students for a global world.
Connection
Real people supporting every student before, during and after the journey.
The Academy at a Glance
A diverse team that reflects the world we prepare students for.
A diverse community: growing team of 50+ professionals.
Expertise & Education: 70% of our team hold advanced degrees.
Global DNA: We are a melting pot of backgrounds with 15+ nationalities. Our faculty includes international experts, fostering a truly multicultural workplace. Most of our team have studied, worked and lived abroad, speaking on average more than 2 languages.
Dynamic & Diverse: With an 80:20 female-to-male ratio and an average age of 37, we combine youthful energy with seasoned experience.
Our commitments & Quality are Certified: We are proud to be ISO9001 certified and compliant with UNI/PdR 125:2022 standards for Gender Equality. We are currently developing our first Sustainability Report to share our progress in social and environmental impact.
A place with identity
Rooted in Ortigia, open to the world.
The Italian Academy combines international education with Mediterranean authenticity. Our learning spaces are designed to welcome students, support their journey and create meaningful cultural experiences in Italy.
Our People
Meet the team
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Managing Director
Peter Neri
Leadership
Center Director
Sean Neri
Leadership
HR Manager
Elisa Amato
Leadership
Administrative Manager
Davide Novara
Leadership
Accounting
Alessandra Manieri
Leadership
Accounting
Roberta Di Luciano
Leadership
Partnership Development Manager
Giada Bonaventura
Student Affairs
Student Affairs Manager
Federica Basile
Student Affairs
Housing Coordinator
Stefano Puglisi
Student Affairs
Academic Coordinator
Ilenia Cappadona
Admissions
Student Enrollment & Outreach Manager
Irene Zappulla
Student Affairs
Student Enrollment Advisor
Silvia Taglia
Admissions
Student Enrollment Advisor
Ovya Vignes
Admissions
Student Affairs Advisor
Miriana Majeli
Student Affairs
Student Affairs Advisor
Miriam Ruggiero
Student Affairs
Student Affairs advisor
Maria Chiara Naro
Student Affairs
Student Affairs Advisor
Virginia Pappalardo
Student Affairs
Student Affairs Advisor
Giulia Palumbo
Student Affairs
Digital Marketing
Mattia Zambuto
Marketing
Digital Marketing
Elisa Saladino
Marketing
Italian Instructor & Coordinator
Giusi Pirruccio
Teaching
Italian Language Instructor
Giulia Miniera
Teaching
Italian Language Instructor
Luisa Fiandaca
Teaching
Italian Language Instructor
Eleonora Xibilia
Teaching
Italian Language Instructor
Claudia Corbi
TeachingNo team members found
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Our Italian Language Teaching Team
Italian native speakers, experienced and highly specialised.
All Italian Academy teachers are Italian native speakers, experienced and highly specialized with DITALS qualifications in the teaching of Italian to foreigners. Over the years, our teachers have taught students of all ages, levels and cultural-linguistic backgrounds, achieving progress with each and every student, as proven by the consistently high satisfaction rates and excellent reviews.
Student feedback is monitored at each stage of the learning journey in Italy and online, to ensure that each student feels engaged in the classes and with the level assigned.
Daily meetings among teaching staff guarantee that students can be moved to the appropriate class when necessary.
Communicative Teaching Method
A method focused on confidence, expression and real communication.
The teaching method used is communicative, focusing particularly on developing the student’s ability to express him/herself and understand others without neglecting the study of grammar, which is fundamental to the proper acquisition of the language.
The Italian Language courses are offered at all levels from beginner to proficient and are focused on providing students with appropriate communication skills by learning Italian in the most natural way, combining communicative tools with a comprehensive study of Italian grammar and syntax.
The high quality of didactics and consistency of teaching methods at The Italian Academy is certified by the University for Foreigners of Siena, through which a series of teacher training sessions are arranged every year: our classes remain interactive and engaging with the most up-to-date teaching materials, textbooks and innovative pedagogical tools, apps and games.
The staff at the Italian Academy are professional and friendly, they will always do their utmost best to help with any queries and ensure that your stay is as productive, stress-free and enjoyable as possible. The quality of the services and student support provided by The Italian Academy administrative team is certified by the ISO:9001 European Level recognition.
Work With Us
Interested in working with us? Explore our Career Areas.
Academics & Teaching
Our heart beats here. From language instructors to curriculum designers and faculty members for pre-university and university courses: this team ensures our educational standards remain world-class.
Student Affairs, Advisory & Enrollment
The first point of contact for our international students and their support network when they arrive. This team guides learners through their learning journey, providing support from initial inquiry to course completion.
Operations & Management
The engine that keeps us running. This includes HR, Administration, Marketing, and IT professionals who ensure a seamless experience for staff and students alike.
We are always looking for talent. View our current vacancies and apply directly via our LinkedIn.
Can’t find the right role? We love meeting proactive people. Send your CV and a brief cover letter for a spontaneous application to: hr@syracuseacademy.org