Expat Advice: Living in Milan, Italy
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Milan
How long have you lived there?
15 years
What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?
The Benvenuto Club, Professional Women's Association, Democrats Abroad, American Business Group and many other organizations as well as activities created for the expat community listed in EasyMilano, a bi-weekly free publication for the English speaking community here.
In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.
Although Milan's population is very diverse,there is still very little integration of other cultures and very little is known of other religions, customs, beliefs,etc... Most Philipinos, South Americans, Sri Lankans and Indians are employed as domestics and Africans and Arabs are very rarely employed by Italians at all. The Chinese population is self employed in either retail or restaurants. Other Europeans and Americans are generally accepted as equals, but never as a real part of the Milanese community.
What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?
Selling wholesale fashion is a very good possibility for multi-lingual residents as well as teaching English in the various language schools. Some expats have begun their own small businesses, such as an American bakery, but one never finds a job through classifieds (unless in EasyMilano) or by sending out a resumé. Personal contacts are the only way to get one's foot through the door for an interview.
If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.
Learn Italian! The vast majority of Milanese do not speak English. Bring traditional yet elegant clothing (the Milanese frown on anything flashy or ostentatious) and expect the mentality to be conservative and somewhat behind what one would expect from a city as well known for it's industry, fashion business and financial center as Milan.
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Comments about this Report
guestWould it be difficult for a college educated person to find a career in fashion if they are moving from the U.S.? I have a great resume and am 26 but don't know how to begin to look for a job, anything in the fasion area. I am planning on living in Florence, Italy.
zanzara62Good luck!!! It's the most expensive city in Italy, but the fashion jobs are mostly up north, in Milan. Plan to work in Milan, and maybe you can live in the Lake area; maybe you'll hook up with George Clooney!!!!!
zanzara62I grew up in Italy so I don't have a problem with the language plus I'm a dual citizen so I won't have a problem with red tape, as far as finding work. I just got an ESL certificate to teach English and I thought I might as well look in Milan first because, let's face it, that's where the money is. Can you give me a list of the best schools in Milan for English teaching jobs???
