Country Report - Teach English in Italy

Teach English in Italy - ESL Teaching Jobs, Hiring Season, Work Visas, Summer Job Opportunities

Why Teach in Italy

Italy’s diverse landscapes, culture, and history make it one of the most popular ESL destinations in the world. Teaching English in Italy is a great way to experience Europe, with Switzerland, France, Austria, and Slovenia bordering the country to the north. Miles of coastline and several islands can be found in the southern region of the boot-shaped country. Italy also has miles of mountain ranges; the Alps and the Apennines cover much of the country. The combination of mountain ranges, miles of coastline, and islands make Italy an excellent and attractive destination for ESL teachers.

Geography and landscapes may not attract all ESL teachers; however, with the beauty of Venice, the history of Rome and the shops of Milan, Italy is the perfect teaching destination for art, architecture, cuisine, fashion, and history lovers alike. Access to Europe’s major cities combined with the speed of rail travel will allow for the ability to teach during the week and explore on the weekends.

Obtaining an English teaching position without a European Union passport will be a daunting task. Those few non-EU citizens who manage to find a job teaching English will discover that their salary is not nearly as high as other ESL markets, with typical salaries ranging between €1,000 and €1,500. Despite the low ESL salary and the visa-related difficulties, Italy is still a place in which many ESL teachers wish to travel.

What to Know About Teaching English in Italy

Housing

With the interest being so high for teaching English in Italy, it is extremely unlikely that an ESL teacher will be provided with accommodations. Finding housing in Italy can be very difficult to find and time consuming, especially in major cities. English teachers who do not speak Italian may require the assistance of their school while conducting an apartment search. Online advertisements and searching local newspapers are effective ways of searching for accommodations. Another option is to place a small ‘looking for’ ad in the local newspaper with a description of a specific apartment. Due to the popularity of living in Italy, it is important to be very active in an accommodation search and to pursue potential leads as soon as they become available. One thing that ESL teachers should note is that when an apartment is listed as ‘unfurnished’, it literally means that there is nothing in the apartment other than bathroom porcelain and possibly a kitchen sink. Items such as kitchen cupboards, appliances, light fixtures, curtains, and carpets will be absent from the apartment; however it is possible to purchase these items from the previous tenant. A more suitable option for foreigners might be a 'semi-furnished' apartment, which includes cupboards, bathroom fixtures and a few pieces of furniture. Furnished properties are also available, which are fully equipped with all the essentials, even pots and pans, bedding and possibly towels. There is a diverse range of properties throughout Italy, from tiny studio apartments to immense castles. It is important that ESL teachers give themselves sufficient time in their accommodation search and remain open to different possibilities.

Expected Apartment Costs

Various factors influence the cost of housing in Italy, including city, neighborhood, and size of apartment. Since employers rarely provide subsidized or fully paid living arrangements, ESL teachers should be prepared to pay part or all of the rent. Be aware that Rome, Milan, Florence, and Venice have restrictive rental rates. The cost of rent in Italy can range from €300-€900 per month for a studio apartment and from €450-€1,100 for a one bedroom in a new or renovated property. With ESL teachers typically earning €1,000 to €1,500 monthly, additional savings may be needed to pay for rent and other living expenses. Along with rental fees, apartment tenants are required to have compulsory insurance and pay for any service charges, which usually include items such as heat, hot water, garbage removal, maintenance of the landscape, communal lighting, and repairs. These charges can range from €20 to €200 or more per month, depending on the age of the building. ESL teachers should find out if the rent is inclusive of the service charges as well as ensure that the previous tenant is up to date on their payments, or they will be held responsible for the outstanding costs. Other utilities such as gas, electricity, and water are usually paid separately by the tenant. It is recommended to check whether these items are included in the rent, as the extra costs can have a great effect on monthly expenses.

Airfare

Italy is an extremely popular location for English teachers; therefore, very few contracts will include paid airfare as most individuals are willing to travel to Italy regardless of paid airfare or accommodations. In addition, it is extremely difficult for non-EU citizens to secure a teaching position before arriving in Italy, which does not allow them to negotiate a contract prior to departure. Some employers may reimburse the cost of airfare after the contract is fulfilled, but teachers wanting to teach in Italy should not expect employers to pay for their airfare.

Health Benefits

Foreigners residing in Italy have obligatory public health insurance coverage by the National Health Service. A percentage of an English teacher's annual salary is contributed to this insurance, which entitles them to medical assistance for lesser fees. However, there is also the private health insurance market, which is very desirable for foreign teachers. Teachers wanting additional medical coverage from their home country are encouraged to obtain it prior to moving to Italy.

Retirement Age

Italy's official minimum retirement age changed in January of 2008 from 57 to 58, following an agreement between Italy's labor unions and Prime Minister Romano Prodi. In addition, there have been discussions to increase the retirement age to 60, which may occur in the next few years.

