WHAT DOES THE JOB INVOLVE?

If you’re enthusiastic, positive and dependable
this could be the experience for you!

Each summer ACLE sends over 250 native English speaking tutors to around 150 Camps in Italy. Our Camps are located all over Italy - from the Dolomites to Sicily. Camps are either city based (City/Day Camps) or residential (Summer Camps). Locations change every year but previous Camps have been held in Rome, Milan, Sicily, Bologna, Dolomites, Pisa, Siena, Naples to name a few. It’s a great summer experience with fantastic benefits for you and the children you meet.

Take a look at our photo gallery and see for yourself!

This is not your traditional teaching job! ACLE focuses on fostering English development through the use of interesting and engaging methods such as games, songs and drama.

The children are generally aged between 6 and 16 and will expect blood, sweat and cheers from you. Your own creativity, input and ideas are essential to make the Camps more enjoyable for the children and yourself!

Knowledge of drama, songs and suitable games you enjoy playing are vital. Simply following the provided programme is not sufficient.

• Be a Native English speaker (distinct foreign accents are not acceptable). GENUINELY enjoy working with children.

• Be energetic, positive, flexible and know how to smile.

• Be aged between 20 and 30 by June 1st of the year in which you are applying (Please note you may still apply if your age is outside this range) or have completed a minimum of a year at university, college or experienced a gap year!

• Be in possession of a valid passport. If you are in the process of applying for your passport, please send in your application followed by a copy of your passport once you have obtained it.

Please read the F.A.Q’s BEFORE contacting the office, if after that you have a question which was not included in the FAQ, please contact us on info@acle.org

We ask applicants to fill out our application. Listed under our application is a check list of the essential information needed to support and complete your application. Please ensure you send us all the items on this list with your application, otherwise

If you are ready for an exciting and life changing summer (with a difference) apply now!

Please send your application pack including all required documents asap. The originals plus supporting material (see the list below) must reach us by post as soon as possible. Once your application has been received we will be in touch with you via email. Please ensure your correct, up to date email address is on your application or contact us if it changes after you have sent your application. If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of posting your application, please get in touch with us at info@acle.org

The application process is in two parts. Once we have received your application, prospective applicants will be asked to complete the Distant Learning Course. You have up to two weeks to complete this. After this is received, approved applicants will be invited to attend one of the four or five day Intensive TEFL Introductory Courses (Orientation).

The application deadline is April 30th. Please email us once you have posted your application.

If applying for the August Camps you must be able to attend the 4 or 5 day TEFL/Orientation Course starting on August 18th or 19th (to be confirmed), being sure to arrive the day before.

Please ensure you have read all the information on this website thoroughly before applying - note the conditions and TEFL course (Orientation) details.

Please compile the following: (Your application MUST INCLUDE ALL the points below, if not we will NOT be able to consider you for a position)

1. A completed ACLE Camp Tutor application form, click here
2. Visual information about yourself, including photographs or anything you feel will support your application. e.g. Work you have carried out with children, photos showing you interacting with others or of any craft examples you may have. CDs/DVDs/Cassette tapes are fine but do not send videos unless they are EU compatible.
3. A brief CV (resume)
4. Two ACLE character references, click here. Please print and ask two referees from previous employers (not friends or family) to complete. A letter of reference from your college/university tutor (on headed paper) is also acceptable (if you feel the standard reference form does not suit an educational department). Where possible an official stamp from your referee would be appreciated (on the reference form)
5. A photocopy of the details page of your passport.
6. If you come from a European Union Country an E111 medical form or a copy of your EH1C card. If from a non European Union Country you must have your own health / travel insurance policy (Please include a copy or if purchasing once being accepted into the programme please stipulate this on your application)
7. Two passport size photos with your full name written on the back

Please double check you have all of the above and post your complete pack to:

Tutor Application
ACLE
Via Roma 54
18038 Sanremo (IM)
ITALY

Please email us on info@acle.org to confirm you have posted your application so we know it is on the way.

