-Where were you born?

I was born in Australia way back in the sixties, and grew up a dedicated disco freak.

-In which country and city are you living now?

I live outside of Padova in the countryside, in northern Italy.

-Are you living alone or with your family?

I live with my four children.

-How long have you been living in Italy?

We've been in Italy for nine years now.

-What is your age?

I'm 48

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Italy?

My first husband was Italian and we bought a country house here many years ago when we were working in Somalia.  The house was our summer escape but remained quite primitive (no heating and lots of damp). Years later I had been living in Ghana in West Africa for nine years and wanted to move on, but taking my brood back to Australia seemed a long way to go. Plus this house would provide a good base for raising a big family, rather than a city apartment. I needed quiet, some seasons, and the house needed renovations and some serious heating. Eventually this all happened but it took a long while! It has proven to be a great location for raising my family and as we are centrally located in Europe it has been easy to keep in touch with friends and we've had house guests from all over the world - though no one comes through the foggy winter!

-Was it hard to get a visa or a work permit?

Initially I had a spousal visa but as soon as I decided to stay I preferred to have a European passport and so began working towards this. However, as I had been a resident in half a dozen countries - including Somalia which had no functioning government at the time I needed my criminal check certificate - it was very lengthy and frustrating to do my citizenship papers.  Every time I received one criminal check certificate another one expired so it was rather like chasing one's tail. It took me nearly five years to do my passport.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

Compared with Ghana where I had my last child, Italian health services have been accessible and reliable and - in theory - they are available to you even before you have your residence papers. When I first travelled in Italy in my twenties I had no insurance and it was risky, but now we are all covered by the national system, which isn't too bad if you hunt around for good specialists. Hospitals in the north are pretty good although I have had some dodgy experiences in the past.

-How do you make your living in Italy? Do you have any type of income generated?

I am the author of The Divorced Lady's Companion to Living in Italy, published in April, and am now editing my second book, Pelt and Other Stories. My first book is set in Milan and is a hit with expats, being a sort of journey of sexual linguistics. I am about to make some film proposals. One lives in hope! My short stories are set on the divide between cultures, with many stories set in West Africa in that space between belonging and tearing away; they deal with cultural discomfort, travel, detachment.

When I first lived in Italy many years ago I worked as an English teacher without papers, and over the last years that we have been here I have developed some good contacts for translating work, which however pays very erratically and poorly. I do enjoy historical translation - I work for a historical museum - but often the level of translations I see are shocking and I wonder if it's worth putting in so many hours for such terrible pay!

-Do you speak Italian and do you think it's important to speak the local language? Please add your thoughts on local customs and whether it's important for expats to respect/observe local customs.

I speak Italian well and my kids are bi-lingual. I think it's essential to speak the local language to be accepted, to make friends and to understand what is going on around you. I understand dialects in my area and believe that your appreciation of your surroundings can only run deeper if you speak and read the language - even if that works in a negative way sometimes! I don't have very many expat friends because as I writer I spend a lot of time on my own, and I find that in provincial life many people are quite conformist and quick to pigeonhole someone who looks or dresses a little differently. I'm too old to care! I also find that a sporty, well-travelled divorcée is seen as a bit of threat by some local women, while men think you must be an easy pick-up! This can cause isolation, but it means that when you do fall upon the 'right' people it is doubly rewarding.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?

I do miss the idea of Sydney (my home town) and we all think wistfully of taking off down there one day. But for the next few years I want to stay close to my publisher in the UK and my reader events over there. Plus my kids are in the middle of school and university so we are here for a while yet. I miss my parents very much and would love to take an extended holiday over there - maybe when my short story collection comes out - but for now I have to keep focussed. If I returned to Australia I would miss free-heel skiing here in the Dolomites, which takes up much of my winter. I'd also miss my cherry trees, my piano room and access to formidable shoes and handbags, one of Italy's great drawcards. If I think about what I miss of Australia I would say the water, living by the harbour and sailing, plus the warmth of people there - and super Asian food!

-Do you have other plans for the future?

I'd love to travel in Australia one day, but for the moment my life is determined by the school year and the ski season, and promoting my work in the UK. I also work part-time on international trade fairs with a friend who works in fashion, so I travel to Paris and Tokyo every so often - as an independent woman rather than a mother of teens - which calms my travel yearnings. I have strong ties to London and want to expand these - my novel was published with a small British press so I have been going back and forth to work on promotion, and have a literary festival this summer in Cornwall. Publishing a book has changed everything - I am learning how to market a physical book in today's e-everything society - and yet for the future I would like to have the time and structure to work ahead on new material in my own house, here in Italy where I have peace of mind and a lovely home.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

My ex-husband and I bought this house over twenty years ago for a very good price. I'm sure its value has tripled. Ours is not a particular expensive area - quite normal really - and though it is dotted with beautiful Palladian villas there are no expat buyers to push prices up - yet. A highway is being built nearby however (which will further increase the value of the house) and eventually, when the family disbands, we may sell up and see what happens. It's very hard to see into the far future when your kids are on the cusp of adulthood.

-What is the cost of living in Italy?

Expensive! Since we have arrived everything has become much more expensive and with the recent euro crises food prices seem to go up by the week. Not to mention petrol. Because of where we are I drive a lot and really wear down my car so that is a huge expense. Car insurance, per year, costs 1200e, to give you an idea, and I spend at least 100e a week on fuel, with food costing anything from 200e to 300e (four kids and lots of summer weekend barbecues on a tight budget). Clothes are cheaper here and the sales are good. Rail travel is not too bad. It is still cheaper to drink a coffee in a bar than a glass of mineral water or a cup of bad tea.

-What do you think about the the Italians? 

