Giovanni was born and raised in Pescara, Italy and he is a dedicated language educator. He teaches Italian and Spanish at various levels, emphasizing communication, cultural immersion, and student engagement. During the summer, he teaches at the Scuola Italiana of Middlebury College’s Language Schools, where he also helps organize cultural events. Giovanni believes that language learning goes beyond grammar—it’s about connecting with people and cultures. His approach fosters confidence in speaking and understanding through real-world practice. He is also the Founder and Co-Director of WorldLangAmerica, a non-profit that connects high schools and universities students across the U.S., Canada, Italy, France and Germany for meaningful language exchanges.
Currently, Giovanni is pursuing a Ph.D. in Romance Languages and Literatures at The University of Chicago, specializing in travel narratives, colonial Pacific literature, and translation studies. He holds Master’s degrees in Spanish and Italian Studies from Syracuse University and Middlebury College and has extensive teaching experience in both the U.S., Canada and Italy.
His research focuses on how language and cultural mediation shape colonial encounters. He has presented his work at numerous international conferences and has been recognized for his teaching excellence and contributions to language education. His goal is to continue expanding opportunities for language learners worldwide. His motto is: Practice makes perfect!
Faculty Spotlight: Giovanni Minicucci, read more (Middlebury College Blog).
