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Working in Italy
http://www.iol.ie/~italcult/work.htm
Introduction
Finding long term or temporary employment in Italy is not an easy undertaking for foreigners as unemployment is also a problem for many young Italians. It will be even more difficult for a person who does not speak fluent Italian or have special skills. This chapter explains the procedure one must follow and gives some suggestions regarding the possibility of finding work for those intending to do so.
Procedures
A police permit (permesso di soggiorno) is necessary in order to apply for a job. Normally a three month tourist permit is granted, and upon presentation of an employer's letter the permit can be extended for a period specified by the employment contract. Workers from other EU countries must have a workers registration book (libretto di lavoro) which is available, at no extra cost, upon presentation of the "permesso di soggiorno"
"INFORMAGIOVANI" - Youth Information Scheme.
The "Informagiovani" is a Youth Information Scheme providing information on jobs, scholarships, enrolment to Universities, cultural events and activities. It also provides a data-base on the availability of jobs and provides the CV's of prospective applicants. "Informagiovani" is accessable nation wide and on the internet. A complete list of "Informagiovani " is available at the Italian Cultural Institute for consultation. Here is a list of the "Informagiovani" addresses in the main Italian cities:
AGENZIA INFORMAGIOVANI
Via Captain Bavastro, 94
00154 Roma, Italy
tel: 00 39 6 575 6759
fax: 00 39 6 574 7623 INFORMAGIOVANI
Via Marconi, 1
20123 Milano, Italy
tel: 00 39 2 62085215
fax: 00 39 2 865067
CENTRO INFORMAGIOVANI
c/o Centro Civico Lame
Via Marco Polo 53, Quartiere Navile
40131 Bologna, Italy
tel: 00 39 51 6345550 SERVIZIO INFORMAGIOVANI
Vicolo S. Maria Maggiore 1
50123 Firenze, Italy
tel: 00 39 55 218310
fax: 00 39 55 292056
Voluntary Work
Voluntary work camps should not be confused with seasonal work. They are a kind of voluntary service that offers the possibility of living and working with a group of different people, while spending a period of holiday in Italy, in exchange for room and board, or by paying a nominal l fee. Most work activities involve social and development programmes. Life in any work camp involves working and living with fellow volunteers to ensure the smooth running of the camp. The amount of time dedicated to work is about 6 to 7 hours per day. Housing arrangements are usually very simple and you will probably need a sleeping bag.
If you are interested in receiving a programme on organised camps, you can write to :
SERVIZIO CIVILE INTERNAZIONALE
Via Laterani, 28
00185 Roma, Italy
tel: 00 39 6 7005367 MANI TESE
Via Cavenaghi, 4
10149 Milano, Italy
tel 00 39 2 46971888
VSI
4 Eustace Street
Dublin 2
tel: 01 679067
Work in the countryside
Finding temporary farm work would require a little research in advance, either through local agricultural co-operatives, or directly at job centres (ufficio di collocamento). The best way, however, is to contact the farms directly.
Harvest seasons:
- May, June, July and august : strawberries, cherries peaches and plums in Emiglia Romagna.
- September and October : apples pears in Emilia Romagna, Piemonte and Trentino; Grape harvests in Emilia Romagna, Lazio, Piemonte, Puglia, Trentino, Veneto and Toscana.
- November and December: olives in Puglia, Toscana, Liguria, Calabria and Sicilia;
tobacco in Umbria, Puglia and Campania.
Seasonal work
Although it's not easy to find work in Italy, with a bit of determination and a little luck you might de able to take advantage of seasonal work possibilities during the summer months. Restaurants, hotels and tourist resorts recruit seasonal staff to help during the major tourist periods( summer for seaside and lake resorts; summer and winter for mountain resorts). The work offered may not be the easiest, but the environment is pleasant and you can meet people from all over the world. If you are interested in this kind of work you can send your request directly to the hotels, campsites, restaurants and tourist villages.
You can get a list of hotels from the tourist offices of the various cities and towns, and at the "Informagiovani". You should send your application early in the year and you should include a letter with information about yourself, such as:- date and place of birth, level of education, knowledge of foreign languages, work experience, main interest and references together with a photo.
For the most energetic and friendly ones: tourist villages offer the opportunity of working in the entertainment fields(acting, swimming, dancing, tennis, windsurfing, riding, etc.) The main organisations that manage tourist villages are:
CLUB MED.
Via Pascoli 60,
20123 Milano, Italy ALPITOUR ITALIA
Viale Maino 42
20129 Milano, Italy
VALTUR
Viale Milano 42
00184 Roma, Italy FRANCOROSSO INTERNATIONAL
Via C. Colombo 440
00145 Roma, Italy
The Importance of.... Speaking English !
Translation Agencies
A good knowledge of Italian is a prerequisite and preferably a third language would help in the pursuit of a job as translator. Applicants would need experience in this field.
ALFA INTERNATIONAL MILANO
Via Lucrezio Caro 29
00193 Roma, Italy.
tel: 00 39 6 3230077
fax: 00 39 6 3222038 CENTRO TRADUTTORI
Via Boezio 12
20145 Milano, Italy
tel: 00 39 2 33600696
Teaching English
Everybody knows how useful English is and how it is widely used in the many different walks of life. If you are interested in teaching English in Italy, a list of Italian private schools where English is taught is available at the Institute from the yellow pages, of the particular city.