Technology and Advancement

Like most of the world, technologies in Italy are widely available, resulting in easy access to a variety of comforts. If Internet access is not obtainable at an ESL teacher's home, there are a few options for accessing it which are listed below:

• Rent or purchase a mobile phone with an Internet connection
• Purchase a pre-paid Internet card which can be used on most computers
• Subscribe to an online service provider that offers wireless Internet connections
• Visit an Internet café. ESL teachers should note that a law has recently been passed that requires public access Internet points to keep a record of all websites visited by customers and that the customer present a valid ID before using the Internet. This law was put in place to avoid possible terrorist activities.

American Food

Italians take a lot of pride in their national cuisine but American culture is affecting the way some Italians eat, particularly the younger generation. Large supermarket chains, such as Penny Market and METRO, offer long shelf life, and familiar American brands to customers. Recognizable wines, fruits, and vegetables are often easy to obtain and relatively inexpensive. In addition to supermarkets becoming Americanized, fast-food chains are also finding their way into the country.

Transportation in Italy

Traveling within Italy can be very pricey. The public transportation system includes airplanes, taxis, trains, buses, and boats. Cheaper, private options include bicycles and motor vehicles.

Depending where ESL teachers work, they may need to commute to and from work. Some employers may provide a transportation allowance or subsidize their travel expenses.

Public Transportation

• Taxi

  Traveling by taxi can be the most expensive mode of transportation. Fully-licensed taxis are mainly white or yellow and must have a meter. Fares include an initial fixed cost and the additional costs are calculated by mileage. All licensed taxis should have fares and extra fees listed inside the taxi. Extra charges will include a fee for each piece of luggage, for traveling on Sundays and holidays, and for going to and from the airport.

English teachers should know that hailing a taxi is almost impossible; they should either go to a taxi station or call one by phone. However, the meter starts running from the time the taxi gets the call. English teachers would do well to ignore rides from private drivers which are usually waiting outside airports and train stations. These drivers charge a lot more, especially to foreigners.

• Train and Subway

  The train is viewed as an alternative to bus travel and is definitely cheaper when compared to neighboring countries. The low-priced appeal makes traveling by train popular and very busy during rush hour. Like buses, train tickets must be purchased in advance and validated before boarding the train. The cost and speed of the train varies depending on the train. For example the EuroStar Italia, operated by Trenitalia, is Italy’s premier train that travels quickly between Italian cities, while the Diretto and Interregionali are cheaper and slower local trains. In addition to encompassing Italy, the rail system allow commuters the ability to travel by rail to nations such as France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, and Vatican City.

  English teachers living in an Italian city will most likely travel on the Italian metro system. The subway system in Rome is not as big as systems in other cities of its size and stature in the world because of the risk that digging tunnel lines might compromise an archaeological site. There are currently subway systems in Rome, Naples, Milan, Genoa, Catania, Turin, Brescia, and Bologna. To ride on an Italian metro will cost around one Euro.

• Bus

  Buses are definitely the most popular mode of transportation for commuting within a city. They are fast, comfortable, frequent, and service all major routes. Foreigners wanting to travel by bus should know that tickets are purchased in advance and are validated by punching them in the machine found when entering the bus. Tickets are purchased at the following locations:

  • A tobacconist (Tabacchi) – black or blue sign with a white “T”
  • News stand
  • Public counter of the bus operator
  • Automatic ticket dispensers

  Please note that routes and fares vary by city. For detailed information regarding the bus services, contact the Italian Government Tourist Board.

• Traveling by Boat in Venice

  Stretching across numerous small islands and connected by approximately 400 bridges, Venice is one of the most unique cities in the world. English teachers wanting to live in Venice should know that the two major forms of transportation are by boat and foot. The waterbuses are used for everyday travel and less expensive than water taxis and gondolas. Water taxis in Italy are probably the most expensive in the world, but they are very fast and convenient. The gondola and traghetto are used for romantic tours or traveling down smaller canals, though they are not practical for everyday transportation and can be very expensive and slow. Venice sets official rates for gondola rides. Travelers still have to negotiate the length and rate of the ride, however; otherwise, gondoliers can charge an outrageous fee.

  Similar to other Italian cities, hailing for water taxis is almost impossible. Foreigners wanting to travel by water taxi must call to book them and the meter starts once the taxi is dispatched.

Other Modes of Transportation

Other modes of transportation that are available for ESL teachers include:

• Bicycle

  ESL teachers will not see Italians bicycling in major cities. Bike lanes are usually nonexistent and traffic can be very intense during working hours. However, cycling is a major sport in Italy and foreigners will see Italians traveling around the countryside on the weekends. ESL teachers have the option of purchasing a used bike which will help with saving money.

• Motor Vehicles

  Purchasing a motor vehicle is nearly impossible for foreigners. Italian laws require vehicle owners to be registered residents. In addition, some North Americans may view driving in Italy as chaotic as the majority of people drive at high speeds. Gas prices are extremely high in Italy compared to North America, which makes owning a car expensive.

