The Hidden Italy: An Authentic Alpine Experience

When my travel plans for the year post-college graduation fell through at the last minute, I was devastated. However, upon finding this program I realized that there was a way I could afford to still go abroad and in a truly unique and memorable way. The Dolomites are truly a wonder that I never got used to in my six weeks here. Sabrina was communicative and attentive and kind. She treats the tutors in this program like family. My host family was very generous and I’ve done and seen things here that I never imagined I would do or see. With challenges and triumphs and ups and downs, such is life, it’s fun and eye opening to experience it all in a different world. If you have the time and courage to take a leap of faith, I would recommend Joinki.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!!

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.