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Living in Italy

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Living in Italy

Key Expatriate Websites and Resources

	Articles on Italy
	Economy and Business in Italy
	Expatriate Websites and Resources
	Government and International Organizations
	Language Courses in Italy
	News and Media in Italy
	Recommended Reading on Italy
	Travel Information for Italy
	Working while Living in Italy

For centuries Italy has attracted writers, philosophers, and artists, who came to Italy for its mild climate, but also for inspiration from the great works of art of the past. Lord Byron, Goethe, Mozart, just to name a few, all went to Italy to seek new inspiration in their art and they all returned home enriched, inspired and invigorated. Today Italy, “the land where lemons blossom”, as some poets wrote, continues as a popular expat destination mostly for central and northern Europeans, many of whom have summer homes there. But Italy is also home to a large number of American expats who, attracted by its rich cultural heritage, and a more laid-back lifestyle than in the U.S., have made Italy their home.

But with all its beauty, good food, nice weather, and outgoing people, actually moving to Italy and dealing with all the paper work and slow bureaucracy is a veritable nightmare for many expatriates. Still, those foreigners with patience, a deep wallet for the steep fees, and an unfaltering sense of where they want to live, will find the wait, the expense, and the red tape worth their while: few people who have made Italy their part-time or permanent home have ever left out of disappointment. Still, the current economic conditions together with stricter immigration enforcement are some of the factors that keeps some foreigners away. Sluggish economic growth, severe government budget cuts, and high unemployment have taken away some of the glamour of being an expat in Italy. Unless you have income from somewhere else, your chances as a foreigner of making a decent living from Italian-earned income are currently low. But socio-economic conditions worldwide are in a constant flux, and although the timing for a move to Italy may not be the best right now, things could be very different in the near future.

To encourage our readers to explore the variety of options for living in Italy and to have better access to the information, contacts, advice and tips they need, we have compiled a number of resources in a variety of different categories. In our extensive resource section you will find information about most aspects of life in Italy that are important for expatriates, such as visas and permits, housing, study, travel information, government web portals, expatriate websites and organizations, news and media, recommended reading, and more. We also offer participant reports by those who have managed to live, work, study, volunteer, and travel in Italy in a variety of ways—after all, we believe that living in Italy is often akin to long-term travel and travel is akin to short-term living. In addition, we offer practical resources to help make your venture to Italy a reality.

Featured Articles on Living, Working, Studying, Traveling, and Volunteering in Italy

Living Abroad in Italy by John Moretti

Prime Living Locations in Italy
Expatriate Stories
Moving to Italy - From bringing children to visas and work permits

Making it Work in Italy: Live the Dream of Becoming a Resident by John Becker

Living in Liguria: Find a Real Italian Village in Cinque Terre That’s Remote But Not Too Remote by E.J. Baumeister Jr.

The Anxieties of Otherness: Expatriate Life in Italy by Linda Lappin

Settling in Italy: Admin Tips by Estelle Jobson

Living, Learning, and Integrating Abroad in Italy by Estelle Jobson

Coffee Culture Al Bar: A Many-Splendored Set of Italian Rituals by Estelle Jobson

Becoming an Italian Citizen via Marriage by Estelle Jobson

Living in Italy: Health Care Tips by Estelle Jobson

Getting a Scooter License in Italy by Estelle Jobson

Living in Italy for the Long Term: Two Years in Rome by Martha Miller

Illegally Teaching English in Italy Legally: The Curious Case of Benjamin Boston by Eliot Stein

Review of Moon Living Abroad in Italy by Gregory Hubbs

Review of Rome: The Second Time by Dr. Joanna Hubbs

Study Abroad Work in Italy: More Than 100 Schools Hire Teachers and Administrators by Michael P. Gerace

Slow Food in Italy and Beyond: An Interview with Slow Food Founder Carlo Petrini

Jules Maidoff: An American Expatriate Artist in Italy and Founder of SACI in Florence interviewed by Clay Hubbs

