Volunteer in Sicily, Italy

Share what you’ve been given.

Sicily enjoys a rich albeit checkered history and offers a colorful culture filled with amazement. The largest Italian island, it is among the poorest regions in Europe, and Castelvetrano, the community Global Volunteers serves, is among the poorest in all of Sicily. Knowing English enables students to escape poverty and live a full and meaningful life.

Volunteers help children, youth, and adults develop practical conversational English skills while also supporting locally led community projects. You have the opportunity to become significant in ways you could not imagine by becoming a Global Volunteer.

Whether teaching in schools, leading summer English camps, tutoring adults, or helping transform community spaces, volunteers contribute to long-term community goals while experiencing the abundant culture, history, joy, and hospitality of Sicily.

You’ll stay in an extraordinarily quaint and large guesthouse, in the heart of historic Castelvetrano. Comfortable rooms, each with a private bathroom and television are double occupancy, although singles are available for an additional fee. An evening meal at a Mediterranean seaside restaurant and a tour of the 650 BC ancient Greek ruins are just a couple of the cultural immersion experiences that await you.

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“There is so much to love about the Global Volunteers program in Sicily—the eager students, beautiful location, glorious food, fascinating history, and more.” Cynthia Hanson, Italy Volunteer 2026

“This is an amazing program and am very happy to support annually.” Jennifer Shiffman, Italy Volunteer 2026

“The Sicily Global Volunteers Service Program in Castelvetrano is an excellent program and I highly recommend it.” Patricia Coar, Italy Volunteer 2025

“My daughter had the opportunity to participate in the English Summer Camp and after two wonderful weeks spent with the volunteers, she began to speak English without inhibitions, displaying surprising spontaneity and fluency.” Carmen Atzeni, mother of summer camp student

“Welcoming native English-speaking volunteers into our classrooms gives our students an extraordinary opportunity to experience another language and culture in a natural, human, and joyful way.” Principal Maria Rosa Barone of the Lombardo Radice Pappalardo Institute

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Italy Service Program Information

Explore the beauty of Sicily, Italy’s largest island in the heart of the Mediterranean.

Click the tabs below to learn more about the Italy service program.

Community Work Projects

The Difference You Make As a Volunteer in Italy

Why Volunteers Are Needed

Although Sicily is one of Europe’s most visited regions and its agricultural products are exported worldwide, many residents face limited educational and employment opportunities because of insufficient English language skills.

English has become an essential tool for educational and employment success in Sicily. English enables Sicilians to escape poverty by opening doors to higher education, international exchange programs, and careers in tourism, business, technology, and public service. Yet many students and adults in smaller Sicilian communities have limited opportunities to practice conversational English with fluent speakers.

Read more about why volunteers are needed

This language gap affects many areas of daily life:

Education: English proficiency is increasingly required for university admission, international study programs, advanced coursework, and access to academic research because much research is published in English. Consequently, students without strong English skills have fewer educational choices and lack opportunities to expand their horizons.
Employment: Tourism is Sicily’s largest industry, attracting millions of international visitors annually. Many local residents are unable to benefit from jobs in tourism, hospitality, and customer service careers because they either do not know English or lack confidence communicating in English.
Agriculture and Business: Sicily is internationally known for products such as citrus fruits, wine, olive oil, and Castelvetrano’s famous olives. However, language barriers make it more difficult for producers, workers, and exporters to communicate with international buyers, participate in global markets, sell their products, and expand business opportunities.
Career Development: English competency is expected in many professions and is required for numerous public-sector positions under Italian law, making English language skills an important factor in long-term career success.

Many schools and academic organizations are working hard to improve English education, but Italian teachers for whom English is a second or third language cannot provide students with authentic conversation practice.

In addition to language needs, some young people face significant social and economic challenges. At TED Vocational High School, many students come from disadvantaged backgrounds and rely on vocational education as one of their best opportunities to build stable and independent futures. Because qualified English teachers are not always available, students have limited opportunities to learn the technical English vocabulary needed in their future professions.

The community also continues to invest in reclaiming and improving public spaces that provide safe, positive environments for children and youth. One such project is Ciuri di Zagara, a property confiscated from the mafia and transformed into a youth development center that now serves local families.

