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Nice experience with our family in Grosseto, Italy

Italy
Favourited 307 times
Last activity: 24 May 2023

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12
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Availability

2023

Min stay requested: No minimum

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Description
Our family:
dad 45 years old (he does not speak English)
mum 48 years old (I speak English fluently: C1)
2 Children: boy 11 year old; boy 6 years old (they both understand English very well, and they speak quite fluently)
We have already hosted 23 guests, therefore my kids are used to have foreign people around.
We do not smoke and we will not accept smokers.
We have a cat, but he lives most of the time out in our garden.
We have a big house with a garden and a swimmingpool.
We are a "sparkling" family, we are outgoing. We like, whenever it is possible, to do outdoor activities.
We are a neat family, we like things to be clean and orderly!
Once we get in touch I will be glad to send you some pictures of our family and the place where you are going to stay to your personal email address as I did with the previous workawayers.
You will have a big bedroom just for you with a nice view and your own bathroom.
We would like to host a talkative outgoing person to laugh and chat with.
We are looking for a dynamic person (better if it is a boy) who could entertain my two boys advicing them interesting activities and games.
We prefer hosting for long periods becuase we like when the guest becomes part of the family and we can build a nice relationship. Anyway, short periods will be accepted.
We can give you a bike.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Teaching
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Travellers can learn Italian Culture and Italian cooking habits!
They will try tastefull Italian typical dishes. Yummy....
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
I would like that the volunteer could spend all the afternoons with me and my children just speaking and playing in English! She/he should follow us in our ordinary life and support our conversation.We would like to improve our English therefore we need some Language practice.
For this reason we will accept only mother tongue English speakers.
My sons already understand English (I talk in English with them) but they usually reply in Italian to me. I would like them to talk in English. Therefore I would like the volunteer to play, interact with them, try to involve them as much as possible in any kind of activities!
Little help in the house is required too!
I really care about cleanliness!
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
This host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
Single house with garden and a swimming pool. The volunteer will have his/her own room with a big bed and a bathroom for him/herself in the attic.
Nice view from the window.
What else ...
Grosseto is located in Tuscany near the coast, it is really close to the sea and not far away from the mountains for natural excurtions. So you could go to the beach or to skii. Grosseto is near Siena, Firenze, Pisa, Cinque Terre and Rome. You can easily travel to these important wonderful cities. We have wonderful hotsprings too (not too far away).
Staying with us you could learn or improve your Italian, discover Italian habits and culture. You could also learn how to cook!
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
Hours expected
5 hours a day

Host ref number: 895776687753

Feedback (10)

27 Jan 2023

Left by Workawayer (Sharbel) for host

I would love to start off by saying that my experience was phenomenal to say the least. I spent a total of two months with Veruscka, Alessandro, Andrea and Samuele. From the moment I was picked up from the train station by Andrea and his grandfather, I knew it was going to be an exceptional time. I was immediately welcomed as a member of the… read more family. All the things you could want or need are provided without ever having to ask. The room was clean and peaceful, with the absolute most beautiful sunsets you could imagine. I honestly felt that I was in debt for all that was provided and experienced while staying with the family. I went to about 9 cities, saw a bunch of Christmas decorated towns, old churches and architecture, and stayed in Apulia for ten days while visiting the parents and family of Alessandro. I went to multiple beaches, a 3D art museum which Alessandro’s sister created, yacht get-togethers, friend’s and family’s parties, anything you could think of. One day we were at the Sea, the next day I was atop a breathtaking snow capped minor peak of Mt Amiata. All that I met were extremely kind and welcoming. It’s something I will remember and talk about all the rest of my life. I was able to travel, learn Italian and soak in the culture more than I thought was going to be possible. I ended up really loving this family, they will always have a special place in my heart forever. While there, a former workaway came to visit, and had discussed doing another term as a workaway with the family. Which in my opinion, speaks volumes of the hospitality and generosity of the family, as well as the bond made between the kids and the parents. I was never asked to do anything unless I felt comfortable with it, even if it was already agreed upon. Veruscka is an excellent cook, each meal was delicious and hit me right in the soul. Alessandro can fix pretty much anything so if have any tech or mechanical issues don’t hesitant to ask for his help. His English is not as strong as Veruscka’s, but his heart is just as big. Both are great parents and people in my opinion. I’m very grateful for this experience and would recommend this host highly. However, with that said. Please be advised, it is very important that you are good with children and you must not hinder their growth and development of playing and exercise. If you are not somewhat athletic or able to move around, then please do not insist you are, only to not be, and rob the kids of such crucial matters. Andrea is 11 years old and needs to practice soccer/futbol constantly. He is part of the city’s junior league and is an amazing player, scoring 4 of the 5 goals in one of his games I attended. Samuele is 6 years old and enjoys everything active, he’s going to be a great boxer if you ask me, and takes swimming classes although he already swims really well. Both of the kids are very bright and speak English almost perfectly. They can also help you in learning Italian. I love them very much and feel as a big brother to them. They know and play all sorts of card and board games, but I must stress that it is imperative to do physical activities with them each day if possible. The family in total is very busy throughout the week and you must be ready to do your commitment, at times it will be the only “break” the kids will have from school, studying, homework and their extra curricular activities. Keep it fun and you’ll be rewarded with their laughter and hugs!
As for where you are located, it’s about a 15 minute bike ride (a bike will be provided) from the city center. There’s everything you can expect from a city in the center alone. You may opt to take the bus, for which there is a stop just a minute walk from the house. I don’t indulge in the nightlife, however there is many bars/restaurants open late and a few nightclubs throughout the city. I found it very safe and peaceful anytime I went out. I would take bike rides in the late evening and never had a problem. The general population is very friendly and patient if you don’t speak Italian. The best food you may ever eat is here, if you are a foodie. There’s about 5 fitness centers. A nature trail right next to house which runs along a large creek. I can go on and on to be honest. Again, one of the best experiences of my life, will never be forgotten. Thank you to Veruscka, Alessandro, Andrea, Samuele, Sami, Grandma & Grandpa (from both sides) Great Grandma, Pierre-Luigi, Tina and everyone else that gave me such a wonderful Christmas and time....oh, and Simba🐈. See you all again very soon! Ciao

