Program Terms
DUTIES
The selected interns will assist the Italian teacher in the teaching of English, as mother-tongue teaching assistants (TA). In some cases, interns will assist the teachers of History, Geography, Science, Economics or other subjects in the teaching of simple modules of the subject in English (CLIL). In the case that the internship is recognized for a university credit by the candidate's home institution, approval from that university is required.
HOURS
The TAs are committed to assist with the instruction of English for 12 hours each week. They must also participate in 13 supplemental hours a week pursuing other activities of self-study and self-development, projects, conversations with students, office hours, excursions, meetings with the advisor. The schedule is arranged with the advisor designated by the hosting schools, but the TAs will be responsible for their own program of self-study. The 12 weekly hours in the classrooom may be flexible in the sense that interns might work different hours in different weeks (ex: 10 hours one week, 14 hours another week).
ADVISORS
The hosting schools will designate an advisor to each appointed intern. That advisor will be the TA's main resource and point of reference and help with the initial transition and settlement in Italy, which includes helping the interns to find housing (apartment, room, or room with a family). The advisor's contact information will be given to each candidate or their home institution before the summer.
DURATION
Depending on availability and candidate preference, the program will last a full academic year (from October 1st to May 31st). Interns might be asked to do their internship in two schools in the same area (1 term per school).
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is not granted and will vary depending upon agreements with the schools. The appointed candidates are encouraged to inquire with their advisors about accommodation prior his/her departure for Italy.
COMPENSATION
A monthly scholarship of 700 euros will be provided by the school to each intern.
HEALTH INSURANCE
The TAs must be covered by medical insurance. A basic insurance can be acquired in Italy upon the candidates' arrival. See our Health Insurance session for more information.
ABSENCE POLICY
Sickness leaves cannot exceed 15 working days for interns who do the full academic year, and 7 days for those who do one term only. In case of sickness, interns don't have to make up for the classes missed during their absence. If the interns' classes are cancelled without previous notice to make room for extra school activities (i.e school outings), these classes do not have to be made up either. In case interns need a day/days off for personal reasons, they must ask their advisors for permission - in this case, the school may ask the TA to make up the missed classes. In case of a longer absence, the internship will be terminated, along with the stipend, and any other benefits provided by the school (i.e., lodging). In case of infringement of the SITE program terms, the school's internal rules, and of academic or social misconduct, the hosting school will be free to rescind the contract with a 2-week advance notice.
COMPLETION CERTIFICATE
Upon completion of the program, the school will award each candidate a certificate of completion that will state the details of the program.
UNIVERSITY COURSES
The TAs may be able to attend courses (also selected courses - corsi singoli) at a local university. The courses should be consistent with the above-mentioned activities and must be approved by the advisor and program directors.
CELI EXAM
Additionally, SITE assistants may choose to take the CELI Italian language competence examination at their own expense. Upon successful completion of the exam, the CELI certificate is provided. For information check on the website of Università per Stranieri di Perugia.
Disclaimer: although the assistants' and schools' cross-cultural experience is the SITE's highest priority, it is very difficult to fulfill all the parts' desiderata. The SITE is non-profit initiative and the coordinators and tutors offer their collaboration on a voluntary basis, with no compensation. For this reason, the network of schools, the Italian coordinators and Dickinson College may not be held responsibile for TAs' accommodation, well-being and satisfaction with the SITE program.
