A.C.L.E.

Program Reviews

Default avatar
Rosie
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

How Milan became my new favourite place.

During my final week of camps I was lucky enough to be placed in Milan. I had the youngest group of children which I was initially really worried about due to the language barrier. However, my students were all absolutely amazing and an absolute pleasure to teach all week - and in some cases their English level was really good! During my free time I got the chance to explore the city and I very quickly fell in love. Milan feels exciting and like there is always something happening. We stumbled across Milano Film Festival one night which was an absolutely amazing experience; watching short films from all over the world on a big screen in the middle of the park was something that I will never forget.

What would you improve about this program?
It would be great if the tutors had a full day of free time to either explore their city or have time to themselves during the weekend.
Default avatar
Zola
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

ADVENTURE TURNED INTO A PASSION

Alright where do I start? I am 22. Just finished varsity. I was not enjoying the 'office' environment. I found ACLE. And the following happened; I received my degree, bought a flight ticket, resigned form my desk and off I went putting all my ambition, adventure, hope into a company I had never heard of. I have not looked back. This 3 month adventure became one of the most spirit filling, passion igniting moments of my life. I met beautiful people, from the orientation week, host families, directors, students and of course fellow tutors and ACLE staff. I found out that I am passionate about education and the revolutionary system of teaching that is encourages these Italian students to learn English. If there is one place I would recommend to enjoy a summer and perhaps jetstart your life...ACLE is it!

What would you improve about this program?
Means of payment through PayPal is frustrating for those countries that don't accept the bank accounts. PLEASE reconsider that payment method.
Default avatar
Leoni
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Bellisimo experience!

My First time in Europe! Who doesn't want to travel through the gorgeous Italy, experience the culture and living for free with authentic Italian families. The families go out of their way to accommodate you and show you the best time in Italy, the best food of that area, Gelateria's and more. Our Assistants at one camp was amazing, I am still friends with them. They organised a whole trip to the sea by Rimini where there was Famous Music Festival that weekend. I will never forget that weekend. I was also very fortunate to get placed in a 2 week camp in Sardinia, the beautiful Italian Island with transparent turquoise waters. Our family took us on a boat trip to all the famous beaches - it was breathtaking. BEST WEEKEND EVER! My time is Italy was unforgettable, it is hard work everyday and tiring. But it is all worth it when you can eat a mouthwatering gelato on the hot pebble streets of Florence or swim in the Mediterranean ocean by Sardinia and get paid for it.

What would you improve about this program?
Some of the materials were not always provided. This creates problems. like some classes worksheets, portfolios, big craft paper, this is essential for everyone and the activities. Some Directors were not as professional as they were supposed to be in giving feedback or instructions and the helpers at most camps couldn't speak English and they were on the cellphones the whole time and doesn't want to participate in the activities. But overall, these were minor things and the Good and Positive things over ruled these things.
Default avatar
Shirley
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Fantastic Experience

Read More
What would you improve about this program?
There was always a shortage of markers! Send out more markers with the equipment! At least one box per class, if not two!
Default avatar
Ems
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Summer of a lifetime

Read More
What would you improve about this program?
The pay, while reasonable, could be increased especially for return tutors - considering you have to pay for your own flight to Italy.

Default avatar
Jessica
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Not for everyone, but solid program

Read More
What would you improve about this program?
-Less tutor favoritism among office staff
- Realistic expectations for tutors
-More transparency.
Default avatar
KC
1/5
No, I don't recommend this program

Worst Decision of my Life

Read More
Default avatar
TeacherTraveler
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Wonderful Summer

I spent 6 weeks working with ACLE and had a great time. Overall I found the other tutors and the camp directors to be friendly and helpful, the host families to be very accommodating, and the country to be beautiful. I never ran into any problems with a lack of camp materials and the one time I had a serious problem at camp (we had a horrible camp director), ACLE staff were very supportive. It is exhausting work and if you're coming from far away, you're lucky to break even, but I had a wonderful time and would highly recommend the program.

What would you improve about this program?
Being put on hold, without income or a place to stay is a major concern. When I was put on hold, I vacationed, but if ACLE offered more emergency housing, it would help put tutors at ease (especially those from the US who cannot easily return home on short notice).
Default avatar
AmyP
3/5
No, I don't recommend this program

ACLE do not care about their employees

On paper it looks great: travel around Italy, teaching English to cute children and live with host families. And when that's actually what's happening, it is wonderful. But ACLE have no qualms about leaving you in the lurch without work or a place to stay at the last minute and sometimes send you to camps with no host families and put you in a flat, miles away from where you're working, with hardly any supplies. Sometimes, as happened to me once, with no supplies at all. If you dare to say to the office that you don't think their treatment of you is unfair you will receive such a rude telling-off (you think you can stand up for yourself? This is ACLE, think again) as you've ever had in your life.
ACLE are not stupid, they know they're onto a goldmine with this scheme: there are always plenty of people who would love to come to Italy for the summer - and so they do not treat their employees with any respect whatsoever. Why? Because there's always someone else there waiting to take their place. Why treat someone well if you can easily replace them? I'm sorry to say this but employee satisfaction and happiness means nothing to these people and there are other companies who are much better. Stay well away from ACLE.

Default avatar
Karina
1/5
No, I don't recommend this program

HORRIBLE ORGANIZATION- STAY AWAY

Read More