Teach English in Italy
Teach English in Italy
With more UNESCO world heritage sites than any other country and even more variations of pasta, Italy has earned its place as a top-notch TEFL destination. Those who teach English in Italy can bask in its culinary heritage, explore the ancient streets of Rome, or the high fashion of Milan, all while teaching English to some of the world’s most welcoming souls.
However, as for anyone wanting...
Read MoreWhat to Know About Teaching in Italy
It’s no wonder why Italy is one of the hottest destinations for travelers. With a culture full of charm and mesmerizing architecture, it’s easy to be encapsulated by Italy’s beauty. And let’s not forget, with 4,000 years of producing wine, wine enthusiasts can’t travel the world without ticking this country from their list.
If someone wants to teach English in Italy in the tradition...
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The English Job Market in Italy
However, what is life like for those who teach English in Italy? TEFL jobs may be competitive in Italy, however, the intense hiring process will quickly be forgotten when basking in Italian culture.
Despite a competitive job market, teaching English in Italy can mean teaching at public schools, private language schools, international schools, summer camps, or with host families. This offers plenty of flexibility for those who are unsure of where or how they want to teach English abroad.
If someone wants to teach English in Italy in the traditional sense, a public or private school would be a good fit. Those who want to teach in a more informal environment might prefer teaching at summer camps or with host families.
To be hired as an English teacher in Italy, you will likely need a Bachelor’s Degree (although not essential), a TEFL certificate, and English proficiency. English teachers in Italy can expect to earn a monthly salary of around $1,000-$1,800 or £810-£1,450 per month. This equates to around €948-€1700.
Teachers who are experienced and qualified enough can work for a private international school. If teachers have prior teaching experience, a Master’s or a Degree in education, they can expect to earn more.
English teachers can also earn money by tutoring privately. This could be for families who want their child’s English to improve, or for adults who need to learn English for their occupation. This could help teachers earn an additional $15-$30 or £12-£26 per hour.
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When to Apply for Jobs in Italy
Similar to other countries, the academic year starts in around September or October. This means that teachers seeking jobs in Italy should apply for work earlier in the year to ensure that they can find work and navigate the process comfortably. January is another or second hiring season for English teachers in Italy due to the beginning of a new semester.
Teachers who are EU citizens can enter the country nearing the hiring season to apply for jobs in-country. This can be effective as they are able to interview in person and many schools prefer this method. This also gives them much more of an advantage over non-EU citizens in the TEFL job market.
If you are a non-EU citizen, you will be encouraged to apply for work further in advance. This is because obtaining the legal working visa might take some time to process. Additionally, the working visa must be obtained before you enter Italy. It cannot be obtained in-country, and this means that you should plan and apply in advance.
Before obtaining the working visa, you will need to secure a job first. Only then can your employer initiate the process for obtaining a working visa. This is in addition to other processes such as applying and interviewing. While some non-EU citizens enter Italy without a working visa to teach illegally, it is highly discouraged. This could result in a hefty fine or even being blacklisted.
You can find and apply for teaching English in Italy jobs on websites such as GoCambio or GoOverseas to find an array of options. These options vary from public schools to language schools, summer camps and host families, offering applicants flexibility when applying.
What You Need to Know About Teaching English in Italy
The average monthly salary for someone teaching English in Italy is around $1,000-$1,800 or £810-£1,450. That is not to say that you won’t make more, but you’d be expected to be highly qualified and experienced to earn more than this.
While the monthly salary is reasonable, the cost of living in Italy isn’t exactly low. However, they will vary from location to location. For example, the cost of rent in Bologna is around 30%-40% lower than the cost of rent in Milan or Rome. So, be sure to take this into account if you move to Italy.
Regardless of where you teach English abroad, teachers are encouraged to enter the country with enough money to last until their first paycheck. Typically, teachers will spend at least a month or so before being paid for their work.
However, teachers will still be able to live comfortably teaching English in Italy. But, if they expect to save up a significant amount of money, it might be a good idea to invest some time into private tutoring. Private tutoring can help teachers earn around $15-$30 or £12-£26 per hour to contribute to their savings.
While teaching English in Italy, teachers are likely to have either a fixed or a permanent contract. If teachers have a fixed contract, it means that they can work for a maximum of a year at their school. This is typical of a TEFL job, as teachers will often work for one or two semesters. However, it is also possible to obtain a permanent teaching contract. This means that the English teacher is a permanent staff member of the school.
FAQ's
How much money do English teachers make in Italy?
Teaching English in Italy can earn a monthly salary of around $1,000-$1,800 or £810-£1,450. Teachers who have a higher level of qualifications (e.g. CELTA) or experience can earn more money by teaching at an international school. Teachers at public or private schools can maximize their salary by doing private tutoring which can pay $15-$30 or £12-£26 per hour.
What qualifications do I need to teach English in Italy?
To teach English in Italy, it is not absolutely essential that you have a Bachelor’s Degree. However, it is highly desired amid a competitive TEFL market. Additionally, teachers will need a TEFL certificate to teach English in Italy. For non-native English speakers, they may need a certificate proving that they are proficient in English.
Are English teachers in demand in Italy?
Yes, English teachers are in demand in Italy. However, the competition is also high. This means that teachers hoping to teach English in Italy should plan their application carefully and in advance of their desired start date.
Can I teach English in Italy without a degree?
It is possible to teach English in Italy without a Bachelor’s Degree. However, it will be much more difficult to find a job since the job market is competitive. Those who do not have a Bachelor’s Degree should seek to optimize their chances by obtaining highly reputable TEFL certificates and work experience.
Is Italy a good place to teach English?
Italy is a popular TEFL destination and there are many reasons why. While English teachers won’t save a tremendous amount of money teaching in Italy, they are able to embrace one of the most desirable lifestyles there is.
How much money do I need to live in Italy for 6 months?
Italy’s cost of living isn’t as low as the likes of Thailand, for example. However, the cost of living will be location-dependent. As previously mentioned, the cost of rent in Bologna is around 30%-40% lower than the cost of rent in Milan. Teachers should save up enough money to last until their first paycheck. If teachers want to supplement their income, they can do private tutoring which pays well.
Do I need a teaching license to teach in Italy?
Not necessarily. Teachers who have TEFL certificates often find jobs teaching English in Italy. However, a teaching license will help teachers find work at an international school which can pay handsomely.
How much can you save teaching English in Italy?
Saving up money is not only dependent on your salary but what kind of lifestyle you live. If you aren’t spending an excess amount of money on unnecessary things, it is possible to save-up money teaching English in Italy. This is especially the case if you decide to do private tutoring to supplement your income.
How much do international school teachers make in Italy?
While English teachers in Italy earn around $1,000-$1,800 or £810-£1,450, international school teachers can expect to earn towards the higher end of the scale, or even more.
Can I teach English online in Italy?
Teaching online is an excellent way to supplement income, or even obtain a primary form of income. Working remotely means that teachers can travel the work, not just Italy, while working. Or, they can teach online in addition to their job teaching in Italy.
