The school office will remain open until July 30th. We will
close for three weeks and reopen on Monday the 23rd of August.
Throughout the month of August, recorded messages can be left on
the school fax number 06/5595309. Emergency contact number for the
Director - all summer +39 347-3813188
The school will cover the cost of a one-way tourist class
ticket from your home of record to Rome. Once you have determined
when you will be arriving, contact the school so we can arrange
reimbursement. The school will also provide a return ticket at the
end of your contract when you resign.
Shipping
You can use the school address to ship your belongings. Keep
in mind that the school is closed for the first three weeks of
August.
The school will pay up to 300 Euros (both at the beginning and
end of your contract) toward the shipping of your educational and
personal effects. You have three options for using this money: 1)
use the allowance for excess baggage when flying; 2) apply the
allowance to the cost of an air cargo shipment; or 3) apply the
allowance to the cost of a sea freight shipment. Generally, the
school will reimburse your shipping within the first month of
school.
If you decide to use the allowance for excess baggage, you'll
have no problems with customs, and you'll have your things with
you from the day you arrive.
If you use the allowance for "unaccompanied baggage" or
airfreight, then you will probably be able to ship more for your
money. The airline you're flying with may be able to provide you
with a special rate once you are holding a ticket. Be advised
that, if you ship by airfreight, you may incur additional fees and
further documentation in order to get your belongings through
customs (estimate of costs: $125. plus transport cost).
If you decide to use the allowance for sea freight, you will
definitely be able to ship more for your money. However, you may
have the same difficulties as with airfreight.
**If you decide to leave Ambrit before you have fulfilled the
first two years of your contract, you will not be provided with a
return ticket or a return shipping allowance.
What to Bring
Work Documents
It is extremely important that you bring all the required
documents with you. The Italian authorities strictly require the
presentation of original documents. Trying to contact the
proper authorities at home once you are in Italy is frustrating
and often almost impossible.
The school will hire a professional who will be responsible
for obtaining your documents. However, this is a lengthy process,
and requires patience and a sense of humor. The following is a
list of the documents, which you will need to live and work in
Italy.
· Codice fiscale - Similar to Social
Security Number
· Permesso di soggiorno -This document allows
you to reside and work in Italy.
· Residenza - Once you have a place
to live and a Permesso di soggiorno you are ready to get your
"residenza". It is necessary to have this document in order to
complete many transactions (i.e. buying a car).
· ASL - This is your national health
document. Once you have this you are enrolled in the national
health program. You choose a doctor when you enrol. You may also
choose to join BUPA, a private health insurance plan.
Documents to bring
· Passport (Be sure that your passport is
updated so that there is at least one year before expiration)
· Birth Certificate
· Marriage license/certificate
· Original of all
transcripts
· Original of your
diploma
· Original of your teaching certification
· Passport size photos (about 12)
· Medical certificate of good health
(sample form)
· An International Driver's License (see
transportation section)
Household Goods
Most household goods are available in Italy. You must balance
the additional cost of shipping against the value those items
might be to you. In a furnished apartment, most items will be
supplied (sheets,pillows, dishes, utensils). Personal items are
the most important to bring so you can have a "touch of home".
Unless you are coming from another European country, do not bring
electrical appliances with you. Italy uses 220 volt, 50 Hertz.
*Unless you are coming from another European country, it is
not worth bringing your TV, as it will not pick up Italian
channels, and will require documentation and extra costs to bring
it into the country.
Personal Belongings
Rome has a few large department stores, as well as many
specialized clothing stores. Ikea, Upim and Oviesse are comparable
to Target and Kmart. Some teachers have suggested that you bring
the following:
· Cookbooks and American measuring cups
· Warm clothing - radiator heat is
not like central heating. It might not snow but it does get cold
and damp.
· Photos and personal items to make it seem
like home
Medical supplies
If you take regular prescription medicines, you should bring a
6-month supply, as it will take a while to get your Italian Health
Card. You may want to bring a small supply of over the counter
medicines, such as Sudafed, Advil, etc., until you become familiar
with the Italian equivalent. Homeopathic medicines and vitamins
are quite expensive in Italy.
