TEFL Travel Guide: Italy
Euro-summer, anyone? Italy is calling your name! And what’s better than travelling the coasts and the countryside of Italy? Doing the same thing whilst making money! Teaching English as a Foreign Language is the perfect way to travel this summer. We’ve included all the need-to-know info in this blog so you can start planning your next trip now!
Work Requirements in Italy
Italy is the latest in a long list of countries now offering a digital nomad visa. In early 2022, the Italian government approved a law introducing the Digital Nomad Visa, and applications opened 5th April, 2024. That means, you’ll now be able to work in Italy, either as a freelancer or as an employee, teaching EFL. We’ve broken down Italy’s digital nomad visa here, and included information on how to go about applying.
In terms of TEFL, you’ll find that most schools look for at least an accredited 120-Hour TEFL certificate. You’ll most likely need to be a native English speaker, or at the very least extremely fluent. Some employers might also require you to hold a bachelor's degree - this isn’t always the case, but applicants with this qualification might be prioritised. If you don’t have a degree don’t worry, lots of relevant experience with teaching can help enhance your job applications.
What salary can I expect to make?
The average salary of an EFL teacher in Italy ranges between €1,800 – €2,300 (£1,500 – £1,950) a month. Placement programmes usually offer €1,000 – €1,800 (£850 – £1,700). Private language schools pay €16 – €32 (£13 - £27) an hour. In public schools, teachers can earn €1,200 – €2,400 (£1,000 - £2,000).
Life in Italy
You can absolutely choose to work anywhere in Italy, especially if you’re working freelance, but we find the bigger cities tend to be most popular with EFL teachers - think Rome, Milan, Florence, and Naples. If it’s the nightlife and the city vibe you’re after, we’d recommend looking at Rome or Milan. If it’s the picturesque scenery that’s more your cup of tea, consider looking into the possibility of freelance working from Tuscany.
In terms of affordability, Italy is often classed as one of the cheaper countries within Europe. As with anywhere, rent costs are higher in the larger cities such as Rome, but you can find reasonably priced food and drink in most places. Food is a big part of Italian culture - visit your nearest piazza to meet locals and make friends.
While Italians are fairly laid back and like to enjoy socialising, they have a strong work ethic and often work long hours. Expect to involve yourself in lots of discussions and don’t forget to dress to impress!
Finding work
One of the best ways to find employment in Italy is through a school. There are many benefits to working for an organisation - often including accommodation (for free, or at a reduced rate). Some might even include healthcare as a perk. If you’d like to work in a school in Italy, we’d recommend you check out Associazione Italiana Scuole di Lingue. AISLi seeks to promote excellence in language teaching in Italy by providing guidance and support to qualified schools and those seeking efficient learning. Teaching in an AISLi accredited school means having access to high quality training and continuous opportunities for professional development. But it also means having the guarantee of decent working conditions and having a proper work contract according to current legislation and a fair salary.
If freelance teaching is what you’re after, you’ll want to look at Insegnanti-Inglese. You can post about freelance work here, and look for local positions.
Sounds good? We thought so! Enrol on our Level 2 TEFL Course today and you’ll be living your Italian dream before you know it!
