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: 4.75 (63 reviews)

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4.75 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: Feb 03, 2023

Last Reviewed: Sep 06, 2023

Wish List

93 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 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.

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Program Reviews

4.75 Rating

based on 63 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread Teach

5 rating 88.89%
4 rating 3.17%
3 rating 3.17%
2 rating 3.17%
1 rating 1.59%

Benefits 4.75
Support 4.7
Fun 4.9
Facilities 4.75
Safety 4.8

Good for Solo Travelers, Building your resume, Students

Showing 49 - 56 of 63 reviews

I worked for Educo in August 2018 teaching in a camp in Spilamberto (Near to Bologna). The two weeks I spent teaching therewere incredible, such a rewarding experience, meeting new people in the tutors and helpers which I will remain friends with. Teaching young Italians who are so charismatic and fun to be around. Living with a host family that treated me like royalty and a family I will see again on my future adventures to Italy.
It is truly an unforgettable experience and I can not wait to come back next summer and do it again, hopefully teaching in many more camps across the entire country!

What would you improve about this program?

Longer

I have now worked three summers with Educo English Summer Camps, every year has been an unbelivably rewarding experience.
The children that you meet and work with along the way are the highlight of the experience; Italian kids are definitely very unique, full of energy and hilarious.
The staff are really supportive, the materials are professional and the camps are amazing!
There is so much oppotunity to have fun in Italy during the summer. I couldn't reccomend this programme more.

What would you improve about this program?

Some updates to some of the materials and maybe re-training of return Camp Directors.

Makes sense folks! I had the time of my life, made friends for life, worked my tail off and really felt like I made a difference to some kids across the country! And I made enough through the camps to then go explore Europe! Two for one! My advice would be to keep an open mind, and remember to listen and support your colleagues.

The staff is amazing and really look after you like family!! I love them

What would you improve about this program?

Perhaps a reference to FAQs in some format like in the lovely manuals we are given. Or perhaps an email with some of those on there. Questions like: missed transport? Host family questions? Payment queries?

The way I see it, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. The experience with the kids is amazing! For better and for worse you get to spend time and possibly even inspire some children who don’t even speak your language. I learned so much about who I am and how to live in another culture. The idea of being with host families the entire time I was there intimidated me at first, but once I got in there man I loved it!! Made beautiful friends and memories with host moms and dads and brothers and sisters and a really cool nonno too 😎😎. And having anyone cook for you is a beautiful gesture (not even mentioning home made italian food). You also get to meet English speakers from EVERYWHERE! I got on a train once, and two other English tutors I didn’t know were also on the train! And we had so much fun getting to know one another and share our camp experiences and now we are all meeting up in Israel at someone’s house at the end of the summer!! You make memories, you make bonds for life.

p.s.
I am an American with family and friends scattered across Europe. With the Educo summer camps, I got to see a lot of them! Before and after camps began.

p.s.s.
The staff are AMAZING. Took day and night to get your experience as smooth as possible

p.s.s.s.
This isn’t like a camp you’ve done before. And none of our camps will be exactly like the one you did just before. Keep an open mind and work TOGETHER with EVERYONE.

What would you improve about this program?

We got a great working manual. Maybe create an administrative booklet to refer to with FAQs on payment and missed transport and such.

The summer camps was a once in a lifetime experience. My absolute favorite was meeting the host families and learning more about Italian culture firsthand. The camps were great for the experience of learning classroom management and how to teach English to the students. This experience taught me more than my TESOL internship did, so I am grateful I had the opportunity. The staff members are absolutely amazing. They would respond within a few hours if not immediately. They were always helpful and willing to do anything to help us have a better experience. The training was tiring, but necessary and worth it. I learned a lot through the training and how to be a better teacher. Overall, it was a great experience.

I definitely recommend this experience to everyone because you get to see Italy through the local's eyes and experience the true beauty that Italy has to offer.

What would you improve about this program?

There were a few negatives, but things which could have been avoided:
1. Communication between the director and the tutors is absolutely important. Miscommunication caused quite a few problems in my camps and it cannot be stressed enough that as the tutor you need to be clear and simple when speaking to the directors.
2. It was important to keep an open mind and really listen to the directors because they have been spending the year preparing for the camp. You usually have a lot of flexibility, but it's important to listen to what your director wants.

I first entered the wonderful world of Educo camps in 2015 after a recommendation from a friend who had already enjoyed 2 absolutely amazing summers. I have now completed 2 years of working for the City Camps and also in a teaching position for Educo and I cannot recommend them enough. I was lucky enough to spend time all over Italy from Milan to Sicily and I have really gained tons of experience in all aspects of teaching, travelling and of course the Italian cuisine. Of course expect to be exhausted, you have a jam packed schedule but it is with enthusiastic and curious children/ teens who want to know everything about you and what is not to love about that. This experience is a must for those who want to see the real Italy, with real families all whilst having a blast with the children and not fall into the tourist trap.
My best advise would be to be open to everything the host families, tutors, camp directors helpers etc offer you to do, no matter how tired you may feel. I have many great memories of visiting different cities, riding on the back of mopeds, visiting bee farms and eating and drinking far too much.

I discovered Educo camps through one of my Italian professors, who recommended I apply to gain some experience practicing the language in a native environment. I cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone interested in learning Italian, gaining teaching experience, and who wants to see the real Italy - not just stand in a crowd of tourists in Rome or Venice.