University teaching: English in taught in many Universities in Italy. Post for "lettori" in the English language departments of Italian Universities are open to foreigners with University degrees. Applications should be made directly to the Rector of the University, followed by the name of the town or city, e.g. - Al Magnifico Rettore, Università di... The same procedure should be followed for the University Institute of Modern Language at Feltre and Milano, and also for the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore di Milano and the Istituto Universitario Orientale di Napoli. A guide to Universities is available at the Institute for consultation.
Au Pair possibilities
Au pair work
There are many families who, in exchange for a few hours of daily work, for a specified period of time, will provide accommodation and meals in their home. There are various agencies and associations that put interested young people in contact with these families that are looking for a little domestic help. A.R.C.E. (Attività Relazione Culturali con l'Estero) has instituted certain conditions for young foreigners so that they may be accepted as au pair guest in Italy.
Length of stay: maximum 12 months
Age limit: between 18 and 30 years.
Conditions: a written agreement must specify the duties of the guest. In any case, there should not be more than 5-6 hours per day of light housework which should generally end by early afternoon, so that the guest can pursue their own interest in their free time. An au-pair girl should have one day off, with 2-3 evenings free each week and would be treated as a member of the family as much as possible.
Vacations and Week-ends: unless otherwise specified in the agreement, the host family must cover the expenses of the guest travelling with the family.
Insurance: the host family must provide private insurance against accidents or illness.
Expenses: apart from room, board and insurance, the guest should receive a predetermined sum which would be agreed upon prior to the work stage.
Note:it is the responsibility of the host family to accompany the guest to the police headquarters(Questura), to inform them that you are a visitor and that the purpose of your stay is exclusively cultural, in order to learn Italian.
Au pair Agencies
EURO AU PAIR
Borgo S. Croce4
50122 Firenze, Italy
tel:00 39 55 241 181
fax:00 39 55 241 722 ELIZABETH LENIHAN
Piazza De Amicis
10126 Torino, Italy
tel:00 39 11 678 906
fax:00 39 11 545 000
AU PAIR BUREAU OF IRELAND
89 Dublin Road
Finglas
Dublin 13, Ireland
tel:832 4773 AU PAIR STUDY CENTRE
10 Wellington Street
Dun Laoghaire
Co. Dublin. Ireland
tel: 284 4675
fax: 284 5635
Convention Services
If you are looking fir a part time job, you may be interested in working as a receptionist, interpreter or hostess for a Convention Service. A good appearance, knowledge of two foreign languages (apart from fluent Italian) and a pleasant manner will be required.
Here is a list of the main Convention Services.
ITACA
Corso Garibaldi 47
42100 Reggio Emilia, Italy
tel:00 39 522 452 392
fax:00 39 522 452 401
ROME AT YOUR SERVICE
Via V. Emanuele Orlando 75
00185 Roma, ITaly.
tel:00 39 6 484 583
fax:00 39 6 484 429
MELOGRANO 2 CONGRESSI
Via Calefati 61/A
70121 Bari, Italy
tel: 00 39 80 5214006
fax: 00 39 80 5210153
INTEA- International Exhibition Assistant
Via A. Kuliscioff 31
20152 Milano, Italy
tel: 00 39 2 48300782
STUDIO MEG P.R. srl.
Via A. Garbasso 16
50131 Firenze, Italy
tel: 00 39 55 500 0777
fax: 00 39 55 500 0038 TRIESTE TRADUZIONI CONGRESSI
Via Cesare Battisti 1
34125 Trieste, Italy
tel: 00 39 40 371678
fax: 00 39 40 370634
Just for the Irish...an insight
Do not ask what Italy can do for you, but what you can do for Italy!
Any answers?
Being Irish in Italy may have its advantages !
for example, did you know that some of your more run of the mill activities like golfing and horse riding are now becoming more and more popular in Italy? A master's certificate may be required to be employed in the fields of golfing and "Agriturismo" (Activities centres.)
CIRCOLO GOLF VILLA D'ESTE
Via per Cantú
22030 Montorfano (Co), Italy
tel: 00 39 31 200200
fax: 00 39 31 200 786
MOLINETTO COUNTRY CULB
S.S. Padana Superiore
20063 Cernusco sul Naviglio (Mi)
tel: 00 39 2 9238500
fax: 00 39 2 921 06635
Aziende agrituristiche
'LA SPINOSA'
Località Scheto
Barberino Val d'Elsa(FI), Italy
tel:00 39 55 807 5473 PIEVE A SALTI
Strand di Pieve a Salti
Buonconvento, (SI), Italy
tel:00 39 577 807 244
... and what about drinking?
The number of Irish Pubs in Italy has literally mushroomed in recent years. They are open from 4 o'clock to midnight, waiters (preferably Irish waiters!) work in shifts of four hours (usually form 4 to 8 & 8 to midnight. and they enjoy the pleasure of sharing their "pint culture" staying in an Italian atmosphere.
Last but not least...
The Orbit Communication, an Italian private network, is always looking for English speaks to give technical advice.
ORBIT COMMUNICATIONS
Via Costi 61
00191 Roma, Italy
tel: 00 39 6 225 3222
Having problems or feeling homesick? your main Irish contacts in Italy are :
Irish Embassy
Lg. Nazareno, 3
00192 Roma
tel: 00 39 6 678 2541 Collegio Irlandese
Via S.S. Quattro, 7
00192 Roma
tel : 00 39 6 704 52296
Directories and books of reference are available at the Italian Cultural Institute for those interested in contacting organisations in Italy.
European citizens home page. Another link helpful for working in Italy in particular and Europe in gereral is through the European Citizens home pages.