Speakers have these structures “engraved” in their brain since early childhood. In order to modify these structures the brain must be stimulated through engaging and constructive repetition done in a caring environment.

Boring repetition with an unfriendly and unmotivated teacher produces no change (just think of how you have been taught a foreign language and how much you have learnt) It is now proved that the deeper parts of the brain which react to emotional stimuli “switch on” the outer and Rational (R) cortex.

The challenging and revolutionary aspect of ACLE’s teaching methodology (the REAL approach) is that it focuses on the constant stimulation of the Learner (L) through Emotional (E) engagement in an Affective (A) friendly environment. If you think that a 12-year-old child may have said “non vado” (not go) 10 to 20 thousand times, how many times will it take to re-organise and re-engrave “ I don’t go” or “I’m not going” in his/her memory? Another thing to remember is that we don’t have; “do”, “does”, “did”, “will”, “would” or equivalents, in the Italian language, they don’t exist!

Now think. Are you prepared to interact with the children and be able to repeat in a clear, energetic and exciting way the correct sentences throughout the camp? This is something Italian teachers don’t do, can’t do, are not prepared to do. This is what we do with fun. We speak “with” the children and not “to” the children, this is why every year more and more children and parents, and teachers think that;

1. ACLE Tutors are great!
2. ACLES REAL approach works
3. Fun, pleasure and a caring environment are essential ingredients
4. This experience lights up the interest and the curiosity
5. The old system HAS TO BE CHANGED!
6. Only motivated and inspirational teachers should be allowed to teach

This is what we want you to do at the ACLE Camps, “motivate and inspire”. You will have a great impact on our obsolete scholastic system. Because of that and your tireless efforts we, ACLE supporters throughout Italy, say “THANK YOU ACLE TUTORS”!

Is it easier to learn or unlearn?

1. This is a list of “brain engraved” structures that are difficult to unlearn and need to be relearned,
2. I have 15 years
3. I have thirst
4. Now I play
5. Yesterday I not have played tennis
6. Yesterday I not am gone at Milano
7. Michael Jackson is better of Madonna
8. The my mother not speak English
9. You must to speak slowly
10. The car of John
11. My apple is more good of your
12. Can you to go ?
13. Want you to go …..?

Sounds

With some 25 letters humans can produce some 45 sounds. Not all languages use all these sounds. The sound R is familiar to Italian and Spanish speakers but not to Chinese or Japanese people.

After adolescence the brain becomes deaf to unheard sounds and is unable to reproduce them. It takes patience and repetition “to hear” these sounds and “pronounce” them. The following sounds are difficult for Italian speakers; TH, H, English R, long vowels like “leave”, “sheep”, “sheet”, “no”, “please”, “far”, “low”, “cheese”, “you”, “wow”, “cold”, etc. Become aware of how you stress these sounds. Think of sentences or songs or games using these sounds. What English speakers find difficult is to pronounce double… eg Pavaroti instead of PavaroTTi. Italian speakers find it difficult to pronounce sheep and not ship.

Body language and funny noises

You want to tell a new friend that doesn’t speak or understand your language about a trip you recently made. You only know 5 words of this language and you can only use 5 words, and a lot of sign language and lots of emotional sounds. Try to tell him as much as you can for 3 minutes. See if you are successful. Make sure the energy in your voice doesn’t drop!

Make yourself familiar with grammar terminology

In order to become familiar with English grammar terminology, write sentences including:

• simple present
• present continuous
• simple past
• prepositions of time
• demonstrative adjectives
• saxon genitive
• future definite
• comparative with 2 elements
• superlative with 3 elements
• the past participle of “to be”

Suggested readings

A Damasio – Descarts’ Error
D Goleman – Emotional Intelligence
H Gardner – Multiple Intelligences

These books explain the reasons/grounds on which we base ACLE humanistic student centered teaching approach.

