Hosted by EDUCO

EDUCO: Teach English in Italy at Summer Camps

Name: EDUCO: Teach English in Italy at Summer Camps
Brand: EDUCO
SKU: 209421
Rating: 4.77 (74 reviews)

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4.77 Rating

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Location

Italy

Length

4 - 12 weeks

Classroom Audience

Pre-School Elementary Middle School

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Program Details

Qualifications

Mother tongue English Speaker, 18 years old+, love working with children

Job Type

Tutoring

Classroom Audience

Pre-School Elementary Middle School

Housing

Host Family

Age Min.

Pricing

Salary / Benefits

Paid Study Grant

Starting Price

200

Price Details

All tutors accepted onto our program must attend one of our orientation courses. The summer 2023 orientations will be held in Sanremo. The orientation fee is 200 euros and covers five days' hotel accommodation, meals, didactic training and materials.

What's Included

Accommodation Activities Meals Transportation

What's Not Included

Airfare

Last Updated: Aug 21, 2024

Last Reviewed: Oct 07, 2024

Wish List

110 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

EDUCO is a social enterprise that provides Italian students and teachers with fun, enriching, and hands-on opportunities to learn the English language.

We are recruiting creative, passionate and responsible mother tongue English speakers to teach English to children in summer camps throughout Italy - from the Alps to the islands of Sicily and Sardegna - on our accredited TEFL through Performance & Play program. This is a unique opportunity to enhance your CV and cultural horizons by learning how to teach through games, sports, drama & songs all taught at our orientation. Accommodation, food and transport during and between camps is all covered. Tutors also receive a generous study grant which is based on the number of weeks spent teaching.

If you dream of spending a summer in Bella Italia while doing rewarding work with children and meeting people from all over the world - then this is the experience for you.

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Video and Photos

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Program Highlights

Living with Italian host families, working in a culturally diverse team environment, free transport from camp to camp, company accommodation during weeks on hold, networking possibilities in Italy following program
Earn a TEFL through Performance & Play Certificate accredited by the International TEFL Accreditation Council
We are proud to provide our tutors with the highest compensation of any summer camps program within Italy, and among the highest within the EU.
Networking opportunities + longer term vacancies following completion of program

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Program Reviews

4.77 Rating

based on 74 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread Teach

5 rating 89.19%
4 rating 4.05%
3 rating 2.7%
2 rating 2.7%
1 rating 1.35%

Benefits 4.7
Support 4.7
Fun 4.9
Facilities 4.75
Safety 4.8

Good for Solo Travelers, Building your resume, Students

Showing 1 - 8 of 74 reviews

I had a wonderful experience working with Educo. Although packed in schedule, the initial orientation was a great way to make new friends and receive training for the programme. Diving into the schools and homestay families was super exciting and it was very helpful to have experienced returnee-tutors guide the first few days at camp. Each camp lasted one to two weeks alongside changes in host families and/or privately arranged accommodation. The host families were the highlight of the experience as the stays allowed for full immersion into the Italian culture and unexpected, amazing adventures. From what I experienced and heard, many families and camp directors took immense care of the tutors and loved taking the opportunity to show their guest the beauties of Italy. I'm very grateful to still be in touch with the families I stayed with and the tutors I became friends with.
If you have an interest in education, Italian culture and/or want to try something new, I would recommend joining this programme!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

I would characterise the programme as very 'go with the flow' where you tend to discover things as time goes on without receiving all the information straight away. This is potentially due to the directors not wanting to overwhelm the tutors with information and figuring out the best placements for each tutor. In saying that, they are very open to questions and answer them quickly. If you find that you like to plan ahead and that is out of your comfort, it might be a factor to consider. Otherwise, it could make a good opportunity in becoming more comfortable with the unexpected.

Pros

The host families and experiencing Italian culture
Meeting tutors from all over the world
The students

Cons

Back and fourth commutes between camps (dependent on placements)

Pretty incredible experience, to move week to week across the country, and live with Italian families. Granted, it’s hectic week to week moving from place to place, but that’s what I signed up for. You go from school to school, and family to family. Each week is different in what it offers, but it’s all quite amazing.

I have a positive opinion do educo. I met so many cool people through the program. I found the staff to be helpful and communicative. thoroughly enjoyed it and will be returning next year.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?

Horse 😅

Pros

Experience Italian Culture
See lots of italy
Forge relations with families

I had a wonderful summer working as a tutor for Educo. It’s clear Educo is a professional company who prides themselves on top quality tutors. A week long, in depth orientation was essential to learn the necessary skills to become a successful tutor.

