Insertion Program for Primary and Secondary Schools

Co.As.It. supports NSW schools through the Italian Insertion Program & Language Assistants

Italian is one of the most widely spoken community languages in homes across Australia. Co.As.It. supports NSW schools to keep that connection alive through the Italian Insertion Program — a fully-funded, curriculum-integrated Italian language program that has grown into one of the most successful community language initiatives in the state with over 8,000 students across 40+ NSW schools.

Once registered, schools can request the per-student financial contribution and separately choose to opt in for Italian Language Assistants — the two elements of the program can be taken up independently, based on what suits your school.

The Insertion Program

Co.As.It. supports NSW schools that offer Italian language education from preschool through secondary school by providing a financial contribution for each student who studies Italian for a full academic year. This funding is made possible through an allocation from Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

How it works

• Your school applies and signs a formal agreement with Co.As.It.
• Enrolment data is provided twice yearly — student numbers, weekly teaching hours and teacher qualifications.
• Your school can then receives a financial contribution per participating student, subject to funding availability.
• Your school can separately choose to opt in for an Italian Language Assistant (see below) if you’d like one placed on site.
• Reporting requirements are managed in line with Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

What your school gains

• A financial contribution per student studying Italian, subject to funding availability.
• The opportunity to opt in for an Italian Language Assistant.
• Access to online Italian teaching resources for teachers.

Italian Language Assistants

Schools taking part in the Insertion Program can choose to opt in for an Italian Language Assistant. Co.As.It. places Italian university graduates — certified in teaching Italian as a second language, with intermediate to advanced English proficiency — into the classroom to bring authentic language and culture to students.

Assistants are available for the teaching period March to December 2026.

What a Language Assistant does

• Supports the teacher in the classroom.
• Works directly with individual students or small groups.
• Gives targeted feedback and support on language use.
• Helps classroom teachers develop teaching resources.
• Delivers cultural activities that bring the language to life.

Why it works

• Authentic, native-level language experiences that build students’ fluency and confidence, particularly in preparation for HSC Italian.
• Customised support tailored to each class.
• Extra hands for teacher resource development.
• Opt in as needed — co-funded by Co.As.It. and the Italian Government, at no cost to your school.