ACLE Tutors also have many options to work for us:

• Based on your performance, work a total of 8-12 weeks at SUMMER & CITY CAMPS during the summer.
• To work in Language Schools associated to ACLE after the summer.
• To work as a Tutor teaching English in schools all over Italy during the academic year.
• To work as an actor in ACLE’s THEATRINO theatre department touring Italy for 3 to 7 months.
• To work in one of ACLE’s offices in Italy.

Justin Bowen (American) justinbowen@gmail.com
Jessica Braude (Canadian) jessbraude@hotmail.com
Leahanne King (Australian) magooit@hotmail.com
Stuart Williams (English) sgw1978@hotmail.co.uk

We’ve had some great tutors work with us in the past - here’s what a few of them had to say about their experience…
“I had such a good time working with the children over the summer, it was one of the best things that I have done. I got to see so much of Italian culture and I really felt integrated within the communities that I stayed in. It is a lot of work but you only ever seem to notice on Friday when the kids go home and there is no camp the next day. I would recommend this to anyone who feels they would like to challenge themselves” -David Wright, UK-

“English Summer Camps with ACLE were simply the best three weeks of my life! Orientation was a blast, spent with some of the coolest people from all over the world… and in a stunning location! The camps were also a lot of fun, meeting some great personalities in both the children and the other counsellors. And it’s all led on to great opportunities in other places. I’d absolutely recommend this experience to anyone who’s up for it!” -Janelle Gullo, Australia -
“ACLE has provided me with a fantastic experience - not only a different perspective on teaching, but being able to live and work in another country, gaining first hand experience of a different culture” -Catherine Edwards, UK-

“The time I spent working in the ACLE camps this summer was amazing! The experience was both enriching for me and the children and I am honoured to have had the opportunity to work with such intelligent and motivated children. The summer camp program that ACLE offers is extraordinary and gives the children a first-hand opportunity to experience the English language and culture. The hard work with these children paid off in the end because an invaluable experience was given to them and they developed a deeper love for the English language because of it” -Tania Pitoscia, Canada-

“I really feel that it should be me thanking you! I had a fantastic time in Italy this summer. Although the work was hard at times, it was great experience and I would like to repeat it in one form or another” -Maddi Price, UK-

“Working for ACLE didn’t only allow me to gain amazing work experience that has now earned me a high-paying job as an ESL tutor at my university, I also gained an international family composed of fellow tutors from across the globe, camp directors, Italian children and their welcoming families, all of whom I will have a life-long connection with. I’ve never loved ‘work’ so much! Thanks again for everything!” - Bagel (Carly Bagelman)- America-

“The best comparison I can think of would be with something like skydiving; a great deal of anticipation, preparation, and apprehension as you stand ready to go. Perhaps a brief ‘oh crap’ moment as you start out, which quickly turns into a crazy adrenaline rush as the world whirls on by - and too busy having fun to take it all in. But then, in no time at all, it’s over, and you can’t wait to get back up for the next jump…” -Dan Botting, (Mr Ten Potting) UK

“It was truly an unforgettable experience which I will never forget. I have made myself a scrapbook with all my photos, postcards, tickets, brochures in etc, which I can’t get enough of - I keep looking back at it as such an amazing experience which I cannot thank you all enough for!” -Adrian Whittaker, UK-

“It was through ACLE that we were able to travel to beautiful places and experiences their particular traditions. It was through ACLE that our hearts were touched forever by tiny hands and big smiles of the children we taught. It was such an amazing experience that we can’t wait to go back.” -Nicolle Harrity & Carlie Frye, America-

“I really think it’s great for Italian children to be exposed to people from all over the world. It’s not only a learning experience for them, but also for the teachers. I loved working at the camps this summer. The people I worked with were amazing and the children were great. I learned a lot from my experience that I will take with me forever. It was my first time in Italy and I fell in love with it” – Genevive Savundranayagam, Canada-