  English teachers wanting to rent a motor vehicle must obtain an International Driving Permit from their local national driving association and be at least 21 years of age. The International Driving Permit is valid for six months and those staying longer must obtain an Italian driver’s license.

• Air

  Traveling by air within Italy can be very expensive. English teachers are better off using rail or bus as they are more convenient and affordable methods of transportation. For foreigners interested in traveling by air, there are four major domestic airlines in Italy: Alpi Eagles, Air One, Meridiana, and Wind Jet.

  Traveling internationally can be cheap if ESL teachers find a seat sale. Therefore, foreigners interested in visiting places like France, Spain, Switzerland, or Austria may be able to find affordable plane tickets.

Banking in Italy

ESL teachers should know that banks are only open from Monday to Friday, 8-8:30am to 1-1:30pm. The bank typically re-opens from 2:30-3pm until 4-4:30pm. Banks in major cities may have a branch open Saturdays during the morning. It should also be noted that the day before a public holiday, banks are usually open only in the morning. Major airports and railways will be open longer hours for changing money and cashing traveler's checks if needed. ESL teachers should try to limit the amount of times they cash traveler's checks because service fees are charged each time. Italian establishments accept various forms of payment; however it is recommended that foreigners carry cash, as not all establishments accept credit cards. ATMs in Italy are known as Bancomats which are located in major cities in shops, train stations and other high traffic areas. ESL teachers typically have 24-hour ATM access with their Italian bank accounts.

Peak ESL Hiring Season in Italy

Individuals can work in Italy as an English teacher through private language schools, universities and colleges, businesses, and freelance tutoring. Italian schools have two semesters; the first semester starts in September, and the second in January. As in North America, higher qualifications are needed for teachers wanting to teach in universities or colleges.

Public and Private School System

The school system in Italy is a mixture of public and private schools. Students attending public schools are divided into three age groups: primary school (scuole elementare), lower secondary (scuola media), and upper secondary school (scuola superiore). Italian students are required to attend school until the age of 16, at which point they can continue their studies or join the workforce.

Classroom lessons and materials are delivered in Italian; therefore, an understanding of the Italian language is of great use to English teachers thinking of traveling to Italy. Most English teachers are more likely to find a job at a private school than at a public school.

Private Language Schools

The private language schools such as Berlitz and the British Council typically hire a few months prior to the start of a new semester. These language schools operate from September to June. However, peak hiring periods during one year may differ to the next year. Individuals interested in working for private language schools should contact them directly for exact details regarding the hiring process. For a list of the most common chain schools in Italy, please see the Largest Chain Schools in Italy section.

Universities and Colleges

Italian universities operate on the same timetable as the private language schools, hiring a few months before each semester begins. ESL instructors interested in teaching in a university or college should have a minimum of a Master’s Degree and preferably some university teaching experience. Some universities and colleges also require ESL teachers to have some basic fluency in Italian.

How to Find Jobs Teaching English in Italy

The majority of the newspapers in Italy contain job advertisements which can be accessed either in print form or online. The most widely circulated newspaper in Italy, Corriere della Serra, publishes a job insert on Fridays which claims to contain a diverse range of over 1,500 job postings. There are also specific newspapers containing information for job seekers such as Il Posto. The National newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore also publishes a weekly job supplement in their Monday newspaper for college graduates looking for their first job. The Internet is another large resource for job seekers. By simply doing a search for available positions, one can come across hundreds of results. Italian websites can be translated with tools such as Google Translate.

Other resources that may include ESL teaching jobs are:

• The International Herald Tribune - http://www.iht.com/
• Wall Street Journal Europe: http://online.wsj.com/
• Wanted in Rome - http://www.wantedinrome.com/
• Dave’s ESL Café - http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist/
• El Gazette (published monthly) - http://www.elgazette.com/
• Prospects-UK - http://www.prospects.ac.uk

Largest Chain Schools in Italy

AISLI

The Italian Association of English Language Schools has some of the most prestigious schools in Italy and has been providing English education since 1979. The company currently has over 40 branch schools in the country. AISLI schools are strongly regulated and generally offer a favorable working environment for their teachers. Teachers are often paid by the hour, so it is important to ensure that the contract guarantees a certain number of hours per week. Salaries may vary depending on performance and the boundaries established by AISLI. Preference for positions is often given to EU nationals.
http://www.aisli.com/

Inlingua

Established in 1968, Inlingua is comprised of more than 300 branch schools in 40 countries world wide, with over 55 of them located in Italy. Inlingua teachers can expect to make around €18.50 per hour (gross). Preference for positions is often given to EU nationals.
http://www.inlingua.com/

Berlitz

With over 128 years of experience and 450 chain schools throughout 60 countries, Berlitz is well-established among English language centers. There are currently multiple schools throughout Rome and Milan in Italy which provide favorable working conditions for ESL teachers. Preference for positions is often given to EU nationals.
http://www.berlitz.it/en/

Other Jobs Teaching English in Italy

In-Company English Teacher

Some companies provide in-office English training. In-company teachers will be hired by Italian companies to help mainly with conversational English by focusing on proper pronunciation. Curriculums are rarely provided so in-company teachers should be prepared to create an individualized curriculum and individualized lesson plans. Hiring periods for in-company English teachers and freelance tutors vary depending on the supply and demand.

