If you’re planning on spending a substantial amount of time (more than 3 months) working in Italy, search for a job well in advance. International placement agencies are often the easiest way to find employment abroad, especially for those interested in teaching. Although they are often only available to college students, internships are a good way to ease into working abroad. Many say the interning experience is well worth it, despite low pay (if you’re lucky enough to be paid at all). Because Italian students typically spend more years in university than their American, British, and Australian counterparts, stage (internships) are not as prevalent. Strong language skills will certainly make you a more desirable candidate. Be wary of advertisements for companies claiming to be able get you a job abroad for a fee—often the same listings are available online or in newspapers. Some reputable organizations and resources for student internships and job opportunities in Italy include:
While some elite private American schools offer competitive salaries, let’s just say that teaching jobs abroad pay more in personal satisfaction and emotional fulfillment than in actual cash. Perhaps this is why volunteering as a teacher instead of getting paid is a popular option. Even then, teachers often receive some sort of a daily stipend to help with living expenses. In almost all cases, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree to be a full-fledged teacher, although college undergraduates can often get summer positions teaching or tutoring. Though the demand for English teachers in Italy is high, the competition is stiff. Finding a teaching job as a non-EU citizen can be especially tough. Beyond the usual difficulty of obtaining permits, many language schools require EU citizenship and most prefer British citizens to other English speakers.
Many schools require teachers to have a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate. You may still be able to find a teaching job without one, but certified teachers often find higher-paying jobs. Some schools within Italy that grant TEFLs will even offer both classroom instruction and practical experience or a leg up in job placement when you earn your certificate. The Italian-impaired don’t have to give up their dream of teaching, either. Private schools usually hire native English speakers for English-immersion classrooms where no Italian is spoken. (Teachers in public schools will more likely work in both English and Italian.) Placement agencies or university fellowship programs are the best resources for finding teaching jobs. The alternative is to contact schools directly or to try your luck once you arrive in Italy. In the latter case, the best time to look is several weeks before the start of the school year, or as early as February or March for summer positions. The following organizations are extremely helpful in placing teachers in Italy.
Au pairs are typically women (although sometimes men) aged 18-27 who work as live-in nannies, caring for children and doing light housework in foreign countries in exchange for room, board, and a small spending allowance or stipend. One perk of the job is that it allows you to get to know Italy without the high expenses of traveling. Drawbacks, however, can include mediocre pay and long hours. Unfortunately, with the recent adoption of laws that severely limit the availability of work visas for non-EU citizens in Italy, au pairing has become less common, especially for stays longer than 3 months (the maximum visa-free visiting period). The Italian government will not grant au pair-specific visas so it is imperative that au pairs take necessary steps with prospective employers to obtain work permits and visas (see More Visa Information, ). In Italy, average weekly pay for au pair work is about €65. Much of the au pair experience depends on the family with which you are placed. The agencies below are a good starting point for looking for employment.
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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