I don't think locals are as curious as I would be if the roles were reversed. In the countryside people are reserved and it's best not to air your political views - or you could be very disappointed by the person standing in front of you. I am sometimes struck by how little people know about other continents, given we are surrounded by constant images from all over the globe, and nearly everyone has instant online access. It used to distress me a little to be the foreign 'mascot' in a group of friends, but now I don't care. My children are integrated as Italians and I don't mind standing on the edge, or being a little strange. People derive great comfort from their families and their social models; men are babied by their mothers in a way I still find shocking. Women are often more driven and focussed than young men and might leave a small town mentality, but unfortunately many people revert to home models as they grow olders. I find my parenting ideas - if you love someone set them free - are not really understood and many mothers are far too involved with their children's school lives, while many fathers enter a middle age crisis phase that can involve a lot of hair gel and some scary tanning.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Italy?

I do love the shoes and handbags, and the extreme climate suits me fine. I love living in an old house and having access to excellent live classical music. Venice and Milan are both close and wonderful to enrich the soul. I also love the Dolomites for summer hiking and winter skiing, and being located in the middle of Europe means you can slip over borders for cheap, fast holidays. On the negative side I do find it is hard to make rewarding friendships as people are quite conformist over the age of forty. I also don't like the strong racism one finds here and hope that with time this will subside. I also hate dubbed films and miss good Asian food!!

 -Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Italy?

Decide what you love about Italy and enjoy it! Don't join the bandwagon of expats who often find much to criticise and harp over. Understand what you are doing here and grow! If you are a foodie or a wine-lover or a lover of art, you will find rich and endless soul food. Don't allow relatives to spoil your male children, don't drink too much espresso although this is hard to resist. Learn the language and enjoy the feel of it in your mouth - and don't forget to learn all those hand gestures!

- Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Italy?

http://thedivorcedladyscompaniontoitaly.blogspot.com

http://peltandotherstories.blogspot.com

www.moscerina.com

-Where were you born?

I was born in the United States and grew up in California.

-In which country and city are you living now?

I live in a picturesque little town with a castle on the mountainside in Piedmont, Italy.

-Are you living alone or with your family?

I moved here with my husband and two children, ages 3 and 5.

-How long have you been living in Italy?

We spent seven months here a couple of years ago, but this year we've come back to stay, and have been living in Italy for four months.

-What is your age?

Thirty.

-When did you come up with the idea of living in that country in Italy?

We've always loved traveling, so when we found out my husband could get Italian citizenship by descent, we immediately decided to move here.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a work permit?

We had a pretty crazy time getting the Italian government to recognize his citizenship (lots of long frustrating days in Italian government offices), but now that he has it, he can work without any problems.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

When we first came, we got international health insurance with Multinational Underwriters. Now we are on the Italian national healthcare system.

-How do you make your living in Italy? Do you have any type of income generated?

My husband got a job working for the company of the mayor who helped get him citizenship.

-Do you speak Italian and do you think it's important to speak the local language?

Yes, it is important to learn Italian! Many Italians, especially in larger cities, do speak English, at least somewhat. But you will miss out on so much if you don't learn it.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes? Describe your favorite recreational activities there or those that are available.

We spend a lot of time on Google chat with the grandparents. Other than family, we don't miss much of anything. Life in Italy is wonderful, especially once you get used to slowing down, not being able to get as much done in a day, only shopping before 7:30 at night, etc.

-Do you have other plans for the future?

We love being based in Europe because of the great access to European and Middle Eastern destinations for vacations. We've done some traveling around and plan to do more.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

We are renting. A nice two or three bedroom apartment (fully furnished) will run you about 600 euros a month where we live, in a small town in Piedmont. 

-What is the cost of living in Italy?

Utilities and gasoline are quite expensive compared to the States. We spend a lot on food, but you don't have to :). The salary to cost of living ratio is not great in Italy.

-What do you think about the Italians?

Italians are some of the kindest, most friendly people in the world. They generally love practicing their English and are very welcoming. However, they do love their way of doing things and aren't necessarily open to new ideas. For example, restaurants serving anything other than Italian food are comparatively rare (good thing Italian food is so good!). Also, in Northern Italy, sad but true, people of ethnicities other than white may encounter some racism :(.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Italy?

Positives: Beautiful scenery, excellent food, laid-back lifestyle. Before you know it, you will start dressing and looking like an Italian because you're tired of looking like a sloppy foreigner. Everything just seems more romantic here in Italy. 

Negatives: laid-back lifestyle, anything to do with bureaucracy. Sometimes things are a little TOO slow. 

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Italy?

Make sure you're prepared to dedicate time for really getting to know people, because personal relationships make the world go round in Italy.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Italy?

All the nitty-gritties of how we moved to Italy and our adventures now that we're here can be found on my blog at casteluzzo.blogspot.com

-Where were you born?

I was born in a small city in the Cleveland (Ohio) area called Chardon.

-In which country and city are you living now?

I currently live and work in Florence, Italy.

-Are you living alone or with your family?

I'm living with my family.

-How long have you been living in Italy?

I first came to Florence as a study abroad student in 1999, stayed for a semester, but met a lot of friends, so I then came back in 2001 and stayed until 2003, went back to the USA, and moved here definitively in 2006.  So, I've lived here for a combined period of over 7 years.

-What is your age?

 Early 30s :) 

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Italy?

I was living and working as a teacher in California when I decided, by way of a friend's suggestion, to apply for a master's degree course in Florence.  I did and I was accepted.  I had then moved back to the US but had always had a nagging thought in my head to open up a language school and teacher-training program.  I knew that I had an approach that could work and that would be appreciated by future students.  I felt compelled to follow that inner voice inside me that said, "You can do it."  So, I found the way to make my dream a reality.  First, I had to make the agonizing decision to leave a great job with various career paths.  I did and I took a leap of faith, and I'm so glad I did.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a work permit?

I married an Italian, so it was no problem for me.  There are, however, other options for those who don't happen to be married.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

No, it wasn't.  I'm part of the system.  However, since I've had a couple of negative experiences with that system, I've also elected to buy my own private health insurance at an EXTREMELY affordable price.  I bought it through an Italian insurance company and most Americans would be shocked at the coverage for the amount I pay.  I'd like to add that many things in Italy are hidden; that is, you really have to do your homework.  If you do, you'll be rewarded ten-fold.  This goes for every aspect of life.

