Volunteer Teaching English in Italy & Austria Summer 2023

This past summer I had the most amazing opportunity to be a part of The English Camp Company. Traveling across the world to meet strangers and teach kids English could not have been a better experience because as soon as you meet them, they become family! In addition to having so many new connections with people, the host families do everything they can to make sure you experience their culture - even if you don't understand the language (I still talk to all of my host families!).
I worked at three ECC Camps as a Tutor for the Red Book group (the youngest, ages 6-7), and although you might not be able to understand them, they see your energy and that excites them to want to understand you. The ECC training was excellent at the beginning of the summer, and provided you a good foundation to help make you and the camps successful. I had amazing experiences getting to know the kids, we made every activity into an adventure.

This was definitely a once in a lifetime experience, and I am so fortunate that I was able to be a part of this program and the children's path to learn English!

(I am actually planning on going back to my host families in Italy this summer! I can't wait to see them again!)

My summer spent working for the ECC was the most fun-filled, eye-opening and rewarding of my life! It started with an informative and interactive orientation week where the tutors became acquainted; we learned helpful teaching tips and what we could expect in the months ahead. It was so awesome being surrounded by such a kind, friendly, and energetic group of people who shared a passion for teaching, kids, and travel.

Each camp session is two weeks long, and for each session, you will be placed in a different small town in Italy and/or Austria, where you will be assigned a host family and group of tutors to work with. For me, the opportunity to teach in a classroom and work alongside others with solid teaching experience was novel and instructive. The wonderful thing about this program is the variety. Each session is unique to itself: filled with new experiences, opportunities, and people to meet. Each session will pose challenges and, at times, can be exhausting, however, with an open-mind and positive attitude, you will have an incredible experience.

One of the highlights of ECC for me was the people. From the host families to the other tutors, to the children I taught, I formed many wonderful and long-lasting friendships over the summer. The host families, in particular, were lovely and warmly welcomed me into their homes. Living with an Italian family gave me the most authentic experience possible, seeing things that many visitors would not be exposed to and eating home-cooked, delicious, local Italian dishes not offered in a restaurant. I equally loved getting to know the other tutors who were from around the world and had their own unique stories and perspectives to share. It was the connections that I made with the kids that was most fulfilling. I came to understand the impact I could have on others’ lives, regardless of language barriers. It was amazing for me to witness the improvement and love for English that many of the children developed over the course of each session.

Working for the ECC was a dream job, and an experience I will never forget. It combined all the things I love, and reminded me how much I enjoy travel, meeting new people, and working with kids. It helped me grow independently, strengthen my social skills and broaden my perspective on cultures and people. It taught me that the world is much bigger than my own life and experiences, and that I still have so much more to learn.

Last summer, I was blessed with the opportunity of working for the English Camp Company. If you've read some of the previous reviews, you've noticed by now that working for the ECC will lead you to have the best summer of your life. Words cannot describe my fantastic experience. I sometimes wonder to myself if any of it was real.
I choose to apply to the ECC because I wanted to try teaching abroad. As a future ESL educator, my degree allows me to teach English as a second language, both locally and internationally. I decided to work overseas to see if teaching abroad was a smart career path for me. It turns out that the ECC was better than I could have ever imagined.
A little more information about life at camp: I worked as a camp director at three camps. Each camp lasts two weeks, on the second Saturday with your host family, you move to your next camp. Living with host families is excellent, be mindful of their home and pack accordingly. One of my host families, made their daughters give up their room to lodge me. I was very thankful for their hospitality and generosity.
On the first Sunday of your new camp, you will meet with the new team of tutors and camp director. As a camp director, it was my job to get the supplies; the ECC provides a budget and has some necessary supplies at the camp location. Future camp directors, I highly suggest that you bring all the supplies that you can to your next camp.

Moreover, during this initial meeting, you will create your camp schedule based on a theme. I suggest you choose something that you and the tutors enjoy! As a camp director, you will have to create an Italian or Austrian version of the schedule, communicate with parents, and facilitate that everyone is safe and having a good time. At the end of each camp, there is a final show that the campers prepare with their tutors. The final show was one of my favourite activities at camp.

The ECC stood out to me for three reasons: the reviews, the accommodations, and the family atmosphere. Most, if not all, their reviews were positive. Which at first I thought was suspicious. However, the more reviews I read, the more I realized that the past tutors/camp directors were merely honest and genuine. After working for them, I can testify that working for the ECC is tremendously rewarding. It is the hardest I've worked while having the most fun!

The ECC is one of the few (if not the only) company that lodges you free of charge, pays you, pays for transportation between each camp, provides you with workbooks, activities, games, camp songs, and an easy to follow daily schedule. You will not get rich working for the ECC, but your life will be enriched.

During the camps, tutors/camp directors are hosted by one of the families whose child attends camp. This immersive family atmosphere helps with the cultural divide. Do not worry about being homesick, as your host family adopts you. I won the jackpot in the host family department. They treated me like I was their family; they showed me the sights and brought me on day excursions.

