Ciao tutti!!!

I am Josh, a 19 y/o American boy living in Austin, Texas. I have had my mind set on moving to Italy for almost a year now and has been my dream to live and start a new life in Italy.

As of right now, I have been learning Italian for a couple of months and have gotten pretty good, if I say so myself XD.

I am done with high school and still have dreams of furthering my education. (hopefully in Italy)

I am a hard working responsible young man that would do whatever it took to get my feet on the ground once in Italy. (told myself it was a pretty good mind set)

So I am new to this and am just wondering if anyone has similar stories they would like to share or any advice they would like to give me.

Thanks.

Cool josh... welcome in lifeinitaly... and in Italy =)
where in Italy you want to live?

Hey Josh, welcome aboard!
When I was 19 a friend and I decided to backpack across Europe, including Italy for 3 months. By all accounts, it was the best decision of my life and I learned much more about the world and myself than in the semester of college I skipped.

If you can afford it with the lousy buck, I say start packing! But I wouldn't start planning a new life in Italy just yet - use this time as a "research trip" - explore as much as you can, there is plenty of time to settle down.

Also be prepared to change your plans, traveling changes your perspective and you may find your old dreams do not fit in your new worldview.

Keep us informed of your plans, I'm sure the community will be a wealth of information.

I only wish I had a resource like this when I started traveling.
Justin

Cool josh... welcome in lifeinitaly... and in Italy =)
where in Italy you want to live?


Umm well my pen pal lives in Pavia, Italy. It would be awesome if I was closer to here since she has offered to help me out with my move.

Well thank you for the reply justindemetri.

Yeah and I don't know if just visiting appeals to me. Looking for change is my mindset right now. And I know there will be change like you said and plenty of time to settle down.

I was wondering though. Im sure it would be impossible for me to go on a work visa, and id love to continue my studies. can you tell me how i would go about going on a student visa?

Thanks :)

Hi Josh,
I'm 19 too and I'm moving to Italy in the next couple of months. It is cool that there is an another 19 year old guy doing the same, since my family finds it weired.

As mentioned before, it is a perfect age to travel and see the world. I'm 23 and I want to travel now more than ever.

You have a lot of life ahead of you. Keep practicing Italian as much as you can, and you will be ready.

Keep us posted on your plans!

o sweet man! so what are your plans tell me your ideas!!!!

o sweet man! so what are your plans tell me your ideas!!!!

Well, initially I will be staying with my relatives in Rome and I will also be studying Italian at the University of Perugia.

During that period I will be looking for a decent job. It is really frustrating when you hear people saying that finding a job in Italy is difficult even for the locals.

I have some skills; I'm an SEO (Search Engine Optimizer) and I do Search Engine Marketing and Blogging consulting.

I already know some people in Italy who are consultants and they say there is no much competition and so I feel optimistic.

An American friend of mine who has been to Italy many times suggested that I find someone who wants to stay in Italy as well as to help each other

Wow man that sounds awesome! I really have nothing lol I just graduated high school no college credits. But I am learning the language pretty fast! I also have not relatives there so ill be completly on my own when i go, pretty much starting a new life trying to make it living in another country lol

I already know some Italian due to the fact that at home (with my dad, mum, bros) we speak some Italian (Ciao, come stai...etc) but I need to study it.

I'm not sure If my relatives would let me stay with them (I haven't asked them) but I expect to be on my own as well. People say it would be really scary to be 19 and in Italy, but that won't stop me.

I believe this is the best age to have REAL FUN lol! I just can't stand the life where I'm here and I want to start a new one and Italy is the right place for me.

o sweet man! so what are your plans tell me your ideas!!!!

Well Colombia and Italy are definitely on that list, as is Spain.

A great idea is simply to visit relatives, like you're doing. Just visit anyone who has ties to your family, and you have a couch/futon/bed to stay in.

Do go to college and earn your degree. You can always study abroad as well to get your travel fix!

Well Colombia and Italy are definitely on that list, as is Spain.

A great idea is simply to visit relatives, like you're doing. Just visit anyone who has ties to your family, and you have a couch/futon/bed to stay in.

Do go to college and earn your degree. You can always study abroad as well to get your travel fix!

Well-said. What makes me positive and feel good is that I have people I know there, but that doesn't mean it is gonna be easy especially when they don't ask/let you stay.

As for education, I personally would like to major in Linguistics (it is not taught where I am here) and I'm not sure if it is available in Italy as it is a relatively new science.

Does anyone have information about universities or colleges for English speaking people in Italy?

Well-said. What makes me positive and feel good is that I have people I know there, but that doesn't mean it is gonna be easy especially when they don't ask/let you stay.

As for education, I personally would like to major in Linguistics (it is not taught where I am here) and I'm not sure if it is available in Italy as it is a relatively new science.

Does anyone have information about universities or colleges for English speaking people in Italy?

When you have relatives, just ask politely and tell them WAY in advance. That way they don't feel rushed or perturbed by your arrival. And always thank them for everything when it is all said and done.

