What are the advantages of living in Italy for those who move to study or work?
A Vice, one of the largest Italian magazines – and which has already cited Italianism in one of his rich reports – interviewed some foreigners.
Journalist Niccolò Carradori sought to find out how they ended up in Italy, what they understand about living in Beautiful country and how likely they are to decide to stay.
In recent decades, Italy has seen many young people leave the country, but the number of foreigners settling there to study or work has also grown steadily.
See below what are the advantages (and disadvantages) of living in Italy, according to the “gringos”, and the publication of the Vice.
CAROLINE, 28 (DENMARK)
How and when did you decide to move to Milan?
I came to finish my master's degree, I was studying economics and marketing. I have wanted to live in Italy for a long time – part of my family (not by blood, but by choice) lives in Tuscany – and this was the right time. So I fell in love, got a job and built a life. I had a hard time understanding it, but now I'm so happy that I don't see myself anywhere else.
Before settling here, what did you like about Italy?
Lifestyle. I was looking for “la dolce vita“, to use a common expression. A less rigid day-to-day life, which allows you to enjoy the things you do more. I also love to eat and that’s why…
What was the first impact like?
Actually, normal, because I already knew what to expect. He has been going to Tuscany frequently since he was ten years old, and in Copenhagen he had many Italian friends. Therefore, I know your culture well enough. And I really liked it: relationships, free time management…
What continues to negatively surprise me, however, is how slow things are. We always hear about Italian bureaucracy, and rightly so: I've been here for almost five years and I still haven't received my ID card nor my health card. It's something that's hard to get used to.
What do you think a person should know before moving to Italy for a while?
That Italian cities are very different from each other and, above all, different from the provinces. Living in Milan is like living in a different country, so you need to have a clear idea of where to move to, as the lifestyle changes a lot.
What could or should Italy improve on?
Loosening the bond with traditions a little. As beautiful as the Italian tradition is, it is also a brake. I also see this in my work, in the culinary world (Caroline deals with communication in the world of restaurants). I really like the saying “tradition is keeping the fire, not worshiping the ashes”. Outside of Italy, there is more room for experimentation, curiosity, risk. I believe that, from this point of view, many steps could be taken.
ALEC, 49 YEARS OLD (IN BERMUDA)
What made you want to live in Italy?
I met an Italian girl, and for many years I traveled to visit her, so I was able to deal with Italian culture over time.
What pushed me to stay is the lifestyle. In all the other countries I've lived in, like the United Kingdom, there is less respect for the human dimension. It seemed to me that in Italy there were more breaks, more space for oneself.
Was it difficult to settle down?
In truth no. Perhaps the only obstacle is the language. And I must say that I still find it difficult to understand how politics works. It's very tangled.
Do you notice many differences at work? Is there anything you would like to change?
I feel better here. We work seriously, but without chaos. There is more flexibility. Also from the point of view of my work (Alec is a sound and telecommunications engineer), what I would change is the infrastructure supporting technological development. It is not possible that in some areas it is so difficult to connect to the Internet.
What would you recommend to someone who wants to come and live in Italy?
To immediately understand that the rhythm of life is different, because coming from outside this aspect changes a lot. If we understand these rhythms, integration becomes easier.
How do you see your future? Is Italy a stage or do you think you'll want to live here forever?
Now I feel Italy is my home.
ZHABILA, 29 YEARS OLD (INDONESIA)
Why did you decide to come and study in Italy?
It was, let's say, a choice of “convenience”. I wanted to do a master's degree and work in fashion and, among the most important cities for the sector, Milan was cheaper than London and Paris.
What idea did you get from Italy?
I had never been to Europe, so I didn't have a clear idea. My expectations were related to having new experiences, learning about a new culture and making new friends.
What were the biggest difficulties in the initial impact?
The language! And all the bureaucratic components: periodically there is some new headache that you have to deal with to stay here. An Indonesian friend of mine asked me some time ago what the bureaucratic steps were to change: I wasn't able to say precisely what I went through.
And what are the positive things you discovered?
Many. What I like most about Italy is its diversity: when you travel you discover many places, each with unique characteristics. The food varies a lot.
What are the main differences between Indonesia and Italy?
The rice (laughs). I actually don't like risotto, because it's too creamy: very different from how we eat rice. Seriously, there are some differences. Indonesians are friendly but more shy. Furthermore, young people do not have the desire to live alone after the age of 30, they often stay with their family. Mine is also a country much more linked to religion, it seems to me.
Do you see your future here?
It's something I've been thinking about a lot over the last period. Sometimes I think yes, my life will be wonderful here, but sometimes it scares me, because I feel far from home.
MAHER, 30 YEARS OLD (EGYPT)
You traveled a lot and part of your family lives in the United States, but in the end you chose Italy.
When I decided to leave Alexandria to finish my studies three years ago, I thought of a European country so I wouldn't be too far from home. In Italy, the chemical engineering sector is very strong, so it was a choice linked to university and job opportunities.
Before arriving, what idea did you have about Italy and Italians?
A little distorted. She had already worked with some Italian businesspeople and had the idea that Italy was as good or bad as Northern European countries: a lot of openness and a good command of English. Over time I discovered that Italy is still very attached to traditions, a bit closed and that not everyone speaks English (laughs).
Was it difficult at first?
Disorienting, more than difficult. But I realized that if you try to improve your Italian and fit in, others make it easier for you. They help you a lot, but First you have to learn the language. Even in a place like Politecnico di Milano, you notice the following: students who only speak English are a little isolated.
What do you like about Italian culture?
The desire to dedicate some time every day to human relationships. For me it is very important. Coming to Italy, I discovered the aperitivo culture, of meeting at the bar after work and spending hours chatting. I think this is beautiful.
And what would you change instead?
The fact that little English is spoken and the general feeling of distrust among young people.
What are the main differences between Italy and Egypt?
Actually living there, I discovered that our cultures are very similar in many aspects – like the way we communicate, the attachment to traditions.
BABETA, 30 YEARS OLD (CZECH REPUBLIC)
Why did you decide to move to Italy three years ago?
I've been there many times on vacation and I've always really enjoyed it. One day I said to myself “you’re still young, single, you’ve always wanted to live here: try it!” So I placed several ads like At par and found a job as a nanny in a family.
What did you like?
I love the Italian language, the lightness of life, the food. All. In fact, I hadn't done much research on other aspects of Italy: I was a bit naive.
Instead, what was the actual impact on everyday life?
Difficult. After a few months, I started to notice some things I didn't like. Mainly the difficulty and slowness in finding work (Babeta was an obstetrician in Prague). I have to be honest: the first year I planned to go home. Then I met my boyfriend and decided to stay.
What are the other main differences between Italy and the Czech Republic?
The cordiality of the people. The desire to get to know each other, to create a deep bond. There are acquaintances in Italy who know more about me than my friends in the Czech Republic. Here you feel part of something.
What would you change about Italy?
What everyone would change: bureaucracy!
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