I first heard about EDUCO's Summer Camps whilst on tour with their theatre programme, Teatrino. I knew that I wanted to stay in Italy once my tour with Teatrino had finished and this opportunity was the perfect way to do so.
I started my orientation in June and completed a full summer with a two week break in between where I explored some other cities throughout the country. I'd already explored so much of Italy during my tour so I was a little worried that I'd spend my time at camps in areas already visited, but the great thing was that I was lucky enough to work in completely new cities/towns in every single camp, so it was a great way to explore even more new places.
Overall, I had a fantastic experience, and I learnt more Italian and more about the Italian way of life from living with host families than I did during my first 6 months touring with Teatrino. You are completely immersed within your family environment who are always so enthusiastic to show you around their home town and get to know you. You really do become a part of their family during your time with them, and it's always pretty hard to say goodbye at the end.
Camps are great fun. You get to try your hand at teaching english as a foreign language through theatre and play and you gain so much experience, whilst having so much creative fun. Italian children have a lot of energy and such huge personalities, so you'll be constantly smiling.
There's a huge resource of games, songs, and activities to keep your camp jam packed so you are never left feeling like you're not sure what you need to do - and a one-week orientation prior to starting camps really helps you prepare for your role. And, if you have any questions or concerns, you have so many people around to support you, whether that's fellow tutors, your camp director or the EDUCO staff who are just an email or phone call away.
This experience is a fantastic way to travel some of Italy and get paid to do so. I would suggest trying to complete a whole summer because you see so much more and you get more of a variety of camps hence more experience. Also, go explore as much as you can in your free time. Your family will understand the days that you want to do so, and will also be happy to give you the grand tour. Hang out with your tutors, helpers, camp directors too - organise aperitivo, dinner, and enjoy the process of meeting new people and learning new things.
A great experience in one of the most beautiful countries in the world... What are you waiting for?