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crystalpalace
Joined: 01 Aug 2010 Posts: 17
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Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 4:08 pm Post subject: Prior knowledge of Italian but no experience |
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I'm looking to work in Italy from september onwards, preferably in a biggish town in the north or central italy. I have a very good understanding of italian due to italian family and I think i could be a completely fluent speaker within a few months.
HOWEVER, i have just completed my CELTA and have zero experience. Everywhere I look in italy they require experience. Will my prior knowledge of italian help me in anyway? Should i mention this on applications?
Any help or information would be wonderful! |
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Teacher in Rome
Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 1286
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Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 7:44 pm Post subject: |
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Lack of experience could be a disadvantage, but you've got both the CELTA and Italian language skills - these will definitely count in your favour.
You could try applying to schools that will give you help and support in lesson planning, teacher development, classroom observations etc. Be upfront with the school, and say you're looking for opportunities to develop with them, and show that you're interested in being the best teacher you can. Obviously, a lot of DOS have limited time, but if you come across as genuinely motivated to do a great job with their support, you might strike the right chord and find someone who will be delighted to help in any way they can. |
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crystalpalace
Joined: 01 Aug 2010 Posts: 17
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Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 9:33 am Post subject: |
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Thanks a lot, that's exactly what i'll be doing over the next few weeks. Would you recommend any towns or schools where you think i may have a better chance of finding a job? |
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Teacher in Rome
Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 1286
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Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 2:07 pm Post subject: |
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That's a difficult one. Perhaps try the larger towns or cities, as there are more language schools, so more chances of finding one that will take you on. There are some places that take on teachers without experience (Inlingua, Wall St etc) as they train their teachers in their own method. This is perhaps not what you're looking for long-term, but it could be an option if you keep coming up against the no-experience factor. |
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crystalpalace
Joined: 01 Aug 2010 Posts: 17
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Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2010 8:37 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks a lot, i'll add them to the list as well. Their specific learning techniques seem interesting from what I've quickly read up on the two schools, they seem to have their own rigid ways of doing things.
Also, one last question if you don't mind me asking. I've heard and been told that i'm better off waiting until early September before emailing/harassing language schools in Italy for work. Is this sound advice? Or should I start trying to contact them now? |
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Teacher in Rome
Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 1286
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Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 2:31 pm Post subject: |
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Yes, you're much better off waiting til September. Absolutely nothing happens in August, as most of the country is on holiday. Once students get back, companies start thinking about training etc, that's when schools start looking around for teachers. Start looking beginning of September onwards, but don't necessarily expect to start teaching til at least mid-September. |
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