Jobs in Italy: Where to Find Work and How to Network by Emma Bird

Jobs in Italy: Work in Tuscany and Umbria by Lucia Mancini

Work in Italy Creatively: Teaching English is Not the Only Option by Emma Bird

Take a Look-See Trip to Italy: Invest Three Months in a Targeted Job Search by Emma Bird

Freelancing in Italy: How to Apply for a Freelance Work Visa by Emma Bird

Finding Work Teaching English in Italy: The Nuts and Bolts of It All by Kevin Revolinski

Il Theatro Minimo: Expatriate Living in Florence as an Artist by Joanna Hubbs

Teach English in Milan by Deborah Bassett

Teaching English in Italy: Insider Knowledge on Landing a Job in a Public School by Emma Bird

Interning in Italy: What to Expect, and How to Make the Most of Your Experience by Marisa Iallonardo

Internships in Italy : Why They Are Important, How to Land Them by Emma Bird

Internships at Tenuta di Spannochia in Tuscany, Italy by Katherine Pittore

Volunteering at Organic Farms in Italy with WWOOF by Venetia Sherson

Foreign Service in Florence: Interning for the U.S. Department of State by Victoria Grisanti

Au Pair Jobs in Italy by Kylie Groombridge

Review of Books on Living in Italy by Emma Bird

Volunteer in Italy Inside a Tuscan Village: Converse in English, Receive Room, Board, and Transportation by Roy A. Barnes

Preserving the Five Lands of Cinque Terre in Italy by Danielle Machotka

Study Abroad in Bologna: Slowing Down and Discovering the Good Life in Italy by Eamee C. Lanning

Living, Studying, and Enjoying Your Time Abroad in Bologna, Italy by Emily Peeler

Living La Vita Fiorentina: One Spring Studying with API in Florence, Italy by Gillian Gurish

Falling In Amore with Study Abroad in Italia Again, and Again, and Hopefully Again by Leah F. Henderson

Language Study in Italy: Important Factors to Consider Before Making a Long-Term Commitment by Steve Soper and Susan VandenBerg

A School for Serious Italian Learners by Diana Saluri Russo

Choosing an Italian Language Course in Italy by Emma Bird

Italian Language Immersion in Italy's Undiscovered Marche Region by Leah M. Cano

The Best Way to Learn Italian or any Language: Go to a Small Town by Roger Norum

Learn Italian Near the Beach in Italy at the Puccini Language School by Lucia Novara

Study Italian Abroad at the Athena Language School in Lanciano, Italy by Luciano Di Gregorio

Learning Italian in Florence by Kathryn Casey

Study in Perugia, Italy: It’s Never Too Late to Learn a New Language by Christina Bezaire

Rock Art Study in Italy by Corbitt Nesta

Discovering Rome as a Student Resident by Lisa Marie Halko

Immersion in Italy: Study Abroad Outside a Program by Ivan Fehrenbach

Art Study in Italy: An Interview with Mary Beckinsale of SACI in Florence

The Spirit of Vitorchiano: A Writers' Retreat Deep Inside Italy by Leah Cano

Slow Food in Tuscany by Joanna Hubbs

Cooking in Tuscany: Hands-On Lessons in La Cucina Tradizionale by Clay and Joanna Hubbs

Travel to Eat in Italy: The Traditional Cooking of the Langhe by Joanna Hubbs

Slow Food and Country Dining in Emiglia-Romagna, Italy by Eamee C. Lanning

A Taste of Tuscany: Florence School Teaches Culture through Cuisine by Nicole Rosenleaf Ritter

Tuscan Women Cook by Anne Woodyard

The Hill Towns of Tuscany and Umbria by Sam Lowe

Photography Study in Tuscany by JoAnn Neal

Undiscovered Tuscany: Culinary Travel Adventures While Exploring the Etruscan Coast by Ilaria Miele

