Teaching English in Italy and TEFL Jobs in Italy With TEFL Certification

Teaching English in Italy and TEFL Jobs in Italy With TEFL CertificatiTeaching English in Italy is a great way to explore an amazing and diverse country. There are TEFL jobs available throughout the country, in many different teaching areas, for those with TEFL certification. Italy proudly boasts fabulous opera and art, ancient monuments, and a history that stretches back thousands of years. Whether you choose fashionable Milan, or ancient Rome in this relatively small country, you're never too far away from, verdant rolling hills, alpine skiing and great beaches. The primary language in use is Italian, however, it may be useful to note that most Italians can communicate in Spanish. Outside of the main tourist areas English is not widely spoken, thus there is a great demand for teachers teaching English in Italy.

There are good TEFL job opportunities in Italy for English Teachers, as many high-school students and adults seek to improve on what they have available to them via the state. There are a large number of language institutes ranging from elite academies, where experience, TEFL certification and a degree are a requisite, to small-scale language schools where only a TEFL qualification is required.

Italy has many, many famous cities such as Rome, Florence, Milan, Naples, Venice and Bologna. Each city is very distinctive and has its own history and character. Breathtaking art and architecture is everywhere, but the more rural areas such as Tuscany should not be forgotten as it has a great charm all of it's own. Italy is a relatively small country in European terms, and good public transportation means that it's easy to plan plenty of excursions from wherever your TEFL job is located. If you wish to teach in a state or private high-school you may need to have a degree, but TEFL certification is often enough. Some TEFL jobs in Italy require two-years' language teaching experience, but there are always opportunities available for newly qualified TEFL teachers wanting to teach English in Italy.

In the main you will find yourself teaching students of varying ability, even within the same class. Hence, expect all ranges of ability. The challenge, particularly with children, is in motivating them. It is also a task to cope with varying levels of ability within the same class. Nevertheless, Italians can be great fun to teach, and can be very enthusiastic if approached in the right way.

For those seeking TEFL jobs in advance there is no over-arching list of the hundreds of language schools which exist in Italy, and one's best resource is the Italian Yellow Pages and obviously the internet where many TEFL jobs in Italy can be found. The new arrival, with a TEFL certificate planning on teaching English in Italy, would do well to consult the weekly English language papers: Wanted in Rome and Metropolitan.

Whatever way you look for work it is important to remember that life comes to a halt during the month of August, as with many other European countries. Therefore, your travel plans should be arranged to avoid looking for TEFL jobs during the month of August. Although it is useful to complete a TEFL certification course during this period and beginning a TEFL job from September when many employers are hiring teachers for the new academic year.

When agreeing to a TEFL job contract for a position in an institute it is very important to thoroughly read your contract, and check what it stipulates. Remember what is important to you - accommodation, class size, salary, etc. and try and ensure these are adequately catered for in your contract.
It can be the case that some state schools are not prepared to go through the difficult process of hiring native English-speaking teachers wanting to teach English in Italy from outside of Europe. However, in many cases it can be easier to place teachers from the US in TEFL jobs than from other countries, such as Australia and New Zealand. Non-EU citizens should check with the Italian consulate in their native country to look for language exchange programs, etc. Americans may wish to contact there local visa authorities.

You should be aware of the fact that the reciprocal social security system that exists within the EU means that high schools are required to register their staff for a social security card and also pay part of their contributions. Many individuals teaching for institutes are 'freelance' or self-employed. Therefore, the individual is responsible for paying his or her own tax and social security. New arrivals planning on teaching English in Italy are required to register with the police, arrange a bank account into which their wages will be paid, and also obtain a tax number from their local tax office.

For Americans it is worth a little investigation to see if there are TEFL jobs available through the US military. The military employs lots of civilians and may be able to process work permits, etc. for you. In addition to this student visas are also an option. Working your way through the bureaucracy you will need original certificates of any qualifications you have, along with passport photos, birth certificate, and passport.

Once you have completed a TEFL certification course for teaching English in Italy there are a great many options that will be open to you in cities throughout Italy. Italy is a wonderful choice for TEFL jobs and offers the opportunity for a rich and diverse experience while teaching English to a keen and motivated people.

