Teaching English in Fabriano, Italy
Report submitted on 23 October, 2014 by Helen.
Teaching English in Fabriano, Italy:
How can teachers find teaching jobs in Fabriano, Italy?
Privately via language agencies, which is how I started and then once you have a foot in the door also by word of mouth and if you’re lucky into schools. As a mother tongue English speaker you only need to have A-levels (UK qualifications) to qualify as a mother tongue teacher in state schools.
The main English teaching jobs available are:
Part time English language school positions, agencies (send teachers to different locations), teaching at private international schools, private teaching (not through a school, agency, etc.).
What are the minimum teaching requirements?
If you are British with British parents officially the state requires that you have enough qualifications to enter university.
I don’t know in other cases. Privately, anything goes as long as you’re good…………….. so put yourself out there!!
What teaching requirements would you recommend?
If you want to work in a state school, do as many teaching development courses as you can. The state system works on a league table and you get points for these courses!
What are the levels of payment?
These differ from state jobs – about €30 per hour (US$38), to private agencies – about €15 per hour (US$19) and if you set up alone – about €20 per hour (US$25). But I know the private sector changes a lot depending on how affluent the area is and how high the demand is!
How many teaching days a week is normal?
6 days per week.
How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?
15 hours per week.
What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
This is very hard to answer – for example I work a number of different situations, state schools, private schools and private lessons. I currently work 19 hours a week but I refuse 2 or 3 jobs each week because I am a full time mum of 2 and don’t wish to work more than I am doing.
The school summer is from June to Sept so I work at a summer camp – August is all closed!
What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Fabriano, Italy to teach English?
First stop get in touch with the agencies and don’t be too fussy to start with, Italy works best on word of mouth since Italians are incredibly distrusting so you need to build up a reputation.
What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Fabriano, Italy?
For me I love meeting new people and this offers other opportunities for socialising both for me and my children.
What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Fabriano, Italy?
Getting your first break and having the patience to build up the all important reputation – I lost all my contacts when I had my children and had to start from scratch (very frustrating). The state schools have a point system and a league table from where you get picked – the more you work the more points you get, but again it can be very frustrating getting started!
What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
That American, Australian, etc, teachers are just as good as British. Even though I am British and it actually works in my favour – it is ridiculous. And makes getting substitutions difficult.
Living in Fabriano, Italy:
Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in Italy?
Not for Europeans, I don’t know for other nationals.
What is the cost of living like in Italy?
Again it various a lot from area to area, but the hourly rate reflects this – taxation is high especially if you set up on your own!! although there is talk of this changing with new fiscal policies!
What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
Agencies and foot work!!
Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Fabriano, Italy?
The food, the history, the art, the countryside. If you are outdoor type person who enjoys art and culture Italy is great. If you like technology and mod cons a lot of Italy is behind places like UK and America.
Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Fabriano, Italy?
Anything where you have to deal with the state, fiscal organization, etc. It is often hard to know who to trust.
What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Fabriano, Italy to live?
Get advice and help from someone living there who has already made the move and can help you.
What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
Clarity in all things!
What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country (e.g. things that are difficult to get in your location)?
Marmite!!!!! Good books. I use the internet to source ALL my teaching material
What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave Fabriano, Italy?
The weather! the mountains and the people. It is difficult to enter into Italian society (beyond a superficial level) but once you do they are very generous, loyal and fun.
About Me and My Work:
My Name: Helen
Nationality: British
Students I’ve taught in Italy: Elementary (6-12 years), junior high school (12-15 years), high school (15-18 years), adults, business.
Where I teach: Living wisdom school in Fabriano. Working here for 10 years.
How I found my current jobs: Friend of a friend.
My school facilities: Adequate – Lack of resources, technology, books, and hours in the curriculum.
Teacher support at my school: None.
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