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Teaching English Volunteering in Rome - Italy

Teaching English Volunteering in Rome - Italy

Purpose
Improve access to quality education
Start dates
Programs start every second and fourth Monday of the month
Duration
Choose from 2-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+
Accommodation
Dormitory-style camping lodge
Apply for free
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Who is going?
Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

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This program is ideal for:

Fluent English speakers who are interested in a cultural exchange and teaching the English language. It would especially suit aspiring teachers looking to extend their teaching skills abroad and those with a passion for education. You will be supported by the local team and placement staff, so you do not need to be a qualified or experienced teacher to participate on this project.

Project details

Inspired to Teach English as a volunteer in Italy - Rome? International Volunteer HQ’s Teaching English project empowers volunteers to assist a local NGO with their efforts to upskill children and adults, some of whom come from underprivileged communities in Rome. Volunteers will gain experience teaching while sharing valuable English language skills with different age groups, including toddlers, children and teenagers. Knowing how to speak English can open many doors and provide opportunities for people to continue education or gain secure employment.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

In Italy, many people are not able to access proper English language education due to low-quality schooling and scarcity of economic resources in some areas. This often leads to a lack of opportunities for most of the population. The Teaching English project provides access to language lessons for a variety of different people, including children, youth, adults and the elderly.

As a Teaching English volunteer, you can expect to work with a local NGO providing access to education for these groups. You will help with structuring the education programming according to the needs of the individuals who attend as well as the objectives of the NGO you are going to support. You should plan to lead lessons and educational activities for students who range in ability. English is by far the most common language being taught but if you are fluent in another language, and there is interest from locals to learn it, you may also be able to teach that.

Depending on the students you are assigned, the focus of your lessons will change:

  • With children and youth, you can alternate theoretical lessons with recreational and/or sports activities in English, such as songs, fairytales, outdoor games and other activities, while assisting with daily routines, lunch and snacks
  • With adults, you will focus on vocabulary to assist in a certain sector such as tourism, administration, health, and more, depending on their professional or personal needs
  • With the elderly, you can have fun teaching them basic vocabulary and creating handcraft activities or other projects that make them feel active, loved, and useful in their community.
Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education

More than half of all children and teens do not meet minimum proficiency standards in reading and mathematics. Quality education provides an opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment and is key to preventing poverty, securing long-term employment and improving quality of life.

Why do Teaching English volunteering in Rome with IVHQ?

As a volunteer English Teacher in Rome you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

  • Improving access to education for marginalized people, when applicable
  • Helping young children and adults upskill and learn English
  • Practicing your Italian
  • Developing your communication skills
  • Gaining valuable teaching experience
  • Immersing yourself in Italian culture
  • Discovering Rome, Italy’s bustling capital city

Volunteer requirements

  • Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate in this program. If you are under the age of 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad page to learn more
  • All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
  • All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

Apply for free

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'Who is going' users image
Who is going?
Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

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What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

AW
Avah Woodland
21 Aug 2024

This program was an amazing way to not only see Italy but also make new friends and gain a wonderful experience!

...
AC
Alecia Creasap-Simpson
21 Aug 2024

Very organized process, I appreciate the professionalism of all points of contact from IVHQ. The local team were great and sincerely wanted to make the experience positive and meaningful. Fantastic accommodations. The cabins were clean and the air conditioning was amazing since the temperatures in July in Rome were in the high 90's each day. I gained a greater appreciation for the amazing people that choose to travel the world to make a difference. The high school and college students were fantastic to learn from!

...
AK
Alexandra Kropop
20 Jun 2024

The preparation resources were well versed and the local team was very welcoming and super kind! My family and I had lunch with them and they are just a blast! With the steps to get to our location I enjoyed how one of them came with us to show us how to get to our placement. From this experience I really gained insight to how other cultures live and recognized my own privilege. I gained some Italian language knowledge and learned how to enjoy the simple things in life. The community showed me that coming together in a safe haven - cubo libre is really rewarding and shows unity.

...
LH
Lucy Holmes
14 May 2024

This was my first time solo travelling and I really enjoyed it! It has given me skills for teaching and immersed me in a new culture which I will hopefully use both in the future!

