Job Discussion Forums

[NadineD]

I am considering moving to Italy to teach ESL, but I have a lot of questions. I'm hoping that someone will be kind enough to answer them!

1. Is is possible to get legal working visas? (I'm Canadian)
2. Are most of the teaching jobs teaching adults or children?
3. What is the rate of pay?
4. What is the cost of living?
5. Are there any schools that you would recommend?
6. Any schools that you wouldn't recommend?
7. Are the teaching materials provided?
8. Are most of the jobs in the main centers or is it possible to find work elsewhere?
9. Do foreigners have to pay tax in Italy as well as their home country?
10. Any tips?

Thanks in advance for any help!
~Nadine

[spiral78]

The short answer is that you can't get a legal working visa.
That shounds harsh, but consider the fact that Italians can't just decide they want to live in Canada, move in and start professional level jobs.

Most of your other questions are probably moot, unfortunately.
But, here goes
Most ESL work in Europe is teaching adults. Children are taught by state certified teachers in regular schools, except in the case of summer camps.
Pay is usually enough to live fairly frugally and go out some, but not to pay off debts at home or save up much.
Cost of living is included in info above.
Basic teaching resources are usually provided, but in most cases teachers are responsible for planning curriculum and finding materials specific to their students. You need training and preferably experience to do this!!
MOst of the jobs are in main centres, because that's where most of the potential students are. However, there are jobs in smaller cities/towns.
As a Canadian citizen, unless you cut all financial ties with Canada, I think you are required by Canada to pay tax there, and if you were working legally in Italy, of course you would be paying tax there too.

[NadineD]

Thanks for replying! It is possible for a Canadian to get a legal working visa anywhere in Europe?

~Nadine

[go with the flow]

I think you need an EU passport to work in EU countries. Those outside of the EU should be accessible with a Canadian passport.