Studying in Italy
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- Presta
Can anyone think of a reason why it would be a bad idea to go to school Perugia, Italy for 18+ months to learn Italian?
I'm about to pull the trigger on this. I know how much school, housing, and food will cost in Italy. The largest expense, relative to US prices, seems to be entertainment and restaurants. Is there anything I'm not thinking about? Are there other expenses that come with living in Italy? I plan to walk/cycle everywhere, so I won't have a car. I'd like to hear from people living in Italy. Will the current economy affect a student very much?
My goal is to become fluent, find a job, and live permanently there (I'm aware that jobs hard to find). Will my fluency in English and Italian give me an edge when the time comes to find work at an agency?
- kalkal0
Is it not likely that many of the people in the jobs which you are looking for already have a fluency in English and Itailian to begin with? I imagine it's fairly common for Italians to be fairly fluent in English, at least a large quantity of them..
- Presta0
^ That's what I assumed. But on my trips there, it seemed the majority of people couldn't speak English. They knew a very small amount. I didn't speak with any designer-types though.
I'm not counting on double-fluency to land me a job. I just thought it might help if I apply at a large design agency or working in-house at an international company.
- dobre0
Can't you secure job first then learn the languange as you go? I know a friend who got job abroad without knowing a local word. Well, good luck!
- Presta0
^ I think this would be difficult to achieve. I don't have any design connections in Italy. If the opportunity arises that I'm offered a job, then I could take it. But to wait here in the US until an agency hires me... I don't think I could wait that long. I'd rather kill time by going to school while at the same time looking for work, as to not feel pressured to find a job quickly.
I think I'll have a better idea of what I'll do once I get there.
- ebertzjaw0
the italian economy is fucked
- Presta0
I'm counting on the economy improving when I complete school, which should be about two years. If it doesn't, and I can't find work, what else is there to do but head back? At least I gave it a shot :)
- Irafis0
Did you consider the possibility to go in the Italian part of Switzerland? It's where i live (Lugano). Nice place, we have an University (Communication and Economics) and 2 good design Schools. Lugano is just 45 min from Milan and 30 min from Como. The life is more expensive than Italy ... but if you want to get a job in design you have more chances here (or in Zurich). In Italy prepare to earn $ 1200 a month (if you are very very lucky) and pay more of 50% in taxes. Perugia is a very nice city btw ..
Take a look here: http://www.ticino.ch/en/
- Presta0
Lugano looks nice. Thanks for the suggestion. I've never been there and don't know much about it. Also not sure that a Communcations / Economics / Design school would benefit me at this point. I've decided on Perugia because the language school is reputable and intensive. I've been there a few times, so I have a good feel for the city. I'm just already committed to it...
- Presta0
Also, I should've stated above, I don't plan on finding design work in Perugia. I'd probably have to go to Milan or Rome for that after I finish school.
- sadpanda0
If you got a dream, follow it!
- Beeswax0
Even if you can't realize some of your goals, living abroad and learning a new language is a priceless experience for anybody.
Even though you'll need them at first, just try not to hang-out too much with your own people there, mix in the culture.
- e-pill0
i studied in italy but way back in 1995.. its awesome!!
- loool0
just do this:
- Presta0
Almost four months after I started this thread, and today I've received my Italian visa in the mail, which will last for one year. Hell yeah.
I sold everything I owned, including my car. And everything that I do still own will fit into one small suitcase (plus a case for my bike). Sure feels nice getting rid of excess crap.
I leave in exactly two weeks! So stoked.
These are the steps that lead to the apartment I'm renting...
Should be an interesting adventure...
- GeorgesII0
Good luck to you mate,
just let me know if you ever come north or need any help with the bureaucracy.
- Peter0
Nice going Presta.
Little over a decade ago I did something similar.
Didn't sell all my stuff, like you, but I did go across half the globe set on (in a sense) making it 'over there'.It takes dedication, patience and some stupidity. But the leap has it rewards. Some immediate, some long term (where I am now), and some yet to be seen.
Best of luck.