Freelance Tutor

Freelance tutoring can be an extremely challenging way to find employment in Italy. However, resourceful and determined ESL teachers can make it a career. Freelance tutoring will focus on teaching conversational English, which is one of the most popular forms of English instruction in Italy. Those wanting to freelance tutor must specialize in creating an individualized curriculum and individualized lesson plans.

Jobs Teaching English in the Summer in Italy

Italy’s school year is split into two semesters, making English summer camps very popular. Summer camps are usually from June until September. The summer camps vary in duration and location. In addition, some employers will provide transportation, accommodation and meals; however, ESL teachers should not expect to have these features included.

Additional ESL Resources to Help Teach English in Italy

There is an abundance of ESL resources for teachers to help teach English as a second language. It is finding suitable resources that meet specific needs that might be the difficult part. Some examples of the teaching resources available are listed below.

Please note that these are merely examples of the resources available and they may not suit each teacher’s needs.

• Dave’s ESL Café Cook Book - http://www.eslcafe.com/idea/index.cgi
• A Detailed Online Guidebook on the city of Rome - http://www.aboutroma.com
• Transitions Abroad Teaching English in Italy - http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/work/esl/italy.shtml
• ESL Site - http://www.eslsite.com/
• TeAchnology - http://www.teach-nology.com/teachers/lesson_plans/
• Discovery Education -http://school.discoveryeducation.com/
• Using English - http://www.songsforteaching.com/esleflesol.htm
• Songs for Teaching - http://www.songsforteaching.com/esleflesol.htm
• ESL Party Land - http://www.eslpartyland.com/teachers/Tinitial.htm
• The Internet TESL Journal - http://iteslj.org/

Preparing to Teach English in Italy

Italy is full of unique customs and etiquette, so before departing to Italy, ESL teachers should take note of the following conventions. First impressions are of great significance in Italy, so it is important to demonstrate respect and politeness when greeting someone for the first time. It should also be noted that body language and eye contact reflects upon one’s trustworthiness; therefore, ESL teachers should maintain eye contact in conversations and carry themselves in a courteous manner.

General Etiquette

• Greetings can be enthusiastic yet quite formal. A firm handshake with eye contact and a smile is usually sufficient when meeting strangers.
• Once a relationship develops, it is common for friends to greet one another with a kiss on both cheeks.
• Many Italians use calling cards in social situations which contain a person’s name, address, contact number, and title or academic credentials. They are slightly larger than business cards. Business cards could be useful to ESL teachers looking for a job or searching for clients for private English lessons.
• Italy has a high population of senior citizens and it is wise to be respectful, such as offering a seat on the bus.
• Italians prefer face-to-face contact; thus, email and telephone are not as common for business communication as in America.
• One should never wear sunglasses or a hat indoors or when interacting with another person as it is disrespectful.

These are some of the more prominent customs and they may vary by region.

Eating Etiquette

Italians place much importance on eating, not only as an essential activity, but also as a celebrated social event that brings family and loved ones together. Meals are often a prolonged activity and during holidays, many family feasts can last hours, if not for the entire day. The structure of a traditional Italian meal is often separated into several sections: the antipasto (appetizer of marinated vegetables, meats and cheeses), primo (first course of pasta or a rice dish), secondo (second course of meat dish, usually accompanied by the salad) and dolce (dessert). Some things ESL teachers should know about Italian etiquette while eating out are:

• Like other European countries, a traditional Italian breakfast usually consists of coffee with a pastry, or a piece of bread with cold cuts or cheese.
• Lunch in Italy is normally the most important meal of the day, to the extent that Italians have one hour designated to eating followed by one hour reserved for napping.
• Service charges are included in the restaurant bill, so it is not customary to tip. Leaving change on the table is acceptable, but not necessary.
• It is polite to pick up cheese with a knife rather than with fingers.
• To get a waiter’s attention, raise index finger and make eye contact
• Italian restaurants are non-smoking, therefore, do so only in a designated smoking area.
• If invited to a meal, bring a wrapped gift such as a vintage wine or chocolates.
• It is acceptable to be up to 15 minutes late if invited to dinner and up to 30 minutes late for a party.
• Stand until invited to sit down at the table. A designated seat may be offered.
• Always take small portions of food to begin with, as the host will typically persuade guests to have additional servings later.
• If no more wine is wanted, leave the wine glass nearly full.