(Excellent )

12 Sep 2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Louis)

We had a lovely experience with Louis.
Unfortunately he had to leave before we agreed, for work reasons, and we were very sad.
We got along very well with him and we hoped he could spend more time with us.
My kids loved him and loved to have a big brother to play with.
Louis is a very easy going person, a polite and hardworking boy. He is very… read more

(Excellent )

12 Sep 2022

Left by Workawayer (Louis) for host

I had an amazing stay with Veruscka, Alessandro, Andrea and Samuele! Although my trip was shorter than it was suppose to be (due to work reasons) I loved my time with them!

This was my first workaway and it took me a few days to adjust as they lead very active lives, but once I did I had an amazing time! I got to experience true Italian culture,… read more

(Excellent )

7 Jul 2022

Left by Workawayer (Michael) for host

Veruscka, Alessandro, Andrea and Samuele and Simba the cat, were great hosts to say the least. I spent nearly all of my time playing with the kids, riding bikes, playing soccer, building Lego, swimming in the pool, and much more. I also helped out with setting and clearing the table as well as loading/unloading the dishwasher.

We often took… read more

(Excellent )

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(5.0)

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(5.0)

27 Jan 2023

Left by Workawayer (Sharbel) for host

(Excellent )

12 Sep 2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Louis)

(Excellent )

12 Sep 2022

Left by Workawayer (Louis) for host

(Excellent )

7 Jul 2022

Left by Workawayer (Michael) for host

(Excellent )

4 Apr 2022

Left by Workawayer (Dylan Jovan) for host

It was an honour staying with this family for six weeks, my first workaway, during my visit to Italy. I got along with the family easily and communication was very clear. They treat you as a member of your family and I definitely recommend them to anyone looking for cultural exchange, especially younger adults - you will play a lot with the… read more

(Excellent )

7 Feb 2022

Left by Workawayer (Simon) for host

What a lovely experience! I really got to see another side of Italy - the real side. Weather it was hiking through the woods to a secluded beach or travelling to ancient ruins, I had a great time with the family. The boys are very active, so be ready for games like nerf or laser guns, rough housing, or sports. When we got tired we would play lego… read more

(Excellent )

13 Jan 2022

Left by Workawayer (Matthew) for host

Staying with these guys has been one of the best experiences. Grosseto is not a very big city in Italy, so don't expect too much, but there's still plenty to do, whether it's dipping in the hot springs up in the mountains; being shown around some of the most beautiful beaches and coves with crystal clear waters (just watch out for something in the… read more

(Excellent )

15 Jul 2021

Left by Workawayer (Mark) for host

Veruscka, Alessandro, Samuele and Andrea were amazing hosts for my one month stay in Grosseto. It was wonderful to get to know this kind, friendly, and welcoming family. I felt very at-home even from the first day, and both Alessandro and Veruscka were extremely respectful. I worked part time and remotely during my stay, and I really admired… read more