It's been 4 months and 22 days since I've come back from Italy and I can't wait to go back. Thanks to the ECC, I made friends worldwide, and my family has expanded. The experience I acquired did not only shape my professional career but has shaped me as a person.

Do not hesitate to reach out to me on Facebook (Victoria Matiz) to hear more or ask questions about this incredible experience.

I worked for the ECC as a Camp Director during the summer of 2019 for 6 weeks and they were the best 6 weeks I've had in my entire life. I had never traveled outside of the North-American continent (let alone traveled alone), so it was a very out-of-my-comfort-zone decision from my part, but I regret absolutely nothing. It was probably the best spur of the moment decision I've taken in my whole life. Working at an ECC summer camp isn't any regular job. Every single camp I worked in had a very dynamic atmosphere. The kids were all lovely and I got to meet some very bright minds. I also got to walk around beautiful towns in Italy, seen as I had to go buy supplies for camp quite regularly. I miss my early walks to the local stationery shop to get what I needed for the day. I looked forward to going to work every morning, even if, obviously, we had our small problems arise. It's not realistic to think that everything will go smoothly, but I actually think that that's what makes this experience so great. I grew so much as a person and I developed skills that I know will be an asset at any future job I have. Other than enjoying work, I think host families really seal the deal. I have never met people that are so open and welcoming as my 3 host families were. They all took me in as if I were there child and I was very soon integrated into family dinners, family outings, and meeting family friends. Were it to go to the beach, to supper, to an opera at a vineyard, or to a local festival, every single moment outside of camp I spent with them. They made being abroad way less scary, as they supported me and cared for me like I would have never imagined. Needless to say, it was quite painful to have to leave them after the 2 weeks were over. Every time we had to take a moment at the train station to cry it out and say good-bye. Not forever, however! I am actually still in touch with all three families and we keep each other updated, planning when we will see each other again.
To put all of my thoughts into a few words, this experience allowed for me to make incredible friendships that I will never forget, meet incredible families that I love as much as I love mine, work in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and eat as if there was no tomorrow. Hands down, the best experience of my life so far.

I seriously can not recommend this company enough...I’ve worked with them for 2 years now and I’m hoping to return for a third! For anyone who likes working with children, getting to travel/live in another culture and making lifelong friends, this job is definitely for you. This previous summer, I did 6 camps with the company and I still don’t feel like it was enough!
Nate and Ashleigh are two of the greatest people ever and you are seriously looked after with this company. From start to finish, there is constant communication between you and they try their hardest to accommodate for everyone and make sure you have a great summer.
I still can’t believe how lucky I am to have had some of the experiences and opportunities this job gives you...I’ve been to places that I never would have though of visiting and my host families have taken me to do the most incredible activities.
And the best part is, if you like working with children then it barely feels like work because showing up to camp every day is such a pleasure. Camp can be a long and tiring day but every day, there is always at least one thing that makes it all worth it whether it’s one of your children finally speaking to you all day in English or a super fun afternoon activity! Due to the fact that no two camps are the same, every day is always so interesting and unique and you won’t believe how fast time flies by! Also, the friendships you make with other tutors will last for so much longer than just the summer, and a huge bonus is you make friends from so many different places that you always have someone to go and visit!
I can’t stress enough how special this company is...for a summer job, you won’t find another company that cares more than this, that works harder to give everyone involved the best experience or that gives you the summer of a lifetime. Big shoutout to everyone who works here for all they do, I can’t wait to return for another year!

This summer, I worked for ten weeks as a Tutor with the English Camp Company. I completed five two-week camp sessions, spending four weeks in Italy and six weeks in Austria.

Working with the English Camp Company was the most eye-opening, enriching, incredibly fulfilling, and life-changing opportunity that I have ever undertaken. Without a doubt, this was the best summer of my life. The English Camp Company exceeded my summer job expectations. My only regret is that the summer and my time as a tutor with the English Camp had to come to an end -

Thank you to the company co-founders/owners Ashleigh and Nate Poerio.

Ashleigh and Nate are the head of The English Camp Company. They hire the tutors and directors and greet them when they arrive in Italy for orientation. They are very kind, amiable, and caring individuals. Ashleigh and Nate run orientation training themselves. They make tutors and directors feel welcome and appreciated from the start. Throughout my entire summer experience, I felt entirely supported. Ashleigh and Nate were there to answer any questions or concerns that I had. Communication throughout the whole summer was nothing but excellent. Ashleigh and Nate work tirelessly to ensure that tutors, directors, campers, host families, and everyone involved have a positive summer camp experience. It is evident that they are incredibly passionate about the work that they do. I can't thank them enough for making my summer 2019 so memorable.

Tutors and directors attend a (very fun!) one-week intensive orientation where they meet other E.C.C staff and learn everything there is to know about the English Camp. English Camp orientation is well organized and in-depth. Tutors are placed into a multitude of different groups comprised of people that possess diverse experiences and personalities. In these groups, tutors work as a team to perform a variety of tasks and activities. As part of orientation, tutors and directors have the opportunity to complete a mock-camp day at a local primary school.

After orientation week, I felt confident and well prepared to go into my first day of English Camp.

