Volunteer English Teaching in Italy & Austria


<h3><span class="s1">Why did you choose to go abroad with The English Camp Company?&nbsp;</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I have been involved in education and the study of European culture for years. The ECC is a marriage of the two.</span></p><h3><span class="s1">What was your favorite part about Italy and Austria?&nbsp;</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I loved the authentic experiences. The ECC is established exclusively in small Italian/Austrian towns, often satellites of some metropolis. There is no better way to experience local culture. These insulated communities, outside the influence of tourist dollars, have yet to succumb to McDonald's, English, and Walmart.</span></p><div class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto1-lynn-1460638347.jpg" alt="







Exploring Austria on bicycles"><div class="caption"><p>Exploring Austria</p></div></div><h3><span class="s1">&nbsp;What makes the program you participated in unique?&nbsp;</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Locomotion. Every two weeks, a new train ticket arrives with your name on it; it is a surprise every time. With a rough itinerary, you brave the rails in search of a new location. It forces you to be independent, gives you the opportunity to practice language, and shows you Europe by train.</span></p><h3>What role did local staff play in your stay with The English Camp Company?&nbsp;</h3><p class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Rarely did I feel isolated with the ECC. Host families are busy bending over backwards to make you feel at home and each camp is staffed with fluent English speakers. However, this is an itinerant job, and some may still feel estranged. Just keep in mind you always have a support network willing to lend a hand and those not on site are never more than a phone call away.</span></p><h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?&nbsp;</h3><p class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Spoken more Italian! I was there for months and did not make enough of an effort. My listening comprehension went through roof and I can order an espresso like a champ, but overall it was an opportunity squandered.</span></p><div class="awesome-image left-aligned" style="width: 300px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn4.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto2-lynn-1460638368.jpg" alt="







Teaching teens in Austria"><div class="caption"><p>Higher education</p></div></div><h3>How would you describe your average day with The English Camp Company?&nbsp;</h3><p class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">At 8 a.m., I would wake to the patter of feet and peals of laughter that come in a house of children. After freshening up, I would join breakfast, "<i>buongiorno!</i>" echoing all around. (Italian breakfast: hot milk with coffee (latte) and cookies or cake. Austrian breakfast: cold cuts and bread.) After breakfast, the children and I pile into the family car and ride with Mom or Dad to camp.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">The Italian sun is already stifling. Upon arrival, I greet parents and children (now exclusively in English) and prepare my materials for the day's lesson. At 9 a.m. camp begins. All children are marshalled onto the grounds and tutors lead the group in song for at least half an hour. ALL TUTORS MUST SING! Games follow songs and then it is class time. The next seven hours are punctuated by English class, group games and activities, and snack breaks.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">At the end of camp, the day is far from over. Mom or Dad arrive to chauffeur us home and the family prepares for the evening. Family outings, often with another tutor and their family, are quite frequent. Visiting Rome, seeing a play, swimming in the Mediterranean, or dinner with friends often lasts until late in the night. When I am finally stumbling back to bed "<i>buena notte</i>" it is with relish and exhaustion.</span></p><h3>What did you enjoy most about your time abroad?</h3><p class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Eating! Meal time was by far my favorite time of the day. The authenticity of grandma's homemade spaghetti noodles or Knoedel eaten on a farm is unmatched in restaurant cuisine. At the dinner table is where cultural connoisseurs will find their fix.</span></p><h3>What were your accommodations like? What did you like best about it?&nbsp;</h3><p class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Accommodations change with the family. I always had my own bedroom and a place to prepare my lessons, but some houses were more lavish than others. Living with these families was great because it was a peek behind the curtain. A look into the lives of others that taught me things stereotypes and generalizations strive and fail to elucidate.</span></p><div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 300px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn2.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto4-lynn-1460638396.jpg" alt="