-How do you make your living in Italy? Do you have any type of income generated? 

I own and run a teacher-training center and language school.  Originally, I had two partners, but have been running it alone for some time now, and I'm assisted by some very talented staff.  I admit that it's not easy; in fact, there are many other things that I could be doing that would be easier in terms of generating income.  But, this was my project, or my "dream" so to speak, and there are many rewards like hearing the students say, "thank you" at the end of every course or seeing very young learners walk away using new language that they JUST learned!  

TLC (my company) trains teachers.  So, if you're looking for a new rewarding profession, this is an option for you. We also organize internships, so this is a very valuable option in order to get some experience and test the waters of your new profession!

www.learningcentertuscany.com  

-Do you speak Italian and do you think it's important to speak the local language? Please add your thoughts on local customs and whether it's important for expats to respect/observe local customs.

Yes, I do.  It's really important to give yourself a break at the beginning of the process of learning a new language.  You'll get better and better as time goes on.  Though it's not important that new teachers know the language fluently when they arrive, it certainly helps as they find their place in the culture.

It is very important to respect local customs and not to judge them from your point of view as someone who comes from a completely different country.  Of course, in order to understand others' customs, one needs to first evaluate them from his or her own reality.  The next step, though, is to realize that each one of us has limitations in really understanding and empathizing with some "foreign" customs.  Working through these thoughts and feelings can be a truly remarkable growing experience.  You'll be surprised how much you learn about yourself! 

-Do you miss home and family sometimes? 

I do have two nieces, and I miss them very much.  As I grow older, I also realize the importance of spending time with family, while in my 20s, that didn't seem very important to me.  So, yes, I miss my friends and family because I'd love to share so many things with them that I'm experiencing or learning.  Living overseas is an experience that is sometimes uncomfortable and therefore, it forces you to really analyze your own thoughts and actions and therefore grow.  It would be great to share these feelings with family.

Luckily, though, I have many friends and many things that I am interested in/hobbies I take part in.  My life is way fuller than it would be in my home country.

-Do you have other plans for the future? 

YES!!  Always!  My learning center (The Learning Center of Tuscany- TLC www.learningcentertuscany.com) is constantly growing and I've got tons of ideas and I cannot wait to see them take shape!  As I said, I'm lucky enough to be able to collaborate with real professionals and I'm so proud to be able to offer such top-quality services to language teachers and language learners alike.  

And personally, I love to travel.  I recently went to a country that I had never thought of visiting (Albania) because of the preconceived ideas I had about this part of the world, and I absolutely loved the experience.  I now want to see, visit, know, and understand it and the countries surrounding it.  I'm very interested in learning more.  

-How much does typical housing cost in your area?

A home with two bedrooms would cost about 350,000 euro, at least.  Real estate is very expensive in Florence. From the American point of view, the houses can seem very small.  But again, it's all in the way you view the situation.  They're not small; they're just typical for this area.

-What do you think about the Italians? 

Once you get past the touristic areas and meet real locals, they are lovely people.  In any culture, you've got some friendly people and some not-so-friendly people, kind people, and not-so-kind people--You get the idea!

 I'm lucky enough to have kind, warm, generous quality people in my life.  Well, I say "lucky", but I was careful to consciously choose positive people to have in my life.  It's a choice anyone can make!

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Italy?

Food:  Well, everyone knows that the food is a definite positive!  I eat about 3 times the amount I eat in the US, and I actually lose weight here.  So, not being hungry all of the time is a definite bonus to living here! :) Seriously, the quality is fantastic and other countries should really follow suit in this respect.

People:  While I find that it's much easier to initially meet people in my native country, the relationships I have here are real and way stronger than the ones I had in the States.  Tuscans can sometimes be complicated, especially from the American point of view, but it's definitely worth getting to know them!  It would be silly to live here and have only American friends!

Flexibility:  This is something that drove me (and sometimes still drives me) absolutely crazy about this country. You've GOT to learn to be flexible.  Very few things go as planned which is a stark contrast to the way things go in my country. But I learned so much from being forced into being flexible, so I'll still list it as a positive.

The Countryside:  Take a drive and you'll know exactly what I mean.  When I need to clear my head, I take a nice drive and the calming effects of Tuscany work their magic.  There's always some new place/view to discover.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Italy?

If you're looking to teach English, I can't stress the importance of going to a TEFL certificate program that is high-quality.  It's is almost useless to do one that does not prepare you adequately.

If you are looking to move here in general, then my best advice would be to come with both your eyes and heart open!  If you truly do that, then you're sure to succeed and truly have the time of your life! 

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Italy?

Yes!  Come and visit the TLC website!

www.learningcentertuscany.com

Contact us with any questions or contact me directly at:

info@learningcentertuscany.com 

-Where were you born?

Brisbane, Australia

-In which country and city are you living now?

Italy

-Are you living alone or with your family?

With my Italian girlfriend

-How long have you been living in Italy?

4 years

-What is your age?

43

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Italy?

Learn another language and to have a second identity; discover family history heritage

-Was it hard to get a visa or a work permit?

No, I had already acquired Italian citizenship.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

No.

-How do you make your living in Italy? Do you have any type of income generated? 

I work as a swim coach and now manage the swimming complex. The first year I did manual labour. It took a year to find a job coaching, I had to work for 3 months without pay before I received any income; I was living on my savings. I found the swim coach job by talking to locals who had work connections.

-Do you speak Italian and do you think it's important to speak the local language? Please add your thoughts on local customs and whether it's important for expats to respect/observe local customs.

I speak the language, but they also speak Venetian here which in many districts is more common than Italian. Respect for their customs is very important here and displaying a will to contribute positively by working hard and respecting the laws is very important. Italy is a mixture of several states blended into one. The Italians I live next to don't consider themselves Italian but Venetian and have a completely different mentality to the southern Italians.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes? Describe your favorite recreational activities there or those that are available.

