| Testimonials |
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Do you want to speak to an ex-tutor? The following ex-tutors are available to answer any questions you might have.
GENERAL
My overall Italian experience was amazing. If I could hop on a plane and head back this second, I would. The families I stayed with were all very accommodating, generous, and each suited my personality phenomenally. I made sure to eat everything that was placed in front of me and I was never disappointed. The Italian culture is very different than Canadian but I loved it. The camps and students were my favourite part, the kids always made my day and put a smile on my face. I loved the energy, the optimism, and the atmosphere of the camps and of Italy as a whole.—Emily Charbonneau, Canada, 2010
My summer with ACLE was one of the best experiences I've ever had! I can't imagine a better job than one that lets you play games all day, travel a beautiful country, immerse yourself in a foreign culture, and meet wonderful people from all over the world. All of my host families were fantastic and I got along great with all of the tutors I worked with. I don't think I've laughed so much or had so much fun in one summer than I did with ACLE.—Heather VanderWeilen, USA 2010
I went to Italy having very little idea what to expect but fully willing to give my best effort thinking that if it was too hard I would just go home. I ended up staying for 10 weeks. Other testimonials you'll see say that being a tutor is 'hard work' and they would be right. Running around after children, painting, jumping, singing, dancing, coloring, and playing games alongside other tutors from all around the world does work up quite a sweat. And then you go home to an amazing host family who sees it as their mission to fill you with food and entertain you Italian-style. So yeah, it is hard work but if you pass it up it's your loss. I had the best summer of my life in Italy, learned so much and can't wait to go back!—Jordan Baker, USA 2009
I think when I called home about my first few weeks with ACLE my parents learning about what I was doing thought I would never come back to Australia! When they realised how much I was learning and the unique life experience I was getting they were wanting me to stay for the entire summer...I had no complaints.—Emma Couch, Australia, 2010
If you want a taste of the real Italy, ACLE is for you. I've learnt more than I could imagine; met amazing people; travelled and experienced a fantastic country and culture; taught some awesome children and earned some money along the way. What more could you want?—Clem Studholme, United Kingdom 2009
HOST FAMILIES
Host families are the heart of really experiencing life in Italy. They were so excited to have someone from America staying with them! I was introduced to their extended family, met their friends, even had dinner at nonna's house. They definitely make sure you eat...a lot (especially nonna!). The families had so much fun showing me the real gems of their town—sights that weren't on the typical tourist roster. They'd try to impress me with their knowledge of English, or find English-speaking channels on tv, and when we'd walk into town together, they'd walk with a sense of pride that their family was selected to be a host. It was so flattering so see how happy they were, and even though it was only a week, we all cried when we had to part ways.—Kim Wise, USA, 2010
I think that the host families are one of my favourite aspects of working for ACLE. Each family I stayed with were so friendly and accommodating and I shared some wonderful experiences with them. You get to learn so much about real Italian culture and in return you can teach them a lot about your own background. I am still in touch with some of them and they even want me to come back and visit!—Faith Trend, UK, 2010
Throughout my experience as a tutor in Italy I have loved every family I have stayed with! I always felt welcomed as part of their family, and that they are interested in where you are from, what your interests are and what your background is. It is great to keep in touch with families after you've left, as many of them become great friends. Most of all they are always enthusiastic about improving their English so they always try and talk, especially over a beautifully cooked Italian dinner and a glass of wine!—Andrew Laing, UK 2009
A home away from home is an understatement. Host families go above and beyond to make your time with them as pleasant and enjoyable as possible. Be prepared to list all of your favorite Italian dishes on the spot because along with keeping a smile on your face, they aim to have your stomach smiling just as wide. Nothing hurts like saying goodbye but fear not, another amazing family is always just a train ride away!—Josephine Sinagra, 2009
Italian families are generous hosts and it is a great privilege to be welcomed into their homes for a week or two. The food is always amazing and host families have always included me in everything they were doing from nights on the town to barbecues with their friends. All of the experiences have been different, and with each one I have learned more about the Italian language and culture. I still stay in touch with many of the families I have stayed with through facebook and email.—Benjamin Curtin, 2009
ORIENTATIONS
