Empowering Education: Volunteering in Italian Schools

Hello, my name is Beatriz Pascoal. I'm 21 years old, and this is my testimonial on my experience as a volunteer. I volunteered in Italy, in the city of Molfetta. For 10 months, I worked in a school called “Battisti - Pascoli,” which is ironic because my name is “Beatriz Pascoal,” so it must have been a sign to go there. In the school, I helped the teacher with French and mostly English, and I presented and tried to integrate my cultures. I worked with kindergarten, middle school, and elementary students throughout the 10 months.

To do this volunteering, I had to choose between different options. I decided to volunteer in Italy because I wanted to experience a different culture and traditions. Since I am Portuguese, learning Italian wouldn't be so hard for me, and the environment felt familiar. After finishing my studies and getting my diploma, I was undecided about whether to attend university or work. To help myself decide, I took this opportunity to work in the school, which provided clarity for my decision. I have the best memories and moments from there. I was scared to leave alone, but sometimes we just need to take risks. I made new friends, both Italian and from around the world, whom I met through various activities, trips, and trainings in Rome where other volunteers in Italy gathered.

This experience shaped my future goals, gave me new perspectives, and improved my mental health. I had to change many of my habits because transitioning from living in Luxembourg to spending a year in Italy was not easy. I experienced cultural shock, which is normal during such a long volunteering period, but it's beneficial as it exposes us to new situations. My fondest memories from Italy include visiting over 15 different cities, often with minimal costs, and the connections I made with people, especially the kids at the school where I worked. I visited Rome, Bari, Napoli, among others, both with friends and alone.

To be completely honest, I recommend that future volunteers save some money to be more comfortable, although it's possible to manage with the monthly stipend. In school, I presented a lot of information and photos of my home country. I also worked on a personal project with a few kids, creating a wall of drawings representing the “Azuleijos” of Portugal.

When I arrived in Italy, I didn't know Italian, not even how to say hello, but thanks to the free language lessons provided by the school where I worked, I now speak Italian, which makes me happy. There's something important I want to share, which may resonate with many young people worldwide. When I decided to volunteer, I was at a crossroads in my life, trying to figure out my future path. Many young people face the pressure of knowing their future careers, influenced by societal expectations.

Before volunteering, I had only a few options in mind, limited by emotions that made me hesitant to take risks or doubt my abilities. But thanks to this experience and the support of people like Inco, the association, and my friends, I feel happier and more confident. Many doors have opened for me. I now tell myself, "If I had the courage to volunteer in another country by myself, imagine what more I can do."

This experience helped me make my decision. Initially, my plan was to volunteer in Italy to determine if I wanted to pursue teaching studies in Luxembourg, but now I realize I want to work and study something related to languages because what I love most about myself is speaking five languages and my passion for communication.

Volunteering doesn't have to be limited to post-studies; it can be done anytime you want to challenge yourself and gain experience. The age range for volunteering is 18 to 30. I will definitely return to Italy; this country and its people have given me valuable lessons and countless memories. I encountered challenges such as managing my own meals and finances, but with time, I learned and grew. Especially after tasting the pizza, pasta, and other amazing Italian cuisine, I developed a deeper appreciation for the food and the country.

Updated on Tuesday, 07/10/2025