BootsnAll Travel Community

I am going to start my travels on January 31st, 2008 and my first stop is Rome.

My question is 'How hard will it be for me to get good EFL work in Rome for up to a year? and 'How well will the jobs pay?'

I am planning in taking the 4 week TESOL Course and will work in Rome for up to a year while I save up to continue traveling and volunteering through Egypt, Uganda and Thailand. Then I plan to head to Japan and live there for up to another year, saving up more money to either; Go home and start going to school or; Start traveling around South America or SE Asia.

A TESOL course is a great way to start and lots of people find teaching a fairly good way to get abroad without traveling. Japan - and Korea, although finding an okay employer/working environment strikes me as kind of infinitely more challenging - both seem to be good locations for newer teachers to start out and save some money.

I have done about 99% of my EFL work in Eastern Europe, and the first thing that comes to mind when you mention Italy is that it might be a difficult place to find work as someone from a country not in the EU (I'm assuming you are from the US from your location in your profile here). I believe Jessie knows a lot about Italy and didn't Continental Op just leave there? Maybe they can give you better information than I can.

Since you're interested in Japan, I wonder if working there first and then traveling in Italy later might be an option? Check at eslcafe.com for short-term jobs in Japan as well - I think Westgate (maybe a few more?) has three or four month positions, so that might be worth a look.

Good luck!

Thanks! I have left it open and have looked at going to Japan first as an option. Either way I am not planning on staying whereever I start out forever and I will soon start hoping to various countries. I just want to have the opportunity to get a good start.

quote:

Originally posted by KateL57:I believe Jessie knows a lot about Italy and didn't Continental Op just leave there?

Sure, but I'll warn you: my experience with TEFL is pretty limited and completely second-hand.

Obviously, it's easier for English-speaking EU citizens to land these jobs than it is for Americans, but I do know a couple of American gals who teach English in and around Rome and, according to their accounts, it isn't all that rare. Both had to wait until they arrived in Rome, and did about a month of networking, before finally landing their jobs.

The pay isn't great, but it will pay for basic accommodations in Rome. (You'll likely need a roommate if this is your only form of income, and you'll need to remain thrifty.)

Japan is much simpler: it's easier to find a job before you land, pays somewhat better, and the expenses are similar. I have a friend who owns a couple of schools there, and it seems like there is plenty of work to go around.

What about some other areas in Italy I wonder?

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Originally posted by SuperKid:
What about some other areas in Italy I wonder?

Well, frankly, I think you'd be better off trying some place in the south. In areas like Palermo you'll find more opportunities for under the table work, and the accommodations will certainly be cheaper than in Rome. The south has only recently discovered that knowledge of English can lead to better service-sector jobs with better pay, so there should be plenty of work to be found for TEFL instructors.

Either way, you'll need to network. Italy is a networking society, and jobs are dished out to those who know somebody who knows somebody who knows somebody else. Get out, meet people, mingle with folks in cafes and bars, and make friends. Opportunities will follow.

Hmmmmmm, well the more I research the more discouraged I get about obtaining a visa in Italy and getting 'legal' work.

I'm wondering if Italy is not a good place to start out. Perhaps somewhere like Japan, Thailand or Egypt?

What do you guys think?

It will be much simpler to find a legal job in Japan or Asia as a whole than it will be in Italy. The thing is, in Italy, life is organized under the table. That's the operating principle there. If you don't feel up for that, then, in contrast, Japan is a much better option. There are systems in place that make it easier for Americans to teach English. No EU tax/payroll benefits in the way, and even more work.

Korea and Japan are, by far, the easiest place for a TEFL newbie to start out. And, in Korea - you can pretty easily save US$1000+ per month as housing is free - plane ticket is paid for, taxes are very low and cost of living is low (compared to the West).

How is housing free? Keep in mind I don't have a degree. I am just going to obtain my TESOL Cert and start off after that.

What about Thailand or Egypt? Anybody know much about these two countries? And if so what cities would you recommend?

Would it perhaps be a good idea to obtain my TESOL Cert in Rome and then move to the location I intend to work? That way if I find that getting work is very easy I will be able to stay in Rome if I want?

Also, what about Thailand and/or Egypt?

Hey again...I don't have personal experience with the countries you mention. In general, it's usually better to find a job once you're actually in the country because you can meet the potential employer in person, see the school and so on. But - looking through job ads (eslcafe.com, tefl.com)will help you get a better idea of what is on offer so you are not surprised when you get there.

It will be more challenging without a degree because a lot of countries require it for a work permit. I know of people with a tefl certificate but no degree who have found work in China... and maybe Turkey?

I hope someone who knows the countries you mention will answer here...