Same old teaching gig at the local elementary, and you’re thinking of trading it in for a life of pasta, gelato, and endless vino? Surely, teaching English in Italy is the perfect job for you.
Keep reading, in this EDU Blog, we’ll explore the perks foreign educators enjoy, the requirements for teaching English in Italy and how to find jobs.
Why is Italy such a hot spot for teaching English?
In Italy, you can indulge in carb-loaded meals and enjoy the view of stunning architecture. It’s really no wonder people flock to teach here.
The country has a lot of activities to choose from, like hiking in the Dolomites, pretending you’re a race car driver on the Amalfi Coast, taking a romantic gondola ride in Venice, or lounging on a Sardinia beach like a true Italian.
Can I teach English in Italy without a degree?
To teach English in Italy, you’ll need a degree, a TESOL/TEFL certificate, two years of work experience, and if you want to teach at fancy private schools, you’ll need an Italian teaching certificate too.
Remember to double-check what qualifications are required because some schools might want you to have certificates for specific levels of experience or even language proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL exams.
Can I get a visa to teach English in Italy?
Getting a work visa to teach in Italy can be a real challenge, especially if you’re not an EU citizen. Luckily, many schools are willing to make necessary arrangements. Although, you have to keep in mind that once you’re hired, the visa process is all on you.
Just don’t think about getting a work visa while you’re in the country, it’s like trying to buy a ticket to a sold-out concert on the day of the show. Some people decide to take the illegal route and overstay their tourist visas, and work on a cash-in-hand basis. Be warned, you might get fined when you choose to leave Italy.
Others obtain a student visa to stay in Italy legally for six months while teaching and taking classes, like a two-for-one deal.
How much does an English teacher make in Italy?
The salary of English teaching in Italy will make you say “Mamma Mia!”
On average, you can expect to earn anywhere from USD 1,929–USD 2,630 (GBP 1,859–GBP 2,535) per month, depending on the school and region. This comes along with some sweet perks like paid vacation time, health insurance, and transportation expenses because nobody wants to walk in those cute but painful Italian heels.
For housing, your school may have agreements with landlords who will offer discounted rates or payment plans if you have a long-term contract with the school. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might even score free housing (including utilities) if you’re living in the middle of nowhere. Also keep in mind the annual bonuses and paid holidays (20 days per year). Some schools may even offer extra benefits like discounts on education courses and cultural activities.
And the best part? The cost of living in Italy is lower than in the US, so you can live easily on an average salary whilst paying your bills and saving on the side.
Where can I apply for English teaching jobs in Italy?
Let’s talk about the demand for ESL teachers. It’s like trying to find a parking spot in Rome during rush hour – impossible. So, whether you’re looking for a job at a language school or want to go freelance, the market is booming.
Italy is home to a plethora of ESL jobs, and they’re about as diverse as the types of pizza toppings available in the country. There are language schools – everyone knows about them and they’re easy to find, but the pay is about as satisfying as a cold slice. Language schools are like the changing of the seasons, starting in September or October and ending in May or June, so contracts are typically 9 to 10 months long. Just like the Italian people, language schools also take a break in August to hit the beach.
International schools – they pay more, but you’ll need to have some great skills to even be considered.
Then there are the summer camps – they’re not going to pay you, but at least you’ll be getting some free accommodation and meals. Besides, you can say you’re saving the planet while you’re at it. And don’t forget about the private tutoring gig. You can make your own schedule and set your own pay rate.
Just be ready to work for every single cent you make. It’s a bit more of a hustle than the other options, but it can be very rewarding.
Imagine spending your days surrounded by beautiful ancient ruins, charming cobblestone streets, and of course, mouthwatering–food.
Not to mention, the locals are dying to practice their English with you, so you’ll never run out of conversation partners.
Even though the salary might not be as high as in other countries, the experience of living and working in Italy is priceless. Want to stay in the loop on all teaching abroad opportunities? Sign up for free and start exploring EDU Passport today!
