What inspired you to work for International Experience Srl?
The company is serious. I was looking for people who are passionate about their jobs and share the same values as I do. They are very open to new ideas and continually improve their working methods.
They have a great line of communication with everyone, so there are no miscommunication issues. I also love that they are always available!
Describe a typical day at work.
My typical day as a camp coordinator is overseeing the activities, helping the students improve through the didactic games, and providing the volunteers with support and assistance. Then I ensure that the day's games are prepared in advance, the instructions are clear, and the groups have been divided correctly.
Time for a selfie while having a fun time at camp teaching English!
Why do you do what you do?
Because I love and enjoy it! I like living and working with many different age groups, meeting people, having students learn a language, and learning about other cultures are the many reasons why I continue to do what I do. Each student has a unique experience with a different background so that I can provide them with an unforgettable experience.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is being part of camp. It is an experience that changes daily and weekly and never repeats itself. It is very stimulating because you see many different aspects, allowing me to grow professionally. At the end of each week, you also see the growth of the children you follow, which is very gratifying.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I have a degree in Sports Management, but after my studies, I followed my career and passion for teaching. Italy allowed me to see things from a different point of view. I could not see things while living in the States, so I am pleased to have chosen to move abroad. Being abroad has allowed me to continue my education, not as we are used to in school settings, but on a personal level and in career growth.
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
The challenges I face are the different personalities at camp. It is not always easy to have everyone enjoy the experience as much as I do or would like them to, so this is an area where I strive for success. Learning about each individual allows you to take a different approach to helping and having them live out a memorable experience.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Before leaving, I would tell myself to embrace a new point of view. Be open to what others have to say. Learn how others see my culture.
Have fun with the experience because it may be my only chance to do something like this. Ask questions when necessary. Organize travel so you can visit the country before or after this experience.
There's no crying in baseball. Nothing but smiles here! Let's play ball, ya'll!
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Before leaving, I would tell myself to embrace a new point of view. Be open to what others have to say. Learn how others see my culture.
Have fun with the experience because it may be my only chance to do something like this. Ask questions when necessary. Organize travel so you can visit the country before or after this experience.
What makes International Experience Srl special?
The people! The organization really cares for each individual. The owners are always willing to help, step in when needed, share a joke, have a good time, and keep the kids the center of attention. They are unique people, and it is tough to come across people like this in today's society, which makes them even more special.
Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?
There are several reasons why. First, safety comes first and willingness to assist people, volunteers can have an incredible teaching experience abroad, they are available to help in difficult moments, and providers of their experience. They continue to have the same enthusiasm as the first year but with almost 15 years of experience.
Are there any developments with your organization that you want to share with us?
The company has developed an online study method that allows participants to continue improving their English in a fun way. They use great material specific to each student's level and keep the students' attention. As in the summer camp setting, they keep the same availability and willingness to help, improve, and learn about each student's difficulties so they can improve.
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
The organization's mission is to make each experience unique. They have students interact with people from other countries and create fun while learning English. They make it not only a subject to learn at school, but they also continue to provide values of communicating with one another, talking and meeting people as a priority.
Three of us having a blast at a baseball game at Yankee Stadium! Go Yankees!
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope that participants take away an unforgettable experience where they have met new people, learned the Italian culture from the inside, not as an outsider or typical tourist, have fun, and leave with impacting at least one kid's life positively. Continue to talk about this experience as something that has improved their lives.
How do you help support participants?
They support participants with many pre-departure files explaining much information. They provide a detailed layout of the activities and days so everything is clear upon arrival. Some videos are shown to the participants before leaving. Once they arrive in Italy, there is always an orientation course to refresh and review all the material provided.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
People need to travel abroad and experience new cultures because it is the most useful way of learning things. You continue to strive and learn more, ask questions, and see how many different cultures and civilizations survived. You can also see how many of their teachings have left a lasting impact on us.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Learning a new language is essential because it provides another viewpoint. It allows you to see how others see things and the words they use to express themselves. It is also necessary because one day you could find yourself working in another country, which is another reason and possibility that life provides.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
I encourage them to travel immediately and make a habit of it. As we get older, we get caught up in the working world that doesn't always allow us to travel. However, when you start and see how much you enjoy it, you learn that it is one of the most satisfying and motivating things to do. I suggest people to travel in groups, on their own, for sport, etc. because each experience provides you with new knowledge.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means doing something with a purpose. If you travel to make someone else happy, do something that does not interest you, etc., you are less likely to repeat that experience.
While doing something you are curious about, thriving to learn more about it will always push you to travel meaningfully. This will also allow you to study, be curious, and learn more about where you are going.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
I hope that people continue to study other languages above all. This will indeed stimulate those to study abroad. International education always allows us to verify what we have learned and how our country or culture views others.
Only sometimes, what we are taught or learned is true. We can also build stronger bonds with people from other countries, which is easier than it was many years ago.