Showing off Lederhosen, or leather breeches"><div class="caption"><p>Lederhosen</p></div></div><h3>What was the hardest part about teaching abroad?</h3><p class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">The hardest part for me was (as you might think) the language barrier. We take for granted the ease with which we converse with others. While teaching abroad, you rarely find someone who is masterfully fluent in English. Many people are able to hold a conversation, but it's not the same. You tread carefully, choosing your words for clarity, speaking slowly, and facilitating the language on both sides. You don't realize how cumbersome this is until you happen across a fellow native speaker and you slip into the conversation like a warm bath; speed, inflection, idiom, and frivolity abound.</span></p><h3>What surprised you most about Italy or Austria?</h3><p class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Italy is a place of personability, if you'll allow me the adlib. I was always surprised to find how willing perfect strangers were to put their hands on me. I was pinched, smacked, and clapped on the back more in two months than in the entire rest of my life. People really want to know you.</span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">Austria is surprisingly like America. Stereotypes aside, both cultures put a premium on orderliness, cleanliness, technology, and economics. I often found myself thinking how remarkably American the suburbs, shopping malls, and city streets appeared to be.</span></p><h3>What is one thing you wish you would have known before teaching abroad in Italy and Austria?&nbsp;</h3><p class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I wish I had known how perpetually hot it is in Italy. I was fully aware of the blazing Italian summers, but I still found myself unprepared for torrents of sweat that I would endure. Tank tops and breathable cotton! They'll save your life.</span></p><h3><span class="s1">&nbsp;Do you have any packing tips for individuals headed to Europe?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I've traveled most of western Europe at this point and two things have been essential to my travels: good shoes and vacuum bags. You're going to walk like you're training for a marathon. Do your feet a favor and wear good shoes. And if you truly want get the best of every inch in that new backpack, get vacuum bags that seal when rolled up. Your clothes won't wrinkle and your bag will have twice the room for souvenirs.</span></p><div class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn3.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto3-lynn-1460638420.jpg" alt="







Hallstatt, a village in Austria"><div class="caption"><p>Visiting Hallstatt</p></div></div><h3><span class="s1">How did your time with The English Camp Company change you as a person?</span></h3><p class="p1"><span class="s1">My outlook is forever broadened. There are so many great things in the world and with a little effort anyone can take part in them.</span></p><h3><span class="s1">Would you recommend The English Camp Company to other teachers?</span></h3><p>




























































</p><p class="p1"><span class="s1">I recommend the ECC to anyone who is looking for an amazing, truly immersive, cross-cultural experience and isn't afraid of some hard work.</span></p>


Derek Lynn

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Derek Lynn who participated in The English Camp Company program.

