Teach English in Italy

Private Language Institutes

Most teaching jobs in Italy are in private language institutes. Public schools typically hire EU citizens, and fluent Italian speakers, so private institutes are generally the best bet. The positions can take various forms, whether a Montessori school, a private boarding school, or one for business professionals. Business English students who make up most adult ESL classes in Italy are eager to learn and take their lessons seriously, as English is an increasingly valuable skill for locals. Private schools in Italy may also run summer programs, which you could work for after the school year is over.

Summer Camps

Summer camps in Italy like EDUCO provide ample opportunity to pick up work over the summer. These are typically short-term opportunities in private institutes or educational companies. There are opportunities to teach older students looking to diversify their skill-set in the Italian job market or work with younger kids in a full immersion English setting.

Private Lessons/Tutoring

Many teachers choose to supplement their income by teaching private lessons as well. Private lessons can earn a teacher anywhere from €15-€30 per hour (many choose to offer a discount to groups of university students if they refer their friends). Because the job market in Italy can be pretty tight and the cost of living fairly high (especially in cities), teaching private lessons on the side can be a great way to cover the gap in your monthly expenses.

When and Where to Look for Jobs in Italy

Language schools typically start in September or October and finish up in June, with the average teaching contract lasting 9-10 months. Starting in February, it’s usually a good time to start looking for work, as schools will have a better idea of who is returning for the following year. However, plenty of jobs open up closer to the start of the school year, and there are always emergency openings throughout the year as well. If you're in Italy, it's a good idea to go door to door and apply in person.

If you’re looking to work at a summer camp, start looking for opportunities a few months before. Camps usually start in July or August.

Average Salary of Teaching Jobs in Italy

Your English teaching salary in Italy will vary based on your experience and the type of institution you work for. However, you can expect to earn between €900-€1,600 ($1,000-$1,800) per month teaching English. Most English teachers in Italy who work at private language schools will earn between €15-€30 per hour. If you want to teach a few students private English lessons, the rate per hour could go up to €40 per hour. However, make sure you are allowed to take on private students as part of your work visa.

Qualifications Needed

Having a TESOL/TEFL certificate is a must in order to teach English in Italy. A bachelor’s degree helps as well, though it is not absolutely necessary. While schools in Italy will typically recognize online or in-person certificates, an on-site TESOL course in Italy such as LanguageCorps might give you the best chance of establishing yourself in locally, and finding desirable work in a timely manner.

Work Visas & Sponsorships

It is difficult for non-EU citizens to obtain a work visa for Italy. If you're an EU citizen, it's much more likely for you to obtain a visa that gives you work privileges. However, many schools are willing to negotiate and make arrangements to accommodate foreigners. Once you are hired, you are responsible for navigating the visa process and making sure you are working legally in the country. Many times you will not be able to get a work visa while in-country. You will have to apply and get approved while outside Italy's borders.

Some people decide to overstay their tourist visa and to work on a cash-in-hand basis. However, you run the risk of getting deported, and you may get fined when you decide to leave Italy. Others obtain a student visa that allows you to stay in Italy legally for six months while you teach and take a few classes. Don't let this deter you from teaching and living in Italy -- most people can navigate around the visa issue and still stay in Italy successfully.

Culture & Living

While teaching English in Italy probably won’t make you rich, living in Italy for an extended period of time is reward enough for most travelers. From five-course meals in some of the best restaurants in the world to a quick between-class espresso, Italians know how to enjoy life like no other culture in the world.

Western standard business casual attire is a safe bet for the classroom, and Italian language knowledge is typically not a requirement for the teacher in private language schools.

Most ESL teachers in Italy live in shared apartments with fellow teachers, residents, and/or students from other schools. A bedroom in Italy typically costs €300-600 per month, with bigger cities having a higher cost of living than rural areas.