...
RW
Regan Wychers
22 Apr 2024

I honestly had so much fun and felt safe throughout the entire experience!

...
SD
Sarah Deakos
22 Apr 2024

I feel that I gained a greater sense of community and respect. I enjoyed getting to know people from around the world and coming together to reach a common goal.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Academic course credit

Academic course credit through International Volunteer HQ and Intern Abroad HQ.

Academic course credit

Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!

Learn about course credit

Location

Volunteer Abroad in Rome, Italy with IVHQ

Location

Rome is and has been many things - the capital of Italy, the Eternal City and the centre of the ancient Roman empire. It is both brimming with reminders of bygone eras and teeming with dynamic, modern industry and entertainment. It’s also the setting of IVHQ’s Italy - Rome program, and volunteer placements are located throughout the wider city area.

Like any major city, there is a socio-economic divide in Rome and the people who fall on the disadvantaged side of this face a host of challenges. Volunteers can help make a difference to their lives by providing essential support to local initiatives designed to address these issues and others that affect the community.

Volunteers on this project should expect commutes of up to two hours one way from the accommodation to their placement, via public transportation. These long commute times are a result of Rome’s transportation system that almost always have long delays, ongoing repairs, and unpredictable schedules. Those who wish to join the Sustainable Farming project will usually have a longer commute than those on projects such as Youth Support and Teaching English, as this project is in the countryside on the outskirts of the city.

Arrival and orientation

The program orientation in Rome begins on the second and fourth Monday of each month and lasts for a full day. Volunteers need to arrive in Rome on the Sunday before orientation.

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO). You can also arrive into Ciampino–G. B. Pastine International Airport (CIA) but should expect you may need to wait to be picked up. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee.

When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and taken to the volunteer accommodation in Rome. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.

If you are travelling in Italy prior to your volunteer program and arriving overland, we can arrange for you to be picked up from a central meeting point in Rome on the Sunday before orientation.

Orientation is hosted by our Italy team in Rome. It begins the morning of your chosen start date and lasts for a full day. The orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Rome – an introduction to Italy, culture and customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities, and a tour of the local area. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers with whom you can swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.

Your specific placement orientation will be held the following day and you will be shown how to travel to and from your placement, receive an introduction to your placement, and then complete a few hours of volunteering.

Volunteer schedule example

Weekdays

After your program orientation, you will have a morning or afternoon volunteer shift at your placement and will work for approximately 3 to 5 hours per day. Your schedule will vary depending on the needs of your particular project. A typical schedule is as follows:

7.30 AM Breakfast begins at the volunteer accommodation and is available until 10.30 AM.
8.00 AM Travel to your volunteer placement to join local placement staff and begin work on your project. Please note that some placements run in the afternoon and volunteers on these placements will have the morning free to use as they wish.
12.00 - 1:00 PM Lunch break. Buy your own lunch from Rome’s many excellent cafes and eateries. After lunch, volunteers will continue volunteer work (where applicable).
1.00 PM Volunteers with afternoon or evening shifts travel to placement to join local placement staff and begin work on their project.
6.30 - 10:30 PM Dinner at the volunteer accommodation. After dinner, you will have the remainder of the evening free to relax and use as you wish.

Weekends

On weekends, you can spend your free time discovering why Rome is one of the most popular and revered tourist destinations in the world. For a start, you can visit monuments to ancient history like the Colosseum, check out Vatican City, see Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, explore the Pantheon and throw coins into the Trevi Fountain.

Once you’ve ticked off those iconic experiences you can relax and find out which of the rest of Rome’s numerous attractions you’ll see next. It might be any one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, the perfect authentic carbonara or a steaming cup of espresso, touring ancient churches, checking out the nightlife of buzzy Trastevere or stumbling upon the latest in fashion on one of Rome’s best shopping streets, Via del Corso.

If you’re ready for a change of scene, you can take a quick weekend train trip to see the ancient ruins of Pompeii, or Naples - the home of pizza. Nature lovers should also factor in a visit to the beautiful Amalfi Coast to complete the precipitous and spectacular Walk of the Gods. Volunteers staying for longer durations, or who wish to travel before or after their program, can visit areas further afield in Italy, including Venice, Cinque Terre, Florence, Milan, Pisa and much more. You can make travel arrangements once you arrive in Rome with the advice and guidance of our expert local team.

