OzItaly Family
When you are a homestay tutor, you only teach English for 8 hours a week based on a flexible schedule that will be discussed with the host family when you arrive in Italy. The rest of the time is yours to explore your new home, travel and make friends. Your host family will provide you with authentic home cooked meals, a comfortable bedroom, and will also be your personal local tour guide! They will love to teach you about their country, show you around and introduce you to their relatives and friends. You will become a part of the family and community, which is way more exciting than being a tourist.
PROGRAMME DATES
There are no set dates for this programme. You can choose to go any time of the year that works best for you. Placements last 1, 2, or 3 months.
HOST FAMILY SELECTION
OzItaly suggests a list of suitable host families and you will choose the family that you prefer. You’ll be matched with a host family based on your mutual preferences and interests. You’ll have plenty of time and opportunities to get to know your host family before making any decisions. It is essential that the homestay accommodation is of high quality and provides a safe, comfortable and caring environment, therefore host families are carefully screened through background checks, reference checks, interviews and home visits.
ELIGIBILITY
Be an Australian citizen and a native English speaker
Be in good health
Have some experience with children
Have some teaching or tutoring experience (teaching degree or a CELTA/TESOL/TEFL qualification preferable but not essential)
VISA AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES
You can come to Italy as a tourist or on a Working Holiday Visa (OzItaly offers assistance with the visa application process). A Working Holiday Visa allows Australian citizens aged between 18 to 35 to live and work in Italy for a maximum period of 1 year and travel to and in all the other European countries. Depending on your experience and qualifications, you may also be able to find a job as an English teacher in local schools and organizations (always in high demand in this area).
FAQ
The length of stay is totally up to the tutor. However, we suggest a minimum stay of 1 month.
Of course some knowledge of Italian would be advantageous if you want to be totally independent and you plan to travel a lot, however it is not strictly necessary. Tutors come to Italy to help their host families improve their English therefore the less Italian they speak, the better it is!
No, there isn’t. As long as you are in good health and you have a big passion for Italy you are more than welcome to apply for it!
The tutor will have to pay for travel expenses. The host family only provides full board and accommodation when the turor is in Italy.
Applying for the programme is free. Contact Ozitaly and you will receive an application form to fill out.
Not at all. A TESOL/TEFL qualification would be advantageous but not strictly necessary. Usually tutors work on the host family’s speaking and listening skills.
You can be as creative and frugal with lesson plans as possible. There is no need to purchase extra materials.
Your host family will probably show you the nearby areas. You cannot have long breaks during your placement. You should only plan 1-2 weekend trips and should leave any major excursions for before or after your program.
Yes, you will choose the host family that suits you best based on your preferences and your needs.
It’s a great idea to bring a small gift with you for your host family. It would be nice to bring something that represents where you are from
OzItaly mainly operates in the Veneto region, however host families live in different parts of Italy.
No, you won’t be asked to do any housework while living with your host family. However it is essential that you keep your bedroom and the common areas tidy and clean, and you offer the family your help to manage their daily routine tasks.
When you are not teaching your host family English, you will have time to explore your new home and surrounding towns and cities. Try to make the most out of your OzItaly experience by appreciating every single detail of the Italian culture and lifestyle!
Eventhough we always try to fulfill your requests, we cannot guarantee placements in a specific city or region as the match with the host family is based on compatibility and availability.
Yes, you are welcome to travel at the weekends as long as it doesn’t interfere with your weekly timetable. The programme should be viewed as a cultural immersion programme first, therefore we ask that tutors are respectful of their host families. Host families should not be used as a “bed & breakfast”. Participate and engage with your family! Cook dinner together, watch football together, and accept any invitations to outings!