Job Discussion Forums

jnesta1 · Joined: 31 May 2003 Posts: 96 Location: Here and there

hello all,

i have been off the board for a few years, but have spent some time getting caught up on recent posts. i am an american with an eu passport and dual citizenship. i am a medical doctor considering a transition to esl in italy. i've got a master's degree and undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry. i don't have a celta yet but would get one (or equivalent) before trying to teach.

when i was last on the boards, the general tone was that getting legal work in italy can be difficult. has this changed? has the failing economy made things worse? has the monthly salary changed from around 1100 euros a month, or is this still the norm? lastly, does anyone have any info specifically on schools in verona or bologna? these seem to be about the size of town i like, and i was told in the past that i might have success there.

thanks in advance for your time, and i wish success to all!

jeff

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

You've got the right passport, so legal work shouldn't be a problem. Finances, on the other hand Shocked

Yeah, pay hasn't risen Europe-wide for a while, and it's not likely to get better in today's economic situation!

jnesta1 · Joined: 31 May 2003 Posts: 96 Location: Here and there

thanks spiral. my plan would be to come and take celta this summer in italia, while lookig for a room, nad maybe take some italian immersion to getmy two uni semesters cranking around in my brain again. does this sound like a reasonable plan? start teaching then in the fall?

did i get the pay range right? can a person live by himself at that rate or will i likley neeed a roommate?

anything on those 2 cities?

thanks again for all your help.

jeff

Teacher in Rome · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 1286

My hunch is that Bologna would be a good bet for you. It has a world-famous, thriving university, with a great reputation for medicine. I don't know Verona at all, but I like Bologna a lot. It's a bit expensive (lots of students = expensive rents) but lots of cafes, small shops, things to do. Bologna is rich, left-wing and intellectual. Good public transport, lots of bicycles...

I imagine that there would be quite a lot of work related to student life and the university. Could you try to get an in there? Maybe start with lettore work? You'll definitely need your CELTA at the very least, and probably a contact or two. The fact that you have a medical background would be to your advantage. Perhaps try the medicine faculty first. Anyway, worth giving it a shot in my opinion.

jnesta1 · Joined: 31 May 2003 Posts: 96 Location: Here and there

thanks for the reply teacher. what you say makes good sense. you guys have been on the board a long time and we are lucky that you're still here contributing your wisdom.

now i just need to get my ducks in a row here at home so i can plan my trip!

take care,

jeff

Teacher in Rome · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 1286

Hi Jeff

Thanks for your kind words! It would be great if the Italy forum was more active, but there don't seem to be many regular posters. Perhaps it's because we're rushing around so much trying to make ends meet!

If you do get to Bologna PM me. I'm no longer in Rome, but in the Marche, so not so far away.

Good luck with your ducks!