Teaching English in Italy
Finding work
If you want to teach in Italy, job hunting can be difficult and you will have to be flexible on where you want to live. Although southern Italy may not be as desirable, don’t rule it out. The living costs are a great deal lower while teaching salaries remain much the same. This should be taken into account if you’re heading there on a budget.
The best time to begin looking for jobs is around September and October when the school year begins. These contracts will last around 9 or 10 months. If you are looking to go to Italy for a shorter time, there are many English summer camps throughout the country in June and July.
It is worthwhile looking on the internet for jobs. You will find many sites where jobs are advertised and other sites where you can list your CV for free and let employers find you. A TEFL certificate is often needed to find work.
The Teaching
Italians are very kind people and have a will to learn. You will not find working here terribly stressful. If you are working in schools, you will need a TEFL certificate. You will be expected to teach students aged from young children to teenagers. You could either be a classroom assistant or actually be involved in planning lessons and teaching classes. An average working week is around 30 hours. Pay will be around €1000 per month. In larger cities you will be paid more.
Teaching in private language schools can also be a good window of employment. There is a demand for teachers all year round. In language schools your day may often be broken up, for example, you may have to take a couple of one hour classes in the morning, a class in the afternoon and then a couple more in the evening. Some people like this, some people don’t.
Remember to read your contract very carefully. Sometimes it may actually be in Italian. If you do not parlare l'italiano very well then get someone who does know the language to translate it!
Living
An important thing to remember about living in Italy is that you are not on holiday. You will be getting up, going to work, coming home, making your dinner – everything that you would do at home. If you spend all day in the pub, or by the beach, you are not likely to get many job offers. However, the beauty and the weather will be a bonus when living here.
Be sure to learn some Italian too. It will not only help you out in day to day activities but also it will be great for making friends. It is worthwhile doing your homework and researching some local slang words, it should go down very well, but be sure to know exactly what you’re saying!
Cost Guide
Renting apartment - €780 - €1300 per month
Meal in restaurant – €10 – €40
Bus fare in city - €1.10
Beer in a bar – €3
Litre of milk – €1.35
Bottle of wine – €2.50
Shampoo – €2.50
Toothpaste – €1.60