Even though these are common practices in Italy, locals expect foreigners not to know proper etiquette. However, foreigners should attempt to follow the common eating practices as this displays politeness.

Language in Italy

Italian, along with French, Spanish, and Portuguese, is considered a Romance language. There are small pockets of German, French, and Greek-speaking communities throughout Italy; however, Italian is the dominant language in the country. Having knowledge of other Romance languages will make the transition to Italian phrases a little less difficult and ease the initial culture shock.

Before leaving for Italy, English teachers should learn the following Italian phrases, which will help them during their stay in Italy.

• Hello, my name is______.
  Ciao, il mio nome è ________.
• Would you speak slower, please?
  Parlereste più lento, prego.
• Thank you
  Grazie.
• Where is the bank?
  Dove è la banca?
• How much does this cost?
  Quanto costa?
• How do I get there?
  Per andare a/al/alla?
• Where do I get off?
  Dove ottengo fuori?
• I want to go here _______.
  Voglio andare qui _______.
• North, east, south, and west
  Nord, orientale, sud ed ad ovest

These are just some of the basic Italian phrases English teachers may want to learn before arriving in Italy. They should be aware that rural areas tend to have fewer English traffic signs and maps compared to tourist locations like Rome.

Eating in Italy

Italian Cuisine

Italian cuisine is one of the highlights of teaching English in Italy, since some very popular and delicious dishes have originated there. Much like its culture, Italian cuisine is highly dependent on the region. The dishes in Italy also vary in accordance to what produce is in season as Italians enjoy working with the freshest of ingredients. ESL teachers will have a selection of sandwiches, pizza, pasta, and more. A typical Italian diet consists of plenty of pasta and vegetables; meat is rarely the focus of an Italian dish. Meals which feature meat as the main component of a dish are usually reserved for holidays.

Traditional Italian cuisine is known for having healthy quantities of fresh ingredients, generous amounts of olive oil, and for being cooked on the spot. Popular Italian cuisine among foreigners includes:

• Panzerotti – a smaller version of a calzone, made with softer dough and filled with traditional pizza toppings
• Piadinas – flat, folded bread with the filling served warm
• Risotto – a creamy and rich dish made with rice and combined with the local meat/fish
• Arancini – deep fried balls of rice with tomato sauce, eggs and cheese
• Polenta – yellow corn meal that has been cooked with stock
• Gelato – this Italian version of ice cream comes in many flavors. Gelato made without milk is known as sorbetto (sherbet)
• Tiramisù – translated, it means ‘pick-me-up’; this Italian cake is made with coffee, mascarpone cheese, cookies, and cocoa powder on the top.

To truly get a taste of Italian food and culture in the region, ESL teachers should browse the local outdoor markets (usually held on Saturdays).

Italian Drink

Italian wine is the most exported in the world, and great value in the country is placed in a person’s ability to distinguish which wine should accompany one’s meal. Before traveling to Italy, it might be of use to research the local wines of the region. Waiters in restaurants are also available to make recommendations regarding the correct pairing of wine with food. Inebriation is viewed poorly among Italians as wine is mainly intended to enhance the taste of a meal; therefore, having only one or two glasses of wine is customary. Italian wine is another aspect of Italian culture that demonstrates the country’s richness and diversity of regions.

Food Costs

The following table provides English teachers with examples of the cost of food in Italy. These costs can be compared to typical North American grocery stores.

• Average restaurant meal
  €20 - €50
• 4L of milk
  €1.40
• Slice of pizza
  €2.00
• Daily newspaper
  €0.80
• Cappuccino
  €1.00

Climate in Italy

The mountain ranges in Italy create a very diverse climate which English teachers will want to discover during their stay. The type of weather a teacher will encounter depends on the area in which they live. Inland cities experience a more humid climate, whereas the coastal locations are classified as being Mediterranean-type: mild winters with typically hot and dry summers. Similar to North America, Italy has four distinct seasons, however each season’s length and intensity varies greatly by region.

Spring

Spring is a beautiful season in Italy as the blooming flowers such as roses and poppies enhance the splendor of the landscape. Temperatures are warm but not too hot, with little rain. Those living along the coastline will experience more precipitation.

Summer

Northern Italy experiences warm temperatures in the summer with occasional rainfall. The central region undergoes an intense humidity while the southern parts of the country endure a dry and hot summer. Italy is also quite crowded with tourists during the summer months due to many Europeans seeking warmer climates.

Autumn

Autumn is similar to spring with relatively warm temperatures and a beautiful landscape that is enhanced with fall foliage. November may be the least enjoyable month, as the days are short and the weather is frequently rainy. Temperatures are slightly warmer along the coast and cooler inland.

Winter

Winter in Italy can be quite cold in the Northern areas, while it remains milder in the south. Despite the cold temperatures, it is a popular time for winter sport enthusiasts as they can choose from the Northern Alps, the Dolomite, and the Apennine mountain ranges. The rest of the country is affected by rain.

