Though Italy is one of the leading economic powers in Europe, locals’ English skills are still lagging behind most neighboring countries. In realizing the importance of international relationships and cross-cultural communication, there has been a shift in priorities, and more and more Italians are gaining interest in learning English as a second language, for both the travel and business potential.
Your safest bet is to secure a formal, one-year, contracted teaching job in Milan at a public school. The average workload is 20 to 25 hours of instruction per week, but be prepared to put in up to twice as much time in lesson planning. The biggest challenge when attempting to inspire enthusiasm and earn students’ respect in Milan will be that there is usually an Italian teacher present in the same room for discipline purposes. While teaching in Milan, think outside-of-the-box, engage, and make lectures relevant.
Tutoring and private school teaching jobs in Milan are the most popular types of job opportunities among international teachers, as the hours are flexible, students are more motivated, and the pay is often better! However, these are also some of the most competitive teaching jobs in Milan, so be prepared to at least show off your TEFL certification and keep your lesson plans creative.
Be sure to stay away from cowboy schools, which sometimes require 12-hour days, underpay teachers, and have a tendency to break contracts.