Tell us about yourself. We would love to know about your background and what drew you to TEFL in Italy?

I studied Biomedical Science in the University of Galway, and graduated last August with a major pathway in Physiology. I began my 120 hour TEFL Certification in January of my final year at University, with the intent of moving abroad following graduation. As I did not have previous teaching experience before starting this internship in Italy, I wanted to get an insight into the actual life of a teacher, and have this knowledge before considering full-time teaching as a long-term career path. I chose English specifically as I thought starting with a subject which I already speak fluently would be best to ease me into the world of teaching!

What inspired you to go abroad?

After completing my study abroad in Indiana, USA, during my 3^rd year of college, I absolutely caught the travel bug, and decided teaching English would be a great way for me to be able to see the world, while traveling at the same time. For Italy specifically, I had travelled to the country a couple of times in the past, and really enjoyed the scenery, food, and passion of the people. Also, having studied Italian for a semester in the USA, I really wanted to improve and develop my spoken skills in the language.

 What were the best parts of your TEFL course experience? Do you feel like it prepared you for teaching in Italy?

A huge advantage of the TEFL course experience was being able to complete all of the certifications I required to teach in Italy online. This made it so convenient to do in my own free time, and complete the modules at my own pace. The part of the internship package overall which I feel prepared me best to TEFL in Italy was definitely the 2-day training that I underwent, along with the other Irish interns, in Florence, before moving to Naples. I learned so many teaching methods, and the specific techniques the school uses for different types of lessons which I incorporate into my teaching style all the time!

What were three things about your experience of TEFL in Italy that you did not anticipate?

Regarding teaching, it is important to have a good knowledge of English grammar, knowing tenses by name, and being able to explain when/how each is used. Being a native English speaker, this was not something I had ever learnt through the school system, and so have been learning a lot since I got here!

Regarding life in Italy in general, I don’t think I was fully prepared for the chaotic atmosphere in Naples! With more motorbikes than cars throughout the side streets, a lot of beeping horns at all times of day, and few road markings, it’s quite different to anywhere in Ireland I have experienced. However, it is definitely something you get used to, and just become more streetwise! I was also completely overcome by how kind and welcoming the Neopolitan people were when I first arrived, and continue to be. From my first day here, neighbours, local shopkeepers, and the other staff at my school have been so helpful and generous, and really made settling in so much easier.

Something I am still getting used to is the late culture here, where having dinner at 9-10 pm is normal, and nights out don’t get properly started till midnight/1am, but I’m sure I’ll adapt more in the next couple of months.

 What is your favourite age group to work with and why?

I really enjoy working with the teenage classes as they are usually really energetic and have lots to say about any topics we are discussing. I am lucky with the teen classes I teach, and have really kind students, specifically one girl who often brings me lollipops for a mid-lesson break.

 Tell us your favourite thing about Italy. What do you like to do on your days off?

 I absolutely love living by the sea, and having a huge promenade for walks and runs within a 10 minute walk from my studio. In the first 1-2 months of my internship here, I spent my days off on the nearby beaches with friends I have met here, but as the weather has gotten a bit colder, I now tend to visit some of the indoor sites in Naples, spend time running/in the gym, and travelling to other cities around Italy. There is a great train and bus service connecting the major cities in Italy which is incredibly convenient!

What is one thing about the life of teaching abroad that you never expected/weren’t prepared for? 

 As I just teach approximately 20-22 hours per week, and I live within a 5 minute walk of the school I have found myself with a lot more free time than in Ireland. While this took me a little while to get used to, it has given me great opportunity to explore around the city, and work on plans I have had for the past while. I have registered, and am currently training for the Naples half-marathon in February, something I would never have dreamed of doing at home, so all-in-all, the extra time has been a great asset to me.

What has been your most rewarding experience as a teacher abroad?

 I have really enjoyed getting to know my students, and finding out why they want to learn English. It has also been really interesting to hear the stereotypes they associate with Ireland, and the anecdotes they have to share about time spent in Ireland. Outside of the classroom, I have loved getting to know locals, and immersing myself in the large expat community which exists here in Naples. I have been lucky enough to meet people from all over the world who have made the past 10 weeks so much easier and enjoyable, making Naples feel like home.

What advice do you have for someone on the fence about whether to teach in Italy or not?

I would definitely recommend learning some Italian before moving over as it does make day-to-day life so much easier. Otherwise, if you are on the fence about moving here, I would advise you to take the plunge and give it a go. Worst-case scenario, Ireland is only a flight away, but after a couple of months living here, I completely understand the meaning and the hype of the ‘dolce vita’.