Italy
How to Earn 3500 Euro/month Teaching English in Italy!
Why Italy
Why Italy is one of Europe’s most culturally rich places to teach English abroad.
Living and working in Italy is any history, art, architecture, and food buff’s dream. Singles and couples alike flock to the historic cities of Rome and Florence and graze about the rolling landscapes of the Tuscan countryside. One could honestly spend a lifetime here and still not experience the uniqueness of each village, town, and duchy.
Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Because of this, learning English is extremely beneficial for those working in tourism-related industries. However, you’d be shocked at how low (generally speaking) the level of English is in Italy — Italians are proud to be Italian and, consequently, speakers of one of the most romantic languages to ever exist.
Teaching English here will allow you to more fully immerse yourself in this magnificent culture — a few weeks of holiday just aren’t enough to dig beneath the surface. Although Italy is not one of the main competitors in the European economy, ESL teachers remain in fairly high demand, and the globalization of the market and ever-growing tourism industry only reiterates the need for locals to be able to communicate in English.
Job Market
Italy has one of the largest specialized ESL markets in Europe.
Italy has one of the largest specialized ESL markets in Europe. Most teachers are hired for either TEYL (Teaching English to Young Learners) or Business English lessons. Private lessons are also common.
Most ESL teachers work part-time at small language schools, so it is common to work at more than one school and spend a few hours a week traveling between jobs. Due to European Union citizenship requirements, the majority of expatriate ESL teachers in Italy are from the UK.
Most schools prefer to hire teachers who are already living in Italy because face-to-face interviews are customary — a reflection of the warm, tactile Italian business culture.
Salary
Italian ESL teachers earn €1,500 to €2,500 per month.
Teachers earn €1,500 to €2,500 per month depending on TESOL credentials and experience. Experienced teachers who work 50-hour weeks across multiple language schools and private lessons can earn significantly more.
| Market Segment | Typical Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level language schools | €1,500–€2,000/mo | Part-time contracts common — most teachers combine multiple schools |
| Experienced teachers | €2,000–€2,500/mo | Strong credentials + TEYL or Business English specialist |
| Private lessons | Side income | Common top-up; popular in Rome, Milan, and Florence |
| Full-time (50 hrs/week) | €3,000+/mo | Multiple schools + private lessons, experienced teachers only |
Work Permit Routes
Two paths to legally teach English in Italy.
Italy is part of the Schengen region, and a permit is required to work unless you are an EU citizen. Here’s how the two main paths work:
EU Citizens (incl. UK with settled status, Ireland)
Straightforward
If you hold an EU passport, you can move to Italy and start working immediately — no visa required. Due to EU citizenship requirements, the majority of expatriate ESL teachers in Italy are from the UK and Ireland.
Not British? Don’t be discouraged. Some Italian schools actively prefer hiring teachers with a North American or Australian accent so their students hear varied English.
Non-EU Citizens (Student Visa Route)
Most common path
Professional work visas are hard to come by in Italy, but there is a simpler route for North Americans: the student visa. By enrolling in a language program yourself (typically Italian-language studies), you are legally granted permission to teach English while you study.
Once you have this permission, getting a job at better-known schools becomes a viable option. A recognized TESOL certificate is valuable for these institutions. Earning your certificate from a program inside Italy will also help you build a local network.
⚠️ Teaching without a permit carries real risk
Some teachers work under the table — teaching privates or at less reputable schools — but this carries serious consequences: hefty fines and possible expulsion from the country.
Legitimate institutions require proof of permission to work. Get your visa sorted before you start teaching.
How to Apply
Italians hire in person — plan to show up and interview.
Unless you’re applying to a university position or have enlisted the help of a highly-regarded recruitment agency, your best bet at getting a job in Italy is to show up and interview in person. Italians are tactile people who want to get to know you before inviting you into their businesses.
February and March are the best months to search for a job, as schools will typically have a read on how many previous teachers intend to return for the following school year and which vacancies need filling. Language school contracts run from September through May or June — roughly ten months.
Summer camps are also a major hiring segment. Both academic and recreational camps run in June and July, making this a strong option for teachers who want summer income or a shorter commitment.