I wanted to preface this review with the statement that I never write reviews. In fact, I think…read morethis is my first! But I just wanted to share my experience so that others don't get caught in the very devastating situation that I found myself in.
I worked for English Well Spoken for a couple months last year and was never paid for my work. I was paid once for the first two weeks, but when I ended my employment there, I made sure to confirm with Usini Naidoo that I would still receive compensation for my work and provided all the necessary bank details. I made sure to confirm this because I had been warned by other teachers in Florence that she has a reputation of not paying her employees. But honestly, I didn't want to believe that because despite other unprofessional encounters with her, I wanted to believe that she wouldn't be so immoral as to take advantage of people like that.
She responded and said that I would of course get paid. However, when the next pay period came around, I received nothing. It was close to Christmas, so I decided to give Usini the benefit of the doubt and assume it was just late.
On December 26th, I emailed Usini, asking to be compensated for my work.
She responded on January 3rd that she sent the payment, but since I didn't receive it, she would check with the bank.
On January 8th she said payments often don't go through and she would check the statements.
On January 16th she said that she would make another payment.
January 16th was the last that I heard from Usini. I sent many emails after January 16th asking to be paid with absolutely no response and no payment.
I am honestly still shocked that a professional woman could be so incredibly immoral and take advantage of people like that.
I worked 49.5 hours without getting paid and she still owes me 742.5 Euros. 742.5!!! So much money that I was counting on for rent and groceries.
I also want to note: The employees I worked with at English Well Spoken were kind and wonderful and I absolutely loved my students while working there. But, if you are looking for a job, absolutely do not work at English Well Spoken. I would recommend looking into the American Institute if you are looking for work or kind people to know in Florence! (Ps. When I worked there, I was asked multiple times to write a "5 star review" for the company. That could be why there are such high ratings.)
Florence is a beautiful place full of vibrant, incredible people and should not be sullied by a really terrible work experience with Usini Naidoo at English Well Spoken.
I have avoided writing this for so long because I don't enjoy writing negative things. But, when I applied to work at English Well Spoken I had NO idea what I was getting into. Maybe this review will help someone find a company that actually values their employees.