“Every day I spend at work, I remember how lucky I was to have experienced A.C.L.E., a job with meaning, passion and something I care about. A job that gives you amazing rewards. ACLE doesn’t just give you a pat on the back for a job well done. Instead they give you gratitude, appreciation, love and most importantly a smile on a childs’ face (all human qualities other jobs don’t give).” -Lidia Costa, Australia-

“I just want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to live, work, and experience Italy this past summer! I truly had a life changing experience while I was working for A.C.L.E. I am a different, stronger, better person now because of this summer. This was by far the most rewarding and enjoyable summer I have spent thus far in my 23 years.” -Emily Hill, America-

The Orientation Course is held in Sanremo – a coastal town about 30 minutes from France. The closest airports are Nice (France), Genoa, Milan and Turin respectively taking one to four hours by train to Sanremo.

The Orientation lasts four or five days and will provide you with the opportunity to meet other Tutors, ask questions, practice games, songs etc and get enthused for the summer. A lot of information will be thrown at you but it’s all necessary to ensure a great summer season!

Please note that we are unable to let Tutors select where they work. After your Orientation Course we will place each Tutor at a Camp matching the needs of the Camp with the Tutors skills.

In the unlikely event that after your course we consider you to be unsuitable for work at ACLE Camps you will not be liable to pay your course fee and no further commitment will exist on either part. We take no responsibility for any costs incurred as a result of you traveling to Sanremo for the course.

Upon successfully completing two weeks of Camp with ACLE you will receive an ACLE Introductory TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Certificate in the mail.

The Distance Learning Introductory TEFL Course includes information on the orientation, basic grammar structures to teach children of different age groups, Italian children and a progress assessment sheet - to be completed and returned.

TEFL Distant Learning Course

• Full board and lodging
• Traveling expenses within Italy from one Camp to another
• Insurance against accidents connected with Camp activities whilst working (however, you are required to have your own health & travel insurance policy)

Salaries will be paid in Euros once the contract has been completed, but advances can be arranged.

Camps start directly after Orientation. Each Camp is one or two weeks long and an average tutor works for a total of 4 - 5 weeks. There are two factors that will determine how long you work for:
• You prove to be an excellent Tutor.
• There are Camps available to work at.
The number of Camps we run varies from week to week, some periods (July 20- August 20th) being far quieter than others. The number of Tutors we require also varies from week to week and the available work may not always be offered consecutively.

• When should I book my return flight?

In the past, Tutors first decide how many weeks they would like to work for. They usually have a back up plan for when the quiet period begins or in the case of no camps available i.e Travel, visit family or friends. Some airlines give you the option of flying into one country / city and leaving from another, they also may allow you to change your departure date free of charge - you will have to ask about this when purchasing your ticket. Tutors crossing the Atlantic into Europe have found it cheaper to fly into the UK and then taking a Ryan air flight www.ryanair.com to Milan (followed by a 5 hour journey to Sanremo), Geneva (followed by a 2-3 hour journey to Sanremo) or an Easy jet flight www.easyjet.com to Nice - France (followed by a 1.5 - 2 hr journey to Sanremo).

If arriving in Nice you need to catch the bus to the train Station - Nice Villa, If there is no direct train to Sanremo you purchase a ticket and take the first train to Ventimiglia - Italy and at Ventimiglia you need to purchase another ticket for Sanremo. Trains in Italy www.trenitalia.com or http://www.ferroviedellostato.it

• If I can’t make it to Orientation, can I start later?

It is imperative that you attend an Orientation before you are sent to work in a Camp! You must arrive in Sanremo the day before the Orientation. Orientations will be held on May 27th, June 2nd, 9th and 17th, 2008. You will learn specific skills and gain a good understanding of how the ACLE Camps work. You will start your first Camp directly after Orientation. ACLE also has 2-3 weeks work for people starting with Orientation around August 18th.

• If I apply with my friend/partner, can we work together?

Usually we are able to accommodate for friends/partners traveling and working together. However, due to the nature of the job we cannot guarantee you will be placed at the same Camp.