Job Discussion Forums

elliot_spencer · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 495

Hello guys.
This is my first post.

I recently came back from a holiday in Bari and I love it! It's got a great vibe and it's just sooo cool. When I graduate (from a degree in TESOL with CELTA) I want to go make my life there. I was in contact and went into a well respected langauge school there and they sounded keen on me. The trouble is, they only offer contracts for 9 months a year. As I want to settle there long-term and teach and not wanting to return to summer school in the uk for 3 months a year, is there any schools in Bari which offer summer schools or even camps? Is there anyone in Bari who teachers there 12 months a year? Is it possible to survive?

I hope you can help.

Thanks

Elliot

ilaria · Joined: 26 Jan 2007 Posts: 88 Location: Sicily

First, apologies - I can't advise specifically about Bari. However, the nine month contract is a common problem with schools in Italy and many teachers have to find alternative sources of income over the summer months. Private students are one 'standby', but even they tend to go off to the beach house in August, leaving you with little cash! One good bet is online teaching with students in other countries - this will allow you to live where you choose during the summer and still have some money. Depending on your salary, you might also find it possible to save something to tide you over the summer... but I wouldn't bet on that.

Jetgirly · Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Posts: 741

When I worked in northern Italy, teachers who needed extra money did two things during the summer.

1. Teach private lessons to kids who were out of school.
2. Teach students from the school who wanted to continue studying through the summer (the school arranged this and all financial stuff went through the school, although lessons took place in the students' homes).

That being said, I was on a 10.5 month contract, in that it was only August and two weeks around Christmas that weren't paid.

elliot_spencer · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 495

Thanks guys, does anyone know of any summer camps that happen around Bari, I really want to work for lord byron college, but, the contract is from Octy-June

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

I doubt if you'll find much detailed local knowledge on this site unless you get very lucky. Try some of the expat sites who might be able to help, or do a google search on Italian sites. I assume that as your sights are set on Italy that you speak some Italian? I'd imagine even a summer school would appreciate some knowledge, and very few employers seem to speak it, even if they are employing English teachers.