Ciao a tutti!
I am about two weeks into my study abroad experience to Italy, and it has been a blast! I have experienced more places the past two weeks than I have the past five years of my life! Instead of telling you all about how much fun I am having, I think I am going to make my blogs mostly advice for future study abroad students! Being across an ocean in a new country, Italians do things a little differently than Americans do and here are some things I was either told OR I found out myself from experience! So learn a little from my mistakes:
I am about two weeks into my study abroad experience to Italy, and it has been a blast! I have experienced more places the past two weeks than I have the past five years of my life! Instead of telling you all about how much fun I am having, I think I am going to make my blogs mostly advice for future study abroad students! Being across an ocean in a new country, Italians do things a little differently than Americans do and here are some things I was either told OR I found out myself from experience! So learn a little from my mistakes:
- Prior Trip Tips: this is the most stressful part so hang in there
- Make a To-Do List: I had so much to do prior to my flight left and I kept losing track of everything I needed to putting it all down on paper or in my phone notes section relieved me majorly
- What do you need to wear? Well obviously look up the weather before you go, but I will put down some mistakes I made
- I should have brought more warm clothes, it was chilly the first week and it wasn't as fun being cold
- I brought mostly cute clothes, because I am forcing myself to not wear leggings everyday! I am trying to fit in with the Italians, because they tend to dress a little nicer than casual Americans
- Bring a rain jacket if you have one! I did not and I regret it. Also an umbrella is handy!
- START👏PACKING👏EARLY👏: I mean it, start thinking about what you are bringing a long time before you leave. I personally tried on everything I was bringing to see if I wanted to bring it in my suitcase. It's hard bringing one suitcase for a month!
- Little things to not forget: European adapter, pillowcase (if they tell you to bring sheets, I brought sheets but forgot a pillow case), a bath towel (don't be like me and drop 15 euro on a bath towel), that one thing you use everyday (mine is my speaker, it may take up space but I am so happy I brought it)
- Keep up to date: you are going to be shoved a lot of info about your trip, try to be sure to read over things at least once maybe 2-3 times to be sure you have everything in order
- Contact people in your group: I didn't know anyone going on the trip prior to going abroad, but I did get in contact with a girl a month prior to the trip. She was so helpful! Often the person has the same questions you have and you at least have one familiar face that you are going to see in the beginning! Don't feel weird, they probably feel the same way!
- Restaurant Tips: the food here is DELICIOUS but can be difficult to maneuver
- Don't tip: It is not a thing to tip in Italy, because the waiters don't get paid minimum wage
- "coperto" = table charge (you may see this on your receipt and wonder what I did not order that, but what I came to find out this is basically your tip. This is how they cover waiting on you)
- They do not like to split checks, so often you have one person pay for the table and you pay them back. If you don't have Venmo highly recommend! Also make sure you pay them in euros and not US dollars!
- Water costs!! I know I am still getting used to this one! Oftentimes it is just as cheap to get a glass of wine than a bottle of water so look out for that.
- Also be sure you order "acqua naturale" or flat water, otherwise you may be disappointed with carbonated water. I do encourage you to try it though!
- Often times you have to ask for the check if you are ready to leave, Italian dinners take longer than Americans. They do not bring you the check, because they do not want you to feel rushed!
- Coffee Tips: I don't personally drink coffee, but this was very helpful for others :)
- “latte” = a warm glass of milk, so trust me you don't want warm milk so try the others
- “caffe” or an espresso = a shot of coffee
- “cappuccino” = a shot of espresso with a lot of frothy milk
- “macchiatto” = a shot of espresso with a dollop of frothy milk
- In Italy it is a thing to only drink coffee in the morning, it is considered odd if you drink it in the evening
- Shopping Tips:
- Do bargain: I was not a very outspoken person when it comes to shopping, but Italy has changed me a bit! Bargain with those men on the street trying to get you to buy things! You often can get it a lot lower than the price they tell you!
- Try the Central Market: if you need some fresh ingredients try the Central Market! It is an experience you have to see how fresh all the produce and meat are! Also they have basically a food court upstairs with amazing food!
- Don't touch fruit at Central Market: they have signs a lot of places, but the people do not like it when you touch their products.
- Bring your own bag: when buying food or anything really they do not like giving you plastic bags but they do offer reusable bags for 1 euro in many grocery stores so when you go buy groceries try and bring your own bag
- "Fit in" to Italian Culture: if you're trying to get really vibe with the Italian culture these are just some observations I have made. But as always it's okay to be a tourist and be your own self!!
- Jeans: so jeans are odd here, everyone wears dark jeans a lot, but jean shorts are not a thing. I still wore jean shorts but I don't think I saw one Italian in jean shorts. Normal jeans here are popular here
- Don't pet the dogs: obsessing over dogs here is not a thing, they do not like it when you pet their dogs. Even the cutest dogs no one stops to pet! But trust me from experience my friend pet this one guys dog because he came up to her, the man yelled at her so just be careful. I have heard that you can ask if you can and some people don't care but for now I will have to put my dog loving self in restraints
- Use the crosswalks: cars are more likely to stop if you actually use the crosswalks. Italians are ummm let's say intense drivers so finding a crosswalk will increase your chances of crossing streets safely
- Learn some Italian: learn some simple Italian phrases! It will help you immensely! A lot of people here (especially in the city) know at least some English but knowing the basics is very helpful!!
Well this is all I have so far but it has only been a little over two weeks! Hopefully I will have more that I think of and will continue to learn more as I am here! But for all you future study abroaders, this is a blast and don't stress too much about it!
Ciao, Abby M.
 |
| Me cheering now that you know a little more about Italy! |
|
Post a Comment