Camp itself is incredible. A fully immersive experience where you live with a host family and learn about Italian culture and of course eat till you can’t anymore!

The children are immediately fascinated with you and it’s very special to share your culture with them. You also learn so much about your fellow tutors as there are people from all over the world.

I would recommend this to anyone in a heartbeat. It’s a wonderful experience

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Be open to every opportunity and experience. Yes, you’ll be tired but don’t ever say no, you will regret it!

Pros

Travel Italy
Save money
Meet amazing people

Cons

Can be difficult to plan individual activities

I had a wonderful experience with Educo from start to finish. I met the most wonderfully global group who dedicated their time to help kids develop and grow.

Orientation for Educo was a fun week in Sanremo with a great mentoring team who worked all week to provide us with the skills necessary to teach others.

The homes and families I was placed in during my 5 weeks with Educo were some of the loveliest and friendliest. I got to travel, visit amazing places, eat fantastic food, and be a part of a new Italian family every 1-2 weeks.

And the kids in the camps. What a joy to work with and what an exciting way to spend a summer: running around, playing games, singing, dancing, and just acting an overall fool. And of course, to top it all off, seeing the joy and excitement in the kids’ faces as they chase you around or get confused at a certain way you say a word in English or just LOVE the fact that you like pineapple on your pizza. This makes it all worth it for me.

Overall, I couldn’t have asked for a more fantastic summer experience in Italy than what I experienced here with Educo.

I highly recommend being apart of this journey!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?

Some of the families I lived with in the Veneto area were big fans of horse meat, a local delicacy! I tried it and it’s not bad! Maybe won’t become my go to snack but still!

Pros

Excitement
Educating children
Sense of belonging

Painted by the kids for an afternoon safari!

I had the incredible opportunity to teach with Educo in Italy this summer, and I can confidently say it was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had. From the moment I arrived, the training provided was fun and comprehensive, offering clear guidance and practical strategies that prepared me well for a typical day at camp. The trainers were not only knowledgeable but also genuinely supportive, making sure we felt ready and excited to begin our teaching journey. It was very tiring! But despite the long days and energy that was required, it left me feeling confident and prepared to teach.

The teachers I worked at the schools were equally fantastic, passionate, and always willing to collaborate. The sense of teamwork made each day enjoyable and truly enriched the experience.

Communication with Educo staff was amazing throughout my time there. Any questions or concerns were promptly addressed, and I always felt well-informed and supported.

I was particularly nervous about staying with a host family, because this was a brand new experience for me and I don’t speak any Italian, but this truly was the best part of my experience. My host families went above and beyond to make me feel at home. They were warm, welcoming, and eager to share their culture with me. And the food—simply amazing! Every meal was a taste of authentic Italian cuisine, and I felt incredibly lucky to experience such hospitality.

Overall, teaching with Educo Italy was an unforgettable experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a meaningful and enriching teaching opportunity abroad! I’m excited to return next Summer!

What would you improve about this program?

It would have been helpful to receive some of the teaching materials/activities that we have to learn (such as games and songs) in advance, to become more familiar with them and potentially learn one or two before arriving for our week of training. However I suppose it is helpful to learn the actives together in person and although it would have been handy to come prepared and learn prior to the training, it was still achievable to pick everything up during the week of training.

Pros

Host family experience
Travelling around Italy
Growing opportunity/getting out of my comfort zone

Cons

Training is intense but manageable
Some schools are less equipped than others
Fun but tiring experience

This program was such a great experience and I really recommend it to anyone looking for adventure while also making a difference. Everyone was so caring and helpful, and the host families really made me feel like part of their family. The campers were so excited to learn and made what we were doing worthwhile. Also, the orientation staff were so sweet and kind and really prepared us for camp life.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

My advice is to have fun and to learn and absorb everything this program has to offer.

Pros

Host family
Orientation

Cons

Humid weather
Mosquitoes

EDUCO offers a 1 week training program before your onboarding as a camp tutor. This training program is a really great aspect of EDUCO. They offer in depth training and provides feedback for your improvement. The summer camps are very well organized and supplied with all the materials that you need. The activities are fun and memorable. You get the chance to live with host families all around Italy and experience the country as a local. You also get to connect with people all around the globe. It is truly a wonderful experience!

This camp was genuinely one of the best experiences of my life. You are so immersed in real Italian culture. All the families were so accommodating and eager to share their culture community and most importantly their love of food! The camp directors along with the whole educo team were unbelievably supportive and replied to every question and query. The only thing I would say is for the intensity and duration of work the pay isn’t exceptional but taking into account the accommodation and food it is fair. I’d recommend this experience to anyone and everyone!

