How much can I earn teaching English in Italy?
Demand for teachers is high in many parts of Italy so there are always jobs available for the many people who dream of living in this beautiful part of Europe. People come from all over the world, drawn by the country?s mix of culture, cuisine, art, history, and fashion. However, as it is so popular with teachers, the competition for the best jobs is often very strong. Cities such as Florence and Venice are particularly popular, so many employers are able to insist on teaching qualifications and previous teaching experience. If you are a first time teacher you are likely to have more options in one of the big cities such as Rome or Milan.
What are TESOL salaries in Italy?
The average teaching salary in Italy largely depends on the area where you are working and the individual employer, however, a monthly income of around 1,000 to 1,500 euro would be typical. The large northern cities such as Rome and Milan generally pay the highest salaries, while jobs are less numerous and lower paid in some parts of the south. Despite this, the cost of living is usually less in the south of the country so it is often balanced out. Teachers with a TESOL certification and some previous experience can expect to earn the higher end of the salary scale, while those without specific qualifications or experience are likely to earn less. Teachers in Italy routinely supplement their income by taking on private students outside of working hours. Hourly rates for private tutoring can range from 15 to 30 euro.
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Italy?
State schools offer a popular option for many teachers as the pay is generally competitive and the hours relatively short compared to other options. However, these are limited in number and you will need to have a high level of Italian language skills to make the cut. For the majority of teachers, private language academies offer the most likely route into teaching in Italy. Most private language schools will expect you to have a TESOL certification, although some will prefer to train their teachers using their own system. The working week will generally involve between 20 and 28 classroom hours and these can often be spread over evenings and weekends. Most schools pay an hourly rate which can be quite low in comparison to other employers, but jobs are widespread and readily available. Full or part time private tutoring is also a very popular option, particularly in areas with a university. This flexible option allows you to set your own hours and pay rate which can provide more freedom to enjoy Italy at your own pace.
Who else employs English language teachers in Italy?
There are a few other options for ESL teachers in Italy, including teaching business related English to private companies, assistant teaching positions in university language departments, and English summer camps which offer short-term teaching contracts during the school holidays. All these options generally pay a good salary, but they are relatively small in number.
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Italy?
The cost of living in Italy is relatively high compared to many other popular teaching destinations, however, if you secure a full-time position and take on a few private students in your spare time, you should be able to live a comfortable lifestyle. The biggest outgoing is usually accommodation as this is not generally included in a teaching contract. Apartments can be rented for around 400 euro a month in many smaller towns and cities, although you will probably need to double that figure for Milan or Rome. To make life easier, most teachers choose to house share with another teacher at their school or rent a room from a local family.