Can't help you with the Universities and studies there, sorry. I know of a few friends who ended up in Italy for college, so I know it is quite possible, but thats all I know.

Well, even if you are NOT 19, but rather 32 - like I am - I think it's never too late to try something different...

I will be going to Italy at the end of April for a "see-and-look" trip - at least for 3 months, but hopefully for a lifetime!. I will be going to Bologna first, but may consider Florence and Rome, or anywhere else where I can find a job for that matter.

If anyone wants to exchange ideas, resources etc. for the move, I'd be happy to help out where I can. If we are in the same area, perhaps we can even stay in touch and meet up in Italy.

I currently live in Texas, but that will change in about a month of so. I can't wait for my adventure; it will truly be one of a lifetime!

Wow just reading all this makes me want to go even more! haha. But I'm just working right now saving all my money and learning the language. As of now I'll be completely on my own if I end up going which will hopefully be soon. But do you think I'll be able to go into an Italian University with no college credits straight out of high school? Or do I have to go to school right when I get there, or can I wait it out, get a job, get my feet under me and then make plans to go to school? Is that a good plan?

Wow just reading all this makes me want to go even more! haha. But I'm just working right now saving all my money and learning the language. As of now I'll be completely on my own if I end up going which will hopefully be soon. But do you think I'll be able to go into an Italian University with no college credits straight out of high school? Or do I have to go to school right when I get there, or can I wait it out, get a job, get my feet under me and then make plans to go to school? Is that a good plan?

My Italian friends told me that foreigners pay 150 euros a year for attending High Schools, as for Universities, I've heard we have to pay 800-1000 (yearly too) euros to study.

Here is a website I recommend :
http://www.study-in-italy.it/index.html

I've used it and looked up a university that suits my major and luckily there are a lot of them in Italy.

Well, even if you are NOT 19, but rather 32 - like I am - I think it's never too late to try something different...

I will be going to Italy at the end of April for a "see-and-look" trip - at least for 3 months, but hopefully for a lifetime!. I will be going to Bologna first, but may consider Florence and Rome, or anywhere else where I can find a job for that matter.

If anyone wants to exchange ideas, resources etc. for the move, I'd be happy to help out where I can. If we are in the same area, perhaps we can even stay in touch and meet up in Italy.

I currently live in Texas, but that will change in about a month of so. I can't wait for my adventure; it will truly be one of a lifetime!

I would love to meet up in Italy. I will be there probably in June or July if things go as planned.

seems like school is very cheap over there :D. So do you have to get a student visa and all that to be able to attend one of these universities? And wow i don't even know what else to ask lol my questions have been answered.

When you come to Italy using any other kind of Visa and pay for the university, they will provide you the papers required for getting the student Visa.

School may be cheap but the euro isn't right now. I would be saving up if I were to plan a trip to Europe from the US. The exchange rate has me worried, and my plans are taking a hit because of it.

If you're in Italy and want to visit the US, now is the time!

1 EUR = 1.57760 USD

good luck ownostud1....
Pavia sounds quite little to start... I suggest you to move in a bigger city for a wile... than maybe move in a little dontest...

Italy van be a very hard teacher because many people, expecially in the little community, speack italian with a dialect accent...

Ciao
G

Well thanks for the advice Guido Ganji, and yeah pavia is just where all my friends from italy live, im sure ill be in milan if and when I move for sometime. and for jobs being pretty important, i mean for my age do you think it would be that hard to find a job i mean, arent there like malls and grocery stores?

Well thanks for the advice Guido Ganji, and yeah pavia is just where all my friends from italy live, im sure ill be in milan if and when I move for sometime. and for jobs being pretty important, i mean for my age do you think it would be that hard to find a job i mean, arent there like malls and grocery stores?

Well sure there are menial jobs that don't require much thought, just labor-intensive.

But don't get stuck in that rut! It is difficult sometimes, but try and find a job that has some purpose, like working in a library at the college. College jobs are WONDERFUL places to meet people, ask me how I know!

Not to mention you also get to see a lot of ladies. :p Trust me dude, its worth it.

Well thanks for the advice Guido Ganji, and yeah pavia is just where all my friends from italy live, im sure ill be in milan if and when I move for sometime. and for jobs being pretty important, i mean for my age do you think it would be that hard to find a job i mean, arent there like malls and grocery stores?

Well sure there are menial jobs that don't require much thought, just labor-intensive.

But don't get stuck in that rut! It is difficult sometimes, but try and find a job that has some purpose, like working in a library at the college. College jobs are WONDERFUL places to meet people and make new friends, ask me how I know! Anything that the school pays you to do can be an awesome job. You'll also be able to concentrate more on your studies. You don't want to move to Italy and then fail out of the college!

Not to mention you also get to meet a lot of college girls. :p Trust me dude, its worth it.

O wow that is a great idea! And tell me, haha how do you know??? hahaha

O wow that is a great idea! And tell me, haha how do you know??? hahaha

College is the MOST important part of your life. Most people miss out, but there are so many things you learn, and most of all, the interactions you have with other students (cough) is vital to becoming an important member of society.