The Difference You Make

You can make a huge difference and change the arc of a student’s life, something that textbooks alone cannot offer. You can engage students in authentic real-world English conversation through human interaction. You do not need to be a teacher, and previous teaching experience is not required; although professional teachers are always very helpful. Nearly 4,000 global volunteers have taught conversational English to Italian students since 1995, and most were not professional teachers. Every fluent English speaker can do this!

Read more about the difference you make as a volunteer

Conversational English in Local Schools – October through May

Volunteers teach conversational English alongside local teachers in preschool, elementary, middle, and high schools, using Global Volunteers Conversational English Teaching Guide which includes lesson plans, classroom activities, and teaching resources suitable for learners of all levels. Lessons focus on vocabulary and practical communication rather than memorization, helping students build confidence in speaking, listening, pronunciation, and everyday conversation.

Volunteers often teach in pairs, lead group discussions, tutor individual students, and use engaging activities including games, songs, role-playing, skits, and cultural presentations. Conversational topics may include your and your students’ daily life, local culture, country history, preferred sports, favorite music, national holidays, and school experiences.

Vocational High School – October through May

Volunteers also assist students at TED Vocational High School by helping them learn English related to automotive technology, culinary arts, electrical installation, aesthetics, and hairdressing. In addition to introducing technical vocabulary, volunteers encourage students to speak English, help build their confidence, and demonstrate genuine interest in their future success. Volunteers with experience in the trades are especially valuable, but anyone who is patient, flexible, encouraging, and interested in older teens can make an important contribution.

Summer English Language Camps – June through September

You are needed to help conduct English camps for local children in partnership with schools and the Castelvetrano

Scout organization. Through games, music, creative activities, and interactive conversation, volunteers create an enjoyable and exciting learning environment where children age 8 through 15 gain confidence using English in practical situations. This immersive experience allows students to make significant progress in speaking and listening while developing friendships with volunteers from around the world. Immersive language learning research shows that two weeks of intensive conversational exposure can produce language gains equivalent to an entire academic year of classroom instruction. These improvements show up later in test scores, university applications, and job readiness.

Youth and Adults – Year Round

Community members request informal English conversation practice to improve their language abilities for work, travel, higher education, and personal goals. These relaxed sessions allow you to share your language skills while learning about Sicilian culture, local traditions, and the daily life of your students.

Community Labor Projects – August & September

Volunteers are needed to support the Castelvetrano Scouts Organization at Ciuri di Zagara, by helping improve a property reclaimed from the mafia which is being transformed into a vibrant youth center. Help with renovating indoor activity spaces, pruning trees, clearing pathways, planting flowers, and improving outdoor areas are all needed. This community project is intended to help create safe, welcoming spaces where children and young people can learn, play, and grow.

Impact

Volunteers create lasting benefits for Sicilian students and adults while enjoying wonderful experiences learning from and about Sicilians and their engrossing culture and traditions.

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Students develop stronger English communication skills that improve their confidence and prepare them for higher education, employment, tourism, business, and international opportunities. Regular conversations with native or fluent English speakers help learners gain practical skills that traditional classroom instruction alone cannot provide.

Children attending summer camps become more comfortable speaking English, expand their vocabulary, improve pronunciation, and discover that learning a language can be fun and enjoyable. The friendships formed with volunteers also increase motivation to continue studying long after the camp ends.

Students at TED Vocational High School expand their English vocabulary related to their professions, increasing their competitiveness in today’s workforce and enhancing future career possibilities.

Adults who participate in conversation sessions become better prepared to communicate with international visitors, pursue career advancement, travel confidently, and engage more fully in an increasingly interconnected world.

Community improvement projects leave behind lasting physical enhancements that benefit local children, families, and organizations for years to come while symbolizing the community’s ongoing commitment to positive change and youth development.

For volunteers, the experience is transformative. Living and serving alongside local residents offers a unique understanding of Sicilian culture while building lasting friendships based on mutual respect and shared purpose.

Together, volunteers and community members create opportunities that strengthen education, expand employment prospects, foster cross-cultural understanding, and help build a brighter future for the Sicilian people.

