BOLOGNA INSIDE Second Edition - IWF Bologna

Servizio di Orientamento alle Nuove Imprese (New Business Orientation)
Camera di Commercio di Bologna
See this chapter under ‘Job Training.’
FOR ENGLISH SPEAKERS
In addition to teaching, native English speakers sometimes find immediate work at the
fiera (convention center) as translators during large trade shows. For a calendar of
tradeshows and information about the Bologna Fiere, visit www.bolognafiere.it.
TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
Many people find work teaching English when they first arrive. While some are dedicated
career language teachers, for others teaching is a way to support yourself in the short
term while you continue your job search.
Language schools usually require teachers to have a permesso di soggiorno and a codice
fiscale. Some require a teaching certificate such as TOEFL, while others provide internal
training. Schools do not often offer contracts, but instead offer work on a course-bycourse
basis. This means it is necessary to work for multiple schools or to supplement
your income by offering private lessons.
Private language schools are found in the yellow pages under the listing SCUOLE DI
LINGUE and a list is also available through the URP in Piazza Maggiore. Call the schools
and ask if they are looking for teachers. Don’t worry if your Italian is limited because in
most cases the person who answers the phone will speak English. If you prefer, you may
send your resume along with a traditional cover letter, but follow up with a phone call if
you haven’t heard anything after a few days. Although not appropriate in most other
sectors, it is also acceptable to drop by language schools during business hours with your
CV in hand.
Language courses typically start in October and run through the spring, but many schools
also have new courses starting throughout the academic year. Most schools conduct
courses on site, but some offer lessons in companies around the city. The latter often
expect teachers to provide their own transportation with the understanding that travel
expenses will be reimbursed. Be sure to ask about the trasferta (travel fee).
Before opening a partita IVA, do the math
with your commercialista and calculate your
monthly minimum in order to survive. Lots
of tax deadlines during the year somehow
occur when you least expect them. You may
want to set up a private pension fund and
polizza infortuni. It's important to have
some coverage in case you get ill, or you need
to take some time off for whatever reason.
The key word is strategize, stay on top
of the financial issues and love your
commercialista.
Lisa Gelhaus
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