Teach English in Italy

Teaching English in Italy is a sought-after opportunity, and it's easy to see why. With its rich culture and stunning landscapes, it's an ideal destination for aspiring English teachers. In addition to enjoying gorgeous views, ESL teachers in Italy can also earn a salary of $1,429 to $2,381 USD per month.

Interested in teaching English in Italy? We’ve got you covered! Keep reading to learn more about the types of teaching jobs, average salaries and benefits, and how to get a teaching job in Italy!

Looking to teach in Italy? English teaching jobs are available in big cities and small towns alike, and salaries vary by experience and location.

• Private language institutes: Teaching in private language institutes is a popular way to teach English in Italy. These institutes come in different forms, such as Montessori schools and private boarding schools, and some offer summer programs. Adult ESL students, especially business professionals, value their lessons, so Business English is a particularly popular teaching position.
• Summer camps: If summer in Italy sounds enticing, consider teaching English at an italian summer camp. Short-term summer camp jobs in Italy can be found at private institutes and educational companies, like EDUCO.
• Private lessons/tutoring: Private ESL lessons are a great way for English speakers abroad to supplement their income and cover expenses in Italy's high-cost cities and tight job market. Private tutoring can pay around $16-$32 USD per hour, and many choose to offer a discount to groups of university students if they refer their friends.

The average salary for an ESL teacher in Italy can range from $1,929-$2,630 (€1,859-€2,535) per month, depending on the school and region.

Common teacher benefits

As an English teacher in Italy, your benefits may include the following:

• Paid vacation time
• Health insurance
• Transportation expenses
• Free housing (including utilities) if you live remotely from where you work
• Annual bonuses
• Paid holidays (20 days per year)

Some schools also offer extra benefits to ESL teachers in Italy such as:

• Discounts on education courses
• Discount on cultural activities such as museum visits or concerts

Cost of living in Italy

The cost of living in Italy is lower than the cost of living in the United States. Therefore, you should be able to live comfortably on an average salary and enjoy the best that Italy has to offer without getting into debt. If you want to experience Italy and its culture, you’ll need to make roughly $1,500 to cover estimated monthly costs, including rent.

Average costs for monthly expenses in Italy:

• Food: $52 - $260 USD/month (varies based on eating habits and whether you cook or dine out)
• Transportation: $36.81 (monthly pass)
• Housing: $725 USD/month (1 bedroom apartment in the city center)

Source: Numbeo

As with any new country, it's essential to do your research before coming to teach English in Italy. Start by exploring these major teaching cities in Italy:

Milan

Milan is a bustling hub for great food and fun activities, making it a popular destination for expats and ESL teachers. For example, you can take a stroll along Corso Venezia on Sundays, where locals dress up in typical Italian clothing. However, keep in mind that housing costs can be high compared to other areas around Italy, so it may not be the most budget-friendly option to teach English in Milan.

Florence

Florence is is an excellent choice for those who want to teach English in Italy and immerse themselves in culture and history. In addition to its famous landmarks such as the Duomo Cathedral and Palazzo Vecchio, Florence also offers great food, wine, and art. For those looking for a smaller city feel, Bologna and Verona are also excellent options, with plenty of job opportunities for English tutors and teachers.

Rome

Rome is a dream destination for many ESL teachers, who can find work in various types of schools. The most common teaching gigs are in language schools, which cater to adults and professionals, and international schools, which follow foreign curricula and languages. The average salary for English teachers in Rome ranges from 900 to 1,700 USD per month, depending on qualifications and experience.

While requirements may be different depending on the school or location, these are generally the steps you’ll need to follow to teach English in Italy.

1. Meet the basic requirements: To teach English in Italy, you’ll need to be a native or fluent English speaker, have a bachelor’s degree, and have a clean criminal record. For competitive jobs, you may need to be TEFL certified and/or have prior teaching experience.
2. Submit your application: Make sure to have a copy of your resume, university transcripts, references, passport photos, and your TEFL certificate, if needed.
3. Prepare for the interview: Research the common types of interview questions and be ready to showcase your skills and experience!
4. Apply for a visa: In order to teach legally in Italy as a non-EU citizen, you'll need to obtain an Italian work visa.

You can explore teaching programs here on Go Overseas or explore our job board!

Tips to keep in mind as you prepare and adjust to life in Italy:

• Italians tend to dress more formally than Americans, so dress appropriately. Avoid wearing shorts or flip-flops when going to job interviews or teaching in the classroom (even if you're working at an English summer camp in Italy).
• When communicating with colleagues, bosses, or employers while teaching in Italy, remember to be polite and formal, especially if they are older than you. This is an important aspect of Italian culture that values respect and hierarchy in the workplace.
• In Italy, family is highly valued, and it's essential to build a personal connection with your students. While focusing on their English skills, don't hesitate to get to know your students on a personal level. Building a strong relationship with your students will help them enjoy their experience more and enhance their learning.