Why is there a demand for English teachers? 
Opportunities for EFL teachers are available, and are increasing in some areas. The majority of positions are concentrated in the smaller towns in Sicily, Sardinia, in the Dolomites and along the Adriatic. There are a lot of language schools and institutes set up in these areas to aid those who failed to learn English successfully at school. Students on the whole in Italy seem to be good-natured, hospitable and talkative in class.

How do I go about getting a job in Italy? There are a few routes that you can take to teach English as a foreign language in Italy. We would recommend that you wait until you are in the country before applying for a position. Once in the country, the online yellow pages is the best place to look for contacts, and  the schools and universities are more likely to employ you if you turn up with your CV and TEFL certificate, so they can judge your level of English in person. There are a range of schools across Italy run by various organisations and they advise potential teachers to apply to them directly. We would suggest staying away from online jobs unless you are looking for higher level employment and have some experience as these are usually the only jobs available online. Another route that you can go down is to work as a private tutor, however a knowledge of Italian is more of an asset in this role. Posts are commonly advertised in supermarkets, tobacconists and in primary/secondary schools. Where do EFL teachers live? Most schools will include some kind of accommodation, however be aware that a deposit is usually taken straight out of your wages. National insurance and social security are quite high, so it is worth bearing in mind that salaries can vary significantly after deductions. Do I need to learn/speak Italian? It is not essential in schools, but if you are looking to teach give private tuition, it would be helpful to have a sound basic knowledge. You can learn Italian when you are over there, but be aware as the lessons tend to be expensive. A good way to learn would be to exchange English lessons for Italian. It is a relatively easy language to pick up too.

What is the food like? Italian food is famed for being simple, fresh and delicious! If you are a fan of Italian food from your local restaurant, you will not be disappointed. Italy is most famed for it's pizza and pasta which have made the transition into popular dishes throughout the world! Lots of fresh food is what you can expect.

What will I do in the evenings, on days off or on my holidays?
Visit some of the sights that Italy is famed for! Take a trip to see the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, Coliseum and the leaning tower of Pisa. I am sure any traveller to Italy has their own idea of what they would like to see, and Italy is not short of attractions.

Don’t forget to take a trip to Venice and take a ride on a Gondola....what a way to spend a lazy afternoon.

How much does it cost to fly to Italy from the UK?
From as little as £50.

When is the best time to travel to Italy for English teaching jobs?
In Italy, classes begin in September and enrolment carries through until October.The best time to apply for work would be from February onwards or at the beginning on September (when the academic year begins.) For those looking for summer placements, there are numerous camps that run across Italy. Summer camps are a great way to get experience in TEFL, and successful teachers are often then offered contracts for the academic year. Recruitment takes place around  January - April.

Is Italy safe?
Italy is completely safe for teachers. Just make sure you take the usual precautions you would at home. 

PAID TEACHING PLACEMENTS:

Paid Placement in Cosenza here>

9 month Italy placement here>

Summer Placements Across Italy here>

For further Italy placements, log into the VIP Jobs Club here>