Yes, I miss my family a lot. I cycle everywhere, because cycling is very popular here.

-Do you have other plans for the future? 

Travel every year to a different European country.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

I have bought an old farmhouse which I plan to demolish and build something new with better insulation.

-What is the cost of living in Italy?

340 euros monthly for a 2-bedroom apartment

-What do you think about the locals? 

I live right in the heart of the Northern League, which is a local indigenous movement against foreign immigration. These people claim to be the first inhabitants of the region.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Italy?

Positive experiences: doing something a lot of people would or could not be able to do. I rarely get to speak English except on the phone when speaking to relatives in Australia.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Italy?

Try to find work other than teaching English; the experience is far richer.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Italy?

No, nothing. Thank you.

-Where were you born?

I was born in California, USA and lived there all my life before moving abroad. 

-In which country and city are you living now?

I am living in a small town outside of Florence, Italy called San Francesco.  Funny, I lived north of San Francisco, California for many years.   

-Are you living alone or with your family?

I live with my Italian husband and his mother and father. 

-How long have you been living in Italy?

I lived in the city center of Florence, Italy (off and on) for several years and have been living in San Francesco for over a year.

-What is your age?

43 

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Italy?

I made my first trip to Italy when I was 18 years old.  I spent three months with an Italian family in Parma, as an exchange student, and knew from that moment that I wanted to live in Italy. 

-Was it hard to get a visa or a work permit?

Well, not easy and very time consuming. Pazienza (patience) is what you need, and a lot of it! Being married to an Italian helps for the work permit, if you're not already a member of the EU.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

When I first came to Italy, I had private health insurance from the States and took care of my medical visits when I returned home for short periods to California.  If I had to see a doctor in Italy during that time, I saw private ones (who spoke English) for the tourist and expat community and paid cash for my visits. Later, I purchased a private expat health insurance from the States which covered me, if I lived outside of the US for at least six months per year, for catastrophic medical events both in Italy and at home. Again, all my other visits to private doctors in Italy (at that time) were paid for by me, in cash. I found it difficult to get medical insurance in Italy, in the beginning, but it was possible with my initial visa, once I became a resident of San Francesco and received an Italian carta d'identita.

Now that I am married, I am part of the system.  I have a health insurance card and a private family doctor (who only speaks Italian). I still have to pay for tests and some medical exams, but I think the cost is much, much lower than what I would pay in the States.  I also have to pay for some prescribed medicines, while others are free. In sum, I am treated like any Italian would be at this point. I receive the same healthcare, and pay exactly the same fees that they are required to pay at my age.

-How do you make your living there? Do you have any type of income generated?

I started as an English teacher working for a private language school in the historic city center of Florence.  I worked there for two years. Later, I was involved in the opening of a teacher training center with two other American women and worked there as the academic director and principal teacher trainer.  

I am currently doing teacher training online for several Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification programs. I also market several onsite and online teacher training certificates and have included several teaching English in Italy options and programs through my website: http://www.teachingenglishinitaly.com 

-Do you speak Italian and do you think it's important to speak the local language? Please add your thoughts on local customs and whether it's important for expats to respect/observe local customs.

Yes, I speak Italian and am always improving and learning.  If one is to integrate here in Italy and get around in daily life, it is very important to at least know the basics of Italian. Italians are also very concerned with what they call making a "bella figura" and so, impressions, presentations, and appearances are extremely important to them. It is important to respect their codes for dress, eating, and social ways for engaging and interacting with one another.

Making a bad impression is something Italians never, ever, want to do!

-Do you miss home and family sometimes? Describe your favorite recreational activities there or those that are available.

I miss eating all the ethnic foods that I used to eat in California mostly, Mexican and Thai food. I enjoy eating family meals at the table with my husband and his family, here in Italy.  Italians eat out less, and like eating Italian food. I also enjoy taking the train to Florence to visit friends and all the wonderful things there is to see and do--just walking through the piazzas of Florence is something I love to do!

-Do you have other plans for the future?

I plan on working on my Italian citizenship, and expanding my business. I also plan on enjoying life in the present. 

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

I live with my husband and his family in their family home. They have lived here since 1962. When I was in Florence, I paid anywhere from 450 euro (per month) for a room with a family (including utilities) in the city center; 250 euro (per month) for a room in a basement without a window and with a lot of mold (including utilities) just outside the city center; and 500 euro per month (excluding utilities) for a room in an apartment, which I shared with two other roommates in the city center of Florence.

-What is the cost of living in Italy?

High as compared to the average salary.  

-What do you think about the Italians?

I found it difficult to make friends with Florentines in Florence. Someone once told me, "Florentines are born together, grow up together, and die together." They are very close and don't seem to find introducing foreigners to their group, as a permanent member, to be part of their make-up. I admire their loyalty.

Most of my friends in Florence are English-speaking expats, which is understandable, since we share a common language and similar (if not, same) cultural background.

I have found my husband's friends who live in a small town outside of Florence to be very warm, welcoming, and friendly towards me.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Italy?

Positive:

• the fantastic food and its freshness, the respect and appreciation for eating well. 

• the fascinating people who are, usually, full of character and life!

• the works of art, the places to visit and experience.

• the support and connection to family.

• living much more in the present.

Negative:

• Italian bureaucracy, including the inconsistency in answers and information provided.  

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Italy?

Be flexible and open.  Don't expect things to work like they do back home. Be patient, live in the present, and don't try to force your culture onto a culture that is not your own.

Here is a list of helpful tips for avoiding intercultural misunderstanding in Italy and all other countries:

-Don't assume sameness.

-Understand that what you perceive to be normal behavior may only be cultural.

-Realize that familiar behaviors have different meanings.

-Recognizing a behavior is not the same as understanding it.

-Don't assume that what you meant is what was understood.

-Don't assume that what you understood is what was meant.

