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Students & Youth Outreach in Italy
Join a small team and be part of a new Navigator initiative reaching out to students on a university campus as well as encouraging some young people in Bergamo and Parma. This 16 day trip in late May 2026 will give you the opportunity to learn more about how the Gospel is advancing in this country and to be an encouragement to a number of local Christians who are getting alongside the younger generation.
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The team will mainly be based in Bergamo where UK Navigators, Suzanne and Pieter van Leeuwen, are living currently. This year the focus will be on prayer and efforts to connect with students at the local Uni, utilising English conversation as a friendly way in to develop contacts. The team will also spend time with a youth group of around thirty 16–22-year-olds at various points in the trip, give some input and encourage these young folk in their faith. There is the possibility of going to Parma for a few days. This would be to strengthen existing links with the children and families who have been involved in an English summer camp these past two years.
Deadline: 31 March 2026
When
Arrival: 28th May 2026
Travel to Bergamo airport. Meet Suzanne and Pieter Van Leeuwen, our UK contacts in Bergamo. Settle in to accommodation.
Departure on 13th June 2026
Where
Upon arrival in Bergamo the team will be either hosted by Suzanne and Pieter in their apartment, or in the event of larger numbers, the team will rent an Airbnb.
If the Parma leg of the trip goes ahead, the team will be hosted in local Italian families connected with the Gruppo Cristiano church or in an Airbnb.
Who
Team size: 4 plus team leader
Team suitability: this trip is open to students, recent graduates and connect workers. Over 18s only.
Cost
Approx. £1000 to cover travel, food, car hire, and accommodation in Airbnb. This sum will be much less if the team does not need to hire an Airbnb.
Health & Insurance
Applicants are expected to obtain Travel Insurance that covers the risk of cancellation, any medical expenses incurred during your trip including repatriation of body and any trip disruption (e.g. due to civil unrest or volcanic ash affecting air travel).
You are responsible also for supplying accurate information as required by the insurer, and communicating details of your insurance arrangements to your team leader.
In the UK insurers who offer suitable insurance include Salt Insurance and Banner Insurance.
Before & After
Before the trip there will be an orientation day ideally face to face, but otherwise online. Attending the orientation is compulsory. There will also be some time devoted to cross-cultural orientation during the trip provided by our alongsider contacts in Italy.
At the end of the trip there will be a team debrief prior to departure. Plus regular evaluation and reflection time over the course of the stay.
In the 2 to 3 weeks after returning to the UK it is expected you will attend a further debrief session which is an essential component of the overseas experience.
Expectations
This Trip is classified as Tier 1 Programme
Environment and Conditions
The average temperature in Bergamo in May/June is around 25 degrees, but in case of much higher temperatures, precautions are needed to prevent heat stroke and over exposure to sun.
Some willingness to learn a few words of Italian in the run up to the trip could be a helpful plus for interactions
The Navs team leader will schedule prayer and private team times during the trip and whatever is required for ongoing team input, pastoral care and refreshment.
Teamwork
Team members will be expected to prepare and share their personal testimony, to contribute to a session with the youth group, to be willing to make contacts with non Christian students through English conversation and social activities. In Parma it will be important to pitch in as much as possible with the various English language activities for the children, singing, and games. The Summer club is a means to communicate Christ’s love to the local children who may or may not have links to the church itself.
Learning and use of gifts
Team members will have opportunities to observe and learn from Christians of another culture, people of different generations, who are very invested in their local communities. The team will require good relational skills to meet and interact with students on the campus. They will have enthusiasm to encourage various individuals in the youth group, and to build rapport with these young people. Sharing the journey of faith during the trip will happen in various forms. It will be important to be flexible with timings and if necessary to adapt to some last minute changes to schedule.
Practicalities
Participants are required to organise their own travel to/from Italy. The trip is run by the Navigators UK. Participants are also responsible for ensuring they have a valid passport, suitable travel insurance and travel documents, including visas (if applicable).
DBS/PVG Checks: All team members will require an enhanced DBS check (PVG in Scotland) before being accepted on the programme. Where necessary this check will be organised by the UK Navigators office. Without a valid DBS or PVG Check (either provided by the applicant or obtained on the applicants behalf by the Navigators) applicants will be unable to participate in the programme.
Passport and Visas: UK citizens with a valid UK passport with at least 6 months remaining on it can enter Italy freely provided that their stay is for less than 90 days.
Applications: The deadline for applying to the programme is 31 March and we will let you know if you have been accepted within two weeks (assuming all documentation and references all received). Application is no guarantee of acceptance. Contact us for more info or complete the application form below if you’ve already made up your mind.