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Dates & Fees

Upcoming Volunteer Dates in Italy

Select Program Community

Find your preferred date by changing the year and program duration.

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Registration is quick and easy!

Choose program date and duration above.
Click on the option you prefer in the result list.
Complete the online registration and hold your place with a $350 deposit.

Be sure to select all applicable discounts. All payments tax-deductible.

Groups of 10 or more participants interested in dates not shown below should inquire with our Partnerships Department about adding exclusive dates to the schedule. Please email any inquiries to groups@globalvolunteers.org.

Arrival and Departure

Leave the details to us!

Your service program officially begins with the evening meal on the first Saturday.

You’ll be met at the Falcone Borsellino Airport in Palermo (PMO) by Global Volunteers representative and transported to Castelvetrano along with your teammates. You must inform us of your flight itinerary at least two weeks before the service program arrival date to confirm your airport transfer to the hotel. Plan your arrival at PMO for before 5:00 PM on the service arrival date and your departure from Palermo for after 10:00 AM on the final Saturday of your service program.

Accommodations

Feel at Home in the Heart of Sicily

Volunteers stay in comfortable, family-owned guesthouses in the historic center of Castelvetrano, within walking distance of cafés, restaurants, grocery stores, shops, beautiful piazzas, and many of our community partners. Staying in the heart of town offers both convenience and an authentic opportunity to experience everyday Sicilian life beyond your volunteer assignments.

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Our guesthouses feature comfortable, air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, and welcoming common areas where volunteers can relax, prepare for their assignments, or spend time with teammates.

Standard service program contributions cover double-occupancy accommodations. Single rooms are available for an additional modest fee of $39 per night ($270 per week and are assigned based on availability. Family accommodations are also available, with room arrangements depending on family size and availability.

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Meals

Savor Sicily: Where Every Meal Tells a Story

“The Sicilian restaurants, their proprietors, service, hospitality, and mostly the food was a thousand times more than adequate, healthy, and delicious. It was over the top!” Mary Donavan, 3-time Global Volunteer

In Sicily, food is a way to experience the island. In 2025, UNESCO inscribed Italian cooking, between sustainability and biocultural diversity on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, celebrating a culinary tradition rooted not only in food, but in respect for ingredients, craftsmanship, shared moments around the table, and the passing of flavors, skills, and memories from one generation to the next.

Nowhere is that spirit more vivid than in Sicily. Shaped by centuries of Greek, Arab, Spanish, and Italian influence, Sicilian cuisine brings together fresh Mediterranean ingredients, time-honored recipes, and a deep tradition of hospitality. In Castelvetrano, volunteers experience this remarkable food culture throughout their service program, sharing meals with teammates and discovering authentic local cuisine in the community they serve.
Each week includes 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners. Breakfast is self-serve with your teammates at the guesthouse, lunch is generally catered and shared together at the guesthouse, and dinners are enjoyed at nearby local restaurants, making mealtime another opportunity to experience the flavors, warmth, and everyday life of Sicily.

The flavors of Castelvetrano begin with ingredients that have defined this corner of Sicily for generations. The town is renowned for its distinctive olives and high-quality olive oil, alongside vine-ripened tomatoes, savory eggplant, fragrant basil, citrus fruits, fresh seafood, and Sicilian almonds. Here, simple ingredients become memorable dishes rooted in family, tradition, and the Mediterranean landscape.

You may enjoy arancini, golden breaded and fried rice balls with a variety of fillings; Pasta alla Norma, combining eggplant, tomato sauce, basil, and ricotta salata; and caponata, Sicily’s distinctive sweet-and-sour combination of eggplant, capers, olives, celery, and tomatoes. Then comes the sweeter side of Sicily: crisp cannoli filled with sweet ricotta cream, traditional almond pastries, and creamy handcrafted gelato. And, of course, there will be opportunities to enjoy authentic Sicilian pizza.

Breakfast typically includes cereal, yogurt, bread, fresh fruit, coffee, tea, and juice. Lunch orders are generally made a day in advance and delivered to the guesthouse, where volunteers gather around the table with their teammates. Dinners at nearby restaurants introduce volunteers to local dishes and Sicilian hospitality while offering time to relax, connect, and reflect on the day’s service.

