Frequently Asked Question
Download Tuscany Course Info as PDF
General Questions
1. What does the tuition for the program include?
Total fees: $500 deposit + 960 Euro + 25 Euro
Comprised of:
$500 non-refundable deposit
960 Euro (course balance).
This fee includes tuition,
certification and course moderation fees.
25 Euro for course text books
(course balance and price for text books to be paid
upon arrival)
2. How do I pay for the course?
Please pay the balance of the course and accommodation fees at the school upon arrival. By this stage, you should already have paid the $500 deposit either online by credit card or via bank transfer.
You have the following options for final payment:
1. You may pay with cash on arrival; however, payment MUST BE in Euro. The balance of the tuition for the course must reflect the most recent (same day) exchange rate. In order to calculate the exchange rate, you might use www.xe.com which is a reliable website. In addition, there are numerous exchange counters throughout the city, and we can help you locate one should you need assistance. There is also an American Express office (Via Alighieri, 22r) in Florence where you can cash in traveler’s cheques. There are ATMs located throughout the city, and these will dispense Euro to you directly from your bank account (Note: Some banks only allow a total daily withdrawal of 500 Euro or less per day. Additionally, please check with your bank to inquire whether/how your bankcard will work in Italy.
If your case is an exception, and you need to pay in another currency, please contact your course administrator at enquiries@learningcentertuscany.com.
2. Pay by credit card either before or upon arrival. If you decide to pay before your arrival, please telephone us at the phone number provided below. Again, we will charge based on the conversion rate of that same day.
3. If you have any questions about the payment process, please contact us at enquiries@learningcentertuscany.com. We will be happy to assist you in any way that we can.
On the first morning of the course the Acadamic Director will arrive early to handle final payments. All payments MUST be made by the end of lunch on the first day unless special arrangements have been made with the Trainers. Late fees of 25 Euro per day may be assessed if payment is not made.
If payments have not been received by the end of class on the first Wednesday, you must gain permission from the Academic Director to remain in the course.
3. What is an average program day like?
Class time is generally 9:00 am to 4:45 pm, with mid-morning and afternoon breaks and a lunch break. For approximately two weeks, you will be preparing to teach and you will be learning all of the things you need to know in order to be successful in the classroom. This is an intensive program and many have compared it to a four-week intensive master’s course.
4. How many students on average are in the program each month?
The maximum class size in the Florence course is 20 or fewer students. Most of the participants are American, British, Canadian or Australian, although we do accept non-native speakers of English who have a high proficiency in the language.
5. What are the students and classes for the teaching practice like?
We use local Italian students for the trainees’ teaching practice. Because we don’t charge them to attend, all students come to classes purely because they want to. You will find them patient, kind, and willing to learn and participate. Italians are very vocal people, and it will not be difficult to get them to speak in English during the lesson.
6. What are the program accommodations like? Where are they located?
We have some different choices in terms of accommodations. You can choose from: shared room in an apartment, private room, home-stay, pensione, or apartment in the countryside. Each choice has its own character, and it completely depends on the type of experience you envision having here in Tuscany.
7. Can I have things shipped or mailed to me at the school?
Yes! Below is our address:
TEFL International
Viale Corsica, 15c
Firenze 50134
Italy
Tel. No. +39 0550515035
Skype Contact: tlctuscany
enquiries@learningcentertuscany.com
8. Can I bring my laptop?
Yes, and it is recommended. You will find having your own laptop a time saver; having all of your data at your fingertips will allow you to make changes easily. We also have some computers at the school for your use, and they are free of charge. In addition, there are many Internet points throughout the city that charge per minute for internet and/or computer usage.
The job market and teaching in Italy: Paperwork and documentation
1. What is the TEFL job market in Italy like? Will I have trouble getting a job?
There are TEFL jobs available in Italy, and we will have information available in order to help you prepare your resume and point you in the right direction. Our staff has experience in the local market, nationally, and internationally, and we will help you in any way possible.
