New Adventures: Tutoring English in Italy and Beyond

If you’re looking for new adventures and always dreamed of traveling and experiencing life from a different perspective, then this program might be for you!

Ciao! My name is Luka, I’m from Ontario, Canada and I recently returned from tutoring English to a host family in Italy for 2 months.

For years I had craved embarking on new adventures and dreamed of volunteering abroad and traveling the world but had always been too scared to do it by myself.

However, I just couldn’t get the idea out of my head! I knew I wanted to teach English and work with people, so I searched online until I came across the GeoVisions website. I was naturally curious about the Tutor English in Italy program since my mother’s family is from Italy and I had always wanted to learn more about the Italian culture. Then I decided to talk to one of GeoVisions representatives who told me everything I needed to know about the process and before I knew it, I was at Pearson Airport in Toronto departing for Italy!

I was placed with a wonderful family in Southern Italy, consisting of two young girls (Ages 18 and 21) and a host Mom and Dad. At first I was a bit nervous about how I would fit in, but when I arrived at the airport I was greeted by warm smiles from people ready to accept me as a part of their family. My worries instantly disappeared. My host family made me feel very comfortable and included me in so many of their daily activities like family parties, outings to the beach and so many trips to other cities. They were amazing and I can’t thank them enough! I even got to participate in the Italian Summer Festival, Ferragosto with them. Ferragosto is a big celebration for the Italian people in mid-August, to mark the end of the summer harvest. Many family members and friends get together and then there is nothing but music, dancing and food; followed by fireworks and even a midnight swim to mark the end of the celebration.

As for my experiences tutoring English, I mainly tutored one of the daughters in English during my stay there and it was very rewarding for me. It is a unique experience getting to see the result of your patience and hard work through your student’s progress and what you both learn from one another.

For one, I learned it is important to come prepared but, just like life itself, you can only plan so much for it.

When I wasn’t tutoring or doing things with my host family, I was traveling. At first it was nerve-racking traveling solo, but once you do it, it becomes really easy-- you just have to have your wits about and you’ll be fine! I traveled to so many cities in Italy, including Rome, Venice and Milan, but my travels didn’t end here. I even visited other parts of Europe including London, Paris and Amsterdam. New adventures were waiting for me in each city and I met so many amazing people along the way. If you have a chance to venture off to other countries during your stay, do it!

Overall, my experience tutoring abroad was fantastic! The memories and the lessons learned during my time here will stay with me forever. It has made me more determined to not just be complacent in life, but rather to seize every opportunity life has to offer! If you come with a positive attitude, an open mind and a willingness to engage outside your comfort zone, you’re going to have a wonderful time.

Apri la porta (open the door) to New Adventures!