Natural Disasters

There is a fault line running directly through the entire Italian Peninsula which results in the country experiencing minor and major earthquakes. The last major earthquake occurred in 1980, measuring 6.8 on the Richter magnitude scale and leaving behind devastating results. Additionally, due to Italy’s proximity to the boundary between the Eurasian Plate and the African Plate, it is considered a volcanically active country. There are three active volcanoes in Italy: Mount Etna in Sicily, Stromboli on one of the Aeolian Islands; and Mount Vesuvius, located in Naples, which is the only active volcano in Europe.

Holidays in Italy

On national holidays in Italy, ESL teachers can expect that most offices will be closed. Museums generally open for shorter hours than usual on such days, and public transportation may run on a limited service. Banks are sometimes open in the morning of a national holiday and closed in the afternoon. Below is a list of all of the national holidays in Italy. It is important for ESL teachers to prepare for holidays in advance by shopping early, planning transit routes, and by performing any banking.

• January 1st - New Year’s Day (Capodanno) is one of three days when most museums and restaurants will be closed for the entire day
• January 6th - The Epiphany (Epifania) celebrates the revelation of God in human form as Jesus Christ
• Moving Holiday - Easter Monday (Lunedi dell’Angelo, Pasquetta)
• April 25th – Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione)
• May 1st - Labor Day (Festa dei Lavoratori) is the second national holiday that most museums and restaurants will be closed
• June 2nd – Anniversary of the Founding of the Republic (Festa della Repubblica)
• August 15th – Feast of the Assumption (Ferragosto)
• November 1st – All Saints (Toussaint)
• December 8th – Feast of the Immaculate Consumption (Immacolata)
• December 25th – Christmas Day (Natale)
• December 26th – St. Stephen’s Day (Santo Stefano)

Along with these national holidays, each town celebrates the feast day of its patron saint. Again, businesses and public services may be shut down for the day. ESL teachers should research what is open and closed.

• Rome: June 29 – Feast of Saints Peter and Paul
• Florence: June 24 – Feast of St. John the Baptist
• Venice: April 25 – Feast of St. Mark
• Naples: September 19 – Feast of St. Januarius

Tips for ESL Teachers in Italy

• In emergencies, the code similar to the North American 911 in Italy is 113 for police, 115 for the Fire Department, and 118 for Medical Rescue.
• Electrical outlets in Italy have a voltage of 220 which is higher than the North American of 150. Electronics in Italy have plugs which feature two pins. If appliances do not have the option of switching, it is recommended to purchase a transformer as long as the item has an AC/DA. Adapters cost around €0.80 at a local grocery store.
• Foreigners should always ask for a price before making any purchases from vendors to avoid being overcharged.
• Prices in restaurants double and sometimes triple when sitting down as compared to taking an item to go.
• Bread is rarely served before a meal, as the main dishes take priority over filling up on bread alone. If bread is available, it is not free and is mainly accompanied by oil, not butter.
• Working holiday visas are not appropriate for individuals intending to engage in full-time employment or to enroll in an academic institute.

Requirements to Teach English in Italy

Work Visa

A work visa is required of anyone traveling to Italy to work. There are many different types of visas; the two most directly related to ESL teachers and their requirements are listed below in the next section.

Permission to Stay

A permesso di soggiorno per lavoro (permission to stay for those with a work visa) is required of those staying in Italy longer than seven days. This can be obtained at the local police station in the town the English teacher is residing in once they have received a work visa.

Work Permit

Also obtained at the local police station, an interim work permit can be issued which is valid for 90 days. While waiting for a permanent work permit, ESL teachers are given a codice fiscale (tax ID number) which is essential for various purchases and to open a bank account. The last step in the process is to obtain a signed contract from an employer and present it to the local employment office for final approval. Once this is approved, the applicant will be given a permesso di lavoro which is valid for two or five years, or the length of specified contract.

North American Citizens

It is very difficult for a non-EU citizen to obtain a working visa as the employer must prove that the employee is an expert in his/her field and that they are not taking the position away from another EU citizen. Most employers are not willing to go through the extensive paperwork in order to support an employment visa application. The process itself is also very lengthy as it takes time to send the application forms to Italy and then back to the Italian consulate in the teacher’s area. If an employer is willing to vouch in the application process, some of the requirements for the application process are listed below.

