The Hidden Italy: An Authentic Alpine Experience

The Hidden Italy: An Authentic Alpine Experience

Location
  • Italy
    • Trento
Length
4 to 6 weeks
Project Types
Family Education Teaching

Program Details

Language
Italian
Age Min.
18
Age Max
60
Timeframe
Year Round
Housing
Host Family
Groups
Small Group (1-15)
Travel Type
Budget Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Meals Transportation
What's Not Included
Airfare Domestic Airfare Airport Transfers Equipment SIM cards Travel Insurance Visa
Apr 19, 2026
Jan 31, 2026
123 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Learning a language is not about classrooms - it's about living.

Joinki The Culture Connector brings native English and German speakers into the heart of the Trentino Dolomites, where small mountain villages become the most powerful language learning environment you'll ever experience.

No tourist crowds. No textbooks. Just real conversations, real people, and real life - at the foot of some of the most breathtaking mountains in the world: the Dolomites.

In return for providing exposure to the language around 15 hours per week, focusing on conversation and some language tutoring, you will receive the following:

- Lodging and full board with an Italian family (three meals per day)
- Introduction and support from Joinki 24/7
- Italian Language Instruction
- Free public transport
- Free entry free admission to museums, castles and attractions of the region

This is language. This is culture. Joinki is your connector.

COMMUNITY REVIEWS SUMMARY

Participants consistently praise the program’s thoughtful host family matching and strong support from staff, especially Sabrina.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Enjoy a truly cultural immersion program in the local community.
  • Free train and bus travel within the Trentino Region. Free admission to more then 40 museums, 15 castles and over 40 attractions.
  • Develope professional and technical skill.
  • Improve personal relationships-building skills.

Popular Programs

Joinki teaching online program

If there is one thing that the pandemic has brought to the Italian school it is definitely the accelerated transition to more digital tools. Would you be part of this change and help spread your mother tongue all over Italy? If you are a dynamic person who loves to teach English or German, loves Italy and its rich culture this is a perfect opportunity for you. Help local teachers and support student growth while enriching your teaching skills. Italy is waiting for you!

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 30 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.95
  • Support 5
  • Fun 4.85
  • Value 4.9
  • Safety 5
  • Benefits 4.9
  • Support 5
  • Fun 4.75
  • Facilities 4.9
  • Safety 5
  • Housing 5
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Value 5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 8 of 30 reviews
Chris
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Wonderful experience in Val Di Non

I had a wonderful experience! Joinki connected me with an amazing family who had two young boys. I enjoyed being able to teach them English and to pick up some Italian in the process. The home cooked meals and day trips around Trentino Alto Adige I will never forget.

If you love Italian culture, food and history I definitely recommend this program. Italians once they know you’re a good person, they are extremely kind people.

This program was a good fit for me because I enjoy helping people. Being able to tutor some English was very rewarding for me.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The Dolomite Mountains were amazing!
42 people found this review helpful.
Kiara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Laughs, Language, and Lifelong Bonds in Italy

Sabrina’s program was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I stayed with a wonderfully friendly and accommodating family for six weeks during the summer, where I experienced heartwarming moments and saw some of the most beautiful sights alongside them. Throughout this experience, I thoroughly enjoyed teaching my host family English in fun ways, such as through board and card games. There was never a dull moment with them. As I became part of the family, I also discovered more about myself—more than I could have ever imagined. Now, as I plan to move to Italy to teach English as a second language, I intend to nurture and maintain the bonds I’ve created for the rest of my life. Overall, this experience has given me a family in every sense of the word. For anyone considering this program, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take the chance and apply—it will truly have a positive impact on your life!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
One of the most surprising sights I encountered was wild livestock roaming freely on the mountains. My family and I traveled to a breathtaking spot where we embarked on a day-long hike through trails surrounded by lush greenery. Along the way, I spotted cows with little bells ringing around their necks as they wandered happily and peacefully across the open landscape. I was even able to approach them and softly pet them. It was truly a magical and unforgettable moment immersed in nature’s beauty.
Pros
  • Wonderful opportunities for sightseeing, whether it be a solo trip or family group trip.
  • Authentic Italian food of the Trentino region, whether it be eating at a restaurant or eating with the family.
  • Days full of laughter and fun with a family that has a strong desire to learn another language.
Cons
  • The only con I had was that sometimes I lacked a bit of personal autonomy. I absolutely adored my family, however, sometimes it was hard not being able to travel certain places as freely as I wanted to.
64 people found this review helpful.
Milly
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An incredible, unforgettable experience!

I cannot thank Sabrina enough for her determination and dedication to create such an enriching and fulfilling language exchange programme. After finishing university, I wanted to experience living in another country and broaden my cultural understanding. The Joinki experience went above and beyond - in the 4 weeks I spent in the Trentino I was given so many incredible opportunities to fully immerse myself in the Italian culture. Beautiful landscapes, interesting historical cities, and of course the delicious and authentic Italian food! It is also so rewarding to see the progress of the language tutoring you are offering to your host family. My host family were so generous and kind, and I would now consider them my second family! Sabrina takes such care and consideration in matching tutors, and is so helpful, involved and supportive during your time in Italy. What an incredible experience, and I couldn't think of a better programme to have gone on this journey with. Thank You!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Throw yourself into every opportunity given to you! Embrace the culture and the incredible people you will meet.
Pros
  • Full board and authentic home cooking! You will try so many Italian recipes.
  • Free transport within the region, entrance to museums and so many incredible places to explore!
  • Consistent support from Sabrina, who is so helpful and happy to answer any questions.
Cons
  • No cons other than I wish I could have stayed forever!
61 people found this review helpful.
Denise
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Perfetto!

