Working with this program in Italy was such an incredible experience, and I can honestly say it was one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. Like any experience, there were some bumps along the way, but looking back, the positives far outweighed the challenges.
When I was first accepted into the program, I was beyond excited. Unfortunately, I had an issue with my email, which caused me to miss some important information and resulted in being placed in a different orientation group. Thankfully, the staff was incredibly accommodating and found a way to make it work despite the miscommunication. Because everything happened so close to my departure date, it was a little difficult to get all of the information I needed in time. I didn’t really know what to pack or fully understand what to expect before arriving. I found this program through TikTok and applied completely on my own, so I was figuring everything out as I went. Luckily, my parents had access to some of the information and helped me prepare where they could.
Travel has always been something I love, so going abroad by myself for the first time was both exciting and intimidating. Orientation was longer than I expected and felt a bit overwhelming at times. A lot of the information was given day by day, which meant there were questions I wished had been answered ahead of time. We were often told to “stay flexible,” and while I completely understand why, I think having a better idea of what that flexibility might look like would have helped ease some anxiety.
As an education major, I also felt like I was learning an entirely new style of teaching. I tend to like practicing and getting comfortable with something before doing it in front of others, so jumping straight into teaching activities made me feel vulnerable at first. Looking back, I think having a few songs or teaching materials beforehand would have helped me feel more prepared.
One thing that surprised me was the age range within my orientation group. At 21, I expected to mostly be surrounded by other college students, but there were many participants in their late 20s and early 30s as well. Initially, that made me a little nervous, especially because I can be anxious in large groups. However, it ended up being one of the most valuable parts of the experience. Working alongside people of different ages, personalities, and backgrounds gave me a glimpse into what my future career will look like. It helped me become more confident, speak up, and realize that my ideas had value regardless of my age.
Teaching at the camps was truly the highlight of the program. Of course, every camp was different. Some weeks I connected more with the staff and directors than others, and there were moments where personalities clashed or situations became stressful. However, those experiences taught me so much about teamwork, communication, and collaborating with a variety of people. Every week challenged me in a different way and helped me grow both personally and professionally.
One of my favorite aspects of the program was the opportunity to travel throughout Italy. Every Wednesday we received our next placement, and every Saturday we traveled to a new city. This schedule gave us plenty of time to explore after work and on weekends. I loved being able to wander through new cities, try different foods, experience Italian culture, and even solo travel before meeting my next teaching group. It felt like every week brought new adventures, new friendships, and new memories.
Throughout the entire program, the staff was supportive and responsive whenever problems came up. They always did their best to answer questions and help whenever they could. I also realized pretty quickly that many of the little inconveniences simply weren’t worth dwelling on. There was so much beauty and so much opportunity packed into every week that it became easier to focus on making the most of the experience rather than stressing over small issues.
The beginning of the trip was definitely the hardest for me. I felt overwhelmed, out of my comfort zone, and unsure of myself. But once I settled into the routine and became more comfortable, I truly felt alive. I was happier than I had been in a long time, and I found myself growing in ways I never expected. This experience pushed me outside my comfort zone, strengthened my independence, and reminded me why I love traveling and working with children.
If I had one piece of advice for future participants, it would be to budget carefully. Depending on your housing placement, groceries and meals can sometimes cost more than the food allowance provided, and flights home can become very expensive if booked last minute. If possible, I’d recommend purchasing your return flight well in advance to save money.
Overall, I would absolutely recommend this program. It challenged me, taught me invaluable life lessons, introduced me to new friendships, and allowed me to experience Italy in a way that a typical vacation never could. No experience is perfect, but this one was absolutely worth every challenge. I left with greater confidence, unforgettable memories, and a deeper appreciation for travel, teaching, and myself. I wouldn’t trade this summer for anything!
