5.0 out of 5 from 71 Google reviews
These reviews come from adults I have taught in Bristol, in the Stroud area and online. Here are seventeen of them in full, newest first — the rest are all on Google.
We have been studying Italian for about 6 years now with Marika. She is a wonderful teacher. Everything you learn is embedded in the culture, so you don’t just learn the language, you understand where it comes from and why it is as it is. She’s lovely but rigorous, fun to work with and productive, and the more we learn the more we want to learn. The total immersion weeks are wonderfully planned — organised AND flexible — and greatly accelerate our learning. And she is a genuinely wonderful human being.
F Green · June 2026 · Google review
Marika is great fun to learn with. Her lessons are lively and varied, with a good balance between grammar, vocabulary and conversation. Somehow, even in a larger group, she manages to be patient, encouraging and determined to ensure we make progress, each in equal measure. Marika’s enthusiasm for Italy and all things Italian is contagious as she introduces us to a wide range of aspects of the country’s culture, past and present. If you are looking around for Italian lessons I would definitely recommend her!
Jane Bartholomew · February 2026 · Google review
Marika’s lessons are interesting and engaging. She uses a mix of speaking, listening, reading and writing. She pushes you but you will definitely see a big improvement in your Italian language skills. I would highly recommend!
Ben Brown · February 2026 · Google review
Marika is a wonderful teacher — a real inspiration who makes learning fun, even for an elderly English clergyman who has no natural ability with foreign languages. She is enthusiastic and encouraging and tailors her lessons to the needs of the individual. Above all she is kind, understanding and patient. She imparts the basic building blocks of the language at just the right pace and doesn’t mind repeating when necessary. I look forward to my next trip to Italy later this year when I intend to apply the lessons I have learnt. I recommend Marika without reservation.
John Andrews · 29 March 2022
Marika is very passionate about teaching Italian. Well worth giving it a go. As a non speaker of any other language than English, Marika has been very patient and helpful.
Maggie · 23 January 2022
In difficult circumstances, due to the pandemic, Marika managed to get a large class at Stroud College started on the road to learning Italian. She was good at getting us to address the basics of the grammar early on in the term and of course this pays off later. She is a focused and patient teacher. Thank you!
Barbara · 23 January 2022 · 4 out of 5
Marika is a fantastic teacher — with her in-depth knowledge of Italy, places to visit, food and drink, history and culture, her lessons are always interesting. She is so patient and is happy to recap on past lessons if needed. I don’t think you’ll ever find a more passionate and committed teacher. Grazie Mille!! Sandro e Bette.
Beverley · 22 January 2022
I took a couple of courses with Marika during the lockdown online, both for conversations on different levels. Marika is very committed, fun and inspiring. I can recommend her teaching with confidence whatever your level is — be sure that she will tailor it well for you with lots of tools. Grazie Marika!
Burcu K · 20 January 2022
I took beginner’s Italian with Marika and it was a lovely experience. She makes the lessons fun and interesting and she explains very well common idiomatic Italian expressions and grammar structures that Duolingo or Google Translate will never teach you. I highly recommend learning with her first rather than at any other place.
Carmela · 17 January 2022
Marika is an excellent Italian teacher. Her lessons cover all the bases seamlessly — speaking, grammar, vocabulary, listening and writing. She makes the lessons engaging and fun and is encouraging of all. I would highly recommend. If you’re considering Italian lessons, she’s the one to go with!
Elizabeth · 22 November 2021
Marika is an exceptional Italian teacher. Her lessons take you on a joyful journey around the sights, tastes, sounds, history and culture of Italy. She immerses you in a multi-sensory experience of the Italian language so that you learn as if you were really there. Marika is a fun and patient guide who will tirelessly answer your questions to ensure your understanding. Consiglio vivamente le sue lezioni!
Emma Evans · 25 September 2021
I have been learning with Marika for about 2 years. She was a breath of fresh air after my previous tutor. Her teaching style is designed to suit you as an individual and has really helped me come along enormously. Not only a great teacher, but wonderful fun — and her trips to Italy are fantastic!
Peter Jones · 23 September 2021
Marika is a great teacher, both for the language and the culture. The lessons are fun and engaging, at a good pace. We also spent a great weekend with her travelling around Verona. I have now moved to Italy and have a good start in learning the grammar and vocabulary.
Paolo · 23 September 2021
Marika is a great Italian teacher. She makes the lesson fun and interesting. She has created some materials that help you to consolidate the learning. She is also passionate for the Italian culture, which is really important when you are learning a language. I would recommend Marika’s lessons to be able to speak one of the most beautiful languages, Italian.
Ana Miguel Lazaro · 13 January 2020
Marika’s classes make learning fun as well as informative. She is a great motivator and is very welcoming no matter what your level. I will definitely be doing more.
Jbt · 11 January 2020
Marika is an excellent teacher who makes her lessons very varied and interesting. Marika uses games, videos and music. We also learn about Italian customs and different places. The lessons are fun too!
mvn62 · 12 November 2019
Marika is a great teacher, really enthusiastic, helpful and someone who definitely goes the extra mile to keep you motivated… Grazie mille, Marika, ho imparato un sacco di cose! Ti ringrazio molto, buona vacanze, Michele
Michael Sproat · 8 July 2019
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