Work in Italy
Teach English in Italy
What you need, how the visa side works, where the jobs are, and how to start in Rome.
To teach English in Italy you need a recognised TEFL certificate, the right to work in Italy, and a plan for where and when to apply. EU citizens can work freely; non-EU citizens need a permit, and our Student Visa Programme is one route. The biggest hiring times are August to October and December to January.
Is there demand for English teachers in Italy?
Yes. There is a big demand for English teachers in Italy. Compared with other European countries, the level of English here is quite low, so Italians need to improve their English to find a good job in Italy or abroad. Language schools, companies and private students all hire, in Rome and across the country.
What do you need to teach English in Italy?
A recognised TEFL certificate
A Level 5 qualification such as the Trinity CertTESOL or the Cambridge CELTA is what reputable schools look for. Our TEFL course includes observed teaching practice with real adult learners, which employers value. A degree is not required for our course.
The right to work
EU citizens can work in Italy freely. Citizens of non-EU countries need a permit; see the visa options below.
Good English, and some Italian
You do not need Italian to start, but basic Italian helps in daily life and shows schools that you are committed.
A good CV and flexibility
Many first jobs start part-time, with hours split between schools. A clear CV that highlights your TEFL certificate and teaching practice makes a difference.
Visas: can non-EU citizens teach English in Italy?
- EU citizens: no visa needed.
- Non-EU citizens (including, since Brexit, UK citizens without existing residence rights): you need a permit to stay. One route is a student visa, which requires a study programme of at least 20 hours a week and lets you apply for a work authorization of up to 20 hours a week.
- Our Student Visa Programme pairs 1 month of Trinity CertTESOL training with 11 months of intensive Italian (20 hours a week), with visa assistance and job guidance included. See the Student Visa Programme.
- Other routes: a job offer with a work visa sponsored by the employer is possible but harder to get.
Where are the jobs?
Cities
Rome, Milan, Florence, Bologna and Naples have the most demand. Smaller towns can mean less competition and a quieter lifestyle.
Types of employer
Language schools and chains (for example Wall Street English, Inlingua and British School Group), exam-preparation centres, companies that need Business English, private lessons, and online teaching platforms such as Preply and italki.
Where to look: TEFL job boards such as the TEFL Org Jobs Centre, ESLBase and ESLStarter, the websites of language schools, and, for our graduates, our private jobs page. See our careers service.
When should you apply?
The biggest hiring times are between August and October and again in December and January. There is also a surge before summer (April to June), when schools look for teachers for summer camps and intensive language classes. We receive job openings throughout the year.
What do English teachers earn in Italy?
Teachers in Italian language schools typically earn about €1,200 to €1,700 net per month for a full-time schedule. Pay is higher in international schools and for specialisations such as Business English, and it varies by city and contract. Private lessons add roughly €15 to €30 an hour. These figures are indicative. Many first jobs are part-time, and teachers often combine two or three sources of hours. We are happy to talk through realistic expectations on a free 15-minute call.
How to start: four steps
Use our careers service
A CV and applications workshop, interview tips, job-finding guidance and our private jobs page, during the course and beyond.
Gain experience
The TEFL Internship lets you earn the qualification while working at our school in Rome.
Meet the trainers who will teach you, and see current dates and fees.
Questions about teaching English in Italy
Can I teach English in Italy without a degree?
Our TEFL course does not require a degree. Requirements for jobs and visas vary, so check the conditions of the employer or the consulate you are dealing with.
Do I need to speak Italian?
No, not to start. Basic Italian helps in daily life and with employers.
Is a TEFL certificate enough to get a job?
It is the first requirement. A Level 5 certificate with observed teaching practice, a good CV and some flexibility make the difference, and our careers service helps with all of it.
Can American, British or Australian citizens teach English in Italy?
Yes, but as non-EU citizens you need a permit to stay. Our Student Visa Programme is one route. UK citizens are non-EU citizens since Brexit, unless they already hold residence rights.
When do schools hire?
Mostly between August and October and again in December and January, with a surge from April to June for summer camps and intensive classes.
Can I teach online from Italy?
Yes. Many graduates start with online students while they look for school hours.
Ready to start?
Book a free 15-minute call. You can also write to info@tefl-in-italy.com or call +39 392 772 7034.