Alright to review I am currently teaching English in Milan, Italy. I have been teaching for about two months now and I am starting to notice some similarities and differences between teaching here in Italy and somethings I experienced while I was a substitute teacher in the States. So I have decided to compile these similarities and differences that I have noticed during my time here and here is my final list.
Similarities
1.Kids love new teachers
You know when you saw a substitute walk in the room and everyone got excited? Everyone knew that if there was a sub the day would most likely be an easy day or even better a movie day. At the same time you were like who is this person and usually spent the first 15 minutes of the class asking the teacher random questions like how old are you? Are you married? Guess what its exactly the same here in Italy. When I started every class I walked into for the first time I could just see the kid's eyes grow in awe, like who is this lady? As soon as the class begins they always ask what is your name, where are you from, how old are you? All though this may have you thinking oh my gosh it is exactly the same, hold on, these also happen to be the only questions the students can ask in English and understand the response. So yes they are still interested and want to know me but any question after that is usually in Italian and I respond in English. Here are just some of the questions I have been asked in both countries: Are you married/ have a boyfriend? Do you have children? What kind of music do you listen to? Have you seen....? I think you get the idea. Students, no matter where, seem to enjoy getting to know new people.
2. Students want to know who you voted for
Before I came back to Italy to teach English I was in the States for the election heard around the world. As you have rightfully assumed I voted in this historic election and well kids seem to want to know who for exactly. I was teaching a history class at the time of the election and I was always impressed how informed the students were. They are 12 or 13 and they are forming thoughts and ideas about our government which makes my heart happy because they care. Anyways to set a good example for the class I went to early voting, did the deed and showed them my fancy I voted early sticker as proof. The first question after that was who did you vote for? Many guess and giggle and theres always one that yells Trump. I laugh, give them a smile and tell them I made an informed decision to vote for Hilary Clinton. I could go on about this because well it was a topic of discussion for awhile this class but I don't think you want a review of my lesson plans. SO moving on to Italy. I teach English to students of all ages but anyone over the age of 10 wants to know who I voted for. After I give my introduction to the class, I am from American and so on, I get a few ohs and ahs and then theres always one that yells Trump! It honestly doesn't bother me anymore that this happens because once again I'm happy to see informed students. These students know a president of a foreign country meanwhile I am living in Italy and could not tell you who is in charge or how anything works in their government. Overall its not a topic that makes me jump for joy or enjoy talking about it but guess what the students want to know and it doesn't matter where you are.
3. Their excuse will always be "I didn't know"
Being a substitute in the States was always a bit tricky because if you have not been at a school multiple times or have been talked to by other staff members it is very likely you don't know the rules or procedures of the school and you kind of make do(can't tell you how many times I have "made do"). Lucky for me, my mother is a middle school principal and I was often at her school filling in. This was soooooo nice because I knew people who could help me out and explain things to me instead of giving me a run around or just ignoring me. Anyways, in the states I knew the rules and followed them which most students think the subs don't know the rules therefor they can get away with anything. It was always a surprise when I seemed to know the rules so when I caught them, every time, without hesitation their response was "but I didn't know!" First week of school fine, October when you have had school for over 2 months I think you know the rules. Guess what it doesn't seem to be any different here. Except I work with smaller children so my rules are more along the lines of no hitting, keep your hands to yourself and listen. The most common offense seems to be hitting and every time I see it happen and say we don't do that, I get the same response "but I didn't know!" Incredible right these students just seem to forget all rules when they want something. I love all my students but maybe one day they will think of a better excuse.
4. Finishing early makes you the cool teacher
I don't think this needs too much of an explanation but I shall carry on. Being a substitute it can be hard to make students do their work because well you're not really their teacher and it can be annoying and even frustrating at times. So as incentive I always said at the beginning of my lesson, right after my introduction, if the behavior is good and the work is finished we will stop five minutes early for free time and not just talking but phones. This worked every time because who doesn't want time to be on their phones. I always received a positive feedback from students for this. Italy it's a little different but overall the same. I teach after school so when we finish the students go home and not to another class. And who doesn't want to go home five minutes early?! This has been a big hit especially with my older students because well that means an extra cigarette or coffee before they have to catch the bus/metro home. So good news I am a really cool teacher in two countries!
5. Organization or lack of it
I have come to the conclusion that education is an organized mess. In the States communication was slow, like Italian slow. It takes multiple emails to get a one response. Also there always seem to be confusion when subs show up on time, like they weren't expecting us to actually come to work. Well its just as disorganized here in Italy as well. I'm often called the day of lesson being asked to teach a class I have not been trained for, which I can deal, but I feel bad for the students who miss out on learning because of a new teacher. Also communication always seems to be different and I never know if I can email or call certain people, so I end up doing both and only get answered but email. This could just be business in general but let me tell you as a first year teacher in another country it is frustrating. I guess only time will tell for me on this one.
Differences: just a few because we are dealing with different cultures here
1. Time is just a number on a clock
Italians have a much different sense of time than Americans. Personally I am someone who loves to be on-time and by on-time I mean early. I would rather arrive 20 minutes early than 5 minutes late anytime. Since moving to Milan I have learned that when I am told a time I have about a 5-10(more on the 10 side) minute window before the event actually begins. However being a teacher when I am given a time for a class I assume I need to be there on time because well its work not a plan to meet somewhere for coffee. Nope does not matter here. I showed up 20, yep you read that right, minutes late to lesson because I had to change schools and was told they were much closer than they actually are, and the teacher said it wasn't a problem. WHAT?! HOW?! WHY?! I showed up extremely late to teach your class and it was no problem she even told me not to worry about it. I also called my boss to let her know my situation and that I was going to be late, she didn't even act surprised just comforted me and said you'll get there when you get there(maybe this is the secret to living longing like not caring about time?). Even after the lesson I was still mad at myself for being late and it was the furtherest thing from everyone's mind. In fact they said we will see you next week. In the States I know for a fact if I showed up that late I would not be asked back to that school. Overall I guess this will just have to be something I work on but it will be a hard habit to break.
2. Informal vs. Formal Environment
In the States I don't think teaching is the most formal form of work there is but you are expected to dress and act a certain way to be perceived as an educator. In Italy, does not matter. This is the most informal work environment I have ever been in. I wear jeans way more than just Fridays and I always feel comfortable. The clothes aren't the only informal thing about my work. The way we write emails is very informal like messaging a friend. In the States if I have to email a colleague for anything it is very formal and short. Finally, the teaching style is very informal. Teachers have coffee with their students or maybe even exchange a cigarette. This is very relaxed compared to the States in my opinion.