Questions & Answers

Can I bring my children and husband?

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Do you have to know Italian?

You do not need to speak Italian in order to apply for our camps. While knowledge of the language can be an advantage, our camps are full English immersion and we discourage tutors from speaking Italian with the children. Every camp has local Italian staff (including the director and helpers) who may assist with any language barriers.

By Sophia Trozzo on February 23, 2020

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Maria Triantafyllou

Program

EDUCO: Teach English in Italy at Summer Camps

Maria is a dedicated teacher specializing in foreign language learning and teaching, with two years of experience in the field. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in foreign language learning and teaching, she resides and studies in Greece while harboring a passion for working abroad during the summer months. Maria possesses experience in teaching English at primary schools in Greece, a private institution in Spain, and across English summer camps in Italy over the past two years.

Interview

Why did you choose this program?

Educo marked my endeavor to apply my teaching knowledge outside my home country, in my second language within a domain of my greatest interest: performance and play in education. Initially, I aspired to cultivate a career while engaging in summertime work abroad, and Italy emerged as an appealing option due to its cultural similarities with Greece. During my first exploration of international work opportunities, Educo prominently surfaced in my search inquiries. The organization's comprehensive website provided me with further insights, giving me a solid foundation to conceptualize its working ethos and educational objectives. Encouraged by this discovery, I embraced the opportunity, willingly assuming the associated risks.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

The decision to embark on my international work experience was wholly autonomous, necessitating meticulous planning and organization of my responsibilities and travel arrangements. This process involved the submission of an application through the Educo website, followed by the requirement to provide a video showcasing the implementation of one of my teaching activities from an experiential standpoint. Subsequently, I was prompted to complete my profile on the Educo platform, facilitating communication with the individuals overseeing my training and placement within the summer camps in Italy.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

I highly recommend seizing the opportunity to engage with Educo and explore the prospect of working abroad, particularly if you are an English teacher inclined towards implementing lesson plans through experiential and non-formal methodologies, particularly within the realms of performance, drama, music, art, and play. An additional dimension to consider entails the necessity of periodic travel to diverse locations, necessitating adaptability to new environments, embracing Italian hospitality, and adjusting to new teaching contexts.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

My daily work with Educo entails a commitment from 9 to 5, Monday through Friday, particularly if opting to participate in non-residential or other specialized camps. Moreover, additional time is typically allocated for early arrival and late departure to facilitate preparatory activities and reflective sessions with fellow tutors and the camp director, respectively. Educo provides a very structured framework of the tasks required to implement, supplemented by recommendations provided within their accompanying guidebook. The morning sessions feature individualized instruction, while the afternoon sessions, following snack time and lunch, typically involve collaborative hands-on activities with all tutors, engaging students across various proficiency levels.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

The decision to embark on overseas employment presented a degree of uncertainty for me, particularly given the absence of prior insights or feedback from colleagues who had previously collaborated with Educo. Chief among my apprehensions was whether the organization's pedagogical approach would align with my instructional objectives and expectations and whether the transient nature of moving between camps and accommodation arrangements with various Italian families would give me a sense of sustained comfort over an extended duration of time. After numerous email exchanges and a phone call with the person responsible for my training and camp allocations, followed by informal exchanges with my trainers, my concerns were considerably answered.

Valeria

2022 Alum

Alita Powell

2018 Alum

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Sophia Trozzo

Program

EDUCO: Teach English in Italy at Summer Camps

Job Title

International HR Manager

Sophia is international HR manager for EDUCO's summer camps program since 2016. In addition to overseeing the recruitment process for over 200 educators annually, she is also responsible for allocating tutors to camps across the country and serving as their first point of contact throughout the program. She is based in Sanremo, but coordinates nationally with a team of EDUCO collaborators.

A group of participants posing in matching t-shirts

What is your favorite travel memory?

I have so many wonderful travel memories! It would be impossible to only choose one.

Snorkelling along the coral reef in Egypt's Red Sea, camel riding at sunset in the Sahara desert, racing (literally) through the Hermitage in St. Petersburg with my 13 month old daughter, solo travelling through Vienna, Prague and Budapest during the Christmas holidays, living in Paris (my favourite city) as a student, are only a few of the many treasured experiences that come to mind.

