The Educo Program left a profound mark on me individually, culturally, and professionally. Orientation week provides tutors in training with the complete toolbox for how to run camps and teach students. What I enjoyed most about orientation is that I was able to channel my inner child again - everyday is structured exactly how a camp would be run, with those in training acting as the camp students. Camps can be found all over Italy and provide so many opportunities to explore the country and its people on a low personal budget. Host families and school helpers welcome tutors with open arms and are eager to help tutors to learn and explore the places they call home. As a teacher in the USA, I have learned so many valuable skills that will benefit me, my students, and my school. The skills learned from Educo are not unique to teaching Italian students - they can be applied to any student learning English as a Foreign Language or a student who may have a learning disability. The program is really worthwhile.

Educo is perfect for teachers or university students with the summers off, or anyone wanting to explore teaching English as a second language! The camps are full of high energy kids and the teaching is done through songs, games, and engaging activities. The orientation mentors do a great job of making sure the English tutors are prepared, confident, and have all of the tools to make camps run successfully. My favorite part of the experience was staying with host families- it gives you a real look into life in Italy and a more cultural experience than you could achieve through a regular vacation. I cannot recommend the program enough :)

I found out about EDUCO through a friend and I’m so glad I did it this summer. Great organisation from the team and if you want to come to Italy without spending a fortune and get to have a very fulfilling job then I would recommend. I would have never been to so many places if it wasn’t for this trip, non touristy places with the same Italian charm. I have made some great friends here, fellow international tutors and Italian locals (everyone was so friendly). I will definitely be doing it again!

This experience was one to never be forgotten. Being able to be such a blessing and impact to the kids at the camps will stay in my heart forever. While in Italy, I had the opportunity to travel from one of the most southern parts of Italy (Sicily) all the way to Milano. Being able to be immersed in the culture and the way of living is unforgettable. As a tutor being hosted in the families houses, I found it absolutely astonishing to LIVE with the Italians and be able to be part of their family. Everyone is so welcoming and want you to feel at home and like their own child. I would say I even picked up the Italian language which was truly an experience of its own.

I would say related to the camps, the work you're expected to do was nothing I ever thought of. For example, you are expected to "teach" an hour to three hours of lessons to kids per day depending on the length of the camp. I had never had any teaching experience and being put in this position was a bit hard at the start but all I can say is by the end I got the hang of it and was enjoying it to its fullest.

Pay is the same regardless of the size of your camp. So for example one week I had a camp of 130 kids but then the other week was 13 kids. Honestly, I wasn't there for the pay though. The kids are such a blast and it is very interesting to see the different personalities comparing the south of Italy to the North.

One of my favorite parts would FOR SURE be the training week though. That was a community I will NEVER forget. Also, just the amount of people I met and connected with was truly, truly a blessing.

I would do this 100x again. I recommend it all the way.

I had an overall amazing time with EDUCO last summer. Going to different camps each week, with new students and workbook levels, definitely challenges you, in a good way. When being placed in camps, there's naturally an element of this being a lottery, i.e., students, staff and host families each being different. However, there's a lot of goodwill and a good 'vibe' towards the camps from people you work with. I was a little bit older doing the camp (33), but just about managed it energy wise.

The EDUCO mentors are very professional and try to look after you. You can Whatsapp message them at any point during placement.

As a possible small point of feedback to EDUCO, I think that some pre-orientation tasks might help participants prepare so as to avoid overwhelm during orientation. This could include learning about EDUCO methodologies, as well as encouraging successful applicants to learn 1-2 camps songs or games beforehand.

I loved every minute of teaching with EDUCO.

My host family's have been very kind and accommodating and I am forever grateful for their kindness. I don’t think I have had one bad meal within a host family. The food has been amazing! Furthermore so many family’s have been kind enough to take me to places. I've been to famous lakes, fancy restaurants, firework displays, night markets, beaches and so many other things. It’s been wonderful working with children has been very rewarding and I loved to see how there confidence in English grows from the start to the end of the week. Being part of there English journey is such a privilege.

Overall I would express that EDUCO is a wholesome and adventurous experience.

Educo was such an amazing experience and one I whole heartedly recommend. You begin your time in Italy at orientation week, where while learning al the resources and methods to prepare you for your teaching journey, you are creating strong bonds and long lasting friendships with the other tutors. My orientation week had 45 other participants and everyone was so friendly and the staff are so supportive and want to see you do well it really helps foster a sense of security and comfort. While I definitely expected to gain invaluable teaching skills and a summer travelling beautiful Italy, I did not expect to make the strong friendships I made. After orientation week you receive allocations and then you are off on your adventure travelling Italy equipped with your new skills in teaching. Staying with host families was special and gained me access to parts of Italy and traditions I never would have known. Educo is really good for allowing a different and truer experience of Italy and a deeper access into its culture. Many of the host families I stayed with I am in contact with as you grow so close to these families. As for the teaching, at first I was nervous as it was my first time in this field, but with the tools my orientation leaders had provided and the support from the other tutors, I was able to take it in my stride. I found it really rewarding and fulfilling, furthered by how adorable the children were. I met so many amazing people while travelling and saw some of the most beautiful sights. I spent my whole summer with Educo and I had the best time ever. An Educo summer is one I strongly recommend.

I spent a few weeks working with Educo this summer, and it’s been amazing. I love working with kids and Italian culture so this was just what I was looking for. I would 100% recommend this program. I got to see many places of a beautiful country while meeting new people from all over the world. Job wise, some summer camps can be easier than others depending on how big your class is or the age group, etc. but overall camp directors take very good care of you and the families are very welcoming. In my opinion, this was a very fun job that brought me some great memories and I can’t wait to go back this next summer.