Job Discussion Forums

hagerty · Joined: 23 Aug 2006 Posts: 3 Location: Houston, TX

I will be moving to Parma in November, and I hope to find a job teaching for one year. I'm trying to find out more about what EFL teachers in Italy have to do in order to get a Visa, and later a Permit to Stay. What type of Visa do most EFL teachers apply for, and is it necessary to apply for the Visa before heading to Italy? Will I have any trouble getting hired and teaching if I do not have a Visa? Any information you can provide about obtaining a Visa and/or the need for having a Visa will be much appreciated!

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Assuming that you have U.S. citizenship only, you are not technically legally able to get a work permit to teach ESL in Italy.
There are lots of North Americans working illegally, but there are risks, of course.

For more detailed discussion of this issue, I suggest you read through earlier posts on the Italy forum. There are also many relevant threads on the Spain and Germany forums. Check the Europe forum also.

SueH · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Posts: 1022 Location: Northern Italy

hagerty · Joined: 23 Aug 2006 Posts: 3 Location: Houston, TX

thanks! I now realize I should have read the forum more thoroughly before posting that question that's been asked many times before. Embarassed

I am american and am moving to Parma with my american girlfriend who is getting a masters in gastronomy at a university right outside of Parma. She will have a student visa, but i'm guessing i might be best trying to work illegally for the year if I can find a teaching job in Parma. Has anybody heard anything about teaching possibilities in Parma? There doesn't seem to be much mention of it in anything I've read so far, maybe because it's so small?

nat_capelli_rossi · Joined: 01 Sep 2005 Posts: 17 Location: Toronto

Hagerty:

Working in Italy is possible, but it can be dangerous too...I've heard too many stories a/b EFL teachers getting the short end of the stick when it comes to working in nero...esp. as someone from outside of the EU, it is virually impossible to get an appropriate visa. I also wouldn't advise you stay in Italy illegally for a year...it can make crossing borders in Europe and beyond v. difficult...it can be done, however, sometimes w/ just a slap on the wrist...

I'm not too sure of the procedures, but when you get to Italy, you can apply for some type of permit that allows you to stay beyond your 90 days you are granted. For this and other q's, I would suggest you check out www.expatsinitaly.com

Good luck! Very Happy