2. When do I need to start looking for work? Where do I start?
We suggest you begin your search during your second week of the course and start setting up interviews and sending resumes in your second or third week of the course.
3. What will TEFL International do to help me secure employment?
We will give you a list of schools in Italy (or in other countries, if you so choose) and help you with resume and interview preparation. We guarantee job placement assistance, but please note that TEFL International doesn’t ‘guarantee’ its graduates employment in Italy. This job placement assistance program is an integral part of the course and is available for as long as you may require it.
4. What is the average salary like?
The average salary in Italy is about 1,000-1,500 Euro per month. This varies depending on what type of school or company you work for and whether you work full or part-time.
5. Do most schools provide accommodations for their teachers?
No, but there are some schools that do this. For example, some schools may provide a room for you, either shared or single, probably in an apartment with other teachers, and it may or may not be on the school’s premises.
6. What documents do I need to bring?
Of course, you need your passport. When you secure work, you may be asked to provide translated and notarized copies of your birth certificate, college degrees and transcripts. You might also consider obtaining an international driving permit if driving in Italy should be necessary for you. Please be advised that it may be necessary for you to obtain an Italian driving license if you plan to stay for an extended period of time.
7. What if I get sick in Italy? Are there western-standard medical facilities?
If you find yourself requiring medical attention, Florence has a number of very good hospitals and clinics with well-educated doctors. Pharmacists are also very helpful in Florence and can often times help you in lieu of a doctor’s visit. You will find that some doctors and pharmacists do speak English. The American Consulate has a list of all types of English-speaking physicians.
If there is any serious injury, please inform the Course Director or one of the staff and transportation to the nearest hospital for treatment will be provided.
8. Do schools provide health insurance?
There is a socialized medical system in Italy. The law states that anyone needing medical attention will be treated. However, you could purchase your own private medical insurance while living abroad so that you could choose your own doctor.
9. What is a typical teaching position like?
Of course, it varies from school to school, but you may be expected to teach a variety of courses, ranging from children to business professionals at all levels, in groups or in private sessions. Some courses are taught on-site, so you may be asked to travel to area businesses.
10. Can I return to my own country and teach with my certificate?
Yes, it’s possible though the requirements for working in ESL or EFL in many western countries are different and sometimes require graduate education in ESL or TEFL.
11. What is the difference between ESL and EFL?
The main differences between ESL (English as a Second Language) and EFL (English as a Foreign Language) are the place in which English is taught and the purpose for which the students use English. ESL is taught in a place where English is the most commonly spoken language. Speakers need to know functional language and vocabulary specific to the place where they live. EFL is English taught in a country where a language other than English is primarily spoken. Classroom topics can be more varied, and World Englishes (the different, non-standard varieties of English that exist throughout the world) are often the English taught in EFL classrooms.
Questions about Florence: Living in Italy
1. What are the average housing and living expenses in Italy?
Most likely you will rent a room in an apartment or house with other teachers or students at the university. Of course, it depends on where you choose to live. A pleasant, small 2-bedroom apartment in Florence is about 1,200 Euro per month (600 Euro per bedroom per month), but the cost differs vastly from city to city. It is fair to say that TEFL teachers are well paid by local standards. Local Italian professionals would earn about the same salary.
2. What’s the public transportation system like?
Living in Florence is a great opportunity to walk, ride a bicycle, or take the bus. The city is quite small, and a car really isn’t needed. Walking is also a great way to discover all that the city has to offer! You can rent a car or scooter if you’d like, though we would discourage it, as it can get quite expensive to park.
3. What’s the climate like? What kind of clothing will I need to bring?
Florence has four true seasons, so please dress appropriately: winter clothes and a heavy jacket from December through March, spring clothes from the end of March through May, very light attire during the summer months, and clothes appropriate for mild, but breezy fall weather in October and November. It’s truly a dynamic place!
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any other questions or concerns. Thank you for choosing TEFL International!