Every two weeks, tutors and directors change camp locations and host families. No two places are the same, and often each different work location is with an entirely new group of people than the last. Therefore, each camp is incredibly unique and a new experience every time. The success of each camp is vital to the communication and cohesiveness of the staff. In this position, you are always collaborating with a team. You will meet amazing people from all over the world who will teach you so much and who will bring diverse ideas and viewpoints to the table.

Adaptability and flexibility are critical components of this position. Tutors are responsible for preparing English lessons for their class of children. In this position, tutors must continuously adapt and adjust to the different levels, needs, and interests of every student in their class at each different camp. English is taught through interactive games, songs, and activities. Creativity and enthusiasm are essential to making English learning exciting for the campers.

You will be amazed at how much your students will grow and become more confident in speaking English as the camp progresses. On Friday of the second week, your class will perform an original musical play (created by the tutor) for their parents. The most rewarding feeling in the world is watching your students nail the performance that they worked so hard on.

The relationships that you will form with your students are priceless. Saying goodbye at the completion of each camp will hurt every single time.

The English Camp Company places tutors and directors with Italian and Austrian host families. Most times, each staff member will have their own host family. Host families will go out of their way to make you feel at home and like a member of their family. They will take you to the coolest local places, show you amazing scenery that a tourist would miss, bring you to family events, and feed you some of the best authentic foods that you will ever taste. Host families are so excited to share everything there is to know about their culture with you and will want to learn about yours as well!

As an English Camp Tutor/Director, you will be working with youth Monday-Friday from 9-5. Additionally, you will be living with children from the camp in your homestay. This job can be demanding and tiring at points. You must genuinely love working with youth and bring that passion and energy to the job. If you are invested in the values of the program, it won't ever feel like work.

If you are seeking a fully immersive cultural experience that leaves you speechless, breaks your heart every time you have to leave a location, creates inseparable connections between you and individuals from all over the world, and changes you in all the best ways, this is the program for you.

My 2nd Summer experience with The English Camp Company (ECC) ... Another Amazing Adventure!

I'm so appreciative of the opportunity to be able to come back and work with ECC. 2015 was my first year, fresh out of university and I was eager to experience an incredible teaching/travel program in southern Europe. Look no further than ECC! This summer I got to experience Italy and Austria, and both countries are so unique and amazing. You experience host families who offer a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the Italian And Austrian culture. If you're looking for an resume booster, you won't be disappointed. You work people from all over the world, eat great food, and the sights.. breathtaking to say the least. This is an amazing organization that will send you to places you never thought imaginable.

Camp days are long! Please don't underestimate that statement. This is not the Summer for you to spend the day sitting around looking at your phone. There's so much you can teach the students, and much more that they can teach you. This job is for creative people who are energetic, enthusiastic, FLEXIBLE, patient, and have a passion for working with youth 9 hours a day, 5 days a week. It's very important to have multiple activities and games for your students. Don't forget that many of them spend all year in a classroom, so PLEASE get them up, out and moving around. Not only is this your summer vacation/job, but it's also their summer. There are so many resources available online that will help you. Remember that English is a second language to your students. It's imperative that you speak slow, and like the italians do best, use your hands and body when you explain anything, they will certainly appreciate that. Embrace your own culture and traditions. Use games and activities you played in your youth. Walk around your class and always check on individual progress. Bring stickers and candy if you can! You'll have many supplies at your camp, so for example, if you're teaching numbers to ages 6-8, find cards or something else creative to help your students. Some students are kinesthetic learners, others audio or visual. Do your best to use creative methods to teach lessons. Most camp days are HOT!! Always always always...bring plenty of water.
Remember the tutors you work with are all different ages and come from all over the world. A successful camp requires a team effort. You won't always agree or get along, and plans will change. But at the end of the day it's not just about you. Come to English Camp for the children first and foremost. You're in an absolutely beautiful country (Italy and Austria) and you are fortunate to work with amazing people.

Appreciate the time you have with your host families. They go out of their way to ensure you have a memorable experience. The food is amazing, the sights, breathtaking, and the people heartwarming.

Prepare for an awesome Summer. You will work hard, and be rewarded at the end of the day. I'm so glad I came back for another Summer with ECC. I wouldn't have applied to return if the management and communication weren't great, and they were!

I originally came across this program when I was looking for an experience in Europe that was both affordable and culturally immersive. Little did I know how much I would grow and learn in such a small period of time with ECC. This was my first time travelling abroad to a different continent alone and I am really glad I did it to work with ECC. You get to meet fantastic people who are hungry to explore and learn. Please keep in mind that this is a job, and although it may seem like an adventure, it is still a paying job. Even though I was working, I had a blast. I recommend this opportunity to anyone who is flexible, adventurous, and really open to anything, but please do not be lazy. Working with children can be challenging if you have never experienced it before, and this is not a paid vacation. Keep in mind that if you are willing to give these kids a great time at camp during the day, you will have a lot of free time to explore real Italian towns with real Italian families. The owners of the camp are fantastic people who are very easy to communicate with. I am so glad I was blessed with this opportunity because it was easily the best summer of my life.