Italy’s culture has been influenced greatly by its diverse ties to the rest of the Mediterranean world, especially North Africa, Greece, and Spain. You should also understand that Italy is a very regionalized country. The unified Italian state was only formed in the latter half of the nineteenth century, and consequently there are tremendous regional differences within the country. Provincial subcultures are especially strong, and the broader divide between northern and southern Italians is a fact that many within the country remain particularly conscious of. [1] X Research source
Understand that a language can provide great insights into the culture and traditional worldview of the people of a country. The way in which a people refer to themselves, their country, and its spaces and places can only properly be understood in the native language. Though many travelers only gain fluency in a language after moving to a country, you should begin the process of learning the language before you move to Italy. Build a foundation, and then add to it. While it is commonly claimed that grammar and sentence structure are the most important early components of a language to pick up, some research suggests that vocabulary is actually the key. Second-language learners simply have nothing to build upon without first gaining a basic vocabulary. Start with this, but pay attention to word order as you become more familiar with the vocabulary. [2] X Research source
The Italian economy has not rebounded well from the economic crisis of 2008, and there remains a high level of unemployment. Young people in particular struggle to find work–36% of workers under 25 are unemployed. The situation does not seem likely to improve in the near future in part due to a government that is frequently stuck in gridlock. [3] X Research source Though it may seem like a stereotype, Italy has had greater struggles with the crime problem than nearly any other country in western Europe. Non-violent crimes (such as pick-pocketing) are very common in major tourist cities. More sinister organized criminal syndicates are also influential in much of the country (especially southern Italy), and have on occasion even assassinated politicians and police chiefs in order to protect their interests in narcotics trafficking. [4] X Research source [5] X Research source
You must select a place of residency, and this is your opportunity to investigate the many cities of Italy. Get to know a potential hometown.
Student visas are among the easiest to obtain–provided you had no difficulty gaining acceptance to a program in Italy. Many programs specifically target students from overseas. For young people who want to spend an extended period of time in Italy this is probably the best option available. If you are already studying at a college or university, contact their study abroad program to see if there are opportunities available with schools in Italy. If you have not yet entered post-secondary education, you can look for Italian universities or American schools with programs in Italy. Work visas are among the hardest to obtain. These are further subcategorized into artist visas, dependent worker visas (for employees), and independent worker visas (for freelancers and other independent contractors). The independent worker visas are especially hard to obtain, but those seeking dependent worker visas are caught in a bit of a catch-22–it is difficult to get a job without a visa, but you cannot obtain a visa without a job. Residency visas require that you can demonstrate that you possess enough wealth to support yourself while in Italy. However, because it is not a worker visa, that wealth cannot come from income based on employment inside of Italy.
A valid passport issued by the country of which you are a citizen. A green card or proof of residency in another country is inadequate. A letter of acceptance from the college or university you will be attending (if applicable). Bank documents proving that you are in possession of the money that you claim (if you are applying for the residency visa).
You must arrange an embassy or consulate appointment weeks in advance. During the visa interview, you will be asked a number of questions about the length of your intended stay, your purpose, and your background. Really, they need to confirm three things: 1. That you are not going to perpetrate any crimes while in Italy; 2. That you will not become a burden on the social welfare system; 3. That it is not your intent to immigrate permanently. While there are some–such as fabulously rich investors–who are encouraged to immigrate on a permanent basis, in the majority of cases the authorities are told to discourage anyone who has the intent to make Italy their permanent home. Though you may be approved on the spot, you may also be told that a further background check will be required. They will then perform a thorough check to confirm the authenticity of your claims and verify your stated plans.
Check the visa to make sure the details listed on it are accurate. Errors could complicate the process and result in a forced departure from Italy.
If you made a trip to Italy earlier, hopefully you had some success while scouting around. That would have been a good time to compile a list of potential neighborhoods, apartment complexes, or residential agents that you can contact later. Until recently, rents were set by government agencies. Legal changes in the last few years have opened up housing prices to market shifts, and you may notice substantial price differences from one neighborhood to the next. [6] X Research source City centers, as you might expect, remain the most expensive areas to live. Some of the larger cities have highly capable public transportation, so you want to factor that in when you are selecting a house or apartment. [7] X Research source
If you already have a cell phone, get a European sim card. You will need an “unlocked” phone, but with the right sim card your phone will be identified as European by local networks and you will have access to regional cell phone rates (as long as you find a carrier). [8] X Research source Though you will have to make arrangements with a local water company, you will probably not be billed regularly. Each household has a water quota and, outside of the subscription fee, you are only charged for exceeding that quota. If you are always under the quota, expect just a two to four bills from them a year. [9] X Research source You are free to choose which electrical utility you want to use (at least if you purchased or are renting an entire house). The regular quantity of electricity apportioned for each household is smaller than is the case in the United States, and if you need additional power you may have to ask for a higher volume. You will be charged at a higher rate if you do so. [10] X Research source
The cost of flights is largely based upon the amount of time between the time of purchase and the flight and the amount of demand for tickets at that departure time. Purchase early or for flights during a slow season to get the best deals.
Calculate the value of your money in Euros. The exchange rate changes frequently, and exchanging your currency at a time when your nation’s currency is weak in comparison to the Euro could actually cost you a substantial portion of your wealth. You can exchange your currency at certain banks or at offices in the airports. Of course, since this is a trip planned well in advance, there is no reason to wait until you are in the airport to do it. Check with your bank to see if they offer these services and, if so, how much they charge for them. [11] X Research source [12] X Research source
Keep your passport on hand the entire time. Do not place it in checked luggage. You will be asked for it as you board a plane or ship bound for Europe. If you do not have it, you can be denied boarding.