The orientation was so much fun and gave me the confidence and skills I needed to perform at my best throughout the summer. The information provided is useful and very helpful and presented in a fun and enjoyable manner. It was a great atmosphere and a week I will never forget.—Kelly O’Brien, Canada, 2010
During orientation week your emotions will run high and your sleep will run low - but that's perfect! You will be learning so much in such a short amount of time - from songs and games to teaching theory to italian politics - that it might seem difficult to take it all in. Don't worry, you'll remember most, and you're not alone. At each training there are over one hundred tutors from all corners of the globe with completely different backgrounds. With a positive outlook you'll learn a lot, and make great friends in the meantime. Did I mention you can see the Mediterranean Sea from the training site?—Melissa Sukosd, Canada, 2010
At first orientation can be overwhelming. Summer camps are not really done in New Zealand, and the energy and craziness on show from those with experience were honestly terrifying. And then somehow before you know it, you're jumping around like a monkey, singing your lungs out and laughing your head off. The week was really well organized and you leave with a clear understanding of everything that's involved. There was always lots of returning tutors or ACLE staff around to chat with for advice. The orientation sets you up for a successful summer with all the information, resources and self-confidence you need.—Eve Perrone, New Zealand, 2010
An ACLE orientation brings together a diverse group of like-minded people whose different cultural backgrounds, talents and personalities create a veritable melting pot of energy and ideas. The orientation is demanding and also a great deal of fun. ACLE staff with many years of combined teaching experience ensure that the next generation of ACLE tutors are well equipped to have a positive impact on the lives of many Italian children.—Jules Reid, UK, 2009
Orientation was such a great experience for me. I thought it was great how everything was taken care of including accommodation and meals. I think this week is absolutely necessary because it taught us everything we needed to know in order to prepare us for our upcoming weeks of working. I really enjoyed getting to meet other people through group exercises and nighttime dinners.—Madeline Wang, USA 2009
BEING ON-HOLD
While I was working for ACLE I was placed on hold two times and I actually wound up using that time for two little Italian vacations. A lot of tutors stay in Baiardo during their hold weeks and from the things I’ve heard I definitely understand why, but I wanted to take some time to see a little more of Italy for myself so I spent my one week off in Rome and my other week off in Florence. I obviously had to cover my own expenses as far as accommodations and food went since I wasn’t working and didn’t stay with ACLE but it was a great way to relax, recharge, and get even more excited about being in Italy.—Joe Orovecz, USA, 2010
ACLE is really good at making sure you have accommodation if you are put on hold but I think it is a fantastic opportunity to do some travelling with the friends you make at orientation and during the camps. While it can be frustrating that you are not earning money over that time you need to remember that you're in Italy which is one of the most naturally beautiful, historically interesting, and tastiest countries in the world! There are endless amounts of things to see and do, so use the on hold time to explore the country!—Alex Hazeldine, New Zealand, 2010
I worked with ACLE for the entire three months and in this time I was on hold for three. Even after the first three weeks I welcomed a week off and skipped off the Germany. Taking a break is not only a gift to yourself but to other tutors who will find it impossible to work with you if you are burnt out! I had one week in Bajardo (stunning!) and for another week I was lucky enough to extend my stay with my host family. I made friends with people from the town and now am going back for skiing lessons in winter! Being on hold made it possible for me to find that extra bit of energy at the end of the summer and enjoy every moment of Italy!—Emma Couch, Australia, 2010
CITY CAMPS
The thing that I love most about city camps is the fact that they are all different. The amount of amazing experiences that you are part of in one camp, can be totally different from the next, which I think is such an amazing thing that can not be underestimated. Be prepared to work, teaching Italian children or children in general is tiring physically and mentally, but it is so worth the hard work. The joy or sense of accomplishment you receive when an Italian child is able to complete an entire English sentence on his/her own is unbelievable and unlike nothing I have ever felt before. So if I could tell you anything it would be work hard, eat well and enjoy the ride because it will be unlike anything you've ever experienced.—Stephen Steriovski, 2010
