What inspired you to travel abroad?
I wanted to experience another culture and work as a volunteer. I was studying the Italian language and culture at the university.
So, I decided I wanted to spend a summer abroad volunteering and experiencing a language and cultural exchange. Then I found this program online and never looked back. I would recommend any like-minded people to try it.
Having some group fun during the International Experience program at You Can Camp in 2023.
Why did you choose International Experience Srl?
I had a particular interest in Italy and exchanging languages and cultures with Italians. I visited Italy as a young teenager and then I became interested in learning the language and culture.
This program gave me the opportunity to do both and volunteer my time helping someone others. I have been involved for many years and will continue.
What was your favorite part about your host country/city?
The people. The people I have met through this program have been so kind, understanding, charismatic, and responsible. A close second is the food, but without the consideration and attentiveness of the program's staff, it wouldn't have been such a beautiful experience so for this. That’s why I consider my relationships the most important part.
Keepsakes from the You Can Camp in 2023. It was an unforgettable international experience.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
The most extraordinary part was the experience of watching Italian children and teenagers improve and become more interested in the English language. Although the camp only lasted a week with the participants, we spent 7 days together for the majority of the day and evening, creating projects in English and sharing a special bond.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
They supported me in every aspect of the program from travel, the teaching experience, cultural/language barriers, etc. Of course, they were the hardest working out of everyone involved and they provided a great support system for me and my fellow volunteers. They always do their best to accommodate all of the participants.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I can't think of anything I would do differently. I would probably bring more clothes for outdoor activities including special shoes, but to be honest, I am not a very demanding person so I easily enjoyed the minimal lifestyle that the camp provides for 2-4 weeks. I would recommend it to anyone looking to get away from the stress and pressure of everyday life and have a good time.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
First, I wake up in the morning around 8, have a nice Italian breakfast, and prepare for the day including language activities and games. Then we would have language stations where we played and taught different aspects of the English language, followed by lunch, and then pool time. Dinner and free time were included in the evening as well as big activities with the entire camp.
Group photo of us out and about having a great time at You Can Camp in 2023.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
Going to the pool, playing ping-pong and other fun games with the participants and tutors, and traveling to the nearby seaside town. I enjoyed just making strong bonds with the volunteers, the staff, and especially the Italian children and teens who are involved with the program. There is never a dull moment.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
The accommodations are quite camp in a camp style cabins. My favorite part is that they were all near or connected to the next cabin so it feels like a little community. The camp is basically cabins in the woods so sometimes there are some insects, but it's not real camping so all of the amenities like bathrooms and private shared space were a part of it.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
This isn't a luxury experience, but it is rich in things that money can't buy and almost everyone who participates leaves feeling like they've grown and shared a special part of themselves for the better. The experience can be as rewarding for the volunteers as it can be for the Italian participants.
Would you recommend International Experience Srl to others? Why?
Yes, without a doubt. It is a gratifying program that is well managed but with enough freedom to express yourself creatively. There is a structure and program to follow, but the staff are happy for people to use their own experiences and minds to create more and share different ways to exchange language and culture.
We all had a really fun night together with the group for the You Can Camp International Experience program.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
Sharing cultures and changing one's perspective on life and lifelong friends. I have kept in contact with many staff members, participants, and volunteers over the years and it's nice to have this unique experience that only we experienced. The friendships are deep and the impact is big for Italian teenagers and children.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
It has changed for the better. I am more open-minded; in fact, this experience changed the entire trajectory of my life as now I live and teach English in Naples, Italy. My choice to move abroad is directly related to my experience with the International Experience program and for this, I am eternally grateful.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means being brave and taking risks to do something and go somewhere you have never been before and in reward, one will walk away with shared experiences and adventures that are priceless. On top of this, there is something so gratifying about giving your time and energy without expecting a payment at the end.
