I'm looking to relocate to another country (Italy)?

Question

I know it's a bold move, but I'm single and want to try something different. Has anyone made a similar transition that can offer advice? I plan to live there only for about 2 years. I speak the language (somewhat), and I know that I'd have to get a job, an apartment, etc. Any advice?

Answer 1

i left to italy 2002 when i was 19. i had planned on jsut staying there for a year at this school located in florence. wiht in that year i fell in love with living in italy so i immediatly applied to the university of florence there and began classes the followign year.

over 4 years have gone by and im still here. almost done wiht my studies, remaing here with my student visa and planning on staying here after i graduate.

i would definetly recommend you do the same, its a wild experiece, since you dont know what to expect. if i were you, id stay in a close range town, like florence, unless your in for large towns like rome. plus, with in those two years, you dont know what youll meet and what youll comfront and that is what makes the adventure so much appealing.

your not alone in what your planning on doing. one of my friends from way back then in highschool, had actualy done t he same thing as i did. she is also studying in florence, in fact studying the same thing as i am, industrial design. she is a couple years behind me, but doing the same thing. whiel your in italy, youll get to meet a lot of italian men and dont get the idea that they are players like how their reputation is, but they can be sweet and kind. i live my italian bf and we have been together for the last 4 years, same thing with my friend from highschool, she is also with an italian bf for the last 3 years. and dont get the idea that they will try to marry you so they can become american, thats not true, my bf infact doesnt want to go live in the states and same wiht my friend's bf, funny thing huh? but i dont mind at all staying here in italy, so its fine with me.

so, i would say, GO FOR IT! if you need any help in apartments or anything in florence, i can give you references and other info if you like.

hope my advice helps!

Answer 2

Get a job in a central big city hotel or even big hostel to start w. then you should be able to get room and board inc. in your wages and it's fun when you're young.

If you're not yet professional and making huge money, apartments are for sharing a room of only at this stage.

Answer 3

Do it!!!!  Go to www.firstgov.gov and become a FSO

Answer 4

do you speak italian?If you speak italian you can working in a language college(liceo linguistico)as a English or American"madrelingua"

Answer 5

I would first suggest improving your Italian.  It is essential for day to day life here, obtaining a job etc.  Also, at least in the area I live in, the job market isn't the best.  From what I am told, is even hard for the locals to find work and for a liveable wage.  I teach English, at the moment private lessons since the school I work for doesn't have any classes starting till the end of the month.  Teaching English isn't all what it is cracked up to be, at least here.  If you consider this route for work, be prepared to run from place to place, wages are ok, but first you have to have hours.  Typically an English school will not sponser a visa for you.  

Be prepared to have PATIENCE, and a lot of it.  Getting things done here may or may not take longer then what you are used to.  

Good luck!

Answer 6

I relocated to Germany at age 26, similar situation.  It was hard and I had a job, apt. and car lined up and 'somewhat' spoke the language. Not an experience for the weak willed.

In Italy, unless you are European,  it's hard to get a legal job.  Might want to consider creating a job for yourself such as teaching English.  I would definitely have a good command of the language before you go.  Makes life easier.  Have you considered traveling to Italy first, scoping it out, making a few contacts first to ease the transition?  Don't rush.  

I started the process to eventually move to Italy 4 years ago.  I am 2 years away from my goal having set up employment and housing in the meantime.

Good luck!