The applicant must fill out multiple copies of the application form before sending it all to their local Italian embassy or consulate. A statement of where an English teacher intends on going and for how long, as well as the reasons for the voyage, is required. Different visas require different documents; however, it is important to bring several copies of the following basic documents:

• A valid passport
• Passport-sized photos
• Proof of residency in the area of the consulate
• A letter outlining the destination and reason for the trip, for how long, and names of any potential passengers
• Valid round-trip ticket to Italy
• Proof of financial means in Italy which includes a letter from a bank that displays a balance and account number

North Americans wanting to teach English in Italy can qualify for a work visa under two sub-categories:

Self Employment

• Application form fully completed
• Recent passport-sized photo
• Passport or travel document valid at least three months after validity of visa
• Certification issued by Labor Inspection Service of Italian DPL (Provincial Labor office) that the work contract does not constitute subordinate employment
• Availability of lodging proven through either rental lease or ownership deed
• Entry clearance (nulla osta) issued no more than 120 days earlier by the Italian Questura (Police Commissary)

Subordinate Employment

• Application form fully completed
• Recent passport-sized photo
• Passport or travel document valid at least three months after validity of visa

Please be advised that presentation of the required documents does not always ensure approval of a Italian visa.

Australian and New Zealand Citizens

Australian and New Zealand citizens wanting to teach English in Italy can qualify for a work visa under two subcategories and a working holiday visa.

Work Visa

• Self-Employment (see above)
• Subordinate Employment (see above)

Working Holiday Visa

The applicant prerequisites for a Working Holiday Visa are listed below. Applicants must be/have:

• An Australian or New Zealand citizen
• Between the age of 18 and 30 years inclusive at the time of application for the visa
• No dependent children
• No previous entrance into the Working Holiday scheme
• Hold a valid Australian or New Zealand passport
• Hold a valid return travel ticket or sufficient funds to purchase such a ticket
• Sufficient funds to support oneself during the period of stay in Italy (equivalent of at least €3,500 for a stay of one year). which includes a letter from a bank that displays a balance and account number
• A criminal record check
• Good health and a sound background. Visa holders will be covered by the “Reciprocal Agreement in the matter of Health Assistance” for the first six months of their stay. However, it is recommended that medical insurance be taken out to cover medical, pharmaceutical and hospitalization costs in case of accident or disease for the entire length of stay.
• Application for the Working Holiday Visa is to be made by completing an application form (attaching a photograph) obtained from Italian diplomatic/consular offices, and mentioning one’s intention to spend a holiday period in Italy. Cost of this type of visa is currently set at €75.

British and Irish Citizens

The European Economic Area (EEA) allows job mobility among workers of one EEA country to work in another EEA country under the same conditions as the original country’s own citizens. The EEA includes the following member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Certain conditions may be applied to the 12 new member states (Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungry, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia) during the transitional period, restricting free movement of workers between other EEA members.

Embassy and Consulate Information in Italy

American Embassy and Consulates in Italy

United States Embassy in Rome
via Vittorio Veneto, 121
00187 Roma, Italy
City: Rome
Phone: 39 06 4674 1 (main switchboard)
Fax: 39 06 4674 2356
Website: http://rome.usembassy.gov/english/

Consulate General of the United States in Milan
via Principe Amedeo, 2/10
20121 Milano, Italy
City: Milan
Phone: 39 02 2903 51
Fax: 39 02 2900 1165
Website: http://milan.usconsulate.gov/

Consulate General of the United States in Florence
Lung’arno Vespucci Amerigo, 38
50123 Firenze, Italy
City: Florence
Phone: 39 055 266 951
Fax: 39 055 284 088
Website: http://florence.usconsulate.gov/english/

Consulate General of the United States in Naples
Piazza Della Repubblica
80122 Napoli, Italy
City: Naples
Phone: 39 081 5838 111
Fax: 39 081 7611 869
Website: http://naples.usconsulate.gov/english/

Consular Agency in Genoa
Via Dante, 2
16121 Genoa
City: Genoa
Phone: 39 010 584 492
Fax: 39 010 5533 033

Consular Agency in Palermo
via Vaccarini, 1
90143 Palermo
City: Palermo
Phone: 39 091 305 857
Fax: 39 091 625 6026

Consular Agency in Venice
Venice Marco Polo Airport
General Aviation Terminal
viale Galileo Galilei, 30 30030 TESSERA
City: Venice
Phone: 39 041 541 5944
Fax: 39 041 541 6654

Canadian Embassy and Consulates in Italy

Embassy of Canada in Rome
Via Zara 30,
Rome, Italy 00198
City: Rome
Phone: 39 06 85444 1
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 00 800 2326 6831
Fax: 39 06 8544 4291 2
Email: rome.citizenservices@international.gc.ca
Website: http://www.rome.gc.ca

Canadian Consulate General in Naples
Via Carducci 29,
Naples, Italy 80121
City: Naples
Phone: 39 081 401 338
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa:00 800 2326 6831
Fax: 39 081 410 4210
Email: cancons.nap@tiscali.it

Canadian Consulate General in Padua
Riviera Ruzzante 25,
Padova, Italy 35123
City: Padua
Phone: 39 049 876 4833
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 00 800 2326 6831
Fax: 39 049 878 1147
Email: consolato.padova@canada.it