Money
When you first arrive, be sure to bring enough money to cover
incidentals which occur as the result of a move (household
necessities, first month's food bill, phone hook-up fees, etc.).
You will not be paid until the end of September. Credit cards,
Eurochecks and traveler's checks are accepted in major stores, but
are difficult to use locally. It is possible to use major credit
cards or debit cards from your local banks at automatic teller
machines throughout Italy, just make sure your bank advises you
with regard to a European friendly ID number.
When you first arrive, every effort will be made to have you
met at the airport. If this is not possible, you will take a taxi
(about 30-40 Euros) to the school and be reimbursed in September.
A good guidebook and map will be essential for your first days in
Rome (if not for your entire stay!). Tutto Città, which you
will find with your phonebooks in each home, is a valuable guide
with detailed street maps of the city.
Wanted in Rome and
Roma C'è
are magazines with good sources for classified ads, movie news,
and general info for the English speaking community, and they can
be purchased at newsstands.
Accommodations
There are a wide variety of apartments available in Rome,
varying from unfurnished (without even cabinets or appliances) to
fully furnished. The school will find an apartment for you for the
first two years of your contract. Apartments tend to be small and
are privately owned (unlike North American apartment complexes).
Rents have gone up 200% in the last few years, thus, you may want
to consider living with another staff member. If you live alone,
350 Euros will be deducted your monthly salary; 200 Euros will be
deducted if you share. You will be responsible for utilities.
School Location Ambrit is located in the Southwest of Rome, approximately 15
minutes from the historical center. Click
here
to view map.
Telephones
You will be loaned a cell phone upon arrival. It is much
cheaper to use a phone card such as Carta Europa, Eurocity, etc.
They generally offer 150 minutes for 5 Euros. These are available
at most Tabacchi shops. You can also obtain a US calling card from
MCI or AT&T. You can make local and international calls from
kiosks and most bars. Most public phones take prepaid phone cards,
which can be purchased from a bar or a Tabacchi.
Internet
The school has two computers in the staff room connected to
Internet, which can be used for personal emailing after school
hours. The computer Lab has Internet but is not to be used for
email. Internet cafes are popping up around Rome and have
reasonable fees. This fall, the entire school will be networked
and most classrooms should have Internet access.
Culture Shock It is normal to experience some degree of culture shock when
moving to a new environment. The challenges of a adapting to a new
job, a new country, and learning a foreign language can be
overwhelming at times. It is important to share your concerns with
others and view the process as normal. For information of this
topic, you can check out the following
websites.
Transportation
Public Transport
The bus, tram and metro systems in Rome are useful and
inexpensive. Monthly passes (30 Euros), a yearly passes (230
Euros) and single tickets (1 Euro, valid for 75 minutes) can be
purchased from ATAC booths, Tabacchi, some bars and many
newsstands. You should always carry a supply of bus/tram tickets,
as they cannot be bought on the bus or tram (and are difficult to
purchase late at night or on Sundays). Metro stations have
automatic vending machines but you need to have the correct
change. Transportation works on an honor system; you validate your
own ticket. If you get caught without a valid ticket, you will be
fined 51 Euros.
Taxis
Only use the official white taxis and make sure the meter is
working. Taxis cannot normally be hailed so you must either go to
an official "taxi stand" or call Radio Taxi at 3570. There are
supplemental charges for luggage, nights, Sundays and holidays.
Taxis are generally expensive.
Automobiles
Unless you live a long distance from the school, it is
probably not advisable to buy a car while you are in Rome. If you
do decide to buy one, be prepared to go through a time consuming
and expensive process to find one and transfer the car to your
name. You will not be able to own a car until you have obtained
residency, which takes several months. Driving a car in Rome is
somewhat hazardous, and parking is difficult. Insurance is almost
exorbitant and gasoline costs about $5.25 a gallon (1.15 Euro per
liter) If you do plan on driving or renting a car, bring an
International Driver's License (available in the U.S. from AAA; in
Canada from AA/RAC; in Australia from RAC in your particular
state).This is valid for one year after which you will have to
pass an Italian exam using a car with a manual transmission.
Trains
An extensive variety of trains leave from Stazione Termini.
