The English Camp Company

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.

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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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

The design of the program (moving camps every two weeks) was absolutely brilliant! Host families are well selected and chosen based on personal interests offering a great chance to get around and do things you'll love! Not a lot of support or team inclusion from the management. Very little teaching material - expect to plan all your own lessons - and your team will be expected to plan a camp upon your day of arrival in your new city...every two weeks! It's hard, exhausting but can be a LOT of fun if you have a positive attitude and remember how AWESOME it is that you're in Italy or Austria!

Over the past 2 summers, I have had the opportunity to work in Italy and Austria for non other than the English Camp Company and I am currently planning for my 3rd! From start to finish Ashleigh and Nate as well as all the other English Camp company members have been kind, respectful, resourceful and organized. The Orientation in my 1st year gave me way more than enough ideas and information to feel prepared and motivated to start teaching and organizing games at the camps. I had the best time with the other tutors and all the children who attended the camps! They are enthusiastic and eager to learn. The whole language barrier isn't even a problem, you would be surprised at how many hand gestures you can come up! It may seem like a huge challenge at first but It all comes together perfectly with the help of your team of tutors/director. Also, the way the camp is organized gives you a great balance of teaching, summer camp games and time to interact with children more personally at the breaks or at lunch. One of my favourite parts is getting to live with the host families. They treat you like one of their own and even go the extra mile of planning fun activities for the weekend or nights. I am so grateful for the places I have seen with them and the opportunity to learn about Italian/Austrian culture from the locals. It is really an experience like no other. One you cannot get from traveling with friends or alone staying at a hotel. I still keep in contact with all 7 of my host families. I have gone to visit a few of them after camp ended and I feel like they will always be distant family in a way. Its amazing to get to teach children who are so motivated to learn English and to have a good time. I have formed strong friendships through the English Camp Company and have lots and lots of memories from traveling all over Italy and Austria. This has been an unforgettable experience, 10/10 would recommend! Find me on Facebook if you have questions, I am happy to help :)

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You can wade through the internet for hours finding an international work program with very few results. Your search ends here. The ECC provides a REAL opportunity to work overseas, live with host families, and get PAID. You will be hard-pressed to find a more deeply immersive experience or cooler people to work for. With that in mind, working with children all day is very taxing, staying with host families has its awkward moments, and homesickness is a real ailment. However, if you're the type of person that loves kids and experiencing other cultures then this is for you. Apply. -written by a former ECC tutor.

It doesn't really feel like you're working when you start the day singing songs at the top of your lungs and later you're playing real-life Hungry Hungry Hippos with balloons and longboards. Camp is an insane amount of fun. You need to enjoy working with kids, be energetic and crazy. You will meet other like-minded people, and live with the loveliest of families. I can't recommend this job enough. Nate and Ashleigh are fantastic to work for and Italy and Austria are two truly stunning countries that you will be fortunate to see so much of.

You know you've found something special when you spend 9 months of the year counting down to when you can finally get back to Italy, finally get back in the classroom, finally enjoy the summer days once more. I cannot rate working for The ECC highly enough. The fact that I've chosen to return for three summers in a row is testament enough to the amazing work of The ECC. Ashleigh and Nate give you all the support you need, and more, to make sure you're fully prepared for teaching and leading the afternoon activities. They also make it very clear that they are only a phone call away should you need any help, with absolutely anything, during your stay in Italy & Austria. Host families, for me, this is the best part about working with the ECC. It can be nerve racking at first, but trust me by the end of the second day it will be like you've known each other for years. It's a truly unique experience and one that everyone should to enjoy at some point in their life. It's like home away from home, and when the time comes to say to goodbye to each other, it really will be like parting from your real family. Travelling around Italy and Austria every two weeks to get to the different camp locations means that you get to see so much more of the countries you teach in. Plus with each new location, comes a new town to explore, a new host family to get to know and a new camp with loads of crazy energetic children, and a new team of tutors to work with too. A total fresh start, every two weeks. The happiest days of my life has been spent working for The ECC. So if you're looking for a taste of adventure, in a new country bursting with opportunity, work for The ECC. You won't regret a single second of sunshine filled bliss.

Teaching abroad with the English Camp Company was an experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Being a supply teacher in Toronto, I wanted an opportunity to not only have a fun cultural experience, but to also bring back home with me valuable resources and skills that can be added to a resume. Working with the ECC provided me with all of this and more! Dealing with Ashleigh was always a pleasure. I have never traveled alone before and was thus a little apprehensive about leaving for a long period of time. She answered all of my inquiries and concerns prior to applying and made me feel like I was never alone in the process. You will always be able to contact Ashleigh and Nate if you ever have a problem during your time in Italy/ Austria. Even when my flight got delayed upon my arrival to Italy, Ashleigh and Nate were at the airport to pick me up at midnight! .. This is just one example of how the directors go out of their way to make sure you are safe and comfortable. From that moment on, I knew I would be in good hands. Once you arrive, you will partake in a one- week orientation session. This week will give you the opportunity to meet other tutors, learn some great lessons/activities that you can use with your students and see some beautiful sights. On the last night of orientation you will be given the train tickets to your first camp. Camp life: Every two weeks you will be placed at a different camp with new tutors to work with. I found everything to be very organized and structured. Ashleigh and Nate provide you with a booklet filled with lessons that will assist you in your teaching practices. The day starts off with morning circle songs, followed by English lessons in the morning and fun activities after lunch. You will have a blast with the children and other tutors. After your first week at camp you will start to feel like family. By the end of the two weeks you will not want to leave. Host families: I do not think I can put into words how amazing my host families were. Not only did they pack me the best lunches to take to camp, they took me to some amazing places, cared for me when I was sick and really made me feel part of their family. To this day I still keep in touch with all of my host families. My only regret is that I couldn’t do more for them. If you are open to getting to know your host family, learning from them and teaching them some of your own culture, they will give you their whole heart. I was in tears every time I had to say goodbye. Now that I am back home, I think about the summer I spent in Italy and Austria and cannot wait to return. The teaching methods I learned while at ECC are ones in which I use in my classrooms back home. I am so thankful to be given such an amazing opportunity. The only advice I can give you is to: Befriend the tutors you get to work with. They all have a unique story. I am so fortunate to have met some amazing individuals that I can now call my life long friends. Remember to laugh with your students….And get ready for the best summer of your life!

Working with the English Camp Company is an awesome summer job opportunity, especially if you are in the education field. As a recently qualified teacher, being apart of ECC allowed me to immediately work with children in a fun and easy environment, all while being in Italy and Austria! You get to stay with host families who absolutely adore you, eat an endless amount of awesome food, and constantly explore two beautiful countries. If you are planning to work along side ECC, be prepared to adore the kids and fall inlove with new culture. Overall, its a great way to make some money over the summer while traveling and learning something new.