Summer English Camp Italy

Live la bella vita in Italy this summer while helping Italian youth with their conversational English! As a volunteer Summer English Camp Counselor, you'll hone your leadership and cross-cultural communication skills, make lifelong friends, and experience Italian culture. No Italian language skills required!

2018 Program Dates

Session One: June 8 - July 7 (16 spots)

Session Two: June 10 - July 14 (10 spots)

Session Three: July 7 - August 4 (16 spots)

Spaces limited, early applications encouraged! Sessions usually fill-up by the end of September.

What's Included:

• Airport pick-up
• Orientation
• Accommodation
• Some meals
• In-country support

What You'll Gain:

• A unique experience (How many people can say they volunteered at a camp in Italy?)
• Expanded worldview
• Leadership skills
• Increased confidence
• Life-long friends

Getting started

With no obligation to move forward, you can get the ball rolling by signing up today. We'll reach out to help plan your adventure when you're ready!

English Camps

Each camp hosts up to 60 local students, ages six to 14, and runs for two weeks so you'll volunteer at two camps (either the same location or in close proximity). You and your fellow counselors will lead fun and engaging activities to help campers improve their conversational English. Most students do not speak English well, so body language is key. A comprehensive activity book is provided and Italian staff is present for support!

Camps run Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. At the end of the camp day, you’ll be served a big Italian lunch and then have the rest of the afternoon free!

Your Role

As a counselor you may co-lead a group of campers with another counselor and/or an Italian assistant or you may manage a small group of campers on your own.

You'll receive a detailed guide, filled with fun activities and games to help your students. Every week of camp closes with a short play/skit that counselors create, so you'll have a chance to show off your creativity!

Accommodation

You'll have the choice of living in shared apartments (sessions one and three) or with welcoming host families (session two). All camps are within 30 minutes (at most) from accommodations. If your camp is not within walking distance, transportation will be provided.

Location

Most camps are held in Le Marche, a picturesque region of Italy filled with hilltop and beach towns. It's one of the safest areas in the country and only about three-and-a-half hours from Rome.

Travel

We know you want to soak up as much as Italy has to offer! In addition to weekday afternoons, you’ll also have weekends free to relax and explore. During orientation you’ll receive information about a private driving service, which you and fellow counselors can use to visit sites in the area and other destinations within Italy for convenient prices. There are several great places within a few hours of Le Marche, including Bologna and Florence!

Requirements

• U.S. citizen, between 22 and 35
• College degree or current student
• Dynamic and confident personality
• Interest in helping youth
• Flexbility and maturity

In some cases, 21-year-olds may be accepted.

While some previous teaching or tutoring experience is preferred, it's not required. Neither are Italian language skills!

Costs to Consider

• Program fee
• Airfare
• Travel health insurance (We'll provide affordable options to consider)
• Personal spending money

Check out what it's actually like to volunteer as a Summer English Camp counselor in Italy! This video features former participants at You Can Camp (the official name of the camps):

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do this with a friend or partner?

Absolutely! We can usually place friends or couples in the same apartment or at least at the same camps.

Do I need teaching or camp counseling experience?

Nope. Though some experience working with students/youth is preferred, a dynamic personality and a sincere interest in helping campers are most important! Maturity is key, too; campers are counting on you to show up engaged and enthusiastic.

What are accommodations like?

Participants in sessions one and three are placed in shared apartments. They are basic and usually don’t have air conditioning (it’s uncommon for Italian apartments to have AC), but most have Internet. They’ll be furnished with necessities (i.e., beds, linen, bath towels, cooking ware, utensils). Bedrooms are shared.

Session two participants stay with two screened host families (two-week stays) who are enthusiastic about cultural exchange. Families provide all meals and a single or twin bedroom (in some cases, two participants may be placed with the same family).

Do I need a visa?

U.S. citizens do not need visas to enter the Schengen area (which includes Italy) and are permitted to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. You'll simply enter Italy with your valid U.S. passport. For more information on the Schengen area, please visit the U.S. Department of State's website.

What if I don't speak Italian?

That’s okay! Italian language skills are not required to participate. Of course, learning some survival phrases will certainly help.

What kind of support will I receive?

InterExchange provides pre-departure support and guidance. For over 50 years, we’ve helped thousands of participants just like you have amazing adventures abroad. We know it’s not that easy to pick up and go and we’re here to guide you through the entire process!

When you arrive in Italy, you’ll receive an airport pick-up and orientation, including a comprehensive activity book.

You’ll also have in-country assistance from our international partner in Italy. They’re available for support and emergencies throughout the program and an Italian camp coordinator will be present at each camp location.

Do I need to bring materials?

You don't need to bring any materials, though if you'd like to bring stickers, the younger campers will love them!

Can I earn money while on the program?

No, this is a volunteer program and you are entering Italy as a tourist. You are not legally allowed to work in the country.

If I'm not accepted into the program will I receive a refund?

Yes, if you are not accepted or in the unlikely event that we are unable to place you, we will refund your $250 deposit. We will keep you posted throughout the placement process.

Why do I have to pay for a volunteer teaching program?

The fee covers the cost of placing you in the program, as well as pre-departure and in-country support. As a nonprofit, mission-driven organization, InterExchange reinvests fees into programs and our Foundation to promote cross-cultural awareness.

What our participants are saying

I loved how casual the program was. I wasn't sure what to expect in regards to the formality of everything. It ended up being very casual, laid back and fun, which allowed me to feel so much more comfortable while also learning a lot about myself and others. Stephanie

As a teacher I get the summer off and wanted to do something different in terms of knowing a new culture and meeting new people. I wanted to step out of my confort zone and teach the language to non English speakers… I have enjoyed everything! Sausan