2025 Program
This is Your Opportunity to Volunteer in Italy!
Summer Camps organized by the Dante Alighieri Society of Michigan in partnership with the Oratories of Lombardy, Italy.
Do you speak some Italian? Do you want to live in Italy with a family next summer? Here’s a great opportunity – volunteering at a summer camp in Italy!
Since 2016, the Dante Alighieri Society of Michigan has partnered with the Lombardy Dioceses to offer an opportunity to live in Italy while volunteering as a counselor at a church-run summer camp. Get free accommodation, improve your Italian, and add invaluable experience to your résumé.
Volunteers aged 18 to 25 will participate in a THREE-week program. Each volunteer will work alongside camp counselors to improve their Italian language skills during this time.
PLEASE NOTE: Camp activity DO NOT include teaching English to children.
The Oratori Lombardi organizes camp activities that are subject to each parish organization.
2025 DATES: Volunteers should plan to arrive in Milan, Lombardy, by June 7, 2025. A welcome and mandatory orientation will take place on June 8, 2025. The program will run from June 9 to June 28, 2025. We can host at least 15 volunteers and provide room and board for those accepted.
Volunteers are responsible for the cost of airfare.
APPLICATION DEADLINES:
- The Application and two (2) recommendation letters by February 28, 2025 – EST time, 6:00 PM
- The Organizing Committee will email a confirmation to the accepted volunteers by March 30, 2025
- The accepted volunteer will be interviewed on Live Zoom for a language proficiency assessment based on ACTFL levels Novice High/Intermediate Mid or above.
- The accepted volunteer(s) must sign the contract and send the Plane Ticket and ETIAS (actual ticket, not the reservation) by April 15, 2025.
NOTE: Starting in 2024, American citizens must complete an ETIAS application before boarding a flight, sea vessel, or coach vehicle for Europe, even if they are transiting through Europe to another destination.
To apply, visit the ETIAS Website and use the homepage assessment tool. Complete your ETIAS application at least two months before departure to avoid delays or potential refusal.
***IMPORTANT****
– If accepted, please make sure to respect the deadlines and submit the proper documentation by February 28, 2025 by 6:00 PM
– The applicant must upload the two recommendation letters and complete the following Application.
– The VoluntarItaly Committee will invite the applicant (via Zoom meeting) to discuss the application and language evaluation.
– The VoluntarItaly Committee will contact the recommenders to discuss your profile.
The Dante Alighieri Society, Inc. – Michigan Chapter is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and, as such, provides equal opportunities for access to its membership, resources, events, programs, classes, courses, scholarships, employment positions, and volunteer positions. The Dante Alighieri Society, Inc. – Michigan Chapter does not discriminate based on race, color, religion or creed, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, height, weight, disability, marital or familial status, veteran status, or genetic information or any other Federal or Michigan protected class status-.
Volunteer Program FAQ
1) Where will I stay?
Volunteers will stay with host families associated with their assigned parish.
2) Can I choose my housing?
No, housing is pre-assigned. Host families generously provide accommodations based on parish needs.
3) What will your responsibilities be?
During camp hours, volunteers will work as course counselors with children aged 5 to 14, engaging in recreational and educational activities, such as games and arts and crafts, typical of summer camps.
4) What are the work hours?
Work hours depend on the parish. Typically, you’ll work Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Some camps may include weekend activities.
5) How will I get around?
Italy has excellent public transportation. Most host families live close to the parish, so walking or biking may be an option. In some cases, families may assist with transportation.
6) Will I stay in one location the entire time?
Yes, you’ll stay in the exact location for the three-week program. Group excursions or events might occur, but they aren’t guaranteed.
7) Can I stay after the program ends?
You’re welcome to make independent plans after the program, but you cannot stay with your host family or use program-provided medical insurance beyond the three weeks.
8) Are meals included?
Yes, host families will provide meals and accommodations.
9) Can I choose my host family or stay with someone we know?
No, unfortunately, you cannot choose who to stay with. The parish assigns your host families.
10) Is there a curfew?
Your host family sets curfew and household rules. You’re expected to respect their guidelines.
11) Where should we send the recommendation letters?
Please UPLOAD your recommendation letters along with your application. If a professor prefers not to share the letter in an open format, they can password-protect the file.
In this case, the professor should provide the password separately via email at voluntarItaly@dantemichigan.org, or this committee will contact them.
This ensures confidentiality while streamlining the application review process.
Final Notes:
Read the program agreement (Bando and contract) carefully.
The focus of the program is to assist and support parishes, not to teach English.
Respecting your host family and cultural practices is vital for a meaningful experience
