Italy Community Service Projects

Education is highly respected in Puglia. Schools paid for by the government were opened more than 1900 years ago by the Romans, and today that concept is known as public education. Our Italian hosts have asked us to teach conversational English in the Puglia region to middle school and high school students under the direction of Italian English teachers. English, recognized as the language of commerce, technology and opportunity, is greatly prized by Pulians, as public schools require English instruction for all students. Because this area of Italy is seldom visited by American tourists, the opportunity to study English with a native speaker is a tremendous resource for students.

You'll use the standard curriculum texts and established lesson plans, and other times you'll have opportunities to depart from formal lessons. For example, you can serve as a resource on topics of North American culture, including discussions on history, daily lifestyle, sports, and school systems. Some volunteers also teach American songs and games, while others provide instruction such things as letter writing. In the summer, volunteers also work with high school students, and at times adult community members, to improve their conversational English skills in an informal education atmosphere. On a typical day, volunteers create their own lesson plans, engaging small groups of students in games and diverse interactive activities.