Moving to Italy
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Moving to Italy
Feb 2004
My husband has a job possibility in Italy (near Venice) for 6
months. Our child will be a little over a year when we are
expected to be there. Are we nuts for even thinking about
making this move? It's not as if our child will be in school.,
but none of us speak Italian. Has anyone done this sort of a
move with a child under 5?
anon
Go Go Go!! I've never lived in Italy but we spent two weeks
there when my son was 18 months old. It was wonderful. The
flight was long but he slept through most of it. He adjusted
to the time change in just a few days. And he loved being
there. We spent a week renting an apartment in Rome and every
day after breakfast he would go to where his backpack carrier
was in the entry way (my husband carried him around on his back
all over Rome) and say ''backpack, backpack, let's go.'' The
people were very nice. The guidebook stereotype that Italians
love kids is absolutely true. He got lots of attention while
we were there. Also, we didn't have any trouble getting things
we needed for him while we were there. I realize being on
vacation is very different from living someplace for six
months, but it sounds like it could be the adventure of a
lifetime. If it's the kind of thing you would have wanted to
do before you had kids, don't let the fact that you have a
little one change your mind. Go!!
momof2boys
I would die for a reason to move to Italy, although I suppose
that would defeat the purpose. Your child probably won't
remember it when s/he is older, but you'll be able to go back
and give your child the gift of familiarity with another
country. You and your husband will learn Italian, a lovely
language (though the Venetian dialect, I'm told, is odd), and
I'll be you'll find it terrifically horizon-expanding. Go for
it.
robbie
GO!! How fortunate you are to have the opportunity presented to
you!! You would be crazy not to go. You must read 'Paris to the
Moon' by Adam Gopnik. Although it is not Italy, it is about the
journey and lifes memories he and his family made while living
in Paris when his child/ren were less than 5 years. I'm sure
there is something similar on the Italian front. My husband and
I (without children) have traveled on a bike a month at a time
in France ('98 and 2000). We just emersed ourselves in the
culture, food and sourroundings. It was an incredible
experience. After that we said, we must find a way to work
abroad - we havn't reached that goal but can't imagine ever
turning down or questioning the chance if/when it is made
available. Well now we have 2 year old identical twin boys. We
went back to France with them when they were 6 months. Because
they were identical we did get an opportunity to mingle more and
speak the language as the twins were a topic in and of
themselves. You will find ways to meet and talk with people.
Even if you use a phrase book you will pick up the language
slowly. In fact the beauty of the experience is finding the
common communication ground between you and the locals.
Sometimes with kids, you will attract people with kids and it's
easier to talk with children since they may speak more slowly
and have simpler vocabulary. You can have so much fun learning
and exploring. In the scheme of a lifetime you will look back
and be able to write you own 'Rome to the Moon' journal/book.
Think about the adventure of it all with you and your family.
You must go. And please when you do - send us all in the network
an update.
Hilary
Aug 2003
My husband and I are considering living in Florence, Italy for
one year starting Summer 2004. We have a 1 year old and a 9 year
old. We are interested in getting recommendations on housing,
house exchange, schools/daycare for the kids, intensive italian
classes for adults and kids in Florence, cost of living issues
etc. We would love to hear from anyone who has done such a thing
or a similar year abroad. Any organizations that faciliate
living abroad would be great! Grazie
I went with my mom to live in Florence in 1987. I was in my sophomore year of high school and attended the American Inernational School of Florence. The school is located in a beautiful tuscan villa in the hills surrounding Florence. I had fabulous teachers and met students from all over the world.The majority of the students were Italian and the students there typically learned to speak conversational Italian by the end of the year. I got to spend quite a bit of time helping in the first through fourth grade classrooms. The children learned in both Italian and English. I have fond memories of the school and I would recommend looking into it. I believe they have a website. Florence is beautiful and I would take my children there if I had the opportunity.
Liza
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