-Realize that most people, even Italians, do behave rationally; you just have to discover their rationale. 

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Italy?

My site http://www.teachingenglishinitaly.com provides several online and onsite options and opportunities for teaching and learning more about italian culture through teaching (and learning to teach) English in Italy. It also includes helpful information about living and working as an English teacher in Italy through the FAQ's:

http://www.teachingenglishinitaly.com/faq.php 

and useful list of resources: 

http://www.teachingenglishinitaly.com/resources.php

I also like: http://www.cyberitalian.com for learning how to speak or improve your Italian online in a self-study or tutored course.

-Where were you born?

Armidale, NSW, Australia

-In which country and city are you living now?

Cardoso (LU) Tuscany Italy - A tiny medieval village built in the mountains of the beautiful Garfagnana region in Northern Tuscany.

-Are you living alone or with your family?

I'm living with my boyfriend and his Nonna at the moment.

-How long have you been living in Italy?

About 6 months

-What is your age?

20

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Italy?

Well, my boyfriend Fabio is Italian so that's the main reason, but I've always had an obsession with Italy probably because my Grandfather is Italian so it's in my blood... I met my boyfriend on my 1st visit to my Grandfather's home village in 2007, then he spent almost a year with me in Australia and now I'm here with him!

-Was it hard to get a visa or a work permit?

It wasn't too hard to get a visa, I am currently on a one-year working visa. It was annoying, time consuming and expensive to then get a 'permesso di soggiorno' (permission to stay) once I was in Italy. I was lucky I had people to help me. The problem is if I want to stay longer than a year, we still haven't figured that one out yet...

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

In Italy Australians are covered on the recipicol agreement for the first 6 months of their stay and now I need to buy insurance for the next 6 months through an Australian company. I don't know the ins and outs so I am just hoping nothing happens to...

-How do you make your living in Italy? Do you have any type of income generated?

Job hunting is the worst! Being an Australian who only speaks English and has tourism qualifications I'm not much use to anyone until peak tourist season - summer...  I moved here in Autumn so it was almost impossible to find something through the winter months. I did bits and pieces of work from au pairing, teaching English and marketing for a hotel and tour company but nothing really stuck for many factors such as too little pay, too far to travel and too little work available.

I am now working at a resort/hotel waitressing and working at the bar as well as occasionally helping out the tour company but it is still too early in the season to be very busy.

When I first came to Italy I searched for English speaking tour companies on the web that have tours in the area and emailed them asking for work.  As my Italian improved I got my boyfriend to translate my resume into Italian and emailed hotels in the area which is how I got my 2 current jobs.

There are plenty of au pair agencies and websites that you can join online. I still don't have a stable income and am only staying afloat thanks to my boyfriend and the fact we are sharing a house with his nonna.

-Do you speak Italian and do you think it's important to speak the local language?

I am slowly learning Italian and regret not learning it properly before my move. Quite a few Italians know basic English but living in the country it is more necessary to know the language. I think it's important to know the local language even if you can get by with English, it's part of their culture and you're in their country so you should speak their language. Plus it sux to not be in on the conversation and for simple things like ordering food or going to the post office to be difficult because you can't communicate properly.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?

I miss home and family so so soo much... It's hardest at times like Christmas or Easter or when you're missing someone's birthday or other major events. And the saying 'you don't know what you've got until it's gone' is so true. There are so many little things you miss about home that you take for granted.

-Do you have other plans for the future?

I would like to continue working in the tourism industry as well as travelling myself. My boyfriend and I need to decide where we want to live for good after my visa expires, both Australia and Italy have benefits about them and whichever country we choose we'll miss the other but Australia is winning at the moment for financial reasons.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

As I mentioned I am living with my boyfriend and his grandmother. We would love to have our own place either to buy or rent but living expenses are very expensive here. My boyfriend has a good full time job and I work casually, we are careful with money but we can still not afford to rent our own place. Well, we could but then we wouldn't have money for food and to pay the bills. I used to think it was strange that people would live with their parents until they're 30 or older here but now I understand why...

-What is the cost of living in Italy?

See above. For an Australian it is expensive at the moment due to the low dollar and high euro. Things like petrol and food can cost more than twice as much.

-What do you think about the Italians? 

Locals are generally very welcoming to foreigners, well tourists do bring in a lot of Italy's income. There are so many foreigners in Italy if I was a local I don't think I'd like that there are often more foreigners than locals in the village but they don't seem to mind. Italians like to share their food and cultures with other people.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Italy?

I could list a million things for each side but here's a few.

pro: Italian food is great

con: hard to find foreign cuisine at supermarkets and restaurants

pro: everything is so close and there are so many things to see and do, lots of history.

con: I miss Australia's beaches - white sand, so much space and waves.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Italy?

Learn the basics of the language before you come, try and find a secure job before you come and don't expect it to be easy. Things are done differently in every country so come over with an open mind.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Italy?

The tour company I work with is called 'Sapori e Saperi' (translates as food and knowledge) Gastronomic Adventures. They are small group food tours tailored to suit the clients and the season. Anyone who loves Italian food and is interested in its history and culture would enjoy these tours.  The website is www.sapori-e-saperi.com.

-Where were you born?

Plymouth, in the south-west of England, although I grew up in Colchester, Essex.

-In which country and city are you living now?

Milan, north-west Italy

-Are you living alone or with your family?

I live with my Sicilian-born boyfriend Luca, in a village half way between Milan and Pavia.

-How long have you been living in Italy?

I have been in the Milan area for just over three years. Prior to that I spent three years in the south of Sardinia (close to Cagliari), and a year studying at the University of Siena. So, all in all I have been in Italy for almost seven years.

-What is your age?

29

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Italy?

My parents took me on holiday to Sorrento when I was 16. I knew within about 5 minutes that I wanted to live and work in Italy! Following that holiday I started learning Italian, and researching like a lunatic (I remember getting into a row with my mum for spending the day reading "Live and work in Italy" rather than revising for my GCSEs...). From there I studied Italian at university, and moved here permanently one year after graduation.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a work permit?