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Cultural Immersion

Live the culture

Sicily is an amazing place! Discover its history, traditions, and flavors while working with and learning from and about the local people. All of the following activities are included in the two-week service program; some of these activities are included in the one-week service program.

Table Talk: Discussion with Local Expert on Mediterranean Diet

Enjoy an engaging presentation by Gaetano Caldarera, a biologist and nutrition expert, who shares the history and health benefits of the Mediterranean diet while explaining why Sicilian cuisine is considered one of the healthiest in the world.

Tour an olive oil mill

Discover how olives are transformed into world-class extra virgin olive oil, learn about centuries-old harvesting traditions, and sample some of Sicily’s finest olive oils and table olives. Experience a guided tour of a local olive mill.

Explore Selinunte Archaeological Park

Explore the island’s Greek heritage dating back more than 2,500 years. The magnificent Selinunte Archaeological Park is one of Europe’s largest and most impressive ancient Greek archaeological sites. Wander among majestic temple ruins overlooking the Mediterranean Sea while learning about its remarkable history.

Visit San Domenico, the "Sistine Chapel of Sicily"

This extraordinary church is called the “Sistine Chapel of Sicily” because of its amazing Baroque artwork and magnificent interior.

Dinner on the Sea

Share a memorable evening overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, enjoying authentic Sicilian cuisine while getting to know fellow volunteers, local staff, and community members. These relaxed gatherings are among the most memorable moments of the volunteer experience.

Visit a pasta flour mill

The renowned Molini del Ponte flour mill is internationally recognized for producing some of Italy’s finest artisan flours using traditional stone milling methods. The mill has been featured three times in The New York Times for its commitment to preserving ancient Sicilian grains and sustainable farming practices. Learn about traditional flour production and take the opportunity to purchase locally made pasta and other specialty products.

You’ll learn directly from local residents, explore Sicily’s remarkable history, and experience the traditions that have shaped this extraordinary island for thousands of years. These activities will help you build deeper relationships with the local people while gaining a richer understanding of Sicilian life that will enable you to better serve the community.

Get a taste of what’s waiting for you in Sicily.

Watch this short travel documentary showcasing the beaches, ancient ruins, and hidden gems of Sicily.

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Weekly Schedule

A Day in Your Life as a Volunteer in Sicily

Please note that the following itinerary may be adjusted to accommodate the needs of each different service program.

Itinerary

MORNING/AFTERNOON

Arrival. Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be met by a Global Volunteers representative as you exit baggage claim, who will transport you to your accommodations to check in.

EVENING

Welcome Dinner. Your team leader will join you and all the volunteers for dinner, introductions, and a description of the following day's orientation.

The second week (Monday-Friday) follows the same schedule as the first week of service.

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Team Leader

Italy Country Manager and Team Leader

Your Sicilian team leader is looking forward to meeting you!

“This program’s single biggest asset is Giovanni. He took such good care of us. He set our expectations so clearly and followed through on everything. He was kind, encouraging, and so generous in sharing his knowledge and personal history with us.” reports Cynthia Hanson, 2026 Sicily Volunteer.

Born and raised in Castelvetrano, Sicily, Giovanni Parrino serves as Global Volunteers’ Manager of International Operations and Italy Country Manager, leading the organization’s service program in Italy while supporting international operations across Global Volunteers’ worldwide partnerships.

Giovanni holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Finance and an Advanced Master’s in European Project Management. Before joining Global Volunteers in 2022, he managed international development, education, and emergency-response projects for Caritas in Djibouti and Somalia, worked in international cooperation with Perigeo NGO, and contributed to volunteer and community initiatives in Jordan, Peru, Ecuador, Burundi, and Ethiopia. He also served as Councilor for Social Policies for the Municipality of Castelvetrano.

From the beginning of Global Volunteers’ Italy program in Sicily, Giovanni has worked closely with schools, municipal leaders, libraries, Scout organizations, and other community partners to expand educational opportunities and develop meaningful service projects that respond to locally identified priorities. Under his leadership, the program has continued to grow through long-term partnerships that create lasting benefits for both volunteers and the Castelvetrano community.

