Program Reviews

Both schools I volunteered at were walking distance from the accommodation so there was little need to get the metro for the placements. Originally I had my worries about joining this program and how I would interact with both the teachers and the students of the high schools. However, after one day in the school it was clear this was not going to be a problem.

Of course a few students were not interested in learning but the vast majority were interested in improving their English while learning more about UK culture. It was really heartwarming as the weeks progressed to learn more about the students hobbies and aspirations.

I find it especially important to give these young individuals the attention and respect they deserve as although there may be limited opportunity compared to other areas of Italy, it’s clear to me they all have the potential to achieve big things! Hopefully I was a small part in them gaining confidence in themselves and their views on who they could become in the future.

In terms of the lessons, there was a mix of both leading the lessons or just assisting. This is dependent on the teacher so bare that in mind when applying for the role.

I’d like to thank all the teachers who I worked with. My time spent with each teacher was great and many interesting and fun conversations took place. I would particularly like to thank Iiaria who’s energy and enthusiasm in the classroom cannot be understated. I particularly enjoyed the Jeopardy games we would play!

Overall, I would highly recommend this program to a native speaker looking to participate in a program that is beneficial for teenagers and their education while exploring the beauty of Naples and the south of Italy.

I wanted to learn about the asylum seekers migrating to Italy and help in what ever way I could. At the centre I was able to use my teaching and social work skills. I realised the centre needed assistance with collating their data so that they could promote the work that they do, so I wrote up an information sheet on what they had achieved last year. They also needed an induction package for students and volunteers so I developed that. I gave a few English classes as some of the guys were keen to improve their English. The staff worked closely as a team and were very supportive of volunteers. You get to interact with the guests staying at the centre and you could come up with some activities and projects that you think the centre and guests would benefit from. Speaking some Italian, English, French or Arabic will assist in communicating with staff and guests.

I had a fantastic experience with INN and within the placement they offered me. It was exactly as promised: a placement giving you the opportunity to help and support the teachers as well as the pupils/students. Also, I highly recommend staying within the accommodation; you will witness cultural exchanges like never before. On top of that, Ivan, one of the individuals in charge of the program, is always here for you: wether you need something regarding the volunteer work or you have an issue (personal or work related) or you just have question concerning Napoli (what to do, what to see...). This one-month experience really gave me the feeling that I belong in a country that I didn't know (first-hand) before. The southern Italians are really welcoming. I should point out as well that whomever you are, and as I talked about it with different people, you will never feel unsafe or alone in this city. Furthermore, the food is really good and affordable.
I felt fully supported and welcomed. It was an amazing and unforgettable experience.

My month in Naples was unforgettable. The accommodation was in an excellent location right in the city center. It was very dynamic to live there with a dozen other university students. It was easy to make friends, and we soon did everything together: day trips, nights out, meals. For my internship, I worked with refugee minors, and it was incredibly moving to hear their personal stories. I accompanied them during cultural activities, including cooking classes, artistic workshops, and sports practice. I shadowed paralegals, cultural mediators, and social workers. I also helped improve their English and French through persistent dialogue. Naples is a city with a big personality, so it's easy to have a lot of fun and learn a lot. As a young woman, I also never felt unsafe (even at night). I highly recommend this trip to all (especially foodies, adventurists, and those passionate about immigration).

I had such a positive experience volunteering at an asylum seekers camp in Naples. At the camp we were supported by the social workers but were also given the opportunity and space to do what we felt would make a difference; they encouraged us to use our own strengths and passions to start our own initiatives. I worked on a campaign to raise money for the newly founded NGO Ponti Rossi, the funds from which will support the migrant football team Ponti Rossi SC, provide the migrants at the camp with vital dental care and also sponsor social events. Alongside this I went to their football games, made content for social media and taught English lessons. At the camp, you will also be in a place where you will first hand be able to learn about migration and its struggles. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming and it is also a great place to improve your Italian speaking skills.

Naples itself is an exciting and vibrant city. It is wonderfully chaotic. The food is amazing, the architecture is beautiful and the people are welcoming. I never felt unsafe but just be sensible.

At first, not being young anymore, I didn't know what to expect. INN's team made me feel good from the very beginning. I have felt fully welcomed. Thank you so much Ivan and the team for everything, your efficiency, your advices and support, your ability to connect people with other volunteers. I worked for 3 weeks in the dog shelter, it is hard work, cleaning, feeding, brushing, taking care of the dogs, but being a dog lover I enjoyed it a lot. The staff and volunteers at the shelter, Melina, Pia, Elsa, Matteo, Francesca, Veronica ... are doing an amazing job. I will come back again.

I had the expierence of working in an asylum-seekers camp in Naples, where I got learn about some of the difficulties about migration issues in Italy and Europe in general. Naples is a very unique city in Europe, and contains the best of both world. You will live and eat very well, and be met by the incredible hospitality of Neapolitans, but also have to deal loudness of traffic and at times ineffective public transportation. So be patient and be adaptable, and you will have a great time in Napoli.

Me myself, I had the unique experience of taking part in the foundation of a new NGO Associazione Ponti Rossi, in which we aim to provide better sporting opportunities for migrants and asylum-seekers. Through this, I also got to play football along the migrants and learn about different parts of the world. Coming from a western developed countries, it is a good experience and will for sure help widen your horizon and understanding of the migration issue in Europe.

In October of 2023 I had the pleasure to help teach English at a public school in Napoli for 4 weeks. Firstly, Ivan was very helpful and flexible in coordinating my stay. The school of my placement was also very flexible and the teachers were very nice, even though they struggled with English (meant that I learned Italian!). The kids were also super sweet and interested, and it was obvious that they were trying their best. Beyond placement, I had a great time at the apartment with the other volunteers, going on day trips, grabbing food and drinks, and playing games. I also fell in love with Napoli, even though it's loud, chaotic, and a bit dirty. The views, culture and history, food, and people all make it worth the while.
Overall I had a wonderful time and highly recommend working with INN.

I did 10 weeks of volunteer work at centro Nana in Napoli, a centre that works with minor migrants and tries to help them integrate in Italian/European society. It was not always easy, as the language barrière was quite an issue, not only with the migrants but also with the staff. I speak english en french, so I could talk with some of the migrants and a part of the staff, but it was not always easy. Yet I really enjoyed my time here and I leave again with a great feeling, as I learned a lot. Not only from the way they work at the centre and what they do, but also from the migrants themselves. It was great to Get to know them and very interesting to talk with them. I leave napoli with a lot of information and a great experience. Also at the appartement where we stayed at in napoli together with other volunteers I had a great time and made some great friends. I would really recommend doing something like this, as It has really helped me as a person, learned so much and made great friends as well. I really enjoyed the city and will defintely come back one Day.

I had an amazing experience at the dog shelter and it was one of the best volunteerings I ever did. I met so many nice people and we became really close since we all stayed in the same house. Ivan is really nice and always helps you if you have any questions. I loved to help with the dogs because they are very cute and the people are so kind. Another thing that I really loved is that the house was in the center of naples, so there were many things to do around. I liked it so much that I want to go back next year :)