The Eurostar trains are a fast and comfortable way to travel in
Italy. Check the
Trenitalia
website for schedules and reservations or call 892021. Tickets can
also be purchased in some travel agencies.
Travelling by Air
There are two major airports serving Rome, Fiumicino and
Ciampino. In the last few years, new air companies (e.g. Easy Jet,
RyanAir, Virgin Express) are operating in Europe and offering very
low rates if you plan ahead.
Health
Medical Facilities
Once you have your permesso and proof of where you live, you
can apply for an Italian Medical Card (ASL card). You can choose a
General Practitioner doctor in your area. You may also choose to
join the BUPA international insurance.
To call an ambulance, dial 118. You must speak in Italian. "Sono
Americano/a (canadese, inglese, etc). Manda un'ambulanza a your
address"
A Pronto Soccorso sign means Emergency Room Service. In
medical emergencies, Pronto Soccorso will always treat an injury
or problem at no cost.
Hospitals
San Camillo (closest to school) - Circonvallazione
Gianicolense 87 - 06-58704666
Fatebenefratelli - on the Tiber island - 06 68371
European Hospital - Via Portuense
694 - 06-659759
Rome American Hospital - Via Emilio Longoni
69 - 06-22551
Salvator Mundi Int'l Hospital - Viale delle
Mura Gianicolensi 06-588961
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are usually open during normal shop hours, but some
are open 24 hours a day. There is a rotation system for nights and
holidays. If your pharmacy is closed, they will display a list of
the nearest ones open. The TuttoCittà (the street map Rome
guide mentioned before) lists the all-night pharmacies on the page
In caso di Emergencia, Farmacie notturne.
Opticians
You can buy glasses (occhiali) and contact lenses (lenti a
contatto) and get your eyes checked at an ottica (eyeglass
store).
Gigi Santiago is our school nurse
Living in Rome
Banking
The school banks at Cassa di Risparmio Parma e Piacenza.
Conveniently located near the school is a Cariplo bank. Once you
have the required papers, the school will assist you in opening an
account. A bank account may be crucial but is also expensive.
There are many service charges and there are no free toasters! You
can directly deposit your check into your account and debit your
bills.
Post Office
The local post office near school is open from 8:30a.m. to
1:00pm. Some stay open until 6pm. The post office has recently
begun using the take-a-number system. There are two separate
services: one for all mailing needs (stamps, sending packages,
et.) and the other for paying utility bills (1 Euro service charge
for each bill). Stamps can also be bought at Tabacchi shops.
Shopping
Shopping for groceries, useful household gadgets and some
clothing can be done at Standa, Upim, GS, or SMA. Some stores are
open 9:00 - 7:30 non-stop, while others close for the
afternoon siesta (1:00-4:00). In general, shops are closed one
afternoon a week and on Sundays. Some of the larger supermarkets
are open on Sundays.
Rome is getting more international and many grocery stores now
carry things like peanut butter and Chinese and Mexican foods. You
may want to bring from home: soft brown sugar, pancake mix,
Marmite, chocolate chips, cinnamon gum or your favorite candies.
Here are a few common names for shops
· Alimentari General
food store
· Calzolaio Shoe
repairer
· Idraulico Plumber
· Farmacia Pharmacy
· Ferramenta Hardware
store
· Latteria Sells
milk, cream, yoghurt and sometime eggs.
· Macelleria
Butcher who sells chicken, lamb, beef, and veal.
· Merceria Haberdasher
(threads, buttons, etc.)
· Polleria Poultry
butcher
· Parruchiere Hairdresser
· Panificio Breadshop
· Pasticceria Bakery
· Pescheria Fresh
fish shop
· Salumeria Delicatessen
which also sells fresh pork and all pork products.
· Tabacchi Tobacconist.
Also sells stamps and sometimes bus and metro tickets.
Bookstores
There are a few English bookstores in Rome, but most of them
are quite expensive, even for used books. They are, however,
good places for finding and placing notices for everything from
finding roommates to language courses. Buy at least one good guidebook
before leaving home and bring it with you.