Giovanni believes that the most meaningful volunteer experiences are built on authentic relationships, mutual respect, and cultural exchange. His goal is to help every volunteer experience Sicily, not simply as a visitor, but as a welcomed member of the local community while contributing to projects that create lasting impact.

What other volunteers say about Giovanni:

“You need to get a new survey and a new scale just for Giovanni. It’s unfair to rate him on a scale of 1 to 5 when he deserves a 14 out of 10.” Joel Zaslofsky, 2026 Sicily volunteer

“Giovanni was an exceptional team leader, truly inspiring. He handled the practical aspects well and worked very hard to be sure we had experiences that led us to understand and value his community.” Joann Zoff, 2026 Sicily Volunteer.

“Giovanni is exceptional at his job, using his community connections to enhance this program. He exceeded in providing us with the needed resources and emotional support so that we could be successful with the students. His love for the community and the volunteers in this program is clearly evident and the main reason this program thrives in this community.” Elena Woodward, 2026 Sicily Volunteer.

“Giovanni was a dream team leader. He worked from morning till night to make sure we had a pleasant and worthwhile experience. He visited the schools to which we were assigned and communicated frequently. He loves Castelvetrano and wants the best for its people. He was cheerful and informative; he is an admirable team leader.” Patricia Gladden, 2025 two-time global volunteer to Sicily.

“You are in extremely good hands with Giovanni. The perfect combination of taking care of business while also having fun. He welcomed us with open arms into his family, his community, and Sicily. He went above and beyond time and time again to make sure we were meeting our team goals and having an experience of a lifetime.” Connie Eastman, 2023 four-time global volunteer, twice to Sicily.

“Giovanni is a very responsible communicator with the patience on the job. Pays attention to details and is very transparent.” Bob Montgomery, 2023 Sicily Volunteer.

“Giovanni is authentic and passionate about his community. He is kind and generous with a warm, compassionate heart.” Karen Fairchild, 2023 three-time volunteer.

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Community Partners

Our Host and Community Partners in Sicily

Global Volunteers only serves where we are invited by a local host organization or community partner. In Sicily, we were invited by the Municipality of Castelvetrano and work alongside local schools, the Scout association, community organizations, and other local partners. Together, these community partners create opportunities for volunteers to support English education, youth development, cultural exchange, and community improvement.

Municipality of Castelvetrano

Located in southwestern Sicily, Castelvetrano is an important community in the Belice Valley and includes the coastal areas of Marinella di Selinunte and Triscina. The municipality is known for its agricultural heritage, particularly its olive production, as well as its proximity to the archaeological site of Selinunte, one of Sicily’s most important ancient Greek sites.

Castelvetrano’s economy is shaped by agriculture, tourism, commerce, and its connection to the Mediterranean coast. Tourism is especially important to the surrounding area, creating a growing need for young people and adults to communicate confidently with international visitors. English therefore represents more than an academic subject. It is a practical skill that can strengthen access to education, employment, travel, and participation in an increasingly international economy.

The municipality’s partnership with Global Volunteers reflects its commitment to creating educational and cultural opportunities for local community members. By welcoming fluent English-speaking volunteers into schools, youth programs, community activities, and English conversation programs, Castelvetrano provides local people with opportunities to practice English in natural, informal settings that complement formal language instruction.

For young people, English can serve as a passport to university programs, technical information, tourism-related employment, and careers that increasingly require international communication. For adults, it can make it easier to welcome visitors, travel, communicate professionally, or simply connect with people from other countries.

Global Volunteers is privileged to work hand-in-hand with a local government that recognizes education, cultural exchange, and community partnerships as important investments in the future of Castelvetrano.

Local Schools

Schools throughout Castelvetrano welcome Global Volunteers to provide students with opportunities to practice conversational English with fluent speakers. Volunteers work with preschool, elementary, middle, and high school students, usually alongside local teachers and other volunteers.