(Excellent )

18 May 2021

Left by Workawayer (Max) for host

My Experience with Veruscka, Alessandro and of course the kids was great. When you get there you enter a loving and adventurous family. Although I have only stayed there for 1,5 month, I have felt at home from the first week on. Grosseto is a nice small town where you can spend some time in the center, the beach (like kitesurfing ;) ) and you can… read more

(Excellent )

6 Jan 2020

Left by Workawayer (Daniel) for host

Under promised and over delivered. I was initially overwhelmed the first weekend as this dynamic loving family lead a very full life, something I am not used to being a little introverted at times and needing downtime to recharge. As time passed by I felt I got into the swings of things. When they say they want you to be a part of the family, the… read more really mean it, I was invited to everything. This has been one of the best experiences of my life. The culture, the family, friends, the weather, food and outgoings made this a very rich and rewarding time during my autumnal years.

Veruska was very accommodating and flexible. She has a high standard of cleanliness around the house, which in turn inspired me to new levels. The house is huge. I had a very large bedroom in the attic with en-suite facilities. A huge back garden where I spent many an hour enjoying the sun and reading. I also had use of their Netflix account and occasionally binge-watched a series or two, and a movie or three.

The work, if you can call it work! typically most days started at 3 pm, sometimes at 2.30 pm., finishing at 7.30-8pm. Dinner usually after 8 pm. I said I was flexible on which days I can work, so I usually had Tuesday and Wednesday off, as most weekends you get to go out with the family. Sometimes I wouldn't be required Saturday and we would swap a day. I did a lot of activities with the boys, from cycling to football, to roughhousing which they liked the best, plenty of indoor games and some craft too. We had a lot of fun, laughter which commonplace most days, sure there was some drama, some sulking, a typical functioning healthy family. One challenge was to be creative and find something that they both liked to do, otherwise, you would have a 3-year-old doing what was appropriate for his age and the same for the 8-year-old, so lots of compromising ensued. There were also many times when I would have just one of them, which meant they had quality time for themselves with me. The boys were an absolute delight, very loving, very lovable, very cheeky too, and I gave as good as I got. ;-)

Sometimes I did a couple of extra chores, just because I saw a need, not that I was asked to.

I recommend the city centre, which has some nice history, though not easy to get to, public transport is limited, with maybe 5-6 buses a day running. ( 2.50 Euros one way ) The family kindly let me have use of a spare bike to get around, it's not ideal for walking till you reach the centre. Sometimes they would kindly give me a lift in or back. The beach is 13.5 miles away. Casalecci which is where I stayed is about 3 miles away from the train station. Note this is not an International/Tourist City, something I struggled with at times at first. I would have got much more out of this experience if I could speak Italian. Maybe a year there and I would be able to. Veruska is an English teacher and her English is excellent and so I was largely relying on her for conversation. We had some great conversations and laughs over the illogical English language. Communication was excellent and I was always informed about plans for the next day, though be prepared as sometimes plans can change at the last minute.

Often I would have lunch with the family when asked, which is great enjoying home-cooked food with 3 generations of the same family.

I stayed an extra month, though I was very tempted to stay longer and its a very heartwarming feeling to know that I am welcome back. We also promised each other we would keep in contact, with the occasional video call. That speaks volumes. I better end here though I am sure I have missed something. A lot to cover in 3 months, The Italian people are an absolute delight to be around. I am leaving a piece of me behind.

(Excellent )

1 Jan 2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Daniel)

We had a wonderful experience with Daniel: he is a friendly and easy going man.
He is outgoing and we easily built a nice friendship.
He helped us with a Language Exchange (play and speak in English with my two young boys).
At the beginning I was really doubtful to choose a man for this experience (we always had girls) but after the first days I… read more

(Excellent )

18 Feb 2015

Left by Workawayer (Angela) for host

Veruscka and her family were absolutely wonderful! I spent only about 1 and 1/2 weeks with her family and was very sad to leave. I had plane issues before I arrived and she was very understanding about the delay. By the end I felt as part of the family and her family is very welcoming. The work is very enjoyable as I liked playing with her son and… read more

(Excellent )

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Nice experience with our family in Grosseto, Italy

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Find your perfect host

Availability

Details

Description

Types of help and learning opportunities

Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

Projects involving children

Help

Languages

Accommodation

What else ...

A little more information

Can host digital nomads

Space for parking camper vans

How many Workawayers can stay?

Hours expected

Feedback (10)

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