Off the Beaten Track in Florence by Joanna Hubbs

Study Art History in Florence, Italy: by Catherine M. Thomas

Italy 101: To Enjoy Italy on a Budget, Plan to Go Local by Rick Steves

Beyond Venice: Soaking Up the Wine, Cooking, and Culture of the Friuli by Clay and Joanna Hubbs

A Creative Retreat in Tuscany: by Sandi Sonnenfeld

Sicily Rising: In the New Sicily Old Images No Longer Apply by Jann Huizenga

Italy on Your Own by Don Bowling

Biking in Ravenna, Italy by Kathy Widing

Two Bed and Breakfasts in Italy by Diana Saluri Russo

An Agriturismo in Italy by Diana Saluri Russo

Relax at an Organic Farm in Tuscany by Ben W. Tettlebaum

Farm Travel in Italy: Experience Italian Cultural Immersion at an Agriturismo by John Tennant

Affording Italy: Camping Leads to Savings and Local Culture by Drew Colenbrander and Sarah Wiley

Slow Travel Italy and Across Europe: Settle Down in a Temporary Home by Pauline Kenny

Cultural Travel in South Tyrol, Italy by Volker Poelzl

Religious Housing in Rome: Choose Hotel-Like Stays or a Convent by Diana Saluri Russo

Staying in Monasteries and Convents in Italy by Ken Harbinson

Convents and Monasteries in Italy: Budget Accommodations by Patricia Gilbert

Convent Stays in Rome by Bob Wilson

Venice in the Midwinter: Off-Season Travel Offers Another View of the City by Linda Lappin

The Caves of Matera: Experience Sacred Space and Time in Italy by Fabrizio Fiorenzano

Discover Calabria: The Real Italy Awaits by Michelle Kaminsky

Raddusa’s Wheat Festival in Italy: Immerse Yourself in Sicily’s History by Fabrizio Fiorenzano

Economy and Business in Italy

Although Italy is among Europe’s largest economies, it is anything but stable, making it difficult for foreign companies and business people to make predictions about economic growth and fiscal stability.

The Italian state has been on the brink of bankruptcy for a number of years now, which has affected confidence in Italy as a reliable member of the European Union and the Euro zone. To help you keep up with economic developments in Italy that affect expatriates working, living and doing business in Italy, we have compiled a variety of resources, from international organizations that report on economic conditions, to websites of chambers of commerce, and government websites dedicated to business and international trade. While this is by no means an exhaustive listing, the resources are a great starting point for anyone interested in doing business overseas.

U.S. Commercial Service, www.buyusa.gov, offers assistance to help U.S. businesses export goods and services to markets worldwide, including Italy.

The Economist is a British weekly newsmagazine reporting on the global economy, politics etc. The Country Briefings, compiled for 60 countries by the Economist Intelligence Unit, provides extensive economic and political data, as well as links to articles. Take a look at the Italy Country Briefing.

AmCham EU - American Chamber of Commerce to the EU, www.eucommittee.be. Avenue des Arts 53, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; Tel: 32 2 513 68 92; Fax: 32 2 513 79 28; amchameu@amchameu.be

EUbusiness.com is an independent online business news and information service about the European Union, including Italy.

U.S. Government Export Portal publishes Country & Industry Market Reports, Commercial guides, and other essential information for doing business abroad, including Italy.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) provides a lot of economic information about its member states, including Italy.

Expatriate Websites and Resources for Italy

Expatriates face many challenges during their time abroad, and reliable facts and information about Italy and all things Italian are important for a successful stay there. To help make adjusting to Italy a little easier, we have compiled a list of websites and organizations that support expatriates in Italy and provide useful information. But adjustment to a new country, such as Italy, is made easier not only by factual information and practical tips but also by local contacts and personal advice. The enormous increase in social networking, blogging, and groups in recent years has made this kind of information easy to come by. We have included a selection of these resources, together with listings of websites that provide practical and important information for those living abroad or planning to move overseas, including a number of websites that promote and list group meetings and support networks of expatriates and people with common interests. Some of the listed websites also have discussion forums where expatriates share all kinds of information, advice, and experiences about living in Italy.

