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Living in Italy

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Lucca countryside in Tuscany, Italy

  Expatriate Resources and Articles on Italy

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For centuries, Italy has attracted writers, philosophers, and artists who came to Italy for its mild climate and inspiration from the great works of art of the past. To name a few, Lord Byron, Goethe, and Mozart went to Italy to seek new inspiration in their art and returned home enriched, inspired, and invigorated. Today Italy, “the land where lemons blossom,” as some poets wrote, continues as a popular expat destination mainly for central and northern Europeans, many of whom have summer homes there. But Italy is also home to many American expats who, attracted by its rich cultural heritage and a more laid-back lifestyle than the U.S., have made Italy their home. But with all its beauty, good food, nice weather, and outgoing people, moving to Italy and dealing with all the paperwork 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 keep some foreigners away. Sluggish economic growth, severe government budget cuts, and high unemployment have taken away some 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 constant flux, and although the timing for a move to Italy may not be the best right now, things could be very different soon.

We have compiled many resources in various categories 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. 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 stories by those who have managed to live, work, study, volunteer, and travel in Italy in various ways. For example, 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
Slow Food in Italy - a culatello stand Slow Food vs. Fast Life in Italy and Beyond
an Interview with the Founder of Slow Food Italy
Clay Hubbs, PhD, founding editor and publisher of Transitions Abroad, traveled to Italy to discuss the links the Slow Food movement is highlighting between ethics and pleasure, ecology and gastronomy. He interviewed the founder, Carlo Petrini, on a wide range of topics.
Living in Calcata, India Living in an Italian Hill Top Town by David Farley
A spectacular medieval hill top town of Calcata where the author lived with locals and many bohemian artists.
Living in Urbino, Italy Living the Beautiful Life in Italy by Cheryl Ferguson Bernini
Once a student, the author now lives permanently in Italy and describes how to make the move yourself.
Living abroad in Rome Living in Rome for the Long Term
Expatriate Martha Miller describes the exciting life she led as an expatriate in the bustling yet soothing and entrancing Trastevere neighborhood in Rome, where locals and foreigners alike enjoy life to the fullest — from great food to people-watching.
Au pair job in Italy Work as an Au Pair in Italy
Being an au pair or nanny in Italy provides a cultural immersion experience. The author here provides advice and practical details to find such jobs.
Bali food Slow Food in Tuscany by Senior Editor Joanna Hubbs
A visit to some of the finest examples of Slow Food restaurants in Tuscany where traditional culinary joys are to be enjoyed.
Cooking classes in Italy Cooking Lessons in Italy: Mamma Knows Best by Amy E. Roberston
A review of some of the top cooking schools across regions in Italy, where food is prepared with love in classes, markets are explored, and local accommodations are often available.
Cooking schools in Tuscany Cooking Schools in Tuscany: Hands-On Lessons in La Cucina Tradizionale by Senior Editor Joanna Hubbs
Drs. Clay and Joanna Hubbs visit a sampling of the many excellent cooking schools scattered across Tuscany where they immerse themselves in the local culture while learning how to prepare traditional dishes. They also discuss the influence of the Slow Food movement as it preserves ancient culinary traditions in contemporary Italian cuisine.
Cooking in italy The Secrets of Traditional Italian Cooking by Linda Lappin
Learning how to cook and appreciate food at a cooking school in the medieval village of Tolfa, Italy.
Tuscany, Italy Affording Italy: Camping Leads to Savings and Cultural Immersion
Amazing vacations in Italy are possible on a remarkably affordable budget in a country not known these days for being cheap.
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
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
A Journey of Self-Discovery as a Student in Rome by Kristen Clark
Art Study in Florence with SACI: An Interview with the Dean by Gregory Hubbs
Jules Maidoff: Interview of an American Expatriate Artist and Founder of SACI in Florence by Dr. Clay A. 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
Teaching English in Italy: Insider Knowledge on Landing a Job in a Public School by Emma Bird
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
Volunteering in Liguria: Learning to Work the Italian Way by Gabi Logan
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 in Florence, Italy by Gillian Gurish
Falling In Amore with Study Abroad in Italia Again and Again by Leah F. Henderson
Language Learning in Italy: Important Factors to Consider Before Making a Long-Term Commitment by Steve Soper and Susan VandenBerg
Choosing an Italian Language Course in Italy by Emma Bird
Il Sasso: A Rock-Solid Italian Immersion Language School in Tuscany by Linda Weinberger
Babilonia Italian Language School in Taormina, Sicily by Linda Weinberger
Learn Italian Near the Beach in Italy at the Puccini Language School by Lucia Novara
Study in Perugia, Italy: It’s Never Too Late to Learn a New Language by Christina Bezaire
A School for Serious Italian Learners by Diana Saluri Russo
The Spirit of Vitorchiano: A Writers' Retreat Deep Inside Italy by Leah Cano
Cooking in Tuscany: Hands-On Lessons in La Cucina Tradizionale by Clay Hubbs Ph.D. and Joanna Hubbs Ph.D.
Travel to Eat in Italy: The Traditional Cooking of the Langhe by Joanna Hubbs
Pasta Making in Northern Italy: A Journey to Learn a Traditional Culinary Art by Jeff Titelius
A Feast for the Food Conscious: Critical Studies on Food in Italy by Maryam Henein
Slow Food and Country Dining in Emiglia-Romagna by Eamee C. Lanning
How a Language School in Florence Teaches Culture through Cuisine by Nicole Rosenleaf Ritter
Tuscan Women Cook by Anne Woodyard
The Hill Towns of Tuscany and Umbria by Sam Lowe
Undiscovered Tuscany: Culinary Travel Adventures While Exploring the Etruscan Coast by Ilaria Miele
Off the Beaten Track in Florence by Joanna Hubbs
Enjoy Learning Art History in Florence, Italy by Catherine M. Thomas
Italy 101: To Fully Enjoy Italy on a Budget, Plan to Go Local by Rick Steves
Beyond Venice: Soaking Up the Wine, Cooking, and Culture of the Friuli Region by Clay and Joanna Hubbs
Sicily Rising: In the New Sicily Old Images No Longer Apply by Jann Huizenga
Italy on Your Own at Any Age by Don Bowling
How to Know You are Staying in an Authentic Italian Agriturismo by Linda Weinberger
Slow Immersion Travel in the Dolomites by Lara Giavi
Two Bed and Breakfasts in Italy by Diana Saluri Russo
An Authentic Agriturismo Exerience in Italy by Diana Saluri Russo
Affording Italy: Camping Leads to Savings and Local Culture by Drew Colenbrander and Sarah Wiley
Slow Travel in 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

