There is a great demand for English language teachers in Italy but it can be hard to find work, especially in the major cities. Generally, teachers need to be native speakers with at least a TESL certificate. Schools are trying to save money so recruitment from overseas is much less common than it was in the past, as schools tend to recruit locally. September is the best time to arrive in Italy to start your job search. Italian schools and companies prefer to recruit locally and there is a strong demand for English teachers in the corporate sector.

Embassy in UK:

14 Three Kings’ Yard, Davies Street, London W1K 2EH

Tel: 020 7312 2200

www.embitaly.org.uk

Embassy in USA:

3000 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington DC 20008

Tel: 202 612 4400

www.italyemb.org

British Council office:

Via Quattro Fontane 20, 00184 Rome

Tel +39 (06) 478 141

www.britishcouncil.it

 

Ü  Visas/Work Permits:

It is now easier for Americans to arrive in Italy, find a teaching job, and then apply for a work permit without having to return to the States as was once the case.

Ü  Requirements:

College Degree and a TESOL/TESL Certificate

Ü  Cost of Living:

Italian cities are generally more expensive than their American counterparts but life in rural Italy is quite cheap.

Ü  Currency:

£1 = € 1.49  $1 = € 0.76

Ü  Salaries/Taxes:

Schools usually provide 25 contact hours a week at £10-15 per hour. A typical monthly salary is around £6-800 (with overtime paid extra). Schools often provide accommodation for the first month and some even give a ticket home at the end of the contract. Tax is payable at 20% with a 10% additional social security deduction.

Ü  Accommodation:

Accommodation is easy to find but tends to be expensive. Milan is the most expensive city and a one-bedroom apartment can cost about £700 a month but accommodation can be found for £300-400. Elsewhere, rents are cheaper.

Ü  Health advice:

Insurance is advisable.