Canadian Consulate to Malta in Valletta
Demajo House
103 Archbishop Street
Valletta VLT 09
City: Valletta
Phone: 356 2552 3233
Fax: 356 2552 3232
Email: canhcon@demajo.com

Canadian Consulate to Albania in Tirana
Rruga Deshmoret e 4 Shkurti
Pallati i Ri perballe Akademise se Arteve
Kati 2
City: Tirana, Albania
Phone: 355 4 225 7274/225 7275
Fax: 355 4 225 7273
Email: canadalb@canada.gov.al

Australian Embassy and Consulates in Italy

Australian Embassy in Rome
Via Antonio Bosio 5
Rome, Italy 00161
City: Rome
Phone: 39 06 852 721
Fax: 39 06 8527 2300
Email: info-rome@dfat.gov.au
Website: http://www.italy.embassy.gov.au/

Australian Consulate General in Milan
3rd Floor, Via Borgogna 2
Milan, Italy 20122
City: Milan
Phone: 39 02 777 041
Fax: 39 02 77 704 242
Email: Australian-Consulate-General-Milan@austrade.gov.au

British Embassy and Consulates in Italy

British Embassy in Rome
Via XX Settembre 80a
1-00187 Roma RM
City: Rome
Phone: 39 89 9010 003
Fax: 39 06 4220 2334
Email: ConsularRome@fco.gov.uk
Website: http://www.britain.it

British Consulate in Milan
Via S. Paolo, 7
20121 Milano MI
City:Milan
Phone: 39 02 7230 01
Fax: 39 02 864650 81
Email: Milan.Consular@fco.gov.uk

British Consulate in Florence
Lungarno Corsini 2
50123 Firenze
City:Florence
Phone: 39 055 2841 33
Fax: 39 055 2191 12
Email: consular.florence@fco.gov.uk

British Consulate in Naples
Via dei Mille 40
80121 Naples
City:Naples
Phone: 39 081 4238 911
Fax: 39 081 4224 34
Email: Info.Naples@fco.gov.uk

British Honourary Consulate in Venice
Piazzale Donatori di Sangue 2/5
30171 Venice-Mestre VE
City:Venice
Phone: 39 041 505 5990
Fax: 39 041 950254
Email: britconvenice@tin.it

British Honourary Consulate in Genoa
British Honarary Consulate
Piazza G Verdi 6/A
16121 Genova GE
City:Genoa
Phone: 39 010 5740 071
Fax: 39 010 5304 096

British Honourary Consulate in Bari
Via Dalmazia, 127
70121 Bari BA
City: Bari
Phone: 39 080 5543 668
Fax: 39 080 5542 977

British Honourary Consulate in Cagliari
Viale Colombo, 160
I-09045 Quartu S. Elena CA
City: Cagliari
Phone: 39 070 828628
Fax: 39 070 813412

British Honourary Consulate in Catania
Via Nicola Coviello, 27
95128 Catania
City: Catania
Phone: 39 095 716 7336

British Honourary Consulate in Naples
Via dei Mille, 40
80121 Napoli NA
City: Naples
Phone: 39 081 423 8911
Fax: 39 081 422 434
Email: Info.Naples@fco.gov.uk

British Honourary Consulate in Palermo
Via Cavour 117
90133 Palermo PA
City: Palermo
Phone: 39 091 326412
Fax: 39 091 3804901

Embassy and Consulate Information Outside Italy

Italian Embassy and Consulates Offices in the United States

Embassy of Italy in Washington DC
3000 Whitehaven Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20008
City: Washington D.C.
Phone: 1 (202) 612-4400
Fax: 1 (202) 518-2151
Email: washington@esteri.it
Website: http://www.ambwashingtondc.esteri.it/

Consulate general offices are located in major cities and offer full services including consular services. Honourary consulates offer a limited range of services including consular services. A full list of Italian consulates in America can be found at: http://www.ambwashingtondc.esteri.it/Ambasciata_Washington/Menu/Informazioni_e_servizi/La_rete_consolare/

Italian Embassy and Consulates Offices in Canada

Embassy of Italy in Ottawa
275 Slater Street, 21st Floor
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5H9
Canada
City: Ottawa
Phone: 1 (613) 232.2401
Fax: 1 (613) 233.1484
Email: ambasciata.ottawa@esteri.it
Website: http://www.ambottawa.esteri.it/

Consulate general offices are located in major cities and offer full services including consular services. Honourary consulates offer a limited range of services including consular services. A full list of Italian consulates in Canada can be found at: http://www.ambottawa.esteri.it/Ambasciata_Ottawa/Menu/Ambasciata/La_rete_consolare/

* Exchange rates are subject to change. Check www.xe.com for current rates.
** Information is updated regularly, so check back for more details about teaching English in Italy.
† The Big Mac Index is a credible, reliable, third-party cost-of-living index created by The Economist. For comparison purposes, it lists the cost of an American Big Mac at $3.54.

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