If you’re considering moving to Italy and teaching English, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, there are several well-established English language school chains across Italy that regularly hire teachers. This blog post breaks down some of the most prominent schools, their locations, estimated salaries, and what qualifications they look for.
Whether you’re just starting out or already have teaching experience, this guide can help you find a foothold in the Italian job market.
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Things to Keep in Mind Before You Apply
- These are all chain schools with branches across Italy — ideal if you’re not sure where you’ll be based.
- Salaries vary widely depending on your experience, qualifications, location, and whether the role is part-time or full-time.
- Many schools start you with fewer hours, so you may need to work your way up or supplement with private lessons.
- Location matters less than you think — many contracts are external, meaning you’ll teach at businesses or other institutions outside the main school.
Top English Teaching Chains in Italy
1. British Council
- Locations: Milan, Rome, Florence
- Salary Range: €1,200 – €2,500/month
- Qualifications: CELTA, DELTA; pay depends heavily on experience and certifications
2. EF Education First
- Locations: Milan, Florence, Turin (and other major cities)
- Salary Range: €1,500 – €2,500/month
- Bonuses: Possible for extra responsibilities or summer teaching
- Great for: Those open to traveling and flexible hours
3. International House
- Locations: Rome, Milan, Bologna, Naples
- Salary Range: €1,300 – €2,500/month
- Tip: Southern Italy may offer lower pay
- Reality Check: Many jobs start part-time, so expect contracts offering 10–15 hours a week at first
4. Berlitz
- Locations: Milan, Rome, Naples (possibly in Turin too)
- Salary Range: €1,200 – €2,000/month (hourly pay €30–€50 before tax)
- Pay Structure: Hourly — varies widely based on experience
- My Experience: After tax, pay felt more like €18/hour
5. InLingua
- Locations: Rome, Milan, Bologna
- Salary Estimate: Around €1,300/month
- Experience: No personal experience with this one, but it’s a known name in the field
6. Cambridge School
- Locations: Milan, Florence, Turin
- Salary Range: €1,200 – €2,300/month
- Reputation: Slightly more competitive; may require CELTA or Cambridge-specific certifications
- Ideal for: More experienced or qualified teachers
7. Helen Doron English
- Locations: Rome, Milan, other large cities
- Salary Range: €1,000 – €1,800/month
- Flexibility: Pay may depend on class sizes and hours
- Note: Less well-known but worth exploring
What to Expect From Contracts
Most teaching contracts in Italy:
- Are part-time to start (e.g., 10 hours/week for 30 weeks)
- Are not guaranteed to offer full-time hours
- Might require travel between multiple clients or sites
- Often involve teaching adults in one-on-one or small group settings
Do You Need a Qualification?
While not always mandatory, having a recognized teaching qualification is a huge advantage. Consider:
- CELTA
- DELTA
- TEFL / TESOL (even a basic one helps)
Some schools will hire teachers with no experience, but it’s always a good idea to understand basic teaching methods before jumping in.
key takeaways
Teaching English in Italy can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s important to go in with realistic expectations:
- You may need to combine multiple jobs to earn a full salary
- The best time to find work is September through June
- Salaries tend to start low and grow over time
If you’re passionate about teaching and ready to embrace a flexible, sometimes unpredictable work life, Italy has plenty of opportunities waiting.
⚠️ Note: While €2,500 is listed as a possible salary, this is rare. Most start on the lower end.
Have you worked at any of these schools? Share your experience in the comments below! 🇮🇹
