Italy A Philosophy For Travelers

Track endangered dolphins near the volcanic island of Ischia .
Plant grapevines on a vineyard in Naples recently reclaimed from the mob .
Learn Latin for free from Father Reginald Foster et carpe diem .
Cook traditional Tuscan cuisine with locals at culinary classes in Florence .

As a tourist, you are always a foreigner. Sure, hostel-hopping and sightseeing can be great fun, but connecting with a foreign country through studying, volunteering, or working can extend your travels beyond tourist traps. We don’t like to brag, but this is what’s different about a Let’s Go traveler. Instead of feeling like a stranger in a strange land, you can understand Italy like a local. Instead of being that tourist asking for directions, you can be the one who gives them (and correctly!). All the while, you get the satisfaction of leaving Italy in better shape than you found it (after all, it’s being nice enough to let you stay here). It’s not wishful thinking—it’s Beyond Tourism.

As a volunteer in Italy, you can take part in everything from preserving rare Neolithic rock art in an alpine valley to teaching English to school children in Sardinia. This guide is full of ideas on how to get involved, whether you’re looking to pitch in for a day or run away from home for a whole new life in Italian activism. For even more regional Beyond Tourism opportunities, flip to our “Giving Back” sidebar features (, and).

The powers of studying abroad are beyond comprehension: it actually makes you feel sorry for those poor tourists who don’t get to do any homework while they’re here. Aside from being home to some of the oldest universities in Europe, Italy hosts a slew of unique educational institutions, from art schools in Florence to archaeological camps in Rome. A little research in advance is all you need to discover your ideal study abroad program.

Working abroad immerses you in a new culture and can bring some of the most meaningful relationships and experiences of your life. Yes, we know you’re on vacation, but these aren’t your normal desk jobs. (Plus, it doesn’t hurt that it helps pay for more globetrotting.) Opportunities in Italy include interning at a museum in Venice or teaching English in schools around the country.

Share Your Experience. Have you had a particularly enjoyable volunteer, study, or work experience that you’d like to share with other travelers? Post it to our website, www.letsgo.com!