Studying abroad is a great experience. It can fuel the fire for future travels and can give you an advantage in an increasing difficult job market.
Studying abroad can be done in many ways. The biggest programs that offer study abroad studies are Rome and Florence. In these cities one can easily navigate and get through day to day life with all the comforts of home and never actually befriend any italians. If this is how you want to do it, fine then you can disregard my five ways of blending in like a seasoned traveler or citizen of Italy and have fun the same. On the other hand if you're like me and want to be accepted into cultures as their own then here are a few key ways I've learned over my year working and living in Italy.
Studying abroad can be done in many ways. The biggest programs that offer study abroad studies are Rome and Florence. In these cities one can easily navigate and get through day to day life with all the comforts of home and never actually befriend any italians. If this is how you want to do it, fine then you can disregard my five ways of blending in like a seasoned traveler or citizen of Italy and have fun the same. On the other hand if you're like me and want to be accepted into cultures as their own then here are a few key ways I've learned over my year working and living in Italy.
1. “If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home.” – James Michener
Stay open minded - Tolerance is key to blending in. If something frustrates you, which something will, take a deep breath instead of reacting negatively. If the people around you aren't frustrated it's because most likely thats how things are done. Enjoy your time waiting in line by trying to speak with a local or thinking about how fortunate you are for being there. The most unexpected conversations will be your most memorable.
2. ❝If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.❞
‒Nelson Mandela
Try to speak the language - I'm not expecting any one to arrive in Italy and speak fluently, but you can always try. Don't take your time here for granted, learn as much Italian as your brain will allow and then learn some more. The number one way to stand out from your American peers is to try to converse in Italian. I know it's embarrassing at first and you feel like you're going to faint every time a word comes out of your mouth, but all great things ARE scary at first. Just saying simple things like Grazie (thanks) and Prego (you're welcome) can make all the difference. Not to mention you will always get better deals and be generally more attractive to that boy or girl you have your eye on. Leave Rosetta Stone and get started with these Duolingo.com and this language hacking guide. They are a free or cheap way to dive right in and they are O so effective.
3. "Quality over quantity"- Unknown
One of the first things you will notice on arrival in Italy is the fashion. In Italy high fashion is a big part of its culture. Leave your "comfy" pants home and bring your best. Now I'm not saying leave your style and expressions home, just bring your best. The average italian spends 200 euros a month on clothing. If your planning for your trip and thinking about buying clothes in the USA, save it. Come to Italy with less and spend within your budget to buy your clothes here. Everywhere you turn in Italy will be an opportunity to buy something you love and unique to the USA when you return. Churches in Italy will not let you in in shorts or a tank top so keep that in mind. In fact you won't find Italian wearing shorts at all unless you're at the beach or can see the beach. For the guys tank tops are becoming more acceptable when summer days become unbearable. Here is me packing a few years ago for 3 months in Italy.
4. "Get Busy Living" - Outdoor Interlaken
More often than not Italians are well traveled. If they're not well traveled they know a lot about the world geographically so get up to speed on that map of yours. Now given our geographical handicap it's just not as easy for us Americans. So while you're staying in Italy get traveling. On the weekends there are student trips leaving from Rome and Florence that go almost everywhere. Bus2alps is an awesome company with budget prices and well organized trips, oh did I tell you I'd be your tour guide? They do Fall/Spring Break Trips including, Morocco, Eastern Loop and the The Northern Loop. So make the best of your spare time and learn some other cultures too.
5. "Simma down now" - SNL
I know you're all excited to get over here and go crazy, but if you truly want to fit in like a local observe them. Italians are pretty reserved as a culture, meaning they never want to lose face. You'll most likely never see them talking loudly in public places like this couple or getting black out drunk. Before speaking with Italians in English it never hurts to ask first if you can speak english "Parli Inglese"? They will be much more receptive to what you're about to say. Have fun guys this will be one of the best experiences of your life so don't take it for granted.
Live. Learn. Love. "Some will laugh many will follow"
Live. Learn. Love. "Some will laugh many will follow"
