What to expect as a teacher in Italy
Teaching in Italy means immersing yourself in Italian culture as most schools in Italy serve a local population in part if not in entirety. Schools in Italy are often smaller in size, and pay in Italy is lower than in colder regions of Europe such as Switzerland and Germany. Housing, which can be expensive, is usually not provided as part of the employment package, and teachers will pay tax on their salaries. Help is provided to find housing, and temporary housing upon arrival is usually sorted for you. Flights may or may not be supplemented. Teachers who are resident in the UK before departure may be able to work under a UK contract in Italy which might allow some small cost savings but this is not offered at all schools. With this in mind, we find that most teachers go to Italy for the weather, the culture and the lifestyle rather than for monetary reasons, as it is a child centred country where teachers are valued.
Most Italian schools cannot sponsor a work permit and require an EU passport before they can hire a teacher.
About Italy
Capital: Rome
Language: Italian
Population: 59.2 million
It would be a hard job to find someone who is not in love with Italy and the life that it offers. From its mouthwatering food, delicious wines, stunning coastlines, beaches, history, art and fashion - you will find it all in Italy.
Italy is located on a boot-shaped peninsula bordering France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia.
Climate
Italy enjoys quite a temperate climate. Rome is hot in the summer and the winters are generally fairly mild.
Activities
The list is endless with hiking, skiing, kayaking, boating, diving, snorkelling, beach hopping, wine tasting, cooking classes, art galleries, high street fashion, and visiting many historical sites.
Transport
Transport links both internally and externally are very good in Italy. Whether it be by bus, train, plane or boat, the prices are reasonable and the service is good and reliable. If you decide you don't want to go away for a holiday, the options are also endless on where you can go.
Eating and Drinking
Since you are in the land of pizza, pasta, gelato and wine - there isn't much more that you need to worry about. Cuisine does vary of course throughout the country, with more coastal towns having more seafood menus, and some cheese such as mozzarella or gorgonzola are more prominent in other areas.
Currency
The currency in Italy is the Euro (EUR).