Italy Youth And The Community

Community-based projects are among the most rewarding volunteer experiences. Programs listed below promote interactive humanitarian work through English language programs and projects aimed at assisting the disadvantaged. Due to their one-on-one nature, knowledge of Italian is often necessary.

Agape Centro Ecumenico, Segreteria di Agape, Borgata Agape 1, 10060 Prali, Torino (☎01 21 80 75 14; www.agapecentroecumenico.org). Help maintain this international Protestant conference center in the Italian Alps. Clean and cook for the center for as little as 2 days to as long as 5 weeks in return for free room and board during spring and summer. Knowledge of Italian useful. 18+.
Global Volunteers, 375 East Little Canada Rd., St. Paul, MN 55117, USA (☎+1-800-487-1074; www.globalvolunteers.org). Teach English to students in southern Italy. 2-week sessions available throughout the year. Program fee US$2695-2995.
Pueblo Inglés, Rafael Calvo 18, 4A, Madrid 28010, Spain (☎+34 913 913 400; www.puebloingles.com). Week-long program in Umbria hires native English-speaking volunteers to provide English-language immersion for Italians. Room and board provided. Ages 22-80; alternative opportunities for ages 13-18. Free.
Service Civil International, 5505 Walnut Level Rd., Crozet, VA 22932, USA (☎+1-434-823-9003; www.sci-ivs.org). Places volunteers in small, 2- to 4-week work camps that range from festival assistance to social work to environmental or historical restoration. Long-term opportunities are also available. 18+. Program fee €50-150.
United Planet, 11 Arlington St., Boston, MA 02116, USA (☎+1-617-267-7763; www.unitedplanet.org). Places volunteers in 6-month to 1-year programs, including many aimed at helping children and the disabled in Italy. 18+. Maximum age varies by program. Fee of US$5000 for 6 months and $8000 for 1 year includes local transportation costs, training, a monthly stipend, and room and board with a host family.
Volunteers for Peace, 1034 Tiffany R., Belmont, VT 05730, USA (☎+1-802-259-2759; www.vfp.org). Provides info on volunteer programs. Most programs 18+. Program fee US$300.