Accommodation and WiFi

Volunteers are accommodated in a central camping lodge in Rome. You can expect to share a room with one to two other volunteers of the same gender. Bedding and towels are provided, and there are shared western bathrooms. Staff will clean the accommodation throughout the week, however volunteers are required to keep their rooms tidy.

The lodge has a large pool as well as other social and game facilities for volunteers to enjoy in their free time.

WiFi is available at the camping lodge. It may not be available in your room; however, it is available in all of the common areas. WiFi is also available in many cafes and restaurants in the area.

Private single, twin or double rooms in the ​camping lodge, with the use of the communal bathrooms, can be arranged at an additional cost.

Meals

Volunteers are provided with breakfast and dinner each day as part of the program.

Breakfast is self-serve at the accommodation and available from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Breakfast generally includes tea, coffee, bread, croissants, sweets, cheese, ham, spreads, cereal, yogurt, and fruit.

Dinner is served between 6:30 PM and 10:30 PM and includes local staples such as pasta, vegetables, and salad.

Lunch is not provided and we recommend you budget about AU$16 per day to buy it from the excellent local shops, cafes and restaurants nearby. These are easily accessible both close to placements and the accommodation.

Tap water is fine to drink in Rome and the accommodation has a fountain of drinkable water where you can refill your reusable bottle. However, bottled water is also readily available if you prefer and you should budget approximately US$10 (approximately AU$16) per week for this.

Pricing

  • USD

Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately AU$482) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.

You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.

Duration
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
  • USD
2 weeks $1,645 Equivalent to $118/day
3 weeks $2,315 Equivalent to $110/day
4 weeks $2,985 Equivalent to $107/day
5 weeks $3,655 Equivalent to $104/day
6 weeks $4,325 Equivalent to $103/day
8 weeks $5,665 Equivalent to $101/day
10 weeks $7,005 Equivalent to $100/day
12 weeks $8,345 Equivalent to $99/day
  • All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately AU$482) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
  • A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
  • Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Rome generally find US$200 to be sufficient for weekly expenses, including lunches, transport and miscellaneous spending.
  • Any changes or cancellations within 14 days of your start date are subject to a US$200 late change/cancellation fee.
  • Breakfast and dinner
  • Airport pick-up
  • Accommodation
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • In-country program orientation
  • Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
  • Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
  • Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
  • Certificate of International Volunteer Service

Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.

  • Lunch
  • Transport to and from your placement each day
  • Return to the airport when your program finishes
  • Flights
  • Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
  • Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.

Popular add-ons & experiences in Rome

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Rome program.

Airport Drop-off
Airport Drop-off

Enjoy a stress-free ride from your accommodation to the airport, organized by the local team.

AU$108
Airport Pick-up
Airport Pick-up

Arriving outside the airport pick-up times? Book this add on now!

AU$108
Extra Night of Accommodation From May - September
Extra Night of Accommodation From May - September

Arriving early or departing a few days after your program has finished? Book your extra nights of accommodation.

From AU$195

Check what's required to visit Italy

Safety and support

Safety and support with IVHQ

Safety and support

IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.

  • All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
  • All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
  • All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
  • All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Learn more about IVHQ's safety

Essential country information

Essential country information

Capital Rome
Population 61.7 Million
Languages Italian
Currency Euro (EUR)
Time zone UTC+01:00

Weather and climate

Italy’s climate is quite diverse due to its long peninsula and mountainous terrain. The coastal areas of Liguria, Tuscany and most of the South are predominantly Mediterranean with dry summers and moderately wet winters. In the northern parts of Italy and areas of higher altitudes, the climate is cooler and the winter months can be cold, wet, and often snowy. Weather in Rome, where the IVHQ volunteer program is based, is pleasant throughout the year. Winter temperatures in Rome (December to February) vary from 4°C/39°F to 14°C/57°F while spring (March to May) is slightly warmer at around 15°C/59°F. Summer (June to September) in Rome can become very hot and humid with average temperatures ranging between 18°C/64°F and 31°C/89°F. Rainfall is heaviest in November and driest in July.

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How to get started

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