What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Italy. They wrote...
"Expats in Italy may find the language barrier to be the most challenging part of adapting to the local culture. While many Italians are learning English and are happy to practice, it may be difficult to navigate daily life without speaking Italian fluently. Additionally, many Italians have very specific ideas on how to conduct oneself in social situations, including greeting others and dress codes, which may be confusing or even overwhelming for newcomers to the country who are not familiar with the customs. The local custom of taking lunch and dinner late in the day, may also be difficult for those used to dining at an earlier hour, and may require some adjustment," said a member in Italy.
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"Expats in Italy often find the bureaucratic processes challenging, as they can be time-consuming and complex, requiring patience and persistence. The language barrier and integrating into local communities can also be significant hurdles, especially in smaller towns where fewer people speak English and the community is more tight-knit," wrote Brian Viola from Italian For A While.
I am a language immersion traveler—after a Gap Year in Australia, I began working to encourage this experience in my own country: Italy!
Click connect to have our partner, Brian, contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
I am a language immersion traveler—after a Gap Year in Australia, I began working to encourage this experience in my own country: Italy!
Click connect to have our partner, Brian, contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Italy?
- How do I meet people in Italy?
- What is life like in Italy?
- Is there a lot of crime in Italy?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Italy accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Italy like?
- Is the cost of living in Italy high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Italy?
- What are healthcare services like in Italy?
- Is the cost of living in Italy high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Italy?
- What is the weather like in Italy?
- Are there good restaurants in Italy?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Italy?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Italy?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Italy?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Italy?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Italy?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Italy, newcomers to Italy would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.