Local teachers provide the educational foundation, while volunteers bring a different kind of learning opportunity: authentic conversation with someone from another country. Students may discuss North American culture, history, daily life, sports, music, school systems, travel, or other subjects that encourage them to use English naturally.

For many students, the greatest challenge is not learning English vocabulary or grammar but finding the confidence to speak. Volunteers create a relaxed environment where students can experiment with the language, ask questions, make mistakes, and discover that communication is more important than perfection.

TED Vocational High School

TED Vocational High School provides an especially important opportunity for Global Volunteers to support students whose education is closely connected to their future employment.

With approximately 120 students, TED offers career-focused training in fields including auto mechanics, aesthetics and hairdressing, culinary arts, and electrical installation. Many of its students come from disadvantaged backgrounds, making the school an important pathway to practical skills and greater economic opportunity.

English is particularly relevant to vocational education because much of the technical information students encounter in their future careers is available in English. Equipment manuals, online training resources, technical terminology, and information about new technologies often require an understanding of the language.

V. Pappalardo Middle School – Summer English Day Camp

The V. Pappalardo Middle School hosts Global Volunteers’ Summer English Day Camp for children ages 10 to 12 each June.

The camp gives students an opportunity to practice English in an energetic, informal environment outside the structure of a traditional school day.

Through games, songs, cultural presentations, conversation, and interactive activities, volunteers encourage children to use English naturally while learning about life in North America and other countries represented by the volunteer team. Students also have an opportunity to share their own Sicilian traditions, families, interests, and experiences.

AGESCI Scout Association – Castelvetrano 1

The local AGESCI Castelvetrano 1 Scout Group welcomes Global Volunteers for Summer English Day Camps held in July and again in late August or early September. The informal Scout environment gives children opportunity to use English outside a conventional classroom and encourages them to learn through participation and conversation.

The partnership also extends beyond English instruction. In September, volunteers assist in projects that improve the Scout Base and support facilities used by local young people throughout the year. Volunteers work alongside Scouts at Ciuri di Zagara, helping transform a large warehouse into a multipurpose activity space and improving the surrounding grounds through projects such as pruning trees, clearing pathways, and planting flowers and greenery.

Ciuri di Zagara has particular significance for the community because the property was reclaimed from the Mafia and transformed into a place dedicated to youth development and positive community activity. Volunteers contribute not only their labor but also their presence and encouragement to a project that represents the community’s commitment to creating a different future for its young people.

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Solo & Couple Volunteers

Italy Volunteers Serving Individually, Couples, or Families

66%

over 50

65%

women

10%

families

Volunteer solo, but you won’t serve alone!

Most volunteers arrive without knowing anyone; but by the end of the first day, they have new friends to enjoy, laugh with, and serve with. Whatever your age or background, there’s a place for you here.

Global Volunteers offers among the safest and most inviting ways for individuals to travel alone and become part of a group of friends. From the moment you arrive, you’re folded into a team of volunteers. Our team leader and local community partners guide you, look out for you, engage you in meaningful service, and ensure you always know where to be and what’s next, so you can focus on what matters most; the connections you make with local people.

Solo volunteers come in their twenties and in their seventies, between jobs and between chapters of life, and they all find the same thing waiting: a team that has your back and a service program that leaves you with friendships that last for many years.

From honeymoons to retirement, couples serve side by side as their relationship blooms.

Wondering whether a service program is really the right thing to do together as a couple? Consider this: Global Volunteers exists because of one couple. Our co-founders, Bud Philbrook and Michele Gran, spent part of their honeymoon volunteering in a small rural Guatemalan village. That single shared experience moved them so deeply they built an entire organization around it which they called Global Volunteers. Read the full story here: Global Volunteers “Conceived” on Honeymoon – Global Volunteers.

Forty years later, couples are still discovering that serving side by side reveals each other in ways an ordinary vacation never will. You won’t have to choose between time together and making a difference; you’ll get both. Our team leader and local partners handle the logistics, so the only thing you’re managing is how much fun you’re having serving others. And it fits whatever chapter you’re in. Newlyweds, this is a honeymoon you’ll still be talking about at your fiftieth anniversary. Recently retired, with time and energy finally your own again? There’s no richer way to spend it than building something meaningful as a team. Whatever your age, you’ll both come to know Sicily the way local people do, and you’ll head home closer than when you arrived, with friendships among teammates and community members that feel like family.

