How to Work and Immigrate to Italy as a Teacher?

Many people’s ideal vacation would be in Italy, a country known for its beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and delicious food. You’ve come to the perfect place if you’re a teacher looking for a fresh start in this amazing nation.

If you want to immigrate to Italy as a teacher, we can help you make your dream a reality with the help of our detailed guide, which will lead you through every step of the immigration procedure.

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Are Teachers in Demand in Italy?

The need for teachers varies by region, subject area, and kind of Italian school. In contrast to the opportunities that can be found in rural areas, competition tends to be higher in major cities. English and other subjects like STEM are in higher demand than ever. In most cases, including those involving public schools, fluency in Italian is necessary.

Are Teachers Respected in Italy?

In Italy, educators are held in great regard. Teachers are respected in Italian culture for their role in influencing their students’ lives. However, the level of respect varies from person to person and region to region within a country.

What Qualifications are Needed to be a Teacher in Italy?

To immigrate to Italy as a teacher, a bachelor’s degree in education or a closely related discipline is often required. The sort of school you intend to teach at and the subject you intend to teach may have different prerequisites. In many cases, you’ll also need to be fluent in Italian.

What you need to become a teacher in Italy depends on whether you want to work in a public or private school, what you want to teach, and what grade level you want to teach. Some common criteria and credentials for various types of teaching employment are as follows:

Primary School Teacher (Scuola Elementare)

A bachelor’s degree in primary education or a related field is required.
Ability to communicate effectively in Italian
Completion of the required TFA (Tirocinio Formativo Attivo) teacher preparation program
Certification to teach from Italy’s Ministry of Education

Secondary School Teacher (Scuola Media and Scuola Superiore)

A bachelor’s degree in your intended field of teaching (e.g., education, history, or biology)
Language ability in Italian
Having graduated from a subject-focused teacher-preparation program (like TFA),
An official Ministry of Education teaching license

Foreign Language Teacher

A degree in the relevant language or language education
You should be fluent in Italian and the language you plan to teach.
Successfully completing a certification program for language teachers.
Proof of language ability and/or teaching experience

Special Education Teacher (Insegnante di Sostegno)

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in special education
Fluency in Italian
Expertise in working with students who have physical or mental disabilities
Special education certification

Preschool Teacher (Educatore dell’Infanzia)

A degree in early childhood education or a related field
Proficiency in Italian
Successfully completing an early childhood education teacher training program
Licensing for the Italian Ministry of Education

Higher Education Instructor (Università)

A master’s or doctoral degree in the relevant subject
Ability to speak Italian
Proven track record of academic study and publishing
Academic degrees and a rigorous application process are common prerequisites

How to Immigrate to Italy as a Teacher?

How can a foreigner become a teacher in Italy? To immigrate to Italy as a teacher, you must satisfy specific requirements. Here is a general guide on how to immigrate to Italy as a teacher:

Step 1. Eligibility Conditions and Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in education or a closely related discipline is typically required to teach in Italy. The need for a valid teaching credential varies by school type and location. If you want to know what prerequisites a certain school has, you should contact that school directly.

Step 2. Language Proficiency

Proficiency in Italian is often required. You can use the CILS test. The CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come to Lingua Straniera) exam is a widely recognized test. Passing scores vary depending on the level required for your job.

Step 3. Job Search

Some good places to start looking for teaching jobs in Italy include the “EURES” (European Job Mobility Portal), “TES” (Times Educational Supplement), and “SeekTeachers” websites. Don’t forget to look at Italian job boards like “InfoJobs” and “Monster Italia.”

Step 4. Work Visa

An Italian work visa is something your company or employer will normally start working on for you. Required documents may include a valid passport, employment contract, proof of accommodation, and proof of health insurance.

Step 5. Health Insurance

Several popular health insurance companies in Italy include Generali, AXA, Allianz, and UniSalute. Your employer may recommend a particular provider.

Step 6. Housing

Websites like “Idealista,” “Subito,” and “Immobiliare.it” list apartments and housing options in Italy. There may also be assistance available from schools regarding finding housing. Friends and family may also be able to recommend options. Finally, don’t forget to investigate living costs in your chosen area.

Step 7. Legal Requirements

Ensure that all Italian immigration laws are followed. Anagrafe (local authorities) must be notified within a certain time frame after your arrival at your residence. Failure to do so can result in severe penalties. You should also ensure that your visa is valid and that you have the necessary documents to stay in Italy.

Step 8. Teaching License Recognition

The Italian authorities may require your teaching license to be recognized if you obtained it outside of Italy. It depends on your qualifications and the region where you plan to teach. You should contact your local education department or consulate if you need assistance.

Step 9. Cultural Integration

Immerse yourself in the local culture, learn the language, and become part of the community. Connect with locals and fellow teachers by attending cultural events and festivals.

