Moving to Italy?
There’s a rather different but ultimately very interesting thread in the Italian forum which initially began as a question and answer session with one Italian lady, but has since attracted the attention of more people who can add to the subject matter to hand. These are the types of threads which will keep going month after month as new topics arise, new problems present themselves and ultimately help is required from somebody in “the know”.
Background to the thread
Quite simply the original poster of this thread was looking for a Spanish School on the Internet and came across the Italian forum in error (not sure about the connection!). However, the lady in question has suggested that anybody who needs assistance with Italian questions or are having problems can simply post a brief summary to the thread and she will come back to them.
As we suggested above, while there are very few threads such as this, which ultimately end up as a question-and-answer session with a small number of people answering the questions, they are very informative, very useful and ultimately could help many people make up their minds about moving abroad.
Discount shopping
The first question which has been posted centres upon the subject of discount shopping and the massive factory outlets which have appeared in many countries around the world. While Italy is well-known for its designer clothing and footwear brands it would appear that places such as Milan, as you would expect, focus very much on the top end of the market even though many products from Milan will ultimately end up at factory shopping outlets.
The Italian lady who has promised to answer questions in as much detail as possible has given a number of websites to check out, outlet company names to consider and general information about the areas in which these particular shopping experiences can be found. It looks as though the better outlet companies are located about 70 km outside of Milan, which is still in driving distance.
Motorcycle licence from Australia to Italy
An Australian lady has posted about the need to get a motorcycle licence in Italy, to complement her car licence, although she has no idea where to go and where to start. Even though the question was initially misunderstood it would appear from the first batch of information that is fairly easy to transfer your car driving licence from Australia to Italy with the main requirement apparently being an entry visa and an Australian licence. There is a suggestion that only those looking to stay in Italy longer term will be able to obtain a licence although this has not yet been clarified.
Finding accommodation in Lombardia
One family have posted on the thread with regards to their specific situation and the need to find accommodation in Lombardia, find schooling for their child and also assistance with his autistic issues. Thankfully, it looks as though the answers supplied by the Italian lady in question have proved to be very fruitful and very helpful to the family who requested assistance.
It looks as though Milan, in the Lombardia region, is still one of the more popular and ultimately easier places in which to find affordable accommodation due to the massive numbers of properties available for rent. There are many websites listed on the forum offering a range of apartments and furnished accommodation which should ultimately suit everybody.
On the subject of autism the response has been excellent with two very useful autism sites listed (with their base in Italy) with the feedback from the family in question indicating they found the information on the websites helpful and educational. It can be very difficult and concerning when looking to move overseas with a family member who may have other issues to consider. Being able to contact and understand the support network and services available for conditions such as autism, prior to arriving in Italy, is vital.
Other issues to consider
As the thread continues to roll on, a number of new issues have been listed on the thread which includes the Italian citizen who has lived in America for the vast majority of his life but is now looking to move back to Italy. The subjects of documentation required, legal status under Italian law and ultimately what needs to be done and where it can be done will hopefully be answered in due course.
Finding someone to bounce ideas off
The fact that the Italian lady in question, who began this particular thread, has on the ground knowledge of Italy and the way in which the system works is something that she may ultimately take for granted but is literally worth its weight in gold to those looking to move to Italy. In many cases there are cultural issue which expats would have very little chance of understanding before actually moving there, at which point it may be too late.
The fact that this lady in question did not appear to have any particular qualifications in this area also offers an innocence which is very often missing when you approach a company for advice. Thankfully, the Italian lady seems to tell it how it is which is refreshing when you consider how many people will skirt around issues which they are not sure of, or do not totally understand.
Conclusion
Even though it is useful to have your questions and thoughts considered and commented upon by those who have been through the same issues as you in the past, the opportunity to speak to somebody “on the ground” can give a more definitive answer. Mixing the two different styles of information together can allow you to see what is happening from an “outsider’s point of view” and what is ultimately taken for granted by those “on the ground”.
This particular thread about Italy has the potential to roll on and on and become one of the larger threads on the forum attracting increasing numbers of forum members to information which is being updated on a regular basis and is in fact creating a type of intellectual database.
Ultimately, the more information you are aware of before moving overseas the better chance of success and more opportunities to enjoy your new life – places such as Italy have so much to offer. Taking the time to post a question and waiting for the answer may sound boring to some but for those whose life may change in the coming months and years, with a move to Italy, the information which is forthcoming could be priceless.
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