FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much will I get paid teaching in Bologna?

Good question!

As with anywhere, rates of pay vary according to the employer's model of business, local taxes, and the supply of applicants.

In Italy, the top rate in the Private Language Schools sector (universities and companies are a bit different) is usually paid by the local British Council (there isn't one in Bologna any more - Madrelingua was opened when it closed!) Their rate used to be €29 an hour, gross, for freelance staff - from which you had to deduct at least 20% tax, and probably more like 30%. Unfortunately, few schools will pay anything like this.

A reasonable rate of pay to aim for is about €20 an hour, a good rate if you've got little or no experience. You'll get €15 or so after taxes, which for a twenty-hour week, comes to about €300.

Realistically, if you're just starting out, you may have to take whatever you can get. I've heard of schools which pay €15, or even €12 an hour, GROSS! Bear in mind that the cost of the lady who cleans the floor will be in the region of €10-12 an hour, so if that's all you're being paid, you'll be wanting to get further training and start looking out for something better ASAP!

Look out for schools which will pay you more if you have experience and/or qualifications, and take any chance you get to work for them, even if it's just a few hours at first. That way you will have the chance to earn more in the future. Some schools, such as Madrelingua, offer a training rate and a rate for more experienced staff.

If you have any comments on this article, or if YOU have a question you'd like answered, why not email us? info@madrelinguabologna.com