Experience of a Lifetime

I heard about Educo through a friend who lives in Italy, and I’m so grateful to have had this experience!
I was at a loss here in the states as to how I should spend the summer months, so I did some research and discovered this opportunity to teach Italian students English through drama while traveling and experiencing authentic Italian life! Needless to say, I didn’t hesitate to apply!
For orientation, Educo set us up in a really nice hotel on the Adriatic Sea! I met other English speaking tutors from all over world and I made a ton of new friends and connections. During orientation, they fully prepared us with all of the information that we needed before we were off on our own. After orientation, I was ready to meet my first host family, travel Italy and teach! During my summer with Educo, I had the opportunity to work in camps from Parma in the North to Napoli and Senise in the South of Italy and I ended my summer camp experience at a camp on the beautiful Lake Garda, near Verona. It was really great to see different regions and experience different customs and traditions across the country. During my teaching experience, I also was able to take a week off and travel Sicily! I can’t think of a better way for a teacher to explore this beautiful country while doing what you love!
The schools in which the summer camps are held were all very different but the camp activities were universal! Educo kept every camp fully stocked with supplies for teaching and with materials for the final show. Italian kids are really affectionate and warm, they make you feel welcome and they’re so excited to have a native English speaker as their teacher! There is a final show that your class performs at the end of every camp which is a great way for campers to get creative! Their families are so excited to see them speaking English and having fun while they do it! It’s always sad to part with your camp at the end. I still have artwork and letters that my students made for me! Also, don’t worry about speaking Italian! The camp directors prefer that you only speak in English and there is always enough support in your camp, you’ll never be left in the dark.
The host families that you stay with will always have a kid attending the summer camp that you are working, so they usually will drop you off in the morning with their kids at the camp. Every host family that I stayed with were so incredibly hospitable and welcoming! They will take you out to eat and sometimes coordinate with the other host families for events, trips or parties! Also, be prepared to stuff yourself on authentic Italian cuisine during your stay! Italian families love to feed you and take care of you. Its equally hard to leave your host families when the camp ends. On Facebook, I’m friends with every host family that I stayed with while traveling!

This company was a pleasure to work with! Educo staff are personable and always available for questions or concerns while you are at the camps. I met the Educo staff during orientation, and I kept communication with them via Facebook or email for the entire summer.
I cannot recommend this program enough! It was an experience that will stay with me for forever!