Step 10. Renewals and Permanency

It is typically necessary to renew temporary residence permits yearly or as the government specifies. Consult with your local authorities about the steps and requirements of obtaining permanent residency or citizenship.

Step 11. Ways to Stay Informed

Visit the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation website to stay up-to-date on immigration regulations. For information and guidance, contact your local Italian consulate or embassy. You can connect with other teachers who can share their experiences and insights in expat communities and forums.

Do Teachers Get Paid Well in Italy?

Pay for Italian teachers varies widely depending on school type, region, and experience. In comparison to other Western countries, teacher salaries in Italy are moderate. Depending on the region, salaries differ, and major cities have higher living costs.

On average, a public school teacher earns between €25,000 and €40,000 per year.
Teachers at private language schools typically earn between €10 and €25 per hour.
A teacher at an international school can earn between €30,000 and €60,000 a year.

English Teacher Salary in Italy

English teacher salaries in Italy vary widely:

Public schools. €25,000 to €40,000 per year.
Private language schools. €10 to €25 per hour.
International schools. €30,000 to €60,000 per year.

How Many Hours Do Teachers Work in Italy?

Teachers’ schedules in Italy might differ depending on their educational background, their school, and whether they are considered full-time teachers. However, here is a general overview:

The average primary or secondary school teacher works 24-30 hours a week.
During the academic year, university professors spend 12-16 hours lecturing. They also devote additional time to research and administration.
Teachers at language schools may work part-time or full-time, depending on demand.
Teachers may work 30-40 hours per week in preschool and kindergarten, depending on the school and age group.

Is It Hard to Get a Teaching Job in Italy?

There are many factors that play into the difficulty of finding a teaching job in Italy. However, such as location, subject areas, qualifications, and language proficiency all play a role in determining the level of difficulty.

How to Find a Teaching Job in Italy?

To immigrate to Italy as a teacher, you can find a teaching job:

Be prepared to meet qualification and language requirements like teaching qualifications, Italian proficiency, and subject-area qualifications.
Check job listings online like EURES, TES, and SeekTeachers.
Contact schools directly. You can email schools or language institutes, visit school websites, and attend job fairs.
Network with other educators. You can join professional organizations, attend local teacher meetups, and contact colleagues.
Use teacher recruitment agencies like Teach Away, TES Global, and Italian Scuola.

Teaching Jobs in Italy for Foreigners

Various subjects and educational levels are available for foreign teachers in Italy. For foreigners interested in teaching in Italy, the following jobs are available:

English language teacher
Primary school teacher
Secondary school teacher
University professor
Preschool teacher
Special education teacher
Subject-specific instructors
Language instructors
International school teacher
Tutor or private instructor

Teach English in Italy Government Program

How to become a teacher in Italy? To teach English in Italy through a government program:

With a bachelor’s degree, you must be a native or near-native English speaker.
If possible, obtain a TEFL/TESOL certification.
Apply for a government program like the “English Language Assistant.”
Attend an interview and submit the required documents.
Make sure you have the necessary visas or work authorizations.
Get placed in a school after receiving training.
During an academic year, fulfill teaching responsibilities.

Teaching English in Italy Without a Degree

Private language schools, tutoring, online teaching, volunteering, and au pair employment are all viable opportunities for those without a university degree who wish to teach English in Italy. Possessing a TEFL/TESOL certificate can provide you with an advantage. Verify the details of the position with prospective employers.

Do I Need to Speak Italian to Teach English in Italy?

You can obtain English teaching jobs in Italy even if you don’t speak Italian, though it helps to know at least the basics. Many schools prefer or even need their English teachers to be fluent in Italian so they can connect with their students and other staff. However, fluency in Italian is not necessarily required at language schools and programs that emphasize English immersion.

How to Teach English in Italy Online?

To teach English online to students in Italy:

Become a TEFL or TESOL-certified teacher.
Join an online teaching platform like VIPKid, iTalki, or Cambly.
Make your profile appealing.
Decide what your hourly rate will be.
Create lesson materials tailored to your students’ needs.
Utilize videoconferencing for scheduling and conducting lessons.
Make your services known using online marketing.
Keep up with the latest teaching methods.
Make use of the platform’s payment system to earn money.

Teaching Jobs in Italy for English Speakers

Finding teaching jobs for English speakers in Italy in various sectors is possible. Listed below are a few opportunities:

English language schools
International schools
Public schools (e.g., English Language Assistant program)
Universities
Private Tutoring
Online teaching
Au pairing
Business English
Language exchange programs
Summer camps
Freelance teaching

Immigrate to Italy as a Teacher: Let’s Recap

Beginning a teaching career in Italy is like setting out on a journey full of personal and professional development possibilities. If you follow the advice in this guide, you should have no trouble when you immigrate to Italy as a teacher.