The Top Programs For Teaching English in Italy

Italy is one of the most culturally rich, scenic, and food-obsessed countries in the world—and that makes it a dream destination for many aspiring TEFL teachers. The good news? There’s a steady demand for English teachers across the country.

The not-so-good news? Italy doesn’t have a centralized government teaching program like TAPIF (France) or NALCAP (Spain) for foreign teachers. That means there’s no single, structured path that guarantees a visa, salary, and placement.

But don’t let that stop you.

From private language schools and international institutions to freelance tutoring and online teaching, there are plenty of legal and fulfilling ways to make it work. Whether you're just getting certified or looking to relocate long-term, this guide breaks down the best programs and pathways for teaching English in Italy.

🏫 Private Language Schools

For most foreign teachers, private language schools are the most accessible and straightforward way to start teaching in Italy. These schools—known locally as scuole di lingue—operate in nearly every town and city and cater to a wide range of learners:

• Young learners preparing for exams
• Teens and adults looking to improve conversational fluency
• Professionals taking business English or corporate training courses

Classes are typically held in the afternoons and evenings, and contracts can range from part-time hourly roles to full academic year positions.

Hiring Seasons:

• September (start of the school year) and January (second term) are peak times for recruitment.
• Some schools also hire in spring for summer intensive courses or camps.

Typical Requirements:

• A TEFL or CELTA certificate (120 hours or more)
• A bachelor’s degree (in any subject)
• EU citizenship or a visa that allows you to work (freelancer, student, etc.)

While some schools are open to non-EU citizens, you’ll usually need to already be in Italy with a legal right to work. That’s why many teachers start on a student visa or as freelancers.

Best for: Teachers who want a mix of structure and independence, and who are comfortable navigating life in Italy’s beautiful but sometimes bureaucratic environment.

🎓 International and Bilingual Schools

If you're a licensed teacher or have experience in formal education, international and bilingual schools in Italy offer one of the most stable and professional teaching environments available. These schools serve both expat families and local students and follow globally recognized curricula such as:

• The International Baccalaureate (IB)
• The British National Curriculum
• The American K–12 system

Positions are usually full-time and salaried, with benefits like paid holidays, pension contributions, and opportunities for professional development. These schools are typically located in larger cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, Bologna, and Turin—but some smaller regions have growing options too.

Typical Requirements:

• A state teaching license (e.g., PGCE, U.S. teaching certification)
• A relevant bachelor’s degree (or master’s)
• Prior classroom teaching experience
• Some roles require native-level fluency in English; Italian is helpful but not mandatory

Many of these schools will assist with visa sponsorship, especially if you're coming from outside the EU and have in-demand credentials.

Best for: Certified educators looking for a long-term career path in Italy with stability, a competitive salary, and opportunities to grow within the international school system.

🎒 TEFL Courses with Job Support

For those just starting out in the world of English teaching—or looking to make a career change—taking a TEFL course in Italy can be a smart move. Not only do you get certified in a country you want to live in, but you also gain job support and local connections that can help you get hired faster.

Courses are available in cities like:

• Rome
• Florence
• Milan
• Bologna
• Naples

Many providers offer:

• 120+ hour in-person certification
• Observed teaching practice
• Resume workshops and job placement assistance
• Introductions to local language schools, summer camps, or tutoring networks

This route is ideal for teachers who don’t yet have experience but want to build confidence, transition smoothly into Italian life, and gain hands-on training in the classroom.

Best for: First-time teachers or digital nomads who want structure, local support, and a clearer path into the Italian TEFL job market.

💼 Freelance and Private Tutoring

For teachers who want maximum flexibility or prefer to work independently, freelance and private tutoring is a popular option—especially in cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, and Naples. The demand is strong among:

• Students preparing for Cambridge or IELTS exams
• University applicants seeking academic English support
• Professionals needing business or conversational English

Most tutoring work is arranged informally, through:

• Word of mouth
• Facebook expat and language groups
• Flyers at universities or cafés
• Language exchange meetups

Rates typically range from €15 to €30 per hour, often paid in cash. While this route doesn’t provide a fixed income, it allows you to set your own schedule and build a client base over time.

This option is especially powerful when paired with other roles, such as:

• A part-time job at a language school
• Online teaching
• TEFL course follow-up work

Best for: Independent teachers, digital nomads, or side hustlers who want to earn income while enjoying the freedom to travel or explore different parts of Italy.

🏛 Public Schools via Indirect Routes (Volunteer, Student Visa, or Assistant Roles)

Italy doesn't offer a centralized government-run assistantship program like Spain's NALCAP or France's TAPIF, but there are still ways to get into public schools indirectly.

Some teachers manage to work in public schools by:

• Enrolling in Italian language or cultural courses and using a student visa that allows limited work hours
• Joining volunteer placements through church organizations, NGOs, or cultural exchange nonprofits
• Finding unofficial assistant roles via local contacts, personal referrals, or networking with Italian teachers

These roles are often low-paid or unpaid, and they may not include visa support, but they offer:

• Real classroom experience
• Cultural immersion
• A foot in the door for future opportunities

They can also be a good way to stay in the country legally while building your network or learning the language.

Best for: Service-minded individuals, long-term travelers, or aspiring teachers looking to gain experience while immersing themselves in Italian education and daily life.

🌐 Online Teaching While Living in Italy

For those who already teach online—or want to transition to remote work—Italy offers an ideal lifestyle base. With its solid internet infrastructure, rich culture, and scenic towns and cities, it’s no wonder many digital nomads choose to teach online while living la dolce vita.

You can work for platforms like:

• Preply
• iTalki
• Cambly
• Or build your own student base through referrals and networking

Many teachers pair online work with:

• Private tutoring
• Part-time language school roles
• Volunteer projects or language exchanges

Because you're working with clients or companies based outside Italy, this path provides greater visa flexibility. Some people teach online on student visas, while others apply for a freelancer visa if planning to stay longer.

Best for: Teachers who value location independence, want to earn in USD or GBP, and still soak up everything Italy has to offer—on their own terms.

🎯 Which Path is Right for You?

Each route into English teaching in Italy fits a different kind of traveler or teacher. Here’s how to find the one that matches your situation:

• New to teaching?
  → Start with an in-country TEFL course and transition into a private language school role.

• Certified teacher?
  → Apply to international or bilingual schools offering full-time positions and long-term benefits.

• Independent and adaptable?
  → Build a career through freelance tutoring or combine multiple income sources for maximum flexibility.

• Already teaching online?
  → Keep doing what you do—just base yourself in Italy and enjoy the scenery between lessons.

• Want cultural immersion or long stays?
  → Consider volunteer work or student visa pathways that let you live in Italy while gaining classroom experience.

🌟 Italy Offers Flexibility—If You Know Where to Look

Italy may not have a government-sponsored teaching program like some of its European neighbors, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. In fact, the country’s blend of informal opportunities, freelance freedom, and academic pathways gives you more control over how you teach—and how you live.

Whether you're just starting your TEFL journey or already working online, with a bit of planning and the right visa strategy, teaching English in Italy can be your gateway to a meaningful, memorable, and incredibly flavorful life abroad.