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 Expatriate Websites and Resources for Italy

Expatriates face many challenges abroad; reliable facts and information about Italy and everything Italian are essential 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 helpful information. But adjustment to a new country, such as Italy, is made more accessible by factual information and practical tips, local contacts, and personal advice. The enormous increase in social networking, blogging, and groups has made this information accessible. We have included a selection of these resources and listings of websites that provide practical and essential information for those living abroad or planning to move overseas, including many websites that promote and list group meetings and support networks of expatriates and people with common interests. Some listed websites also have discussion forums where expatriates share information, advice, and experiences about living in Italy.

Expat Arrivals Italy has consolidated helpful information for the expat moving to Italy and includes articles, interviews, and resources.

Expat Focus: Move to Italy Easily provides information and resources for many countries, including forums and blogs for expats.

Expat.com: Living in Italy as an Expatriate is a resource guide and directory of blogs related to Living in Italy.

InterNations – Your Expat Community in Italy provides essential information with an option for paid registration with an Italian expat community.

Justlanded: Italy offers resources and background on all aspects of moving, working, and practical life in the country.

My Dolce Casa. Is Italy a Good Place to Live: Pros and Cons of Living in Italy offers a quick overview on living in the country.

Numbeo: Italy is a fine crowdsourced site that provides information about the cost of living in Italy and Rome and other locations in the country that should help prepare you for the transition.

WantedInRome. Living in Italy: 5 Crucial Mistakes Expats Make offers realistic and essential practical advice from an excellent expat site based in Rome.

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 Recommended Reading on Italy

To narrow down the overabundance of travel books about Italy and make it easier for readers to choose a suitable guidebook, we have compiled a list of popular travel guidebooks and books that focus on expatriate life in Italy or are otherwise useful and informative for expatriates.

Italy Guidebook, Florence and Tuscany, and Rome Guidebook by Rick Steves

Lonely Planet Italy

Moon Rome, Florence, and Venice

Easy Italian Phrase Book: Over 1500 Common Phrases For Everyday Use And Travel
(Because you really should know as much Italian as possible to respect the hospitality of grateful Italians.)

Italy Eyewitness Travel Guides

Frommer's Italy

The Rough Guide to Italy

Times New Roman: How We Quit Our Jobs, Gave Away Our Stuff & Moved to Italy

Osterie & Locande d'Italia: A Guide to Traditional Places to Eat and Stay in Italy

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 Travel Information on Italy

Useful and in-depth travel information on Italy is often hard to find on the web, given the sheer volume of information and many websites only provide the essential travel information, while others are too specific or opinionated to be reliable to all. But many websites provide interesting travel content with travel tips and articles about Italy. We have also listed official tourism websites in Italy, which provide handy travel planning tips and often serve as a great travel portal.


Lonely Planet: Italy Travel Guide makes it easy for travelers to deal with the daily challenges independent travelers face: how to get around, where to stay, where to eat, and much more.

Rough Guides: Where to Go in Italy describes various attractions and destinations, while also providing practical travel tips about transportation, safety, and other travel essentials.

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