No two City Camps are ever the same. With every new City Camp begins a new adventure full of new tutors, students, camp directors, host families and a beautiful city to explore! The eagerness of the children to learn the English language, their readiness to participate in the interactive lessons you have prepared and their constant, ever flowing energy is what makes each day even better than the one before it. During the Final Show, you will find yourself overcome with immense feelings of pride and joy, while witnessing how far along your students - all of the students - have progressed and how confident they have become with themselves and the English language.—Josephine Sinagra, 2009
I have worked at numerous city camps in different locations. The concept remains the same but each tutor is guaranteed a unique and personal experience. At city camps I have seen Nun's throwing water balloons and 100 Italian children singing the operatic section of 'Bohemian Rhapsody' in perfect harmony. I've been based in a large cities and small villages up high in the mountains. The camp directors are helpful and accommodating and the children's enthusiasm is infectious.—Jules Reid, UK, 2009
City camps are an amazing experience. I usually stayed with host families through city camp and they have always been welcoming. You have the evenings free to do things with the tutors and families you are staying with. This year alone I visited Pisa, Florence, Venice, Treviso, Sienna and Rome through being at city camps close to these cities. The camp itself is also great fun with morning lessons and afternoon olympic games or activities, and I always love the challenge of the show at the end of the week. My favourite show this year was dressing my class up as people from history e.g. Napoleon, gladiator etc and using an English song to portray a version of "Bill and Ted's excellent adventure!"—Andrew Laing, 2009
SUMMER CAMPS
I spent 5 weeks at the summer camp in Folgaria and had the time of my life. The bonds I formed with the children and other tutors were so meaningful and unforgettable. It was an amazing experience and we had a fantastic time in the mountains. It was great to really get to know each child and to be able to have fun with them throughout the day and also at night. It is amazing to see how much they learn in just one week. It was worth every minute of the time I spent there and I truly did make great friends.—Kelly O’Brien, Canada, 2010
I still can't believe I was paid to play games and sing songs with Italian kids each day. The interactions I had I will remember. Each day was a challenge to stand with the class and make up a game to practice the colors or the present continuous but it was incredibly rewarding when you notice a student using that vocabulary or that tense that you taught them.—Daniel Klein, 2009
Summer camp is hard work but definitely a rewarding experience! I worked at a summer camp for five weeks and had a brilliant time organising night-time activities such as bonfires and pyjama parties, as well as afternoon sports like horse-riding and archery. Tutors stay in the same hotel as the students, so even though you work longer hours, you have a much better opportunity to get to know your students.—Lauren Barker, 2009
I worked at Folgaria summer camp for 5 weeks and it was such an amazing experience. My favorite thing about summer camp was that we were able to spend time with the kids not only in the classroom, but during afternoon sports and nighttime activities as well. I felt that we created a much stronger bond with the kids because we were with each other 24/7. However, after saying that, that is also one of the toughest things about summer camps.—Madeline Wang, USA, 2009
HIGH SCHOOL CAMPUS
I don't think High School Campuses are for everyone. You have to have a genuine desire to work with that particular age group. For me, it was the most enriching and pleasant experience of my time in ACLE. Having some teaching experience and the ability to be flexible and change your plans on a moment's notice is indispensable. The higher age and English level offer you a lot more freedom, and you get a sense that you are not really leading the students, but rather collaborating with them, which is a great feeling.—Jonathan Kaufman, USA, 2010
What a fantastic experience! I worked with highly motivated students who just needed the right opportunity to express what they had learned in the classroom for so long, and this was it. It is such a gift to be able to inspire and build the confidence of teenagers, and you have the opportunity to communicate with them on more than just a basic level. I can't wait to be a part of the next Campus!—Rachel Barker, USA, 2009
BEING A RETURN TUTOR
When you work a camp, regardless of the size, you work as a team. That being said, there are no defined roles or hierarchy within an ACLE camp. The team dynamic is what is most important, and as a return tutor you can use your experience to help those around you but you are not by default the leader. A good return tutor is adaptable, open-minded and positive. Bring these qualities to the table and your camp will be a success.—Mark Berge, Canada, 2010
I am so glad I was able to return to Italy. ACLE provided a welcome pack at my first camp with updated tutors books and information which helped the transition back into camps without an orientation. It is lovely to arrive in Italy with a summer of past experience under your belt and more knowledge and confidence about working at camps.—Hannah Maloco, UK, 2010
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