My two daughters and I (and our 6 year old Papillon) are thinking about moving to Rome for a year from 7/2010 - 7/2011. Daughter #1 will be a high school graduate in 6/2010 and will be using this as a "gap year" before she starts college. Daughter #2 will be 13 and this would be her 8th grade school year. She is an accomplished flutist so I'd like her to be involved in a music program.
I make a good living as a software developer, skills that have proven very transferrable in the US. However, unlike some programmers, I am personable and enjoy working with the public, so I'm not opposed to finding something in the tourist trade. Basically, I just need to make enough to finance our expenses, and we are used to traveling on the cheap. Daughter #1 will also be pursuing employment.
We are considering doing a house swap. We inhabit a 3 BR 2.5 BA townhouse in a desirable suburban location, midway between New York City and Philadelphia, so I think finding someone to swap with won't be a problem.
So I'd like any advice you have about moving to Italy with teenagers/pets. Have you sent your children to Italian or American schools while there? Is Rome a fairly safe place to raise kids? Are there neighborhoods we should avoid? What is the best way to find employment?
Thank you for any advice!
I make a good living as a software developer, skills that have proven very transferrable in the US. However, unlike some programmers, I am personable and enjoy working with the public, so I'm not opposed to finding something in the tourist trade. Basically, I just need to make enough to finance our expenses, and we are used to traveling on the cheap. Daughter #1 will also be pursuing employment.
We are considering doing a house swap. We inhabit a 3 BR 2.5 BA townhouse in a desirable suburban location, midway between New York City and Philadelphia, so I think finding someone to swap with won't be a problem.
So I'd like any advice you have about moving to Italy with teenagers/pets. Have you sent your children to Italian or American schools while there? Is Rome a fairly safe place to raise kids? Are there neighborhoods we should avoid? What is the best way to find employment?
Thank you for any advice!
