Learning and Teaching English in a Sicilian Family, Italy

Details

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  Description

  We are a friendly Italian family living in the heart of Catania, Sicily. We have two boys, aged 8 and 11, and we enjoy sharing our daily life, discovering different cultures and welcoming people from around the world into our home.
  
  We have been hosting international volunteers for several years, and we have always enjoyed the cultural exchange and the opportunity to learn from one another.
  
  As our children are growing up, we are now looking to make this experience more meaningful and focused on their language development.
  
  Both boys are learning English, but they have different levels and learning needs. Our goal is to help them make real progress, improve their communication skills and become more confident using English.
  
  We believe that learning a language should be an enjoyable and motivating experience, especially for children. That's why we are looking for someone who combines teaching skills with enthusiasm, creativity and a genuine interest in working with young learners.
  
  We would love to welcome someone who becomes part of our family life, shares experiences with us and enjoys discovering Sicily.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Teaching
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  Interests

  

  Technology

  

  Pets

  

  Photography

  

  Performing arts

  

  Languages

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  Fitness

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Art & design

  

  Animals
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Staying with our family is an opportunity to experience everyday Italian life and discover the culture, traditions and lifestyle of Sicily.
  
  We enjoy sharing meals, cooking together, exchanging recipes, talking about our different cultures and learning from each other.
  
  The volunteer will have the opportunity to practise Italian through daily conversations and experience life in Catania, a lively city with a rich history, beautiful surroundings and excellent connections to other parts of Sicily.
  
  We are happy to share local tips and suggestions to help our guests explore the area. Weekends are free, making it easy to discover places such as Taormina, Syracuse, Mount Etna and many other beautiful destinations.
  
  We hope to create a genuine cultural exchange in which everyone can learn something new, share their skills and feel welcome.

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  Au Pair Help

  Further details can be found here

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  Our main request is support with teaching English to our two children.
  
  We are specifically looking for someone with real teaching experience, ideally as an English as a Foreign Language (EFL/ESL) teacher, or someone with a solid educational background and practical experience teaching primary-school-aged children.
  
  This is not a babysitting position. We are looking for someone who can independently plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate English lessons, adapting the activities and materials to each child's level.
  
  The weekly programme would include:
  
  Two individual one-hour sessions with our 8-year-old: focusing on basic English, vocabulary, listening comprehension, pronunciation and speaking confidence. He benefits from a patient and flexible approach, with visual and digital resources, interactive exercises and limited writing tasks.
  
  Two individual one-hour sessions with our 11-year-old: focusing on developing his existing English skills, expanding vocabulary, improving fluency, comprehension and grammar, and encouraging more independent communication.
  
  One shared activity on Fridays: a more relaxed moment for both children, such as cooking, creative projects, games or watching and discussing short videos in English.
  
  We would like the volunteer to prepare activities in advance, set suitable learning goals and keep the lessons varied, interactive and motivating. We are happy to discuss the children's levels, provide materials and work together to support their progress.
  
  The children attend school in the mornings, so mornings are free for the volunteer. Saturdays and Sundays are also free.
  
  We would also appreciate occasional short walks with our dogs, if the volunteer enjoys spending time with animals.🐕🐶

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  Italian: Fluent
  English: Intermediate
  Spanish: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  We love languages and would love to share our passion for making English fun, natural and meaningful for children.
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  Accommodation

  You will have a large private bedroom with high ceilings, original frescoes, two balconies, a desk, a comfortable double bed and Wi-Fi.
  
  We enjoy sharing meals and everyday family life, while also respecting your privacy and independence.
  
  Our home is in the historic centre of Catania, so cafés, restaurants, shops and the local market are all nearby. You will also have time to explore the rest of Sicily during your free time.
  
  We simply ask you to respect our home, keep your room tidy and help with the small things that come with living together.

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  What else ...

  We are looking for someone who is responsible, proactive, patient and genuinely enthusiastic about teaching children.
  
  A teaching qualification or relevant educational background would be a great advantage, but practical experience in teaching English to young learners is particularly important to us.
  
  We value someone who can take initiative, organise their own lessons and adapt their teaching style to different personalities and learning levels.
  
  Creativity, empathy and a positive attitude are just as important as teaching skills.
  
  We live in central Catania, within walking distance of the main shopping streets and with easy access to public transport.
  
  Our home is a welcoming family environment, and we would love to share our daily life with someone who is happy to become part of it.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  We are a friendly family and enjoy meeting people from different countries and cultures. We also respect your independence, your own plans and your free time. We have four pets, two cats and two Chihuahuas, who are very much part of our family, so you should be comfortable around animals. We offer food and accommodation in exchange for a few hours of help and English activities with the boys. This is a cultural exchange rather than a paid teaching position. We hope to find someone who will enjoy being part of our family and help the boys discover how fun learning English can be.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  One

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  My animals / pets

  

  Tana

  Diffidente e timida

  

  Dante

  Calmo, adora le coccole

  

  Nina (3 years)

  Chihuahua dominante, diffidente sempre in guardia

  

  Tonino (4 years)

  Chihuahua affettuoso e dolce tranquillo e goloso

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