Teaching English in Italy
By Yael in Pescara
December 2005
Although teaching English wont make you a millionaire it can be a way to earn a modest living in Italy. However It's a competitive area with more and more teachers looking for work.
Teaching Qualifications
If you are extremely lucky you might be able to get a teaching job or a few private students based solely on your ability to speak English, but this is becoming harder. Most expats who teach possess a TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) qualification. The most widely recognised is the Cambridge CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults).
Courses can be taken at centres around the world and involve intensive studying, normally full time for a 4 week period, although they can also be taken on a part time basis. To be accepted you will need a university degree and the cost is around â‚?500. In Italy you can take the CELTA at International House in Rome.
Other reputable courses include the Trinity TESOL but be wary of websites offering TEFL qualifications on-line as the certificates offered by these companies may not be recognised by schools.
Looking for Work
The best place to look for work is the Internet; there are many TEFL vacancy websites. Just type TEFL into Google and follow the links. If you are already in Italy you can try to contact local language schools directly. Ideally go to the school in person with a copy of your CV and ask to speak to the director.
You can also offer private lessons, putting an ad in the local paper is often free and you can try leaving business cards in your local bar, shop etc...
Pay and Conditions
Working for a language school is the most reliable way to earn a living teaching but pay is often quite low, expect to earn around â‚?00 a month for a 25 hour week. Although 25 hours may sound very little, this is considered a full time job, often your teaching hours will be spread through the day so in effect you can work from 9am to 9pm with time off in between. You will also need to prepare your lessons so allow extra time for this.
Teaching private students is more lucrative but less reliable. You can charge up to â‚?5 an hour depending on your location and experience, but if students cancel you wont earn anything. Teaching school age children is your best bet and work is often found via word of mouth so ask around your local area. Teaching in a company is also possible, to get this kind of job local contacts are essential so let everyone you meet know that you are looking for teaching work.
Italian state schools are now obliged to provide students with English conversation classes with a mother tongue speaker, you could try contacting your local school for more information.
Visa Information
European citizens do not need a visa to teach in Italy, other nationalities should check visa requirements as schools will not employ teachers without proper work permits.
Useful websites
http://www.cambridgeesol.org/teaching/celta.htm
For information on CELTA courses
http://www.ihworld.com/recruitment/affiliate_profile.asp?affid=38
CELTA courses in Rome
http://www.inglese.it/guidascuole.asp
Searchable database of English language schools in Italy