EDUCO: Teach English in Italy at Summer Camps

As an experienced teacher (elementary school teacher for 7 years) I wasn't expecting to grasp so much knowledge in interactive learning. If you have English learners in your classroom, this experience will equip you with new methods and techniques that are both fun and beneficial for students.
During orientation mentors were able to explain and teach us, future tutors, how to perform our everyday teaching duties. When it was time to lead the morning circle or evening activities I knew what to do and was ready to lead.
Living with Italian host families gave me an insight on the country and culture which would not be possible if I was traveling as a regular tourist. I was able to see Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan, Bologna, Ravenna, Padova, Bergamo, Genova, Sunremo, and other rsmall towns of Italy.
If you are still thinking about jumping into this experience, I would love to recommend you to do it!

As a teacher looking for a new experiences and travel opportunities, Educo seemed like the perfect package from the beginning.
As soon as I got to orientation week, I felt relaxed, safe and secure, which continued throughout my entire experience working with Educo. From the host families, to the schools, to the friends I met along the way, I made some incredible connections that I am still in touch with today. The work in the summer camps is hard and tiring, with some long days out in the sun, but it is incredibly rewarding.
Thank you, Educo, for giving me the opportunity to work with some amazing people, in such an incredibly beautiful country.

My experience with Educo was fantastic.
Training week
It was great. I believe Charlie, Daniella, Kuba, and James were great trainers. They will teach you everything you need to know to be a great tutor. My trainer was Daniella (the superstar)  one of the best Human beings I’ve ever met! ps. She is super freaking talented.
Charlie (the savior) During My first week at a camp I had a few concerns.  So..... I message Charlie and she answered quickly even though she was on vacation. You are amazing! 
Kuba! He is the Man the myth! the legend! He helped me with everything while I was in the South. He is such an amazing Human. 
James was amazing at orientation (jellyfish) 
And then there is Sophia like my fellow tutor Katie said she is a super Woman! She handled everything! She was always ready to answer any concerns and help in any way necessary. Ex: When she found out I was allergic to cats and Dogs she managed to get me a new Host Family with turtles!! she is amazing! 
The views from the hotel were terrific. My advice for new tutors During training week is to just be yourself. Don’t be scared to make a fool of yourself. Remember you’ll be working with kids and when they don’t connect with you you gotta find creative ways to connect with them. 
Camp Life
 I was with Educo for 7 weeks last summer. I was first placed for 2 weeks in Venice (Mestre) which meant Venice was next door. So y’all know my fellow tutors and I went there to enjoy beautiful Venice. My next 2-week camp was in Treviso  The land of Tiramisu Those two weeks were amazing. Treviso is such a cute little city. I biked all around and it was totally worth it. Our Camp Director was amazing. And My host Family was the most amazing in the world. 
For my fifth week, I went to the south on a 9-hour car ride from Milano to Salerno. Honestly, I loved this 9-hour ride cause of my fellow tutors. We had such a great time getting to know each other. Listening to Kubas favorite Dad jokes etc. 
While in the South I got to experience a one-week Summer camp! We had the best time. The Directors were Amazing! The Tutors were great. The excursions were extraordinary like Beach day, Mozzarella Bufala Farm, ancient ruins, and water park. 
After the Camps, I was able to travel for 1 week around the South,  Almafi, Napoli, Capri, Pompeii, Salerno, and Sorrento.  For my last week, I was placed on Hold in the Milano Flat which was awesome cause I was able to go and visit Lake Como. Honestly, Educo was terrific to me. I'm sure everyone has their own experience.
I can describe myself as someone that goes with the flow so if you are like me you will have a blast.
Let me not forget about Host FamiliesI had great ones My favorite was My Treviso Family just know that families are not supposed to show you around they do what they can. All the families make sure you have a great time. Some may want you to speak only in English because of their kids some may be ok with you practicing your Italian. For example, I only spoke Italian with the grandparents. 
Sometimes some camps might not be as amazing as others but you can always find a way to make the best of it.
I love to travel around Italy so when it came to transferring between camps I loved it. 

This was such a great experience on so many levels -- you acquire new skills or build on old ones through the variety of activities you learn to teach as a tutor; imparting language knowledge becomes instinctive and second nature. The host families are all so generous and kind, and really eager to share everything with tutors (I still speak to two of mine every week!). The places are often beautiful and you get a real feel of authentic life in them through the host families. The relationships with other tutors, helpers, camp directors and staff makes for a great working environment and what better place to work than sunny Italy?? Good for your CV but more importantly, it's an enriching experience on a personal level. Absolutely recommend (as long as you're prepared for a small dose of occasional Mediterranean chaos and fun)!!

