Airbnb italy sabbatical

Tired of the nine to five grind? Airbnb is offering the ultimate experience of escaping to Italy on a three month-long sabbatical - and the holiday rental company will pay for all your expenses.

Following its own research that revealed 24 per cent of people in the UK are looking for a change or break in routine, declaring they’re “bored with their life,” Airbnb announced the once in a lifetime opportunity for Italophiles to live out their dreams on a volunteering escape in the beautiful village of Grottole, located in the hilltop of province Matera, home to the UNESCO World Heritage city and 2019 European Capital of Culture, Matera.

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Grottole, Matera, Basilicata, Italy: the ruins of the ancient church
ermess//Getty Images
Grottole, Matera

During your volunteering stint, you’ll learn the Italian language, help run the community vegetable garden and even learn how to cook authentic dishes from Italian ‘nonnas’ (grandmothers) with ingredients they’ve grown themselves.

As a volunteer, you will work for the local NGO, Wonder Grottole, which seeks to breathe new life into the city centre of this ancient village that, with only 300 inhabitants in the historic centre and more than 600 empty homes, is at risk of disappearing.

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An Airbnb rental in Matera

You’ll also support the initiative by using your training from the local community to list a home and social impact Experience in Grottole on Airbnb. As co-hosts on Airbnb, you’ll get to welcome guests into beautiful homes, show visitors traditional skills like honey harvesting and pasta making, with all proceeds from these Experiences invested back into the village.

To apply, visit italiansabbatical.com and complete the application form before 17 February 2019.

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