When I originally came to Italy it was obligatory even for UK citizens to have a permesso di soggiorno, but that all changed when the Italian government got into trouble, so now Europeans don't need to do any paperwork other than the standard residency.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

No. In theory Italy has a state medical system, which means signing up with a doctor is easy-peasy (once you have residency). Although in theory it should all be free of charge, it is not. Blood tests, visits and medicines can be quite costly.

-How do you make your living in Italy? Do you have any type of income generated?

My first job in Italy was as a rep for a luxury Tour Operator in Sardinia - it was good fun and meant that I got plenty of beach time and met lots of celebs, but the pay was more or less zero. A good seasonal 'experience' for someone in their twenties, but not a permanent career.

I am now on the corporate ladder, working for a Milan-based eCommerce Consultancy organisation. I originally applied for the job through the company's London office, which meant that the first 6 months were full of lovely 'expat perks', but once I was taken on with a permanent contract by the Milan office, it went downhill from there! Actually the job, pay and conditions are not too bad compared to many others - wages are generally low in Italy, even in the most 'high flying' careers, as most young Italians live at home and so can afford to accept less money than is necessary to live on in a city where the average 1-bedroom apartment costs 1000 euros per month.....

-Do you speak Italian and do you think it's important to speak the local language? Please add your thoughts on local customs and whether it's important for expats to respect/observe local customs.

I speak fluent Italian, as I started learning in my teens. I know a few expats who get by with basic or non-existent language skills, but I wouldn't recommend living this way. Aside from being able to make friends and 'fit in', everyday life is challenging enough (bureaucracy, banking, the Post Office, paying bills etc., etc.) and without being fluent enough to understand (and be taken serious by others) I can imagine that it would be very difficult indeed!

Italians have very set ways of seeing life and the outside world. Unfortunately, it only takes one cultural mistake to be outcast forever (common mistakes being drinking cappuccino after 11am, sitting contentedly in a draft without a scarf on, or putting parmesan on pasta with fish). Jokes aside, Italians can be very warm and welcoming if you catch them in the right mood, but you will always be the foreigner, and it's best that you remember that!

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?

I tend not to miss home as keep in regular contact with friends and family. The only time of year I can't be anywhere other than England is Christmas. Other than that, I'm quite content.

-Do you have other plans for the future?

I would like to get out of the Milan area and rediscover some of the things that make Italy a bel paese. Luca and I would both like to be closer to the coast and have a more relaxed pace of life (wouldn't everybody). We are currently cooking up a few business ideas, but my lips are sealed for now!

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

We rent and always have. Prices in Milan are EXORBITANT. My first living experience in Milan was a single room in a shared apartment in one of the city's trendiest streets, in the fashionable Brera district. The apartment was literally a hole in the wall - awful - and I paid 600 euros per month for just a room, with a shared bathroom and shared kitchen! It had no washing machine, the bathroom was (literally) in the kitchen, and the plaster was coming off the walls from the rising damp!

Then I met Luca and we rented a 55 sq metre 1-bed apartment in the university area for 800 euros per month. Outside the city prices are more reasonable but you then have to fight with the nose-to-tail traffic or take your chances with the trains.....

-What is the cost of living in Italy?

Milan is generally more expensive than the rest of Italy if you don't count the classic tourist traps like Venice, Florence, Rome and coastal resorts. A cappuccino will set you back 1.20 euros, a decent bottle of local wine from the supermarket around 5, a meal for two in an average restaurant 60. Transport is inexpensive (1 euro for a bus ticket, 10 for a 50km train ride) but not very efficient or reliable. As I said, housing is very expensive...

-What do you think about the locals?

The Milanesi are well known for being 'cold' and 'aloof'. Actually I think the problem is more (and I say this without wanting to offend anyone) that they have a bit of a superiority complex with regard to the rest of Italy and beyond. They regard themselves as wealthier, more fashionable, and generally better cultured than other parts of the country, and whilst it may even be true, it doesn't make for an open-minded, open-armed reception when they meet someone new.

Foreigners are generally treated as a bit of a novelty - someone to learn English from, or total ignoranti who have no idea how to dress or eat properly. I am a bit of a wine buff and have lost count of the number of people who have actually said to my face "How can you know anything about decent wine? You're English!".

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Italy?

Positives are the weather (not in winter, but definitely in summer), the abundance of good quality food and drink (at mostly reasonable prices) and the proximity of great places like the Med, the Alps, historic cities, and other European destinations.

The list of negatives is sadly long. Taxes (38% income tax in my case), paperwork, bureaucracy, political corruption, rudeness, bad driving, impatience, intolerance, poor public transport, pollution, dirt (talking about Milan obviously) and the general national attitude of "why bother to complain / challenge / change the situation, when at the end of the day it'll only stay the same anyway"....

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Italy?

Don't come expecting the bella vita unless you have the disposable income, time and good fortune to find it. Italy can be a great place to live but you have to work at it and take the rough with the smooth. City life is as stressful here as in any country in the world. If you're planning on coming to live in Italy, really think about what you want to get out of the place, then choose your location based on that. Cities are tough, tourist areas expensive, the south chaotic and corrupt.

Having said that, I can't imagine living anywhere else - if you're willing to go with the flow, and can appreciate the weather, food, wine, history, art and travel opportunities, then you can't lose....

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Italy?

My own blog can be found at http://emmina-milano.blogspot.com

Other favourites are: http://michellanea.blogspot.com, http://figandlemon.blogspot.com and http://www.kataroma.blogspot.com

A great resource for information and discussion is http://www.expatsinitaly.com

-Where were you born?

In Johannesburg, South Africa.

-In which country and city are you living now?

I'm living in the small town of Bitritto in Italy.

-Are you living alone or with your family?

I am living with the lovely family that I am au-pairing for.

-How long have you been living in Italy?