English Yellow Pages, www.englishyellowpages.it. A directory of English-speaking professionals, organizations and businesses in Italy. It includes classified ads, job link, photo gallery and current events concerning the expatriate English-speaking community.

Expat Exchang provides a wealth of resources and articles, as well as a forum.The site has a few useful articles and links about Italy.

Expat Focus provides information and resources for expatriates for a large number of countries, including Italy. The website also host forums and blogs for expats.

Expats in Italy provides assistance for expatriates and those moving to italy.

Expatriates.com an online community for expatriates, has a section on Italy, with classified ads, links, and a bulletin board.

FAWCO (Federation of American Women's Clubs Overseas), www.fawco.org, is an international network to support American women living abroad with over 70 member clubs worldwide, including six members clubs in Italy.

The Informer, www.informer.it, is an online guide for expatriate life in Italy, with particular emphasis on resolving problems relating to Italy’s byzantine bureaucracy (e.g. immigration, work permits, driving licenses, renting/buying property, healthcare, pension rights, recognition of professional qualifications, taxes, marriage/divorce, writing a will, etc.).

Meetup, www.meetup.com, lists group meetings in cities around the world to help bring people with common interests together and promote the development of active local communities. Search for expatriate groups in Italy all over the country.

Moving to Italy, moving2italy2.blogspot.com, is a blog whose expatriate host has collected some very good links covering many aspects of life in Italy.

Network for Living Abroad provides miscellaneous information and articles for expatriates for a variety of countries, including Italy.

Newcomers Club Worldwide Directories is a worldwide directory of newcomers clubs for newly arrived expatriates, including Italy.

British Expats is a website dedicated to British expats around the world, including a forum on Italy.

BritishExpats.com is another website dedicated to British expats around the world, including a forum on Italy.

Government and International Organizations for Italy

Although government websites and those of international organizations are often dry and boring, they nonetheless contain a lot of important and useful information for expatriates. In a country such as Italy, where it largely depends on who you know to get something done quickly, having access to accurate and updated information about government, civil society, citizens’ rights and obligations, is often the only weapon foreigners have to steer through the maze of bureaucratic hurdles and regulations they encounter in their daily lives in Italy. The following are links to government and international organizations that may be useful for expatriates in Italy. Among them are links to English-language government websites such as foreign affairs, immigration, and customs. We have also included several large international organizations, because they collect data from a large number of countries. The Living in the EU section under Facts and Figures on the European Union website is especially useful because it makes it easy to compare socioeconomic indicators (wealth, health, education, etc.) of European Union member countries and see how Italy stacks up against its neighbors.

Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, www.esteri.it

Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations, www.italyun.org, provides general information about culture, politics and the economy, as well as a variety of useful links.

European Union - Delegation of the European Commission to the United States, www.eurunion.org; 2300 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037; Telephone: (202) 862-9500 Fax: (202) 429-1766.

CanadaEuropa is the website of the European Bureau of Foreign Affairs Canada (FAC), with a section on Italy.

News and Media in Italy

Knowing about current events in Italy helps you to be safer and have a more enjoyable stay abroad. This is why we have included a News and Media section, listing international newspaper and media directories as well as providing links to the many major local newspapers in Italy—a country which posts the news in public places and loves to read about and discuss politics from a variety of perspectives.

Kidon Media Link is an online directory of world newspapers and news media, has an extensive listing of news media in Italy.

Live-radio.net provides continuously updated links to thousands of online radio stations worldwide, including Italy.

Online Newspapers lists over 1000 links to online newspapers worldwide, including Italy.




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