When I applied to this camp, there were things I wish I would've known or paid more attention to and I feel like I would be doing a disservice if I didn't share these things. I would like to remain anonymous so that I can express my experience freely because I want others considering this program to be equipped when making their decision. Here are my top 10 things you should know about working for them:

1. You may be put on hold in Sanremo or Milan. In the Milan flat, there are 2 rooms (and an extra room which is reserved for a team leader), 7 beds, 2 bathrooms, 1 shower, one mini fridge, & many mosquitos. I have **heard** that the San Remo flat isn't the cleanest and doesn't have a washing machine. Last year they overhired, so being put on hold was likely.
Also, you are not paid during hold. I would suggest having some money saved up before coming. You have the choice of traveling around while you are on hold. But, bear in mind, this is the summertime in Italy (in Europe, in general)--- things are pricey.

2. The host families are usually very nice and can make the experience wonderful. I have heard of some host families taking in some tutors when they are put on hold. However, sometimes there are members who aren't fully on board w a host kid. Sometimes it was one person who had to convince the family to host, and you can tell. I have *heard* of stories where there were fights around the dinner table about hosting. Sometimes you aren't going to bond with your host family. It's normal, but you should still remain respectful. They had a good section where the leaders talked about respect in Italian households during orientation that I found very beneficial.

3. They typically place you in a small town (which are nice). If you are looking to only be in big cities the whole time, please do not have this expectation.

4. Teaching facilities can vary: maybe a school, or maybe you're outside. I know some tutors who had to teach outside in the heat. It's random.

5. You have to be flexible. If you are looking for stability such as knowing exactly where you are going, exactly how much money you are going to end up with, exactly which age group you will be teaching, and exactly what your host family will be like, you will not find that here. But in all fairness, many camps like these do not provide that. Many things are random for the tutor: host families, teaching facilities, on hold/not on hold, the city, etc. This is why I titled this "This could be great or not so great." As many great experiences that I heard about last year, I also heard negative ones. Some tutors (last year) went in with the expectation that they are going to make a stable income this summer & were put on hold for weeks. Some tutors knew exactly where they were going for camps during the summer and were able to plan their on-hold trips. Some tutors had that "Italian summer" like in the movies and were with great host families, tutors, and helpers. I even heard of some people experiencing romance. I also heard of some people having issues with their payments. I heard some people saying they can't wait to come back next summer. I heard some people vowing that they would never work for this company again. It's all random which is why I do not want to create a review that invalidates anyone's experience regarding their time with this company. I believe that people had great experiences and horrible experiences with this company.
When it comes to knowing where you are going and having a glimpse into your next destination, you are not told where you will be (for the next camp or being on hold) until Wednesday or Thursday. Camps are typically for 1 to 2 weeks, with an occasional 3 weeks. You just have to come ready for anything and be ready to be flexible.

6. As someone who still teaches, I will say that the teaching experiences and the knowledge you gain are very nice. There are many resources that I gained during my time there that I use now. Such as games, songs, attention grabbers, and other teaching resources. They also give you a handbook (to keep), and it's filled with a lot of good information to help you teach during the camp and after.

7. You may have to share a room with another tutor. I *heard* of some tutors sharing a bed.

8. Italy honestly is really beautiful. I find myself looking at my photos from last summer and reminiscing on its beauty.

9. At the beginning of August there are not a lot of camps available. Prepare to be put on hold or find somewhere to go.

10. I recommend packing light because you are moving around every few weeks, bringing a water bottle, an ice cube tray, and an electric fan (!).

Couldn’t have asked for nicer people during the oreinatation, Charlie and Kuba were literally so great. They went above and beyond to make sure we were okay. The host family I stayed with were so so so lovely, I will defo be keeping in touch with them! And the camp director was amazing also, honestly couldn’t recommended my experience enough! Would 10000% do it again. It is a great way to make friends, I got along with the people in my camp so well and still in touch with them now. Previous to this summer I had not been abroad without family/friends and it was such a good way to gain confidence with travelling.

I am an EFL teacher who had the opportunity to be part of Educo on 2021. It was awesome! I learned so much from every tutor, from the kids, from the Italian culture, I made friends, and I even got to build strong bonds with my host families. This is a very complete and well structured program that offers people the opportunity to live unique teaching experiences getting to know Italy. The cultural exchange was awesome, Italians are very welcoming and the kids were always so willing to leaen. This was an experience I will always treasure in my heart. I am definitely going back soon!

EDUCO is without a doubt the best job I’ve ever had. I have just finished my second summer working for the company and I cannot say enough amazing things about it. I’ve met the most amazing people and traveled more places than I can count in Italy. The host families I have met and lived with have been incredible and the people I have worked with have become close friends that I continue to stay in touch with. If you are looking for a summer teaching abroad look no further than EDUCO.

I have recommended EDUCO to countless friends who have applied to and loved the job when they got it as much as I do so I figured it was time for me to write a review. While with EDUCO I experienced good communication, great camps, and stunning locations all across Italy. Once again if you want to work teaching in Italy EDUCO is the place to go!