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Social Work Volunteering in Italy

7 Social Work Volunteer Programs in Italy

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
9.53749 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

World’s #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) brings people together from all...

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
00 reviews

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

Family Volunteer Vacations

Discover the joy of family volunteering with GoEco, the leading p...

Volunteer World
8.7512 reviews

Volunteer World

Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find ...

Volunteers For Peace
9.2635 reviews

Volunteers For Peace

Affordable Volunteer Projects in Over 70 Countries

Join us for the adventure of a lifetime! Volunteers For Peace (a ...

International Napoli Network
101 reviews

International Napoli Network

Migrants and Refugees Integration Support

Organizations working specifically with migrants and refugees in ...

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United Planet
00 reviews

United Planet

Volunteer Abroad in Italy - United Planet - 2-12 Weeks

Our Volunteer Abroad Quests in Italy encourage you to grow as a g...

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Latest Program Reviews

Most beautiful year of my life

by: Gerjan Van Winkoop - NetherlandsProgram: Migrants and Refugees Integration Support
10

Spending a year in Naples with the International Napoli Network was one of the most incredible and life-changing experiences I have ever had. I came for a social work internship, thinking it would just be about gaining experience, but I walked away with so much more. Growth, friendships, and a deep connection to the city and the people I worked with. From the moment I arrived, Naples felt like home. The city is chaotic, beautiful, and full of life. The stunning views over the bay, the historic streets, the smell of espresso and fresh pizza in the air everything about Naples is vibrant and unforgettable. But what truly makes it special is the people. They are warm, welcoming, and full of energy. Whether it was my colleagues, the people I worked with, or just strangers on the street, I was constantly met with kindness and generosity. There is a deep sense of community here, and that made my time in Naples even more meaningful. One of the absolute highlights of my experience was working with La Scintilla Onlus. From the very first day, I felt completely welcomed by the team. The dedication and energy they put into their work are incredible. La Scintilla supports people with a range of intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, and other cognitive and emotional challenges. But what makes this place truly special is their approach—they focus on abilities, not limitations. Every day at La Scintilla was a learning experience. I gained hands-on knowledge about how to practice social work in a way that is meaningful, respectful, and empowering. I learned how to connect with people beyond words, how to build trust, and how to create a space where everyone feels valued. The kindness of the staff and the joy of the people they support made every moment there unforgettable. They made me feel like part of their family, and I will always be grateful for that. None of this would have been possible without Ivan and the International Napoli Network. Ivan was the person who made this entire experience happen. From the very beginning, he made sure everything was organized, guided me through the process, and was always there whenever I needed support. He is not just running a program—he genuinely cares. He makes sure every volunteer is supported and never left to figure things out alone. He checks in, listens, and helps wherever he can. The work is not always easy, but that is what makes it meaningful, and knowing you have someone like Ivan looking out for you makes all the difference. I honestly do not know what I would have done without him. When I first moved to Naples, I found my own apartment since I was staying for a year, but it ended up being a nightmare. It was awful, and I felt completely stuck. Ivan stepped in without hesitation, helped me figure everything out, and even made sure I got my deposit back. That kind of support is rare, and I will always be grateful to him for that. If there is one thing I regret, it is not learning more Italian. While I managed, I know that making more of an effort would have made my experience even richer. If you are thinking about coming here, learn as much Italian as you can. Even just a little makes a huge difference in how you connect with people and feel part of the community. Spending a year in Naples changed me in ways I never expected. I grew personally and professionally, met some of the most incredible people, and was part of something truly meaningful. If you are thinking about volunteering or interning abroad, this is the place. You will grow, you will learn, and you will leave with experiences and connections that stay with you forever. And you will fall in love with Naples, just like I did.

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