Derek Lynn | The English Camp Company Alumni Interview

Derek Lynn - 2015 Program Participant

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The English Camp Company tutors of 2015"><div class="caption"><p>2015 English Camp tutors</p></div></div>
<p><span style="color: inherit;font-size: 21px;font-family: inherit;">Why did you decide to apply for an international program?</span><br></p>
<p>&nbsp;<span style="color: inherit;font-family: inherit;">The thought of going abroad had always interested me. We go through so many days in life doing the same things; the summer is a great opportunity to expand your horizons and try something new and unfamiliar. Meeting people from around the world, learning new languages, and travelling can increase your marketability substantially. I wanted to become an even greater leader in life. Leaders travel the world, leaders are open-minded, leaders learn languages, and can adjust and be open and willing adjust to life abroad.</span></p>
<h3><span style="color: inherit;font-family: inherit;">Why did you choose The English Camp Company in Italy and Austria? </span></h3>
<p>The English Camp Company stands out alone by its <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/the-english-camp-company#reviews/0/0 rel="" target="_self" className="link">reviews</a> and reputation <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/the-english-camp-company rel="" target="_self" className="link">on GoAbroad.com</a>. The support, communication, and social aspect of the program contribute to its amazing organizational structure.</p>
<p>Italia is one of the most visited places in the world. When I think of the country I reminisce on the days of gladiators; individuals who risked their lives for Italia to thrive for centuries. The beauty of Italy and Austria are undeniable.</p>
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English teachers and Italian students holding an American flag"><div class="caption"><p>Fourth of July in Italy!</p></div></div>
<h3><strong>What was your favorite part about your location? </strong></h3>
<p>There were multiple locations. Through The English Camp Company program, you have access to many locations throughout Italy and Austria; you may be on the far eastern coast of Italy for two weeks, and then relocate to the far western coast afterwards. It gives you a unique perspective of Italia’s economy and social life. Throughout the summer, Italia’s sights are breathtaking. Travelling by train can help you take in its natural beauty and come to appreciate the massive land mass and coastal beaches.</p>
<h3><strong>What makes traveling abroad with The English Camp Company unique?</strong></h3>
<p>Every two weeks, I stayed with a new host family in a different Italian city. Each host family was amazing, and they all wanted to take me to dozens of places and show me off to their relatives; it was great. They were all amazing and treated me as one of the family. I have many of them as friends on social media, and plan to meet with one of my previous host families in New York in December.<br></p>
<h3><strong>How did the local staff support you throughout your program? </strong></h3>
<p>Ashleigh and Nate, who organize the program, are SO professional and organized. The support is unbelievable. Before even reporting to your destination in Italy you're given much advice and information to help you. All camp tutors are given their train ticket to the next location well ahead of time before camps, and each location has its unique customs and entertainment. Support during orientation was fabulous! You're given all the needed information and questions asked well before stepping foot into a classroom by yourself and you are truly well prepared for your entire summer.</p>
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American man celebrating the Fourth of July in Italy"><div class="caption"><p>America Day (July 4th) in Italia!</p></div></div>
<h3><strong>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently? </strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Honestly, the only thing I can think of is learning Italian beforehand. It is not required, but truly makes life outside of teaching much easier, especially with host families. However, the cultural exchange is one of a kind. If you go into the program without language skills, learning a new language and culture is a challenge, but it's very rewarding, and your time spent will still be well worth it.</p>
<h3><strong>What was a typical day like for you during your program?</strong></h3>
<p>My typical day includes: wake up, brush teeth, and breakfast prepared by the host family, as I thank them for their generosity and help my host mother prepare lunch for myself and host brother/sister. Then it's off to camp! Some camps I was at provided a bicycle to my host family for me to ride to camp (such an incredible experience and test of physical capability).</p>
<p>Camp begins with a big circle of English songs and games (my FAVORITE part of the day), then to the classrooms to teach. In the afternoon, we hold games, arts/crafts, etc. After camp ends, we ride home with our italian host family and enjoy whatever the beautiful day in Italia has to offer. Sometimes we go to beaches, restaurants, parks, mountains, clubs, etc. It's such an amazing unique experience with your class, The English Camp Company, and your fellow English tutors with you at camp.</p>
<h3><strong>What did you like to do on your free time? </strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>My favorite activity was definitely going to the beach. There are so many beaches near the east and west coast. Since you get to travel every two weeks, you're almost guaranteed to visit at least once! AHHH it's just an incredible summer!</p>
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Tourists at Flavian Amphitheater in Naples, Italy"><div class="caption"><p>Flavian Amphitheater in its natural beauty with the English camp tutors!</p></div></div>
<h3><strong>What was your favorite part about your accommodation?</strong></h3>
<p>We stayed with host families throughout the duration of the program, except for orientation. Staying with host families is amazing! My number one reason for going to Italy was for the cultural immersion, and visiting with my host mother/father(s) was great. They fill you up with scrumptious natural Italian food, drinks, etc.</p>
<h3><strong>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</strong></h3>
<p>Whenever you travel abroad, you'll always return with a more open mind. Understanding that every continent and country has their own way of life, in terms of pace of everyday activity, timeliness, family cohesion, etc., is essential. Getting the opportunity during the summer to experience life abroad is one that you will never forget!</p>


Thomas Johnson

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Thomas Johnson who participated in The English Camp Company program.

Thomas Johnson | The English Camp Company Alumni Interview

The English Camp Company Alumni Interview with Thomas Johnson

Join us as a Camp Counselor in our English summer camps across beautiful towns in Italy and Austria!
If you’re a student or recent graduate - especially in languages, education, or related fields—this is the perfect way to spend your summer.

The English Camp Company (ECC) runs fun, dynamic English camps for children aged 6–14. As a volunteer counselor, you’ll teach English through games, songs, sports, drama, and creative activities - no classroom lecturing needed!

But ECC is much more than teaching.

It’s a chance to travel, meet new friends from around the world, and immerse yourself in local life by staying with welcoming host families in charming Italian and Austrian towns. Many volunteers say it’s the most unforgettable summer of their lives.

