ASSIST WITH ENGLISH in ITALY 

For those with the desire to see Italy and immerse yourself head first into the Italian culture and language, we have a "housing guest" programme which is a cultural exchange for students and young people from New Zealand. 

You get the chance to live-in with an Italian family, receiving full board & accommodation in exchange for a few hours of English tuition and conversation per week.  No formal English teaching qualification is required but you are not paid any money.

Most families have school age children and welcome you as part of their family, giving you the chance to experience the world famous Italian hospitality.  You get alot of time off to explore the town and country you are in.

All families are carefully screened and look forward to welcoming you as one of the family which helps alot when living in a foreign country. 

Our office in Italy prides itself as a caring agency and are available to help the you during the settling in period with your new family, and if any problems arise during your stay..

Here are the general rules for both the housing guest and the host family:

• foreign guest will be given full board & accommodation and will be treated as part of the family
• the housing guest will spend a minimum of 15 hours per week in English tuition and conversation with the host family, taking part to the family life
• the housing guest will keep his/her own bedroom and belongings in order, he/she will do his/her own laundry and will help at lunch/dinner time (laying the table, washing the plates, etc) just as a member of the familly
• the housing guest will adjust to the family rules such as smoking in the house, time of returning home at night (if any), time of meals, etc
• the housing guest will pay for his/her own personal expenses (phone calls, meals at restaurant, entertainment, etc).
• the housing guest will pay for his/her own travelling expenses to and from Italy and for all his/her own travelling expenses while in Italy
• housing guests  coming from Countries other than members of the E. E. C. need to have a medical insurance policy which will cover all their medical expenses while in Italy.  Go to our travel department for a quote on airfares and insurance.

Application fee in NZ is NZ$150. We will return your application form and fee if you do not have enough experience or do not meet the criteria.

What do I need to apply?

• A completed application form
• 2 good references which we can check (no friends or family). Please feel free to provide more.
• A Dear Family letter written in Italian if possible, introducing yourself to your prospective family. Include details about your life so far, your family and your experience, and what you want from this experience. At least 400 words - more if possible.
• 1 passport photo and one recent full length photo of you.
• A medical certificate stating you are fit to travel and work overseas. This should include any known medical conditions.
• A completed application form consenting to us checking your Criminal Record. Please send that to us while you are completing your application because it can take 4 weeks.
• If possible please translate your entire application into Italian - or have it translated. Please use black ink so it can be scanned easily.

You must:

• Have a valid passport.
• pay all travel fares, the cost of any registration with the Police, and any language course fees.
• You must have a responsible attitude and commitment towards the family and treat the family's home and possessions with respect. For example you are expected to ask what the family's requirement are regarding using the telephone, having friends to the house etc.
• be single with no dependants