Summer English Camp Italy

Help Italian youth develop conversational English proficiency as a volunteer English Summer Camp Counselor! This is a great way to connect with youth, hone your leadership skills and explore Italian culture. You’ll lead English games and activities throughout the mornings at summer camps that run Monday through Friday. Each camp day concludes with a group lunch at 1 pm, after which participants are free to relax and explore.

2017 Program Dates

Two spots left in Session 1; one spot open in Session 3 (as of April 3, 2017).

Application Process

To apply you'll create an online account and complete a few simple web forms. You will also need to upload documents including a character reference and resume. When you're ready, you will pay a $250 deposit towards your program fee (refundable in the unlikely event that we're unable to place you).

When we receive your deposit we'll unlock your application so you can review everything once more and submit it. Then, we'll contact you for an informal Skype interview before confirming your acceptance and sending your application overseas. Sign up.

English Camps

Each camp hosts up to 60 local students between the ages of six and 14 who count on you to provide dynamic and engaging activities to help them improve their conversational English. Most students do not speak English well, so body language is key.

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

Each camp is two-weeks long, so participants volunteer at two camps (either the same location or in close proximity) during their program.

Your Role as a Camp Counselor

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.

Your day will consist of a mix of teaching activities (using flashcards, board games, whiteboards, etc.) and fun activities like dodgeball, songs or typical games played in the U.S. All the activities are organized in advance and provided to counselors. Every week of camp closes with a short play/skit that counselors create according to the level of their groups, so you'll have a chance to show off your talents!

Accommodation

Participants have the choice of living in shared apartments (sessions 1 and 3) or with host families (session 2). All camps are within 30 minutes (at most) from accommodations. If your camp is not within walking distance, the camp association will arrange transportation.

Apartments are basic and usually do not have air conditioning, but most have Internet. They’ll be furnished with basic cooking necessities (pans, dishes, utensils), bath towels and sheets and pillows. Bedrooms are shared.

Session two participants stay with two pre-screened host families who are enthusiastic about the concept of cultural exchange. After a five-day orientation in Macerata (in the Le Marche region), in which participants stay in shared dorms, they’ll travel on to their first host family and first two-week camp. On Saturday, July 1st participants will meet their second host family in a new location. Transport to host families is included in the program.

Host families provide all meals and a single or twin bedroom (in some cases, two participants may be placed with the same family).

Arrival & Support

You’ll arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport on the morning of your program start-date and a private coach bus will take you to Le Marche, one of Italy's most picturesque regions, which is approximately four hours northeast of Rome.

If you’re unable to arrive during the designated pick-up window, you will be responsible for your own transport to Le Marche (instructions will be provided).

InterExchange provides pre-departure support and guidance and will connect you with other participants in Italy via our Facebook group. You’ll also have an orientation and in-country assistance from our international partner in Italy. They will be available for support and emergencies throughout the program and a coordinator will be present at each camp location.

Travel

You’ll have weekends free to explore Italy. During orientation you’ll receive information about a private driving service, which participants can use to visit sites in the area and other destinations within Italy for convenient prices.

TEFL Certification Add-On

A Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate is not required for this program, but getting certified is helpful, especially if you don't have any teaching experience. We offer an internationally recognized online TEFL course. The course takes 11 weeks to complete and you can expect to spend 12-15 hours per week on course-work.

When you sign up for the Summer English Camp Italy program and enroll in our TEFL course, you'll receive a $245-discount off the course fee—just $850 instead of $1,095. Please contact us about this special package so we can ensure you schedule enough time to complete the course before you depart for Italy.

Costs to Consider

• Airfare Please be prepared to cover airfare to and from the U.S.
• Travel Health Insurance You must have insurance that covers repatriation and emergency medical evacuation.
• Personal Spending Money For independent travel/trips, social time with friends, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa?

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

Do I need to know Italian?

No. You will not need to know Italian, but learning some survival phrases will certainly help.

Can I be placed with a friend or partner?

Usually we can make this happen, depending on spaces remaining. Another great option is work at different camps and meet up during the evenings and weekends.

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 non-profit, 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