Unlike other countries, I've had the privilege of getting to know Italy profoundly and over a long period of time, largely thanks to my work teaching and recruiting for EDUCO. Some of my most precious memories in La Bella Paese include: long train rides from the north to south (I recall one particular journey of 12+ hours from Elba Island to Ricadi, Calabria where I watched one of the most beautiful sunsets of my life from my window), hiking in the mountains near Bergamo, having my taste buds awakened by Puglia's delightful and original culinary traditions, drives along the Amalfi coast, and day trips to Liguria's small, colourful fishing and mountain villages.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I moved to Italy from Montreal (Canada) in the summer of 2015, to begin a career in education in the country of my roots. Since then I've worked with dozens of people from various educational backgrounds - each of whom have shaped my vision for my work. My Italian language skills have greatly improved and I've gained invaluable insight into working within a bilingual environment. I've learned that providing young people with opportunities to work and travel in a foreign country is an enormous responsibility that, when taken seriously and carried out with passion, reaps immense joy and can even change lives.

But the biggest change for me personally undoubtedly came from becoming a mom. The experience of giving birth in Italy, away from my family and friends, and now raising my daughter here, has added an entirely new and incomparable dimension to my relationship with this country. I want to do the best work I am capable of, for her. I want her to grow up in an Italy that recognises the importance of learning languages, that celebrates ethnic diversity and cultural exchange. And I'm so happy she will grow up with access to my work environment, because it provides a window into all of that, and much more.

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What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

Each summer I receive dozens of emails from tutors who have completed our program and gained new perspectives. People write to say that, following our program, they are considering changing careers, or want to find full time teaching work in Italy, or that they've made friends for life. Sometimes they write to thank me for sending them to a location they were initially hesitant about, or for trusting them to handle a certain type of project or assignment. There is nothing more satisfying then seeing the people you've recruited grow, professionally and personally, over the course of a summer.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

Hands down our camps! I spent three summers as a tutor on our program and they are among some of my best experiences. EDUCO camps offer an incredible opportunity to travel to unique parts of Italy while doing meaningful work with children and meeting people from all across the world. Our tutors come dozens of countries, including: USA, UK, Canada, Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.

In addition, you get to live with Italian families, who offer you a direct link to the culture - an opportunity to learn more of the language, the local secrets and specialities, and indulge in their region's cuisine. Your accommodation is provided and EDUCO covers all transport between camps, so your expenses (apart from your flight of course) are few to none. Plus, you earn a generous study grant for each week in camp, and a TEFL certificate following completion of the program.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

We are always striving to be competitive and attract the best talent for our programs. We recognise that this means setting a standard that is attractive for applicants across the world.

Currently, we provide the highest compensation of any summer camps program in Italy (and among the highest in the EU). We are the only company in Italy that offers a Theatre in Education program for children. We also provide outstanding networking opportunities on a national level, following the completion of our programs, with many of our recruits going on to accept full time or part time work in Italy via our collaborators and contacts.

Our staff are demonstrated experts in their respective fields and are continuously building on their education and training in order to provide the best for our new recruits.

EDUCO is a network of dozens of dedicated individuals across the Italian peninsula, from north to south. I don't think it can be stated enough, how difficult an undertaking it is to harmonize so many projects across great geographical and regional differences, but we do it! And I believe we're successful at it because, at the core of what we do is a strong human component. We are always feeding off of one another for ideas, ways to communicate better or synchronise our messages more thoroughly. Each year we involve over 100 000 Italian children and teachers in our programs. What we are able to accomplish on a national level annually makes me especially proud.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

The biggest factor in EDUCO's success has been strong, visionary leadership. Leadership that, at its core, allows the best characteristics and abilities of every person in our network and on our team to flourish. This, coupled with our ability to adapt to the needs of an ever changing world, and a gradually changing Italy, has made us a game changer.

Sophia Trozzo

International HR Manager

Location

Location:

Italy

Currency:

Euro

Weather:

Jan-Mar

59 F / 37 F

Apr-Jun

82 F / 46 F

Jul-Sep

88 F / 61 F

Oct-Dec

72 F / 41 F

Airports:

Rome Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino

( FCO )

Milan Malpensa

( MXP )

Venice Marco Polo

( VCE )

Italy has long been a bucket list item for people, and it's no wonder with the ancient ruins, astounding scenery, and renowned museums -- all accompanied by the beautiful Italian language. When visiting Italy, be prepared to see big differences in accents and food while moving between regions.

About EDUCO

We are a non-profit association concerned with promoting student-centred teaching/learning through the application of theatre and drama practices. Accredited by the Italian Ministry of Education, EDUCO utilizes the power of theatre and drama within a didactic framework to successfully teach English to Italian children all across Italy. Our touring...