· Libreria del
Viaggiatore (travel
books) Via
del Pellegrino,
78 06.68801048
· Feltrinelli
(Italian chain which carries books in English - several
locations in Rome)
An alternative to Amazon is Play.com which ships from the UK.
Places of Worship
Roman Catholic Churches
· Chiesa Nazionale
Argentina,Viale Regina Margherita 81 (06-8417447) -mass in Spanish
· San Silvestro in
Capite, Piazza San Silvestro 1 (06-679 7775)
· Santa Susanna, Via XX
Settembre 14 (06-475 1510)
· St. Patrick's, Via
Boncompagni 31 (06-465 716)
Non-Roman Catholic Churches
· All Saints' Anglican,
Via del Babuino 153B (06-679 4357)
· Centro di cultura
Islamica e Moschea, Via della Moschea (06-8082167)
· German Lutheran
Church, Bia Toscana 7 (06-4817519)
· Rome Baptist Church,
Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina 35 (06-6876652)
· Saint Andrew's
Anglican, Via del Babuino 153B (06-679 4357)
· St. Paul's American
Church, Via Nazionale at Via Napoli (06-4883339)
· Synagogue,
Lungotevere de' Cenci (06-686464)
Language Courses
Ambrit provides Italian lessons to its staff (see teacher
benefits). Good sources for individual lessons are Wanted in Rome,
Metropolitan, and the English bookstores. The following is a
partial list of some of the schools. Once you arrive in Rome you
can also check the phone book for schools closer to your own area.
The Dante Alighieri - Piazza Firenze
27 - 06-6873722
DILIT International House - Via Marghera
22 - 06-4462062
Leonardo da Vinci - Corso Vittorio Emanuele 39 -
06-6798896
Entertainment
Bars/ Coffee
Shops
Where you can drink coffee and alcoholic drinks, eat ice cream
and sandwiches and snacks. Children are welcome. It will cost
almost double if you sit at a table, either inside or outside.
. caffè (espresso) - a small cup of very
strong coffee, i.e., espresso
. caffè Americano - American-style
coffee, but stronger; weaker than espresso and served in a large
cup
. caffè corretto - coffee "corrected"
with a shot of grappa, cognac, or other spirit
. caffè doppio - double espresso
. caffè freddo - iced coffee
. caffè Hag - decaffeinated coffee
. caffè latte - hot milk mixed with
coffee and served in a glass for breakfast
. caffè macchiato - espresso "stained"
with a drop of steamed milk: small version of a cappuccino
. caffè marocchino - espresso with a
dash of hot milk and cacao powder
. caffè stretto - espresso with less
water; rocket fuel!
. cappuccino - espresso infused with steamed
milk and drunk in the morning, but never after lunch or dinner
. granita di caffè con panna - frozen,
iced beverage (similar to a slush, but ice shavings make it
authentic) and topped with whipped cream
Restaurants
There are many places and ways to eat in Rome. Following is a
list of the various types of eating places, along with a few
suggestions from the staff.
Tavola Calda Dishes are chosen and eaten cafeteria style. You can also buy
carry out dishes. Often serve pizza as well.
Pizzeria
Pizzas are usually only served at night. Look for "Pizza a
taglio" or Pizza Rustica" signs for pizza by the slice, which are
served all day.
Il Buffeto -- Piazza Navona
Da Francesco -- Near Cafe del Pace
Pizza Forum -- Near the Colosseum
Pizza Economica -- San Lorenzo
Dar Poeta -- Trastevere
I Marmi (also known as l'Obbitorio) -- Trastevere
Ivo -- Trastevere
Gatto Matto -- Monte Verde
Trattoria/Hostaria
A relatively cheap form of a family restaurant. Often does not
use a printed menu. Usually good value.
Pirelli -- Testaccio
Cesti -- Testaccio
Da Ulderico -- Near the Colosseum
Augusto -- Trastevere
Ristorante
Much more formal. Can be quite expensive.
Terrestre -- Near the Cappanelle (Great seafood, Sean Connery
has been spotted here)
Anywhere along the Appia Antica
Scarpone -- Gianicolo/Villa Pamphile
Il Cortile -- Monte Verde
Costanza --Campo di Fiori
Night Life
It would take many pages to list all of the sites in Rome. One
of the best ways to discover them is to simply wander around the
city. During the summer, the
RomaEstate
offers nightly concerts, movies, and outdoor entertainment at
affordable prices or at no charge.
