For one of the many Americans trying out the expatriate life in the coming months, the Travelers Language Café sounds like the perfect practice run. Even with a couple years of Italian under my belt I can still see the appeal of this full-day language seminar that promises not just to teach basic phrases like “I’m lost” (“Mi sono perso”), and “Where’s the bathroom?” (“Dove il bagno?”), but a deeper understanding of the structure of Italian conversation. Founder Josette Hendrix strives to teach all levels of students enough about the language so that your focus while over there can be on the nuances of Italian life—the centuries-old traditions of food, art, literature, and vino. $89 gets you into the seminar located in Edmonds at the Rick Steves Travel Center, plus food and beverages to get you through the day. See www.nwlanguageacademy.com/cafe for more info and a list of other languages offered.

Sat., Aug. 25