In other words, you have a great time and its college, so everything goes. Just focus on studies in the library and have fun man. I know I did.

haha yeah its always been a goal of mine to get to college, and ive been looking for flats in milan and i have found some great deals, even friends of my friends in italy want to room with me, so EVEN CHEAPER!

haha yeah its always been a goal of mine to get to college, and ive been looking for flats in milan and i have found some great deals, even friends of my friends in italy want to room with me, so EVEN CHEAPER!

Be careful who you decide to room with, that is a decision that can ultimately lead to either a great time or a terrible one.

Don't stick with people who are friends of friends unless you know them very well. BEING with a good friend and LIVING with a good friend are two totally different things. Your good friend may have tendencies that will drive you up the wall.

Just be careful who you choose, if you do plan to bring someone along with you.

Well thanks for all the great advice, it has helped me out a lot! I've had my doubts but you guys have defiantly gave me the inspiration and mind set to make it happen! Thank you all : )

Well thanks for all the great advice, it has helped me out a lot! I've had my doubts but you guys have defiantly gave me the inspiration and mind set to make it happen! Thank you all : )

I'm glad to hear it! One thing people need to realize is to learn from mistakes of OTHERS as well as their selves. Speak to other college students you may know and get their input.

Oh and don't buy new books buy used for SURE. Especially online, much cheaper. One year I actually made a profit off my college textbooks, which is almost unheard of.

So Does anyone know any good sites or tips or anything to find cheap apartments in milan???

Well sure there are menial jobs that don't require much thought, just labor-intensive.

But don't get stuck in that rut! It is difficult sometimes, but try and find a job that has some purpose, like working in a library at the college. College jobs are WONDERFUL places to meet people, ask me how I know!

Not to mention you also get to see a lot of ladies. :p Trust me dude, its worth it.

I couldn't agree more ;)

So Does anyone know any good sites or tips or anything to find cheap apartments in milan???

Check out Venere.com

I've heard that in cities like Rome and Milan the rent is somewhere between 300 and 1000 euros.

I would just rent a room and live with an Italian family better than renting an apartment.

So Does anyone know any good sites or tips or anything to find cheap apartments in milan???

Forgot to say, are you on Facebook?

Thanks and yes I have facebook. And about living with an italian family??? how do i go about that?!?!?!

And about living with an italian family??? how do i go about that?!?!?!

If I recall correctly, a few Italian families rent out empty rooms in their houses to make a little extra money, so I'm sure it will not be too difficult. I know that most do, since living in major cities of Italy can be incredibly expensive.

In fact, I would say you do that instead of living alone or with relatives. You could see how they live and you would learn a lot about Italians that way, good and bad. And who knows they may have a daughter. :D It could be a hit or miss there, but the family you may stay with might be very nice and helpful.

MAN you are going to have a blast when you get there, I'm jealous for you! Hurry up and move already! :cool:

Hahaha man you have nooooo idea how anxious I am. But as off right now I'm just saving up my money and preparing for it. Learning as much as I can and hopefully enough! haha so is there a place online I could find the families that rent out there houses, because I'm sure it would be cheaper and more helpful in the long run.

...so is there a place online I could find the families that rent out there houses, because I'm sure it would be cheaper and more helpful in the long run.

The euro is not your friend right now, that is for certain. Keep working to save up! The exchange rate isn't getting any better.

As for a site, no idea. Most Italians are not using the internet as much as the US, we are the largest amount of users on the net, and Italy has been slow to catch up. Hopefully someone will chime in.

For some reason, Italians are in love with their cell phones more than anything else, from what I've heard.

Hello!
I think it's a very good idea to begin your staying in Italy in Pavia,it's a clean and nice university town with so much young people.It's very well connected to Milan by frequent trains (downtown to downtown) in about 35-40 minutes for 3 €.In these not so good times if you look for a little or not only little job, you can find it more easily in Great Milan Area and Lombardy than anywhere in Italy.
Ciao!:)

Thanks and yes I have facebook. And about living with an italian family??? how do i go about that?!?!?!

Can you PM me your Facebook profile? ;)

Thank you powderfinger : ) and yeah pavia sounds very nice! Ive allready met some great poeple over myspace XD! and my penpal is from there : ) so hopefully i will have a great time!

The euro is not your friend right now, that is for certain. Keep working to save up! The exchange rate isn't getting any better.

As for a site, no idea. Most Italians are not using the internet as much as the US, we are the largest amount of users on the net, and Italy has been slow to catch up. Hopefully someone will chime in.

For some reason, Italians are in love with their cell phones more than anything else, from what I've heard.


and ive heard that to dan hahaha! and i know the exchange rate is really a heartbreaker, but soon i think i will start exchanging before i leave : )

This thread is pretty popular lol. I check its views everyday, so does anyone have any other information or anything to add to the subject about moving and starting a new life at a young age? lol