Teach English in Italy

Only those teachers with work visas and contracts can expect benefits. These include accommodation, a housing stipend, paid holidays, and healthcare. For lucky teachers, this can also include reimbursement for flights and Italian lessons, though this is less common.

Freelance teachers won’t be eligible for any benefits but will naturally have more flexibility.

Teaching in Italy is more of a lifestyle choice than a career choice for TEFL teachers. You don’t come to Italy to earn a fortune. You come to Italy to live in a beautiful place with a gentle work-life balance and plentiful travel opportunities.

Summer camp positions can be residential, meaning you are provided food and board for the duration of your contract – plus you get to live in a spectacular destination.

The popular cities for TEFL jobs in Italy are Rome, Milan, Florence and Naples. 

Rome is the capital city but is always busy – especially in the crowded tourist season. Milan is considered the fashion capital of Italy and has fewer tourists than Rome. Milan is a good destination for Business English teachers. Florence and Naples are smaller cities so while there are TEFL jobs to be found there, they won’t be as many as in the bigger cities.

Luckily for us, Italy is one of the more affordable Western European countries.

Interestingly, the capital Rome is not the most expensive city in Italy; Milan is. According to Numbeo, the cost of rent in Milan is almost 40% more than in Rome. 

Generally speaking, the cost of living in Italy is €850 ($915), excluding rent. Rent costs vary around the city – and this makes the biggest difference in your living costs.

If you’re willing to work hard and live frugally, saving isn’t a problem.

Even though Italy seems like an extravagant destination, it’s possible to get by on a budget if you live in a smaller city or town. However what you earn as a teacher is not going to be enough to save millions of euros, even if you work 24 hours a day!

Our top tips for saving money in Italy:

• Save on accommodation by sharing a house or flat.
• If you live in a big city, find accommodation outside the city centre.
• Cook more; eat out less. If you must eat out, go for the smaller, more independent cafes and restaurants rather than tourist traps.

To teach English in Italy a degree may sometimes be required, but what is essential is a TEFL qualification. Sign up for a TEFL course from a reputable and internationally recognised course provider. 

Find out if you qualify for a working visa or a Working Holiday Visa. Non-EU citizens may find it tricky to secure a visa but some countries have agreements with Italy with regards to working arrangements. You may be able to apply for a Student Visa, study Italian and work in your free time.

Check out our Jobs Board to see the latest job opportunities in Italy. Polish up your CV and send it out. If you have an EU passport you can consider jumping on a plane and finding a job by pounding the pavements. 

Brush up on your Italian! Though it’s not necessary to be able to speak Italian to teach English in Italy, it’s easier to get around the cities if you have some grasp of the language.

Once you’ve ticked these boxes, you’re ready to go! Give us a call and we’ll get you started on your TEFL journey in Italy.