“I recently participated in this program as a volunteer in Eastern Italy. I had an amazing experience that changed my life! Working with the children was challenging at times, but so rewarding. The parents were very appreciative and thrilled their children were learning English from native speakers. All the camp directors were very organized and attentive to details and the curriculum was well planned. I am a junior high teacher in the US and took away some great ideas I will use in my own classroom.
Outside of teaching, the boarding and meal accommodations were wonderful. I had more than enough time to explore the city and travel out of town on the weekends. I truly felt I was submerged in the Italian culture. I would definitely participate in this program again.”
Jennica Paterniti, USA
“It was the first time I joined a Summer camp as both counselor and coordinator for such a long time, a month.
What to say? It basically changed my life, especially those two full-time weeks spent in Sant’Agata Feltria, a splendid village on the Appenine Mountains in Romagna, in northeastern Italy.
It was an authentic team work at any level since everyone contributed in making it so special from our “youcancamp” staff to the town authorities and citizens, and the amazing Hotel Falcon staff where we lodged in total comfort and enjoying delicious meals at their restaurant.
Both teens and kids were adorable and willing to participate and get involved in all activities we arranged for them, including video-projects and drama. I was particularly and positively surprised by the high skills and acting abilities some of them showed at such a young age (7/8 years-old) while dealing with Early Modern English in a funny adaptation of “Romeo and Juliet”.
As for the other tutors, they were amazing persons, most of them really young (around 18) but extremely responsible and proactive in every situation.
We sometimes dealt with episodes of “homesickness” or arguments which lasted just a short time, and enthusiasm came back in a jiff!
I’m positive this was a lifetime experience for everybody: our young guests (aka “potato-chips”, as I renamed them!) not only had a chance to practice English on a day-to-day basis from breakfast to after-dinner, but above all they experienced friendship, respect and empathy developing a basic fondation for all humanity.”
Tiziana Cossignani, Italy
“This is my first year as a volunteer at the camp. I had an amazing experience with kids and teens from all over Italy. Sara and her team are brilliant people with a passion for English and education. They are a compassionate, driven, and creative team. It was such an honor to be a counselor at this camp. I will always be grateful for meeting and interacting with all the beautiful people.”
Jurec Mulder , SA
“My experience teaching English at a summer camp was aaawesome!!!
First of all, the association was tremendously helpful all the time and they answered all my questions by email right away.
Teaching English at the camp was quite an easy and enjoyable task. Both teachers and kids enjoyed the activities and there was a very relaxed atmosphere. Kids do really make an effort to learn and practice the language.
I got to stay with two host families in different towns and they were both really nice and welcoming. They were all very interested in my life abroad and we had really interesting conversations until late at night. They improved their English a lot and I even felt like I learned some Italian! They would give me a ride to the beach, to meet my friends, we had family dinners and meals with locals……….. We bonded so much that we still keep in contact. Everything was just perfect. Although staying with a host family was great and totally recommendable, my friends who didn’t stay with a family had an amazing experience too.
If you are looking for a place in Italy to teach English, look no more, this is the place to go! Thank you guys for making this stay in Marche unforgettable, I’ll be back for sure! ”
Elender S., Spain
“International Experience is the best way to travel abroad in Italy.
The coordinators are very helpful in ensuring that their volunteers are treated well. I joined the program 5 years ago for the first time and easily fell in love with the Marche area, the summer camp, and the program coordinators so since then I have returned almost every year to participate in the summer camp. It is great way to share the English language, enjoy the Italian culture / family life / food, travel through the magical Italy, make long lasting friendships, and really see life in a whole new light. ”
Joseph H., USA