About gazelle

Status:

Expatriate  

Gender:

Female

Currently Lives:

livorno, Italy

Citizen Of:

United States

Dual Citizen Of:

United States

Some Forum Posts:

Italy: Wanted: English speaking Friends:

Thanks for responding, That would be great Magicman. I am wondering how you you've maneuvered through your 20 years here! How long did it take before you finally some sort of kindred spirit to the environment? Are there many other Americans in the area?

Italy: moving to Palermo with my daughter:

Hello Joanne, I live in Tuscany and moved here when my son was 12 years old. He didn't speak Italian either. I don't know if things are the same in all parts of Italy. However, when I inquired they told me that they have 'Americans" here and that they would work with my son. Well, first off, he had to stay behind a grade due to the language issue. Second, there was no Italian as a second language program. The Americans they spoke of were from South America and spoke Spanish and they didn't understand why it was so difficult for my son. They felt he should be up and running within three months. There were no textbooks in English although they did have one woman remove him from class and work with him. There is an expectation that the child should be proficient in Italian, English as well as another language upon graduation from junior high. English wasn't a problem. Unfortunately, because my son was they only English speaker, they used him to help the other children learn English. My son graduated and moved on to high school. However, keep in mind that although he speaks fluent Italian, his reading and comprehension skills are not on the same level as his English. You also have to tutor them, as they may not receive the same level of English instruction, as in the states. He has moved on to high school but it was stressful for him. He will be moving on to a private international school next semester. If I were you, I would check out this blog and consider enrolling your child, not only in the public system, but also an accredited internet school. I am not trying to scare you-but being honest and upfront. Good luck! http://homeschoolinitaly.blogspot.com/

Italy: I'm 13 weeks pregnant and having a baby in genoa can anyone help!!!!:

I was in the same situation a couple of years ago,in Tuscany. I did have my prenatal care as well as the baby in Italy, although I spoke no Italian.It wasn't that bad. Contact the embassy, as they may have a list of English speaking doctors. Some of the nurses and physicians do in fact, speak English. Yet, there are some who won't unless you attempt to speak Italian first. I had that happen to me, LOL If you don't find anyone, I would say get a small laptop, and download an English to Italian translator. When you go, bring it with you and feel no shame. Good luck!

Italy: Anyone living in Livorno?? Need some advice please:

I live in Livorno, and have for three years. It's definitely not a tourist town but it is a safe and very diverse city. Livorno is a pretty good sized Province consisting of different towns such as Quercianella, and Rosignano. Honestly, I loved Rosignano and think it is the best place to live. I hope that helps.

Date Joined:

10/27/2010

Total Posts:

15

Posts/Day:

0.01