All volunteers should have prior experience with summer camps, teaching, tutoring, or childcare.

All training, meals, accommodation, and transport between camps are provided.

If you're ready for a meaningful adventure, new friendships, and a summer you’ll never forget, visit our website for full details and the application form.

The English Camp Company

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The English Camp Company organizes Summer English Camps for Italian and Austrian children aged 6 to 14 years old. We provide a fun and interactive summer camp environment where the children can learn English and go home at the end of the day realizing that they can communicate in English. 

Tutors get to experience a full cultural immersion and have the opportunity to travel to Italy and Austria and teach English, all while experiencing the local culture and staying with local host families. The ECC aims to create a unique and memorable experience for everyone involved - children, tutors and host families. Tutors come from all over the world, so if you love to travel, teach or loved summer camp as a child, come and join us, make new friends, and have the summer of a lifetime!

The English Camp Company organizes Summer English Camps for Italian and Austrian children aged 6 to 14 years old. We provide a fun and interactive summer camp environment where the children can learn English and go home at the end of the day realizing that they can communicate in English. 

Tutors get to experience a full cultural immersion and have the opportunity to travel to Italy and Austria...

Incredible ECC Experience

Teaching Abroad in Austria with GoToCo

One of the best experiences of my life: Italy and Austria with the English Camp Company!

Austria

Italy

Volunteer Abroad

ECC Tutors 2018 | Italian Summer Camp | English Camp | What to do this summer | Meaningful Travel

I had such a wonderful time with ECC, from a fantastic experience teaching and running the camps, which was challenging but also fun. To seeing some amazing places and immersing myself in the beautiful local cultures, to socially meeting so many amazing people and having so much fun with them both in camp and outside of camp, couldnt recommended the experience enough.

I taught abroad in Austria from July 2024- September 2024 and I had an amazing experience. I was fully immersed into Austrian culture and welcomed in by two host families. They were extremely kind and showed me around and even helped me with teaching one of the classes- the eldest daughter also helped out at the camp and attended it with her sister. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and was glad I was able to get more teaching experience.

I worked as a Tutor for the ECC in July 2023, and it was honestly one of the best experiences of my life.
The program started with a week-long orientation in Assisi, Italy, where you get to meet all the other tutors from around the world. During the orientation, you're trained to lesson plan and carry out camp activities, so the ECC staff makes sure you're ready for the actual camps! My 2 camps were in towns in Emilia-Romagna, Italy and Carinthia, Austria, and both times I lived with a local host family. This was my favorite part of the entire experience, as you get to become a part of these families and truly get immersed into the local culture and their everyday lives. The families brought me to places like waterparks, the beach, hiking, and the ECC also hosted cultural activities in each camp such as canoeing and wine tastings!
During the actual camps, you typically work with a class of about 8-10 kids, who are all really eager to learn English. You have lots of support from the ECC staff, your camp director, and other tutors during the entire process, so there's no pressure at all. The ECC not only wants to teach English, but they want to make English fun, so you'll enjoy your lessons as much as the kids.
Working with the ECC allowed me to meet amazing people, explore Italy and Austria, and reminded me how much I love teaching. I am currently completing my TEFL Certification to be able to teach English abroad, and plan on visiting both my host families again!

Absolutely incredible summer ... but big issues with the professionalism of this program

I want to start this review by saying that the summer I did ECC was an incredible summer. The other tutors were amazing, the host families were amazing, and the whole concept of the program is so cool (being able to switch locations every two weeks and see so much of Italy). Undoubtedly one of the best summers of my life. Nate and Ashleigh created something really special that has positively impacted many.

However, there is a lack of professionalism that should really be addressed. If you are not liked by Nate or Ashleigh, chances are you will be gossiped about in front of other tutors. I heard them speaking negatively of present and past tutors in front of others, using their names. I also know that I was spoken about negatively from other tutors who heard, which was actually pretty heartbreaking. At times, it felt like being in a high school drama. They choose favorites and make it clear when you are not one of them. Also, the contract is very sketchy. It's not in English and is not explained well. You are paid in cash because you do not get a proper working visa, you just go on a tourist one. For tax purposes, this just doesn't seem right. 