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Family Volunteering

Families who volunteer together, bond together!

Family volunteering offers a bonding opportunity unlike any other. Whether it’s one parent and one child, or both parents, grandparents, and the whole brood, volunteering together is an incredibly valuable and meaningful experience.

Minimum Ages for Family Service Projects

Country	Community	Min Age	Notes
China	Xi'an	10
Cook Islands	Rarotonga	8
Greece	School Year - Maleviziou, Island of Crete	12
Greece	Summer English Day Camp - Maleviziou, Island of Crete	6
Italy	Castelvetrano, Sicily	12	school year
Italy	Castelvetrano, Sicily	10	summer camps JuneAugust
Malaysia	Johor Bahru	7
Montana	Blackfeet Reservation	8
Nepal	Kathmandu	10
Peru	Lima	7
Poland	School Year Program - Reymontowka	6
Poland	Language Camp Led by Ukrainian Team Leader - Reymontowka	6
Poland	Polish-Ukrainian Summer Program - Siedlce	6
Puerto Rico	Aguada	10
St. Lucia	Anse La Raye	8
Tanzania	Ipalamwa Area	13
Texas	San Juan	12
Vietnam	Hanoi	15

Choose Country

Choose Age Range

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Parents and legal guardians of minors – under age 18 – must complete a Minor Registration and travel with their children. Children 15 and under must work closely with their parent or legal guardian on family service projects. To ensure a positive experience for everyone, parents and guardians must comply with Global Volunteers’ minor supervision policy.

Youth are invited to offer their own perspectives in team meetings and fully participate in the community work projects and free-time activities. In this way, your child gains a personal understanding of the Italian culture as well as the role and responsibilities of a team member. They might also create life-long friendships with local youth and other volunteers who share their interests and experiences.

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Group Opportunities

Imagine your student, employee, or professional association group volunteering together in Sicily!

This is the crossroads of the Mediterranean, where Greek temples, Norman castles, and centuries of history layer into a culture unlike anywhere else in Italy. We fully engage student, employee, and association member groups of all sizes. Serve and learn together, experiencing Sicilian culture from the “inside.” Team teach in classrooms, work together in small groups, and share free time at museums, markets and musical events! We work with you to meet your group’s unique goals, objectives, and personality.

Whether you’re planning a corporate team experience, faculty-led student service-learning program, faith-based group experience, or another group program, Global Volunteers can create a meaningful service experience tailored to your group’s goals.

Nothing replaces volunteering together and experiencing the “real Sicily” as you live it daily. Group members meet one-on-one with students, community leaders and other opinion leaders who explain Sicilian traditions and customs as topics of conversation. You help the English language become relevant when you practice it in classrooms and with small groups of students. Sicilian students appreciate conversations about family, film, food, wine, art and, of course, sports, especially football (soccer)!

Find your group type:

We work closely with each group to develop an exclusive volunteer program and provide dedicated support every step of the way. Our turnkey approach makes planning as easy as possible for group leaders and staff. Contact our Partnerships team to learn more and explore options for your group.

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Health, Safety, & Mobility

Your health and safety are our top priorities.

Your lodging, food, and transportation are provided always with a mind to protect your health and security.  Your team leader is trained in CPR and first aid to handle most emergencies. GlobalVolunteers includes emergency medical evacuation insurance in your service program fee. Read more about health and safety here.

However, you are responsible to ensure your own safety by acting prudently and being careful. We strongly recommend you consult your own physician, public health clinic and/or travel clinic for detailed travel health information. For general recommendations, consult the following sources:

Centers for Disease Control | Health Canada Online | Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

We also recommend that you have health insurance that covers you while you are outside your home country, and trip cancellation insurance in the event you must cancel your participation on the service program. Your travel agent can refer you to travel insurance providers. Click here to read risks associated with international travel. Also, please read Global Volunteers’ Respiratory Viruses Policy for Service Programs in the U.S. and Abroad.

