Job Discussion Forums

[ANT EFL]

Hi all
I am considering doing TEFL in Florence.
Have been to Sicily on hols & thought its people and scenery were lovely.

I have a few questions which I would like you to reflect on.
- Is there much work in Florence? Is it competitive?
- Is not having Italian a barrier? Is English accepted by people there?
- Is subsidised accomodation often included with work?
- Is there enough social activities/night life there?
- How expensive is it to live? Could you get by with your wages?
- I have a Business degree so are there chances of doing Business English - are businesses wanting employees to learn English?
- Heard also that working in Italy you have to beware of contracts?

[Munchen]

No response to this after a month?
First off, where are you from? Are you from the EU?
Florence is, of course, "Touristy." But I've been there in the dead of winter, like in January, in the dismal rain and practically no tourists.
Dang straight, you need to know Italian for long stay, even in Rome, so if you know it, you'll be better off all around just to be living in Italy and getting around, shopping, dining, etc. Definitely a good variety of Italian spoken there and in Siena, about the best in Italy. There's the old saying, Lingua Toscana alla bocca Romana!

Yes, it is expensive there. I would say it would not be easy living there on TEFL instructor's wages, but like anywhere abroad, if you can live more like the locals, eat in small family restaurants and you are comfortable with that, then I would say, just go there and look around. Just avoid major tourist traps, 5 star hotel dining.

Lovely city, of course, and an atmosphere of "elegance." Even thought so riding on the buses there.
Have no idea about the nightlife, so to speak, but my guess it would be provincial as compared to Rome or any other European capital.

If you have any means for awhile, by all means, go!