The first time I heard about the Dante Alighieri Society was when one of my Italian professors encouraged all of her advanced students to apply to something called Voluntaritaly. Reading up on the program I became excited. Voluntaritaly was the chance for students to travel to Italy for three weeks during the summer and volunteer at a summer camp. This was a chance for students learning Italian in the United States to really delve into Italian culture, to immerse themselves in the language and the daily life. What better way to explore my major? I jumped at the chance.
The application consisted of a number of short essays answering why the applicant wished to participate in Voluntaritaly and how they could contribute. Questions ranged anywhere from the level of fitness of the applicant-- the summer camp included sports including swimming-- and what ideas they had in contributing on their part to the experience of the campers. The applicant also had to include letters of recommendation speaking to the applicant's ability in the Italian language.
The whole experience was connected to the Oratories of Lombardy. Applicants had to be within college age. The experience offered host families for the applicants so that they would not have to pay for room and board. Out of those who applied, only fifty would be accepted into the program.
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