Words cannot express my gratitude and admiration to Sabrina’s for her passion and vision in creating this language program. Because Joinki, I came away with an understanding of Italia that I never would have had before, had I just been a tourist. I came back to the United States with my heart full of love and memories, and a brand new family. I would go back in a heartbeat to invest in the relationships that I created while I was there. This was a life-changing experience for which I am truly grateful!

Pros
  • New family and friends
  • Immersion into culture and art and history
  • Love
Cons
  • None
200 people found this review helpful.
Anna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unmatched Language immersion!

My time in the Trentino was a very fulfilling and educating experience. I spent 6 weeks during January and February living in a small town with a dynamic, warm-hearted host family, who taught me so much: I experienced an immersion into their daily lives and greatly improved my Italian. Living in the middle of the mountains was a beautiful experience, as I find it to be an environment which truly calms me. I also greatly enjoyed exploring the surrounding cities during the weekends: for example, Verona, Venice and Milan. There is only one thing I would have done differently in my experience: I recommend you plan your experience in the Trentino in the spring/summer months, as the region is even more beautiful during this time. Nevertheless, the landscape was still spectacular during my stay in the Winter and I am very happy with my experience.

In addition to tutoring my host family in English and German, I supported language teaching in the local primary schools 3 times a week. This was an unpaid but extremely fulfilling job, and I will remember the students very fondly.
My experience of 6 weeks flew by, and I gained so much from it: linguistically and emotionally.

249 people found this review helpful.
Samantha
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life-changing and unforgettable experience!

Before coming to Italy, I had just finished university and I was nervous to move to a new country on my own for the first time in my life- but this experience was the perfect introduction to the country!! It gave me an amazing opportunity to immerse into the culture and I really enjoyed doing trips with my host family, such as hiking by the lakes or in the mountains. Some of my favourite memories include eating spetzl at nonna's house, going to an outdoor piano concert at the Santuario San Romedio (where Bruno the bear lives), and getting pushed to my limits with a strenuous but unforgettable mountain bike ride. I will always cherish these memories and I am so grateful for this program for giving me the opportunity to make them, because I wouldn't have been to do this as a normal tourist.

I truly feel like I have made a connection with Trentino and the people for life, and I now think of my host family (and their extended family and friends!) as my second family. Sabrina takes such care in matching tutors and families and again, I am so grateful for this! Already, after leaving Trentino at the end of July, I've been back to visit my host family twice and I certainly plan to see them again soon!!

Pros
  • No stress, you are looked after well!
  • So many opportunities to explore- free transport and entrance to heaps of places
  • Trentino is one of the most beautiful places in the world
Cons
  • The only con I can think of is that we have to leave at the end :(
234 people found this review helpful.
Aquila
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An authentic Italian experience

Looking back at 2019, the five weeks I spent in Trentino, in the summer were certainly unforgettable. This program is based in one of the most beautiful places in Italy, the mountains are simply breathtaking. In addition to the amazing landscape this program allows you to fully immerse yourself in the Italian culture. In the short time I spent there, I truly learned so much I couldn’t have discovered if I had just visited as a tourist. My job was to teach English to the children in my host family, but I was also able to learn some Italian myself. Another thing that makes this program special is the thorough process of matching tutors with families. I was fully embraced by my host family who were the most welcoming and warmest people I have ever met. If you are looking to experience the Italian culture, to be surrounded by an amazing group of people and to enjoy the beauty of nature, I definitely recommend this program with Joinki.

317 people found this review helpful.
Marisa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Joinki - a lifetime experience

Some time ago, after I finished my Abitur in the summer, I decided to take a year off and go abroad to various countries, to volunteer and make experiences. During my time in Kenya I already planned my next trip and stumbled upon the website of Joinki. As I didn't plan much time ahead, I had the expectation of my plan being too short ahead of time. But I contacted the agency and got an immediate response, with all the informations and dates needed. After writing and sending my application forms, I got in contact with the agency partner in Trentino, a very friendly and open minded woman, called Sabrina, who will require you to have several Skype meetings, in order to realise if you are fitted for the program and if there is a host family that could fit your personality and habits. As soon as she matches you, you get the information about the family, and get in contact with them. All over, the bureaucracy is very easy and comfortable, without any complications, long waiting times or anything else. Arriving there I met the Sabrina who, according to my wishes to work in a school, already made an appointment at the nearest school, enabling me to get to know the teachers and to decide on the lessons I want to help in.
She also gave me a lot of information about the Val di Non and Trentino in general, where to go and what to see. She also gives you the Trentino Guest Card, which allows you to travel for free in whole Trentino and visit Museums, Castles and tourist attractions for free.
She herself also took me on trips to spend time together and talk about problems or difficulties. The work in the school was very fulfilling but of course also quit exhausting as I took a lot of hours which also require preparation. In my free time I worked with a girl from the University Trient on the Tandem Program, on which you can sign up through Sabrina. It is a great opportunity to meet someone your age to go out with and to form a new friendship. Also I visited towns, like Bozen and Meran. You also have the opportunity to go see Milano and Verona and of course the mountains are an attraction for themselves :)

What would you improve about this program?
I would wish so much for the program to grow and to be able to have this experience not just in Trentino but in so much more regions of Italy, as the languages are so important and Italy is a stunning country.
352 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

Yes of course, all the programs though are not running at the moment due to the pandemic.

1-2 months. Thanks

19 years old

Thanks for getting in touch with Joinki. Of course. The program is open even to C2 level of English applicants.