I arrived on the 13th January, so have been here just over a month.

-What is your age?

I'm 22 years old.

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Italy?

I finished studying my Bachelor of Education at the end of 2008 and didn't feel that I was ready to "settle" down yet, that I need to do something different and explore a new place. Italy just seemed the right choice as I've always wanted to come here and experience the lifestyle, culture and explore the history of such a beautiful country.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a work permit?

Yes, it was quite difficult.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

My parents are expats living and working in Ghana in Africa, so we have International Medical Aid, so luckily I already had it.

-Do you speak Italian and do you think it's important to speak the local language?

I am learning to speak Italian, as I think it is very important. The town I am living in is very small, so there are a limited number of English-speaking people, so it has been crucial for me to speak and learn Italian. I understand a lot more than what I can actually say.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes? Describe your favorite recreational activities there or those that are available.

It is only natural to miss home and family and I do often. For me, the best thing to do when I'm homesick is to get out and do something, meet friends for coffee, go explore a new place, etc.

-Do you have other plans for the future?

I'm working with this family until November and then plan to travel around the parts of Italy I haven't been to and then Europe. I then want to head back to Cape Town (where I had been living before coming here) and find a job as a teacher. I would definitely like to come bck to Italy in the future.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

I am living with the family I work for, so housing was already organised for me.

-What do you think about the Italians?

The locals have been very friendly and accommodating towards me and helping me wherever possible to fit in and learn about their culture.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Italy?

The posiive aspects of course include the food, the wine, the incredible places to visit and see, the people and the culture.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Italy?

I would definitely suggest learning some Italian before you move to Italy, as it just helps you meet people and adapt a whole lot easier.

-Where were you born?

I was born in Poland but emigrated to Australia when I was 5 years old, so do consider myself an Aussie!

-In which country and city are you living now?

Florence, Italy

-Are you living alone or with your family?

I live with my husband.

-How long have you been living in Italy?

Seven months

-What is your age?

30

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Italy?

We didn't! My husband got a tap on the shoulder at work and was asked to go to Florence as part of his engineering assignment. We couldn't believe our luck as we were living (also on his assignment) in a very small remote mining town in Australia. So this was a welcome change. 

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?

Yes, yes and yes and I wish I could skip this question because it was a horrible and stressful time trying to get our visas. And we actually had a migration company helping us.  All in all it took 7 months and we had to live in the UK and my husband commuted to Italy. The worst thing is that I can actually get a Polish passport but I never renewed it as I didn't think I would ever have a need for it. How very wrong was I! My advice to anyone wanting to move here is do it early and have lots of patience.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

Medical insurance was included in my husband's assignment so thankfully that was one thing that was easy!

-How do you make your living in Italy? Do you have any type of income generated?

I don't work here. And it's still hard for me to say that as I used to be a marketing specialist and had a good career. So now, I'm a professional cappuccino drinker! Actually that was the hardest part in moving to Italy, giving up my career. I kept threatening my husband that I was going to become a lady of leisure in Australia, and when it happened, I didn't like it!

-Do you speak Italian and do you think it's important to speak the local language?

I don't speak the language fluently but I know enough to get by. I am thinking of taking some langauge courses soon but we've had so many guests that I have been too busy being a tour guide. Depending on how long you are here for, I think it is really important to learn at least the basics of the language. I find Italian people really open up more when you are trying to speak their language, even though they are probably laughing at my terrible grammar underneath thier smile! I visit my favourite coffee shop almost daily (I'm still wondering if there are any side effects to that chocolate croissant that jumps on my plate daily) and the ladies in there refuse to serve me in English as they are determined to make me speak Italian! It's funny how quickly you pick it up when you have to and we have a lot of laughs along the way!

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?

I miss home a lot. But then sometimes I wonder where home is as we have been away from 'home' for five years now. But I do miss my family and friends and also I miss the corporate workplace friends I had. But, in saying that, I've realised there are friends on every corner in Florence as long as you put yourself out there and join groups like YAWN (Young Anglo Womens Network), Florence facebook groups, Aussies in Florence group or book clubs. There are plenty of people here in Florence that are just as keen to find new friends.

-Do you have other plans for the future?

Well as part of this project, we are heading back to the mining town of 12, 000 peoople in Australia that I mentioned previously. It will be another big lifestyle change.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

We rent a house in central Florence. 

-What is the cost of living in Italy?

The cost of living here is ok. As long as you don't convert the money back to the Aussie dollar. Then I would have to stop eating and buying coffee from the shock of it. The funniest thing to me is that a cup of coffee is much cheaper than a pot of tea here - completely the opposite to Australia. When you first live in central Florence, you end up paying way too much for going out and food. But after a few weeks, you become 'local' and shop at the markets and stores where Italians (and not tourists) shop.

-What do you think about the Italians?

The locals vary greatly but over all I think that the Italians are quite direct and can sometimes come across as rude because of that. They are not into 'fake niceness'. In saying that, I think they completely change once they get to know you. If you start going into the same coffee shop every week, pretty soon they will treat you like family, remember what coffee you drink and be genuinely pleased to see you.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Italy?

Positive: ooh the list is long!

• The amazing cuisine from beautiful restaurant to freshest of fresh ingredients at the local market.

• The beautiful buildings on each corner

• The central location in that you can catch a train to Venice in three hours or Cinque Terre in two hours (do not come here and miss Cinque Terre, you will regret it)

• The ability to walk everywhere as everything is close by in Florence

• The ability to fly anywhere to Europe for next to nothing

Negative: the driving around central Florence is a nightmare and my legs still shake when I'm behind the wheel. But that also has to do with the fact that us Aussies drive on the other side of the road usually!

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Italy?

Just enjoy the time here. It goes by so quickly. Try and see as much as you can and ask the locals or long time ex-pats what their favourite local spots are. Someone once also told me to 'look up' which was good advice. Often, I'll walk to the shop and not realise I'm walking past one of the most famous statues in Florence or an amazing church. Stop and admire the beauty. Oh, and one big tip is not to get into the habit of visiting the local gelateria daily (it happened to me, you've been warned!).