Teaching English in Italy with TEFL International. TEFL International provides TEFL certification courses and TEFL job placement services.

Teach, travel, live and work in Italy with TEFL International.

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Surviving Italy

The real 21 point Guide to traveling and surviving in Italy! Italy, like the Italians themselves, is a complex country. Here are some light hearted, useful suggestions for getting the best out of your trip and understanding better the rich tapestry of culture that is Italy today.

1) TIME: Kick of your shoes, throw away your watch...everything is relative. Whilst much improved over the recent years trains, buses and people work on an "approximate" timetable.
Learn patience and go with the flow.

2) LANGUAGE: Unlike Northern Europe, English is not as widely learnt and used. Many Italians already have to learn two languages, Italian and their local dialect and until recently French was promoted above English. Italians suffer from a language inferiority complex so that even those who do speak good English are convinced that they do not and therefore only speak if necessity insists. Luckily the Italians are experts at hand signs and the language is so infiltrated by English words that one way or another everything works out.

3) NATIONALISM: As reflected in the dialects, modern Italy was actually only unified in the mid 1800's. Still today great divisions exist between north and south. This means that culture, traditions and life style vary significantly between the various provinces. True allegiance is to their local town or province and less to the state (reflected well in football stadiums across Italy). If you want to compliment an Italian, remark kindly on his home town.

4) POLITICS: But not as we know it.
Often kindly called "the politics of favours", politicians do not fade away they just become prime minister for the 10th time. Bringing down the government is a national past time, averaging nearly one government for every year since world war two. Reflecting national divide, Italy has a strong ex communist and a strong ex fascist block. Most Italians believe the country is successful despite the best efforts of the government and tax avoidance is another national obsession.

One of Italy's stronger parties is dedicated to the break up of Italy. Lega Nord (free the north) has a passionate following.....in the north!

To miss-quote Beppe Grillo, the famous Italian commentator "One Italian makes a Latin lover, two together can never agree whilst three Italians make up four political parties."

5) DRINK: Italian bars often double up as coffee shops and there is a much more limited drinking culture. A good night out may include a coffee instead of a beer although the club scene is more traditional in its appeal. In many areas wine is cheaper than bottled water and whilst a staple feature of Italian meals, it is rarely drunk to excess.

6) FAMILIES: Careful of stereotypes but, whilst waning, the family is central to all and everything. Boys especially, often stay at home until their mid 30's, children move away...to the house next door, and shouting between balconies to borrow some sugar is common place. The grandmother plays the role of matriarch and unexpected family visitors often turn up for a meal and are gladly received.

7) RELIGION: Well, Catholic of course. Strangely though Italy has the lowest birth rate in Europe, Mafia bosses fastidiously attend church on Sunday and married Catholic men may happily have an "amante" (lover). Many Catholics are uncertain if they are Christians as well, such is the hold and "brand" strength of the Catholic church. Church attendances are however in decline and the number of new priests has declined by 85% in the last 50 years.

8) SPORT: One thing all Italians agree on is the National football team, often referred to as Italy's "true" religion. When Italy won the world cup, people took to the streets in their cars, blowing horns, standing on car roofs and the entire nations transport system ground to a halt for 2 hours as Italians demonstrated their passion for the game. Other sports take a back seat although cycling, volleyball, skiing and especially formula one have their occasional place on the front pages. One of the largest selling national newspapers is entirely dedicated to sport (La Gazetta dello sport).

9) WORLD AFFAIRS: Not our affair....

10) FOREIGNERS: In most cases are greeted with enthusiasm and delight although heavy non European Immigration has started to create phobia and resentment of the non European invasion.

11) FOOD: Italians are passionate about...Italian food. So much so that even when abroad, many Italians will go out of their way to seek out the nearest Italian restaurant..... and why not ? Italian food is like an Iceberg, what you see and know, like Pasta and Pizza, are but a fraction of the rich and varied Italian cuisine. Each region has their "local dish" and each dish may be prepared in a different way according to local custom. A wedding or Gala meal may last for over 6 hours and feature up to 20 courses.

