An Expat Talks about Moving to Parma, Italy

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Parma

Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.

Things I wish I brought:

1. Toll House chocolate chips

2. Asian food supplies (Hot and Sour soup mix)

3. Mascara (horribly expensive here)

Things I wish I had left behind:

1. garden furniture (no garden)

2. extra furniture that doesn't fit

3. hair dryer, curling iron - don't work here even with adapters.

Italian For A While
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Italian For A While

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?

Start early and look at everything that you can. You cannot tell what a place is like from pictures or even from the outside. Also, try to find a local that can help you.

What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?

Apartment. Apartments and houses in the country.

How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?

We were desperate as we couldn't find anything to fit our needs so we just took the one we could find. It is not a great fit for us and we have continued to search for another apartment to no avail. Italy is a place where you have to know someone and we are just now finding those connections after 2 years.

Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?

Much higher. 1500 - 2000 euros a month.