10636 New Beginnings

Hi,
New today on the forum. I've been looking at the threads for a while now, picking up tips here and there! We are renting a little place in Cannara, Umbria and we love sitting out on our terrace with a glass of something local & watch the sun go down!
We moved here last Sept as my husband is a TEFL teacher and we decided that after spending a couple of academic years here before, we'd like to settle here. I finally bit the bullet and took the course to be a TEFL teacher too, this summer. Now I'm struggling to find work! I guess its the downturn in the economy or something! If anyone has any ideas, I'd welcome any sensible ones!! My italian isn't brilliant, so I don't feel able to try for jobs with too much of the local lingo!!
If there's anyone out there who's nearby - (and I've figured out that I've already met you 'Tiramisù'!!) - It'd be lovely to know there is a bit of a network out there!
Here's hoping I get this out on the thread first time!

Category
Introduce Yourself - Piacere Conoscerti

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 10/10/2008 - 10:53

Someone commented on the possibilty of offering lunchtime classes to office worker etc ? everyone puts 5 euros into the pot and you teach a basic 1 hour class.

You could also ask mothers at the locals schools as they often want their children to learn more English.You will need to learn a bit of basic Italian first though.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 10/10/2008 - 11:53

Have you looked in the yellow pages under scuole di lingua? Most language schools are in biggish towns / cities. I've no idea where you are in Umbria, but I think there's a language school in Spoleto, and there's bound to be something in Terni. Find the population centres, and you're more likely to find work.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 10/10/2008 - 12:41

Thanks for that, yes I have looked at the language schools in my area - which is Foligno/Perugia. I just missed out on a job in Perugia - applied too late! I was in the UK visiting when it was posted, so I should be excused that one, but apart from that, I've been looking for adverts for teachers and there hasn't been many. One school keeps advertising, but won't answer my emails! Their loss! Do you think it's the done thing to go to the language schools and ask if they want anyone even if they're not advertising for a teacher?

I will pluck up the courage to visit the kids schools in the area, now that I have a title of a position that might be suitable for me - Lettrice Madrelingua Inglese! If I can remember that.... Well, they can only say no!!
Cheers again!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 10/11/2008 - 08:33

You have hit a very difficult time in Italy for language teachers. Berlusconi has at a stroke cancelled all new courses for training teachers, (teachers who teach the theory and practice of a language, think it was called SIS others may know more). As from the 1 October no first year courses for language teachers are being taught and in practice all University language teaching jobs are closed.

Unless you have a degree you are most unlikely to get a teaching job at all and then there may be obstructions if you wish to teach English and have a degree in say Geography.

Once you find a vacancy to apply for the pay will most likely be poor in comparison to your expectations.

Having asked around I am advised that the best route is to apply to all the Private Schools you can find. Their pupils are still paying for English teaching as an extra. Apparently the level of English taught in Italian schools has improved and so many parents with children in the state schools, no longer pay for extra tuition. (In this climate many can't afford it). Hope this helps and sorry it's such a gloomy forecast.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/13/2008 - 05:12

[quote=The Big Dippers;98865] ..I've been looking for adverts for teachers and there hasn't been many. One school keeps advertising, but won't answer my emails! Their loss! Do you think it's the done thing to go to the language schools and ask if they want anyone even if they're not advertising for a teacher?[/quote]

A warm welcoming to Italy Magazine Forums Community.
We will be your virtual community for a couple of years I think, considering the fact that you will find here a lot of useful advices about Italy. So, don't hesitate to check all Forum categories!

Even if Italy got some work problems at present, don't forget you are the native speaker of the most studied foreign language in public schools in Italy! As a consequence you have one more opportunities to find a job! You know, you could apply for some projects that will be organized in High Schools. You can work there for a temporary time but you can do that even if you aren't a teacher. Give your curriculum to every administrative office in High Schools.

The second thing I advice you, is to send your curriculum or possibly to go everywhere you think your English knowledge could be useful (either they put an advert or not): schools (public and private), tourist guide, Pro Loco, hotels. Moreover you live near Perugia, which has got an important Foreign Language University: students will find your skills helpful!

So good luck and let the business world know you!
p.s.:this link can help you to write formal letters (if you need to):[URL="http://reterei.eu/gruppi/guidainfieri.htm"]REI - Guida, Manuale di stile, guida rei[/URL].

Cristiana