What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Rome. They wrote...
"The language continues to be a struggle now that my children attend the local Italian school and all the meetings and paperwork are in Italian. I also long for meaningful friendships with the Italians, but my vocabulary is still too limited to have in depth conversations. My kids are fluent and I so envy them," said a member in Rome, Italy.

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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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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.
"Expats in Rome often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the city's chaotic traffic and the lack of public transportation can be difficult to navigate. Furthermore, the Italian bureaucracy can be complex and time-consuming to understand. Finally, the Italian lifestyle of taking things slowly and enjoying life can be a difficult adjustment for those used to a more fast-paced lifestyle," remarked another expat who made the move to Rome, Italy.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Rome?
- What do I need to know before moving to Rome?
- How do I find a place to live in Rome?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Rome?
- What is the average cost of housing in Rome?
- How do I meet people in Rome?
- What should I pack when moving to Rome?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Rome?
- Will I be able to find a job in Rome?
- What is life like in Rome?
- What do people like (and dislike) about Rome?
- What type of social life can someone expect in Rome?
- What is the social scene like in Rome?
- What advice to expats in Rome have about housing?
- What are medical services in Rome like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Rome?
- Is the cost of living in Rome high?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Rome?
- Why do people move to Rome?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Rome, newcomers to Rome would love to hear your answer to this question.