I think you are doing the right thing.100%.
Im sure things will turn out right for you.The adventure is about to begin.Villa is THE man.
Best wishes and enjoy.

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ciao baby

Hi Nettie,
I just sent you a private message

Hi Nettie
Didn’t understand if you are already in Italy or if you planning to go, anyway hope you are aware that the school system in Italy is different from the one in the UK.
Your girls will be in high school here but in Italy the need to choose which school to go depending on what they want do in the future. Lots of schools to chose from.
I left Italy 18 years ago, not sure if thinks changed, but don’t think so.
Don't think they will have any problem to settle in, Italian are very warm people, be prepared to get invited for coffee or diners.

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www.thefdesign.com

Just come and enjoy! Food is better, the education is as good, or better, than anywhere else, and the lifestyle makes any problems insignificant!

Villa - come too - I need lots of help with my Italian!

Hi Nettie D

I made the move to Italy with my daughter 4 years ago. She was only 2 at the time so it has been easy for her. It takes a while to adjust to the way of life in Italy. It took me about 2 years. I'm not saying this to put you off but you need to be prepared. Now I am happy I made the change and life is good.

I teach English as a foreign language and worked in a state secondary school in Cagliari for about 6 months. The system is different to the UK in that kids do final exams aged 18, no GCSEs. It is true that they have to decide whether they want to do classical studies, sciences or technical studies at 14, but it is fairly easy to change stream if necessary. Kids spend much less time at school during the day than they do in the UK (classes usually finish at 1.30pm), but they also attend on Saturdays.

As far as learning the language is concerned you don't have to worry. I see you have already started having lessons, and kids pick it up really quickly. I have known a few American exchange students who have come to Italy for a year and they picked Italian up without any problems. Plus most kids study English at school so they will manage to understand each other.

Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions you would like to ask about the move here.

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And don’t forget you need buy all the books yourself .
In the UK the school give the kids all they need even pen and pencil In Italy the school give you a list with all the things you need to buy. Don’t want put you off but you better be prepared.
Good news are that they don’t need the uniform.

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www.thefdesign.com

Nettie, I wish you a happy and smooth transition to Italy. May I ask if you will be working too? I too have a 14 year old daughter, and although I have one year to "test the waters" *grin*, a move to Italy will very probably be on the cards.

Ciao Nettie!

I just have to jump in here - what a great opportunity for you and your girls. You all will benefit from this experience, and you can take it with you the rest of your lives. Go, go, go!

Martha

Nettie you are probably offering to your daughters their lifetime's best chance. Wipe any doubt you might still have off and be proud of yourself!

It will be a wonderful adventure they'll adapt quickly!
Buona Fortuna!