12) DRIVING: The Italian zest for life is well reflected in the Italian driving style. Cars are viewed as a status symbol, not for nothing does Italy have one of the highest percentages of Mercedes owners and speed limits, like their train timetables, are considered approximations. Recent clamp downs and a new license points system is beginning to dampen down this zest and the best advise for foreign drivers is not to panic if a car cuts in, speeds by or tailgates you. Don't worry they have had lots of practise and are very good at it!

13) QUEING: Or lines. Until recently the concept was an enigma for Italians. The advent of supermarket deli ticket lines and other such devices are being readily adopted and even when no line exists, Italians appear to have an uncanny sense of when it's their turn.

14) GREETING: Even vaguely familiar acquaintances will kiss each other on each cheek, but a hand shake will suffice. "Buon giorno" (formal) and "Ciao" (informal) being the classic accompaniment, followed by "come stai" (informal) "how are you". In Northern Europe it is normal to reply "fine thank you" even if you feel awful, in Italy they may well tell you how they are!

Failure to greet or say goodbye to somebody can be taken as an insult.

15) FASHION: Italians will generally conform to the latest fashion trend, colour and style, indeed foreigners can easily be spotted, even in a crowd, as they often do not conform to this hidden code. Italians take pride in their dress and are much more brand conscious than some other nationalities.

16) BUSINESS: Italians prefer to do business with who they know and trust (hence the relatively low success of Internet companies). Unlike some other industrialized powers the back bone of the Italian economy is based on people not multinationals. This is reflected in the proportionally high level of family businesses.

Even large Italian businesses are often originated , directed or owned by a family (Benetton, Fiat etc). The local family shop concept still prevails even though supermarkets are beginning to change the fabric of shopping.

17) PLANNING: Whilst many Northern Europeans are busy planning their next summer holiday in September the year before, summer holiday catalogues in Italy are not even printed till March ! Planning ahead is considered restrictive and often Italians will decide what to do for the weekend on Saturday morning. Don't try and force Italians to plan, or expect next seasons bus timetable to be published months before. Perhaps this approach is best summed up in the expression "why plan today what you can change tomorrow".

18) EUROPEAN: Whilst the UK has opposed many European directives but implemented most of those it did approve. Italy is a great believer in "voting European", agreeing to many issues and then simply not implementing the directive. Italians themselves see Europe as an escape clause from their own governments perceived incompetence and corruption, however when put to the test, Italians in reality dislike anybody who tells them how to live their lives. Most Italians were enthusiastic about the Euro, until they found most shop keepers used it to increase prices two fold.

19) HUMOUR: Warning "Sarcasm is not defined". Do not try sarcastic or ironic jokes on Italians, they will think you are serious. Humour is much more light hearted and obvious (Benny Hill was a big hit in Italy) and Italians are not afraid to make fun of themselves. The famous Oscar winning actor/comic, Roberto Benigni, once remarked "If the Berlin wall would have been built by Italians it would have come down on its own." The prime time rated nightly comedy program "Striscia la notizia" goes out of it's way to poke holes and find humour in Italian news and politics. Few Italian comedy films work well when translated but have an avid following in Italy itself.

20) HOTELS: Contrary to popular belief there is no unified star rating system in Europe. Each country provides it's own system (hence the recent "invention" of 7 star Hotels by some countries, when the UK system only goes to 5). A Hotels ambience is not assessed in any system, only facilities. In Italy a 3 star will have a restaurant, on-suite bathroom, bar and lounge area. Room sizes in Italy are below the European average mainly because many Hotel are converted residences. However most Hotels are family run with attentive service, home cooked meals and very friendly. It is not unusual for the Grandparents to take over responsibilities when the owner is away or too be greeted during school Holidays by the 14 year old son (who probably speaks better English than the parents !). This family atmosphere is one of the charms of smaller Italian Hotels.

21) One last warning...be careful of the stereotypes! Whilst you can always draw a thread (or even a rope) of similarity (as above) between the nationals of a country, the extent and size of the thread can vary!

Alexander Reed (http://www.monticolo.it) is a travel consultant living in Italy.

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