Seated alongside the ravishing Mediterranean Sea, Italy’s location has more in common with its neighbors than just warming rays of sunshine and bottomless olive oil. One of the multiple Latin-rooted languages, Italian will get you around the region but a few others will, too.

Italian. Not to state the obvious, but… taking intensive Italian language classes in Italy is highly recommended. Your ear will pick up the intonations like no level of classroom study ever could, and don’t forget—your hands will pick up those expressive Italian gestures.

Spanish. Man, oh, man, do these languages sound similar. They are overflowing with cognates, and the reward for learning Spanish in Italy might just be the ability to return home speaking and understanding two new languages.

French. If you’re a grammar buff (hey, they exist!), try your hand at this. French and Italian are structurally quite similar, so you’ll be able to get both under your belt before you say au revoir.

English. Ah, English. A nomadic hodgepodge of ancient languages. Checking out a few courses in Italy will certainly expose you to their culture, and maybe score you some local friends!