Im an american whos looking to move to italy will i be ok changing with the culture?

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a7thdeadlysin

So far everyone has been talking about how you will have to fit into the Italian culture. I would like to emphasize that it is the Italians who will be accepting and inviting you into their culture. You are going to meet new people and they are going to show you as much or as little of the Italian culture as you let them. Italians are some of the most amazing people. Italian culture is very emotional, and being an Italian is about showing your emotions. Which could possibly be why Italian is the most beautiful language in the world. They really talk with their hands alot and are very often touchy feely. After about a month you will have picked up tons of Italian (especially if you already know some) and you will have also picked up on the subtleties of the people in the region you will be living in.

Another thing to think about is all the times that you went somewhere different in the United States, and how different it was in that state or city. And also you somehow fit in because here in America we have a national identity that everyone shares. If you have ever had a friend come and visit from the other side of the country, most people try their best to help them to fit in and accept them. Italians are humans too and they will be the same.

I agree with some of the things that the others said about how life is much slower in Italy. That is probably going to be the hardest thing to get used to. And watch out for the whole staying up and partying all night. Alot of young people go out to clubs all night and take a one hour nap before going to work the next day. Personally, I think it is crazy. But it can be fun from time to time.

Last but not least. Remember that one of the main reasons that you are going there is to experience something different. A change in life and pace, a change in language and culture. Take in as much as you can while you are there. Italy truly is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and there is so much to experience and see that you hopefully wont ever be bored! HAVE FUN!!

By the way...I am extremelly jealous. I can't wait for my turn to move back to Italy. It is my favorite country and I'm moving back there next year. (I'm also 20).

gillianbcn

The Italian way of life is fantastic and anyone would adapt very easliy there however finding a job is very very difficult.

rimorchione

I spent two years in Italy. The missed home a lot for the first three months. After that I became immersed with the culture and really started loving the people, their food and their hospitality. Life passes at a slower pace in Italy and they are more laid back than Americans. I loved it. That's the one thing I don't like about the U.S. -- it's frantic pace. At the end of the two years when it was time to come home, I didn't want to leave. When I did get I annoyed my Mom by saying, "In Italy, they do this . . . " I envy you, too. My dream is to live in Italy again at least for a year.

I think you'll be just fine. When you start to love the people, as I did, you won't want to leave!

atl_princess404

Honestly i would keep my a** where i most about but it wouldnt hurt to learn more bout yo backgorund

Goomieman

I envey you. the best time in my life was spent in Rome. You may or may not miss home, who can know how you'll deal with that. the thing that takes some getting used to is the different pace of life. things happen much slower, people take the time to enjoy life, this can be difficult for us since we're always in such a hurry.

Samantha

It depend how open minded you will be once you get there. usually, the first 3-6 month you will miss home. This is because your friendships will be new and the behaviours of the new culture will be strange to you. After that period, you wills start to get closer to your new friends, and more importantly, you begin to understand the culture (be open minded). This means that you start to understand the reasons for all the strage behaviours - and start apppreciating these differences. You will have fun!

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