Airbnb will host four individuals for the entire summer (from June through August) as they explore the city, taking authentic Italian cooking classes, learning to speak the language and volunteering with Wonder Grottole, a nonprofit working to revitalize Grottole's historic center. They will also serve as hosts at the Wonder Grottole's Community Center and various local Airbnbs for other curious travelers.
The sabbatical is part of Airbnb’s efforts to revive and restore small villages like Grottole, which are at risk of disappearing. Just how tiny is Grottole, you ask? There are only 300 residents, but the city is dotted with more than 600 empty homes (good news for anyone looking to snap up a beautiful Italian villa; bad news for the locals).
If you want to apply (and really, who wouldn’t?), you’ll be prompted with questions regarding what you hope to accomplish on your summer getaway that will be judged on creativity and originality. In addition to the usual contest rules (applicants must be 18 or older, have a valid passport and be available for the entirety of the stay), it looks like those with interests in cooking, photography, music and other artistic merits are more likely to be selected.
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Central European Time on February 17, so we suggest you hop to it and get cracking on those short answers. Buona fortuna!