But my biggest tip is that you can give yourself the permission to feel lost, sad, and homesick when you first arrive. I felt so guilty for the first few months as I was so homesick and was not in love with Florence like everyone around me seemed to be. Yet, everyone of my friends was emailing me saying I was the luckiest girl in the world and living a dream. However, nearly every ex-pat I've spoken to in Florence says the first few months are hell and it seems I wasn't the only one shedding tears. So, realise that you will get sad at times and you take the good times with the bad times. Overall, Florence is an amazing city and one that will forever be in your memories or if you fall deeply in love, will become your permanent home-town.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Italy?

I write about our experiences in Florence on my blog www.monikapage.blogspot.com I not only write about places we've visited but also share our personal experiences of moving to a new country and how it changes your life.

Another website I really like is my friend Emma's website http://tuscany.angloinfo.com/anglofile.asp  On there is a great forum page, where there are plenty of people to help you out with any questions you have from tips on a good restaurant to buying a car in Italy.

-Where were you born?

I was born in Toronto, Canada.

-In which country and city are you living now?

I am currently living in Milan, Italy, but before that I was in Rome.

-Are you living alone or with your family?

I live with my husband and our 8-year-old son.

-How long have you been living in Italy?

We moved to Milan in 1997 for work reasons and even though we kept saying it was only temporary, we’re still here.

-What is your age?

I don’t do numbers any more, I have switched to adjectives. This year I turned *Fabulous*.

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Italy?

I had always played around with the idea of living somewhere in Europe for a short period of time before settling down.

Meeting my husband and the fact that I already spoke some Italian were big factors in choosing Italy.

I also felt a connection to the country because both my parents were born here and we still have many close relatives in the country. The idea of exploring where I came from was very appealing to me.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?

Yes. Italian bureaucracy is legendary with good reason. It was terribly frustrating and at times seemed downright impossible. If it weren’t for my husband I probably would have given up in frustration.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

Italy has universal health care so actually getting health insurance was quite easy. Finding the right information was a little more difficult. I received a lot of conflicting advice until I contacted the ASL (National Health Service) and was lucky enough to encounter someone who knew their stuff. Once I knew the procedure and where to go it only took about 20 minutes.

-How do you make your living in Italy? Do you have any type of income generated?

When I first arrived and for many years after I worked as an English teacher and I translated on the side.I was fortunate enough to work for several different types of language schools and companies and I found all my jobs through local papers. Now I translate full time and I found out about my current position through another expat. She told me about the job and I sent in my CV.The rest, as they say, is history.

-Do you speak Italian and do you think it's important to speak the local language?

I spoke some Italian before I moved here and it has improved greatly since living in the country. I think that it is of vital importance to speak the local language because otherwise you are really just a long term tourist.Culture shock is hard on expats and clinging desperately to your native language and customs just makes life lonelier and more frustrating than it needs to be. I have found that by observing local customs and speaking the language you can really belong to the community and experience it to its fullest.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes? Please describe your favorite recreational activities there or those that are available.

Of course I do.  Missing home and family and friends is something that never goes away no matter how long you live abroad, especially when there are special occasions in your or their lives.  But there are always visits and the Internet (which wasn’t what it is now when I moved here) has done wonders to bridge the distance.

My favourite recreational activities all involve local culture and traditions. I love going to *sagre* or *feste di paese* which can best be described as harvest festivals or town fairs.  I love wandering the kiosks and learning new things, tasting things I’ve never had before (or enjoying old favourites), seeing craftsmen at work.  It is my absolute favourite thing.

-Do you have other plans for the future?

We sometimes toy with the idea of moving to Canada, where it would be my husband’s turn to be an expat, but the truth is that we are happy here and quite frankly another inter-continental move terrifies me.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

We are currently renting with a view to purchasing in the near future. Housing prices have skyrocketed and in a city like Milan were land is at a premium, finding affordable housing is a real challenge.  A 100 square metre, 2 bedroom apartment located outside of the city centre would start at around €300,000.

-What is the cost of living in Italy?

The cost of living in a big city in Northern Italy is quite high, but then again so are the salaries. The further south you go, both get lower.

-What do you think about the Italians?

Milanese are very cautious neighbours, but once they get to know you they are warm and friendly.  Italians as a rule are welcoming to foreigners, especially if they see you make an effort to speak the language.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Italy?

Wow, entire books have been written on this subject and I don’t know if I have a word limit!

Let me start with the positives first: The food, can there be any doubt?  Good food and eating are a way of life here.  Cheap fresh produce, local fruit and cheese, amazing affordable wine, espresso! The history, towns that have stood for centuries, artwork famous the world over, traditions that have stood the test of time – almost like living in a fairy tale. The people, fiery, passionate, generous and so uniquely adaptable.

Now for the negatives:

Almost all public services: transit, post, you name it, which leads us to ...
The bureaucracy: enough to drive anyone crazy. It has to be experienced to be believed and can, all by itself, negate all the positives I listed above. Any others that are coming to mind right now are directly related to bureaucracy so I’ll just leave it at that.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Italy?

Be patient, don’t compare Italy to where ever it is you are from (very hard to do at first but you must try) and try to embrace the culture.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Italy?

There are quite a few good Italy blogs and going to anyone of them will lead you to others.  My own food blog, Frutto della Passione, has predominantly Italian recipes and restaurant reviews as well as links to my favourite Italian blogs.  A good start for those that want to start exploring blogs written by expats in Italy are the following:

Bleeding Espresso - http://bleedingespresso.com

Rubber Slippers in Italy - http://rubbahslippahsinitaly.blogspot.com

Milanese Masala - http://milanesemasala.wordpress.com

NYC/Caribbean Ragazza -  http://sistergirltales.blogspot.com

All of these will lead to to some truly excellent blogs about Italy, so please have a look through their blogrolls!