How to Teach English in Italy

Teaching English abroad can be an exciting adventure. However, you do not want the adventurous part to be the finding and keeping of a job rather than the life experiences and memories you make. Italy sometimes has a reputation for being a difficult place in which to find an English-teaching position. Follow some key tips and you may just find yourself in luck and in Italy very soon.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Up-to-date resume (CV)
• TEFL certificate, if possible
• Letters of recommendation with contact info

1. You must prepare an up-to-date and relevant EFL (English as a Foreign Language) CV (education- and skills-based resume). If possible, you might want to prepare it in both English and Italian. Do not include experience which is irrelevant. This will only take up space and will not help you to get the job. You want to show any teaching experience and education as well as any foreign relations experience. If you have no experience, make sure you note that you are a native speaker and whether you have a college degree. You can get some easy experience by giving private lessons to locals in your area or teaching ESL (English as a Second Language--this is what it is called when teaching in a place where English is the native tongue; it is called EFL in a place where another language is the primary language) through the continuing education department of your local school district. The hours are few and the pay is good. They usually provide materials. You can always post an ad at your local community center.

2. If you intend to work for a professional language school, most will ask for a TEFL certificate (Teaching English as a Foreign Langauge). There are many programs available that train teachers and give these certificates. See Resources below for information on training and certification programs.

3. Check reputable websites and magazines for job listings such as Dave's ESL Cafe or Transitions Abroad. From these sites, you can post your resume as well as peruse job listings. You must remember that these sites provide job listings but it is your responsibility to verify details with these employers and ensure that they are truly reputable.

4. Make contact with the school you are interested in, offering your resume and information about your contacts and professional experience. Emphasize your native language as English and any relevant education. Let them know when you are available and that you are flexible. Send any letters of recommendation you have. Ask the important questions about pay, accommodations and contracts.

5. If you are hired, get your passport, applicable visas (work visa etc) ready. If you are going without a valid work visa make sure you know where to apply once you get there and have the relevant paperwork handy. Your employer should be able to either apply for you or help you through the application process.

6. Purchase your ticket and pack professional attire. Give family members at home your contact information in Italy. Bring information about the nearest embassy for your country, your positive attitude and sense of adventure!

Tips & Warnings

• It would be wise to bring a phrasebook in Italian or information about local classes in survival Italian. You cannot expect your employer to help you out 24 hours a day. You will be on your own and have an easier time after work if you can get around on your own.
• Traveling abroad always has risks. Be informed and careful.
• Any school offering you a job that tells you that you do not need valid visas or applicable paperwork should alert you that the position may not be legitimate or may be illegal. Schools that know you have don't have valid paperwork may be looking to take advantage of you.
• You must have a contract for your protection so that you do not arrive to find a different situation than the one promised to you.

Resources

• International TEFL Training
• Dave's ESL Cafe
• Transitions Abroad
• Job Resource Board

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Earn your degree from industry experts at University of Phoenix. Take the next step in your career.

[sheilainitaly]

on 10/7/2009 For further information about teaching English in Italy visit: http://www.teachingenglishinitaly.com

or contact: [e-mail]

[kirstinbrogan]

on 5/28/2009 what about jobs in public schools, or the PON projects? is the same documentation needed to apply with these schools? given that the pay is much better (up to 80 euro/hour, according to http://www.teach-english-in-italy.net ) i'm interested in the "how to" of applying for public school contracts