So this is a weird review to write. I would definitely recommend the program and reflect what other reviewers said about this being one of the most incredible summers.  I am hoping the things I mentioned before improve.

Experience was good, company administration is unprofessional

WARNING: Do not work for this company! The owners kept changing our dates, not confirming our placements before we got shipped around Austria like we were indispensable. They kept using the corona virus as an excuse that they didn't need us anymore but in reality they were completely unorganized, hired too many people and were unable to commit to the dates that we were promised to work. They did this to ALL the tutors. Another thing, their CONTRACT is dated back to 2018. 1. no change in the pay, they tell you at first 180/week working 40hrs you do the math, and they remove 30% taxes! 2. The contract is in Italian - although we are ALL MOTHER TONGUE ENGLISH SPEAKERS. They will hurry through the contract (even avoided going through it at times) because the PAY section is left BLANK. Completely not transparent, it was a good experience to meet other people and tutoring English to children of course, but the administration starting with the incomplete training was a terrible experience. They will gossip and talk about past tutors using their names so unprofessional.

A valuable experience

I had the pleasure of working for the ECC in the summer of 2019. It was honestly the best experience of my life! The families I was placed with were amazing and we still talk all the time. The campers were so fun to teach. The ECC staff was always there to help, even when you’re across country. You won’t get rich working here, but the benefits (free housing, possible weekend excursions, cultural immersion, etc.) make this experience an extremely valuable one. Getting my teaching start with the ECC has opened a lot of new doors for me, so I am forever grateful to the awesome ECC team!

Wholesome & loving summer experience!

Being surrounded by like-minded individuals who wanted to have an impact on kids and travel in a meaningful way as well as being welcomed with open arms by incredible host families... I could not even begin to explain how much of a positive impact that this wholesome experience had on me!!!! It was the absolute best!!. Doing something like this teaches you about people. It reminds you that time means nothing with regards to how close you can get to someone. It shows you that even with a language barrier, communication can exist and that you can still form a connection with another person.

Overall, it was incredible to have people make you feel so at home wherever you are. As an example, since we were located in very small villages and towns, tourists were nowhere to be found. Therefore, people were so excited to meet me wherever I went and to learn about my life in Canada and who I was as a person. These strangers went miles out of their way to ensure I felt safe, comfortable and was happy being there. I’m so thankful for all of these individuals who have become family in such a short time frame. Plus, the teachers were so lovely and we all shared so many beautiful memories together. I recently went to California for a reunion with some of the people that I met... it's only been 6 months til we seen each other last aha!

I shed so many tears while here because I was so grateful and happy. The world feels a bit smaller and just brought me so much joy to share parts of my life with people across the world from where I live and for them to do the same with me. Gosh, and everyone’s food was so INCREDIBLE! Another thing to be so thankful for!

I highly recommend this experience to anyone who has an open mind and an adventurous spirit!

The best summer of my life!

I have to start by saying that Nate and Ash Poerio are without a doubt two of the nicest people I've ever met. Having not known them at all before this experience, they were not only amazing bosses but vital resources and great friends. I entirely expect to visit and catch up with them in the future. They are genuinely good people and do whatever they can to help. Since I was a director at three camps and a tutor at one, I was able to see how hard they work to ensure the summer goes smoothly for tutors, directors, host families, and of course, campers. I can only describe the work they do with the most positive superlatives.

Every single one of my host families was sweet as could be, adorable, and did anything and everything within their power to ensure I was having the best time. Of the four I stayed with, I keep in frequent contact with three of them, and message one of them at least once a week. I even plan on visiting them in the winter. The only unfortunate part of being in a host family is having to leave them, which I promise is a much harder thing to do than you can imagine. I really felt like I was part of the family after my time with each one. 

While I had no idea what I was getting into this summer, I never thought it would be as all-around great as it was. I got to fall back in love with a country I adore and its people then explore one I don't know nearly as well from a local perspective, all the while teaching adorable kids and making sure they had a great summer. I don't know that there is a better job in the world. 

Do not hesitate to reach out to me on Facebook (Andrew Boas) to hear more or ask questions about this truly incredible experience.

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