The TEFL Times

By Luke Fisher

In this article, Luke Fisher delves into the Italian TEFL scene and what you might expect to find in the country:

Teaching English in Italy is a great way to explore an amazing and diverse country. There are TEFL jobs available throughout the country, in many different teaching areas, for those with TEFL certification. Italy proudly boasts fabulous opera and art, ancient monuments, and a history that stretches back thousands of years. Whether you choose fashionable Milan, or ancient Rome in this relatively small country, you’re never too far away from, verdant rolling hills, alpine skiing and great beaches. The primary language in use is Italian, however, it may be useful to note that most Italians can communicate in Spanish. Outside of the main tourist areas English is not widely spoken, thus there is a great demand for teachers teaching English in Italy.

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There are good TEFL job opportunities in Italy for English Teachers, as many high-school students and adults seek to improve on what they have available to them via the state. There are a large number of language institutes ranging from elite academies, where experience, TEFL certification and a degree are a requisite, to small-scale language schools where only a TEFL qualification is required.

Italy has many, many famous cities such as Rome, Florence, Milan, Naples, Venice and Bologna. Each city is very distinctive and has its own history and character. Breathtaking art and architecture is everywhere, but the more rural areas such as Tuscany should not be forgotten as it has a great charm all of it’s own. Italy is a relatively small country in European terms, and good public transportation means that it’s easy to plan plenty of excursions from wherever your TEFL job is located. If you wish to teach in a state or private high-school you may need to have a degree, but TEFL certification is often enough. Some TEFL jobs in Italy require two-years’ language teaching experience, but there are always opportunities available for newly qualified TEFL teachers wanting to teach English in Italy.

In the main you will find yourself teaching students of varying ability, even within the same class. Hence, expect all ranges of ability. The challenge, particularly with children, is in motivating them. It is also a task to cope with varying levels of ability within the same class. Nevertheless, Italians can be great fun to teach, and can be very enthusiastic if approached in the right way.

For those seeking TEFL jobs in advance there is no over-arching list of the hundreds of language schools which exist in Italy, and one’s best resource is the Italian Yellow Pages and obviously the internet where many TEFL jobs in Italy can be found. The new arrival, with a TEFL certificate planning on teaching English in Italy, would do well to consult the weekly English language papers: Wanted in Rome and Metropolitan.

Whatever way you look for work it is important to remember that life comes to a halt during the month of August, as with many other European countries. Therefore, your travel plans should be arranged to avoid looking for TEFL jobs during the month of August. Although it is useful to complete a TEFL certification course during this period and beginning a TEFL job from September when many employers are hiring teachers for the new academic year.

When agreeing to a TEFL job contract for a position in an institute it is very important to thoroughly read your contract, and check what it stipulates. Remember what is important to you – accommodation, class size, salary, etc. and try and ensure these are adequately catered for in your contract.

It can be the case that some state schools are not prepared to go through the difficult process of hiring native English-speaking teachers wanting to teach English in Italy from outside of Europe. However, in many cases it can be easier to place teachers from the US in TEFL jobs than from other countries, such as Australia and New Zealand. Non-EU citizens should check with the Italian consulate in their native country to look for language exchange programs, etc. Americans may wish to contact there local visa authorities. You should be aware of the fact that the reciprocal social security system that exists within the EU means that high schools are required to register their staff for a social security card and also pay part of their contributions. Many individuals teaching for institutes are ‘freelance’ or self-employed. Therefore, the individual is responsible for paying his or her own tax and social security. New arrivals planning on teaching English in Italy are required to register with the police, arrange a bank account into which their wages will be paid, and also obtain a tax number from their local tax office.

For Americans it is worth a little investigation to see if there are TEFL jobs available through the US military. The military employs lots of civilians and may be able to process work permits, etc. for you. In addition to this student visas are also an option. Working your way through the bureaucracy you will need original certificates of any qualifications you have, along with passport photos, birth certificate, and passport.

Once you have completed a TEFL certification course for teaching English in Italy there are a great many options that will be open to you in cities throughout Italy. Italy is a wonderful choice for TEFL jobs and offers the opportunity for a rich and diverse experience while teaching English to a keen and motivated people.

About the author

Teaching English in Italy and TEFL International provides TEFL courses and TEFL certification leading to TEFL jobs and teaching English abroad. English teaching jobs are available in countries all over the world.