Italy Expat Feed

Caccicoo replied to the thread italian lost in canada on the Italy forum on May 25, 2013:

acer26 initially posted:

Hi, I am an italian stuck in canada. I am looking to move to italy, "i think", just looking for other canadains living in italy now who might be able to give me some advice on how they made the move and some what point me in the right direction.

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Caccicoo replied 51 minutes ago with:

My husband and I are back and forth between Canada and Sicily. At the moment we are mostly in Canada and part of the year in Sicily but as soon as we retire it will be about half and half. We are not going to be looking for work as we will be living on a pension. It seems to me that most of the expats I know who are in Italy are either teaching English or they have started their own businesses. I know of several who will buy a wreck of a house, fix it, and then flip it. The south is the best place to do this as they are much cheaper here - especially in Sicily. We bought our place for €27,000 and it didn't need much work.

acer26 replied on May 24, 2013 with:

I do have duo citizenship as I carry an italian passport. I no longer use my canadian as it is expired. I know it is difficult to find a job over there, but it is also difficult to find work here as I live in London Ontario and its' unemployment rate is through the roof. The so called american dream is nonexistent lol. I am single, no attachements to canada and the majority of my family lives in italy, and I need a change of life style. I have no college or univeristy degree and do expect to become a lawyer or doctor just would like a regular job and enjoy life they way that I've seen when I was over there. Caccicco, are you still in canada or have you relocated to italy? And, would you have any advice as to how I would find employment, any type of employment when I get there?

SnapperBruce posted Petrol & Diesel on the Italy forum on May 23, 2013:

When filling up your car its worth waiting until the evenings at the weekend as some petrol stations offer a discount, I have seen as much as 11 cents a litre on a handwriten sign in the entrance to my local station. Ciao Bruce.

adminee posted You Could Win $75 Amazon Gift Card for Posting Tips about Living in Italy on the Italy forum on May 23, 2013:

Be one of the first to post tips about living (working, parenting, moving to, retiring, etc.) in Italy in our new Expat Tip section. Or, you may submit general tips about expat life! The 3 expats who submit the most tips in May will receive $75 Amazon.com gift certificates! (Note: tips that are promotional in nature are not counted in this top tip competition -- although tips that promote events and professionals who submit helpful advice are WELCOME on Expat Tips!!) Expat Tip Section: http://www.expatexchange.com/expattips Post a Tip: http://www.expatexchange.com/expat/index.cfm?pr=tip Help build an amazing resource for the expat community! Thank You! Betsy Burlingame Expat Exchange

AnnaKati replied to the thread Car Buying Process on the Italy forum:

whidden39 initially posted:

This is another one of my, "Gee, I wonder how this is done in Italy." When I move to Italy I will need a car -- one that is practical, as economical with gas as possible, and not tiny, but small enough to park on public streets. Not only do I not know what type of car I should buy; I know nothing about the buying process in Italy. I only know that I dread the process in the U.S. Does one do much haggling on car prices in Italy? I also confess that I am not simpatico with Italians that love their cars (like many Americans too.) My ego is not wrapped up in my car's image and I just want reasonably comfortable transportation. Please give me some idea how the car buying process is different from the US and what tips you may have for a successful undertaking. OMG, I haven't even begun to think about car insurance. YIKES!

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AnnaKati replied on May 21, 2013 with:

It was an adventure, for sure. The test was hard since I am far from fluent.

whidden39 replied on May 04, 2013 with:

AnnaKati, that was valuable information that I will take with me to Italy. Good to know once you establish residency that you can buy the car and drive with a US license (or Int'l Drivers license) for a year while prepping for the Italian license. This will be an adventure, I'm sure.

adminee posted New Expat Tip Tool on the Italy forum on May 14, 2013:

We wanted to send out a note to introduce our new Expat Tip Tool. It helps you offer advice and grab tips from other expatriates about international jobs, moving overseas, retiring overseas and more. Use it to keep track of your expat insights and save tips from others living abroad all in one place! http://www.expatexchange.com/expattips Or, click on "Expat Tips" on the top of any page of Expat Exchange! Also, if you would like to add a photo to your profile, you can do that now, too. Click on "My Profile" - "Photo" and upload a photo today!

5 Great Places to Retire in Western Europe by Betsy Burlingame

Article Summary: We asked expats about great places to retire in Western Europe. While many Western European countries have prohibitively high living costs, there are a few areas that fit the retirement bill. These are some of the recommendations! (Continue)

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juliemurphy replied most recently with:

SOOOO appreciate all you do Betsy. I am retiring to Italy this year and know nothing about what to expect! Im trying to find other retirees who might like to be part of a group of us from America or Australia [wherever]. Surely making the move within a group would be easier in dealing with the obvious culture shock to be expected!

gardeniabee replied recently with:

Thank you for the article. I'm considering Portugal and France, and have noted the areas you mention.

adminee posted Retirees Comments Needed for Article in Major US Newspaper on the Italy forum:

A reporter recently contacted Expat Exchange and is working on a story for a major U.S. newspaper about people who have retired abroad and are continuing to work abroad. Her deadline is today. If you're a retiree who is continuing to work abroad, we would love to hear about what type of work you are doing, any challenges you faced getting the job or getting started on the job and anything else you would like to share. If you started a business as a retiree abroad, tell us about your business and how you decided to start it. If you would be willing to speak with the reporter, please let us know that it is okay to share your name, e-mail and telephone number with the reporter. Send your comments to Betsy Burlingame betsy@expatexchange.com.

Milk posted English Language Birth Course in Rome on the Italy forum:

Giving Birth in Rome - How and Where: A Guided Tour. Learn what happens during labour and delivery, what to know for successful breastfeeding and how to take care of your newborn. Presenting the Birth Course I wish I had had. Our mission is to arm you with enough information so you can have a birth as close to the one you desire as possible. This course is run by Gabriella Pacini, midwife, lactation consultant (IBCLC) and counsellor and Kiersten Miller her sidekick. This series of six meetings will include information about Roman hospitals, clinics and home birthand the clarification of roles of the Italian medical professions. Wednesday evenings from 6pm - 8pm starting May 8th. Via dei Quattro Cantoni 57 (Monti - metro A Vittorio Emmanuele, metro B Cavour) Please send emails to info@themilkbar.it or call 06 9727 6418 to reserve. Maximum 6 couples. Course cost €200.

Expat Report Review of Bloom International College in Milan, Italy by schoolboy was published

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

Their are no facilities in the school. And no extra-curricular activities. The school is a shared building with various other institutions and frequently police have to visit the premises. No security for children or health and safety. (Continue)

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zanzara72 replied to the thread Bloom International College Milan, Italy on the Italy forum:

schoolboy initially posted:

Hello all, I would like to ask if anyone has ever had there child attend this school?. 1. If so what was your experiences? 2. Is it professional? 3. Do children follow an English education system? 4. Does the school have a high staff turnover? 5. Are classrooms always active and monitored and taught by schoolteachers? 6. Do they have fully equipped facilities? e.g science and maths equipment? 7. Do children progress and is their learning support in mother tongue english? 8. Do they follow european standards quality of teaching? Many thanks for any feedback.

zanzara72 replied most recently with:

Forget about Bloom, send him to Bocconi......