Joinki

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.

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 :)