There are a number of popular pubs and a few cinemas that show
English language films.
Pubs
There are many pubs in Rome, especially in Trastevere and the
center.
Cinemas
A good website to check out what movies are playing is
Alice
Film. For films in original language look for "versione
originale".
Metropolitan - Via del Corso 7, near Piazza del
Popolo - tel 06 32600500 - Usually shows one
film in English
Nuovo Olimpia - Via In Lucina, 16/g off Via del
Corso - tel 0668610 - Shows one film and
often two in English
Warner Moderno - Piazza della
Republica 45 - Tel: 06 477791 - Usually
shows one film in English
Alcazar - Via Merry Del Val- Tel 06 5880099 - Tel 06
5745825 - Films in original language (with Italian
subtitles) on Mondays.
Greenwich - Via G. Bodoni, 59 - Occasional films in
original language
Nuovo Sacher - Largo Ascianghi, 1 - tel 5818116
- Occasional films in original language on Tuesdays
Concerts
Italian newspapers are your best source of information for
concerts and cultural events, particularly TrovaRoma, in
Thursday's edition of La Republica. Information can sometimes be
found in Wanted in Rome. Events are often scheduled at the last
minute -- look for billboards and banners in the historic center.
Until you learn Italian or unless you are a sports fan, there
won't be much to interest you on Italian television. There is no
English language channel, except for MTV which is sometimes in
English. You could get a satellite dish and sign up for
Sky.
Sports
Although it is possible to join a sports club or a pool, they
are generally very expensive and the hours are not always very
convenient. The best place to find information about the clubs in
your area is in The
English Yellow Pages (or ask the other staff and parents at
school).
Travel
It is relatively easy to leave Rome for day or weekend trips
to the beach, the Castelli, the mountains or many other cities
within a few hours of Rome. The library at school has a file on
various towns and cities, and someone on staff always has a
suggestion for favorite places to visit.
Flying to other European capitals (and beyond) has become much
cheaper. Check out this
website
for low cost carriers.
The Best of Rome: Teachers' Impressions
The brilliant light in a piazza, sunset over the Palentine, a
sense of history that sweeps you away. The fountains, a table at
Piazza Navona and a gelato from Tre Scaline. A leisurely meal with
some friends at a noisy trattoria. A sense of style, an incredible
language.
Food and wine. Coffee, bars. The endless fascination of Rome.
Historical and cultural aspects, food and wine, weather, great
to be in the center of Rome in August.
A walk through the center and a peek into those marvelous
inner courtyards.
The best things about Rome are free. I can think of no other
city that offers more scenic walks, bus rides, day trips, etc. The
food in Rome has proven to be an absolute delight. Rome is a very
"Roman"tic town, or village, depending on your point of view..
Mostly wonderful weather with long, warm, sunny days, even in
winter. An ancient and beautiful city you can easily explore. All
of Italy to travel to at weekends. The fun and stimulus of living
abroad. A warm and friendly school to work in.
I love wandering around the fresh food markets, being amongst
the colour and busyness of Italians shopping and socializing. I
can't get used to continually being surrounded by such famous
landmarks as the Coliseum, the Pantheon and ancient aqueducts.
The outdoor markets, the "true" Romans (helpful with a great
sense of humor), paintings of Caravaggio, the Pantheon, summer
nights with stands selling watermelon and lemon cocco, Teatro
Olimpico (wonderful plays, musicians, shows -- both Italian and
foreign), soccer, playing "Toto Calcio" on Saturday, nonviolent
people.
The food -- the vegetables and fruits are enough to make a
vegetarian out of anyone, but don't pass up the poultry and meats
either. The neighborhoods -- my neighbourhood is made up of middle
class, genuinely nice and hard-working people. The history -- you
can't escape the power and impact of living with it daily, The art
-- enough museums and churches to fill up two years of Sundays.
The Vatican and the Pope -- both uplifting in spirituality even
for non-Catholics. The churches -- the above-mentioned
spirituality brought to the people.
Health
Transportation