Calabria is the southern-most region of the Italian peninsula, with the city Reggio Calabria located on the "toe" of the stiletto. Surrounded by the beautiful green sea, Calabria is also a mountainous region which offers a panoramic view of the strait of Messina. It is a historic region with many medieval villages and ancient castles as well as a fantastic arts and culture scene, with the National Museum in Reggio Calabria being the home of the two famous bronze Greek statues. The city also has a lively social scene and boasts many cafes, restaurants and leisure activities.
Meet Your Host Organisation Giovani per l'Europa is a international non-profit organisation, based in Nicotera in South Italy and specialising in European internship programmes, both as a sending and host organisation. The association dedicates itself to promote activities which help the young people's mobility and action, increasing their sensitivity for the cultural, instruction, political and economic diversities which are represented by different populations in Europe.
So – what can you expect during your 12 week placement in Calabria?
Travel Your air travel will be arranged by ETS. Many UK airports offer flights to Rome with a connection to Reggio Calabria - but as we book according to price and availability, we find that London airports are generally the best choice.
On arrival in Italy, you’ll be met by the Host Organiser
who’ll accompany you to your accommodation, arrange your language course and settle you in to your work placement.
Accommodation Your language training will take place in Nicotera, while work placements are based in Reggio Calabria. For this reason, all participants move to new accommodation after the language course.
For each stage, you’ll be living on a self-catering basis in a shared house or flat. Accommodation varies, so you could be sharing with other participants or Italian students.
You’ll be responsible for cleaning your own room, and it should be left in good condition when you leave.
Please note: while we take care to place you in the best accommodation available, we do stress that living standards abroad are not always as high as in the UK. Accommodation can be basic, but we will make sure that it’s perfectly suited to your needs.
Language Course
Your programme begins with an Italian course at Nicotera language school. Classes cater for all abilities, from beginner to degree level, and tutors will aim to take your personal needs into account.
The course runs for 4 hours per day, from Monday to Friday for a period of 2 weeks. This is a key part of your placement, so attendance is compulsory.
Work Experience
Once your language course is completed, your work experience begins. Your placement will last for 10 weeks, in and around Reggio Calabria. You’ll need to travel to your workplace, either on foot or by public transport. Depending on your placement, travel to work may take up to an hour.
Choosing your work placement
You’ll find all kinds of industries and placements in Calabria. Selection is based on your language skills, past experience and qualifications - as well as your personal interests and future aspirations.
At the moment we have placements running in these – and other - sectors:
Arts and cultural organisations /museums
Architecture
Agriculture/forestry
Legal sector
Business
NGOs
Environmental/recycling
Travel & Tourism
IT
Research & Development
Sports & Leisure
Hair & Beauty
These industries can offer you extensive opportunities. And naturally, new market sectors are always being explored...
Work experience in Italy