Mobility:

Castelvetrano, Sicily - Level 3 - Very Mobile
Our service program in Italy includes daily walks through charming historic towns, with routes to schools and evening meals along classic cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks.
Walking: Volunteers should be comfortable walking approximately 1.5 miles to reach schools and restaurants and then returning to the guesthouse on foot. Sicily has many cobblestone streets, which are uneven and may include gaps in roads and sidewalks.
Community Project: Daily activities at schools require climbing multiple flights of stairs. Elevators are not available at school sites.
Lodging: The guesthouse also requires the use of stairs, with two flights to climb each day and no elevator access.

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FAQs

Do I need a passport or visa?

When traveling to a foreign country, you must have in your possession a passport that is valid for at least six months. A visa may also be required, depending on the country you are serving in and your country of citizenship.

What do I need to pack?

A packing list is available in your volunteer portal after you register. It includes recommendations for clothing based on the season and other items you should consider bringing with you.

How do I get assigned to a particular community project?

The service projects are first based on the needs of the community and their priorities. Then our volunteer preparation staff take into consideration your background, experience, and stated preferences to assign you to the community’s priority projects. Our goal is to inform you of your assignment at least two weeks prior to the start date of the service program; however, sometimes it’s not possible to do that until you are in country. In all cases, your assignment is negotiable. We want you to be engaged in those activities in which you are most comfortable and most needed by the community.

Are cultural immersion events included in this program?

Yes, volunteers enjoy organic cultural immersion events facilitated by the team leader and community partners. They offer moments rarely experienced by tourists. See the Cultural Immersion tab on the above listing.

Why do I have to pay to volunteer?

Global Volunteers service programs require funding for a wide variety of purposes, including volunteer’s food, lodging, ground transportation, etc. The communities we serve do not have the financial resources to cover the expenses of the service program, so the money needs to come from somewhere. Most of our funding comes from individual volunteers like you because there’s no one else to cover the costs. All other funding comes from individuals and foundations. No funding comes from government agencies. Because Global Volunteers is a private non-profit organization, the entire service program contribution is tax-deductible for US taxpayers and taxpayers in some other countries. Many volunteers fundraise for their service program, and you may qualify for one or more discounts. Ask a volunteer coordinator for more details.

See more here: Service Program Contribution – Global Volunteers

How do I know if this service program is right for me?

If you care about children, want to make a positive difference in our world, and are willing to offer your skills and talents for the benefit of others, a Global Volunteers service program is likely right for you. More than 43,000 volunteers of all ages and walks of life have served with us since 1984. Each has been a valuable resource in supporting our community partners’ goals. As a volunteer, you are an essential link in a long chain of those who have come before, and will follow, to help ensure sustainable community development.

In fact, we helped set the standard for short-term international service in 1984; USA Today called us the “Granddaddy of the volunteer vacation movement.” We recommend speaking with a Volunteer Coordinator who can help you navigate our service programs and make informed choices.

Can I hear from someone who has already volunteered?

Yes. Many of our program alumni are happy to speak to you about their experience on our service programs. In addition, we have thousands of testimonials from volunteers about their experiences. Reach out to your volunteer coordinator to connect with an alumnus.

When should I register?

We highly recommend registering as soon as you determine where you want to volunteer and when you want to serve there. Service program dates can fill up fast and a $350 deposit secures your place on the team. The remaining balance is due 90 days before your start date.

How do I register for a service program?

Follow this link to secure your spot on a team: Registration – Global Volunteers, or speak with a Volunteer Coordinator who will answer any other questions and guide you through the registration process.

View Dates & Fees Contact Us Register Online

Voices of Italy: Read and Listen to Volunteers and Students in Italy

Recent Stories from Italy

April 15, 2026/by Millie PinakoulakiTags:family volunteer abroad, family volunters, summer volunteer program, volunteer abroad

Volunteer in Sicily, Italy

Share what you’ve been given.

Italy Service Program Information

The Difference You Make As a Volunteer in Italy

Why Volunteers Are Needed

The Difference You Make

Impact

Voices of Italy: Read and Listen to Volunteers and Students in Italy

Recent Stories from Italy

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