Staying with real Italian families is an amazing experience - they treat you like part of the family and I still keep in touch with many of them 6+ years later. I got to stay in places you would normally spends hundreds of euros on, for free, and work with some amazing staff and kids from all corners of the globe. Over the weekends and while on hold from work we were able to explore Siena, Venice, Florence, Rome and the Naples area, as well as seeing some beautiful, lesser known corners of Italy.

What would you improve about this program?

I felt fortunate that I was able to speak pretty good Italian when I arrived. The job does require a good amount of autonomy and independent travel, and I understand that can be frustrating for some people who might be used to a more "all-inclusive" experience. That being said, if you have a fair amount of travel experience and keep an open mind, the language barrier and travel can be pretty exhilarating.

I first joined EDUCO in summer 2014 and had planned to stay for the few weeks of camp and then return to England ... 3 years later, I am still in Italy! This role really opened up a lot of new opportunities for me and I've seen so many beautiful places that I would never have been able to without this programme. There's something quite magical about it from the beginning. At the orientation process you'll meet a great bunch of people from all walks of life who've all been drawn here for the same reasons, which makes it so vibrant and fun!
After my first summer I became part of the CLIL tour and travelled around Italy facilitating workshops, then became a part of the training staff. I can promise that this job is never dull and perfect if you don't want to be shackled to a desk. I'm able to use all facets of my experience while learning new skills all the time.
The host families are a total dream, and as locals they are able to show you 'real' Italy and treat you to the famous hospitality of Italian families. I still keep in touch with people I made a real connection with.
The staff were very supportive and when I arrived at the camps I found all the materials I needed, you just have to bring your energy and enthusiasm! I cannot recommend applying for these positions more highly, you could say it changed by life (cringe, sorry for that) and I wouldn't change it for anything.

What would you improve about this program?

The application process has been constantly evolving and that for me id the most important thing, to make sure the calibre of candidates remains high to ensure the success and smooth running of all projects.

I have so many memories from this camp and made lifelong connections.

Casual trip to the top of a 'cherry picker' on an excursion to the fire station... we had more fun than the kids!

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.

Valeria

Program

EDUCO: Teach English in Italy at Summer Camps

Valeria is a Peruvian-Italian multidisciplinary artist and educator born in Lima, Peru. A classically trained actor and graduate of Capilano University, she works in different settings within the arts industry. From creating drama curricula for schools, to teaching Shakespeare at one of the biggest Shakespeare companies in Canada, to working as an actor in theatre, film, and TV, and working behind the scenes in arts administration, Valeria is constantly inspired by the impact that the arts can have on others and continues to bring awareness on the importance of theatre in education.

Interview

Why did you choose this program?

One of my colleagues, a fellow drama teacher, shared her experience with me and gave me the information to look into it. I loved the idea of doing a professional development experience in one of my ancestral countries that fit so perfectly with my mission as a teacher and artist. Not only did I get to travel and reconnect with one of my cultures, but I also grew immensely as an educator.

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

Educo provides you with everything you need to know to confidently start the TEFL-PP summer camps during an intense one week of orientation and training that tutors pay 200€ for. The didactic team covers everything from etiquette, to songs, to lesson planning, games, etc. Every year, teachers have to pay for their plane tickets to Italy and back, but once you’re working with Educo all your accommodations and travel from city to city are covered by the company. We usually stay with host families who generously provide us with our own room, meals, and occasional family outings. On the weeks that you don’t have a host family to stay with or you are placed on hold, Educo will place you in an apartment or Airbnb and provide you with a 50€ grocery stipend, plus a lunch stipend.

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

While this is an opportunity that allows you to travel and have an immersive cultural experience, be prepared to work and teach for full days (Monday-Friday from 9AM-5PM). So much of this experience also depends on your mindset, goals and what you hope to get out of it. I always want to grow and learn professionally so every year that I get to work with Educo, I learn something new that helps me become a better teacher and team player because I love the work that we do. So, my advice would be to always conduct yourself in a professional manner as you would at any other job and prioritize the work that you do over the opportunity to vacation Italy.

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

Educo has a variety of camps that end at different times (I.e. PON Projects end at around 2 PM or residential camps are a full day experience) but this is the most common schedule in the majority of camps from Monday to Friday:

9 AM-9:30 AM: Morning Circle with camp songs and games
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM: English Lessons 1 & 2 with a small break in between them. Tutors have complete ownership of their classes and lessons. You can follow the Educo manual for each lesson or you can assess based on the students you have and their level of English. This is my favourite part of the day!
12:30-2PM: Lunch
2PM - 2:30 PM: Camp Choir (We get to teach the kids different songs in English that they will hopefully perform during the final presentation)
2:45- 3:45PM: Activity (Water Games, Scavanger Hunt, Olympics, etc) or Final Show Prep
2:30 - 2:45 PM: BREAK
3:45 - 5PM: Cont’ Activity & Wrap Up
5 PM: Students Leave
5PM - 5:30 PM: Debrief & Staff Meeting

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

My biggest fear was feeling like I did not have enough information to succeed, as someone who wants to prepare way ahead of time and have everything set up. Because of the nature of the camps, we’re always on the go and it was an incredible lesson for me to learn how to be more spontaneous and flexible to rapid change in my environment. Now I’m up for anything and ready for the challenges that come with the situation feeling confident that I have the support from staff, the manual, and my colleagues and school staff when needed.

Write and answer your own question.

Be ready for this adventure and stay true to who you are throughout it! It’s an experience you’ll never forget.

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...

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