As I complete my second week tutoring abroad in Italy, I think it is important to take a break and reflect on my experience so far. My hope is not only to inspire you with the quotes and motivate you to do something new, but to give you an insight of what it's like to be a language tutor.
1. "Replace the fear of the unknown for curiosity." - Penelope Ward
When I started telling people around me about the program I chose, I heard a lot of questions: Do they pay you? Are you sure it is a real company? How does it work? Is it an exchange program? I decided to volunteer my time providing English lessons for an opportunity to live with an Italian family for a month. Yes, it is a real company that connects you with a family. Take a look at the
programs and decide which one fits you better.
2. "I'd rather have a passport full of stamps that a house full of stuff." -unknown
Traveling has always been very important to me, not only because it breaks all those stereotypes you grew up with, but because you begin to broaden your view of the world in general. Material things can't provide you with knowledge, culture, memories, and experiences. I chose the
Teach English to a Family in Italy program, where you teach during the week and have the weekends off to travel. During my free time I chose to visit my sweet friend Melissa in Torino, Italy; My friend Paula in Valencia, Spain and I plan to go to Croatia with my new Italian family for my birthday.
3."A different language is a different vision of life." -Federico Fellini
Tutoring abroad in Italy is an incredibly rewarding experience. I communicate with my student in English and when we can't understand each other, which is rarely because she has an excellent vocabulary, I say it in Spanish. I am learning Italian with the family everyday! Over lunch and dinner, at the beach, with family friends, at parties, etc.
4. "Traveling. It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller." -Ibn Battuta
I can go on and on about all the things I have seen, eaten, experienced but the fact is that, they don't mean that much if you are not the one experiencing it.
I can try to capture the beautiful view from
Torre di Palme of the Adriatic Sea, but there is nothing like seeing it in person (plus, I am not a photographer). You only know how it feels until you go!
5. "Don't call it a dream, call it a plan."-unknown
I personally wanted to come to Italy so I started from there. I recommend picking a country you have always wanted to go to and see what programs GeoVisions offer in that country. If you don't start with an action, it will stay just a dream. Once you apply to the program you want, you will have someone from GeoVisions to help you along the way.
6. "Travel, the only thing you buy that makes you richer."-unknown
I traveled not because something was missing, but because as a teacher I have learned that we never stop learning, and what better way to teach while I learn a new language and experience a different culture? So, when I go back home, some people might ask, did you go Milan? Rome? Florence, Venice? Where is the picture of the leaning tower in Pisa?
I, like many, knew I would fall in love with Italy. I now feel I can come back every year not only to keep learning about the history and culture, but to visit the amazing friends and family I have made through tutoring abroad in Italy. I sincerely hope this helps you if you are thinking about tutoring or teaching abroad!
~ Juliana
