Studying Abroad in Italy – Pointers For Students
A Few Tips Students Should Know Before the Plane Departs for Italy
Sep 22, 2009
From how to stay in contact with family while in Italy to when the grocery stores are open, following these tips will avoid initial panic in a foreign country.
Calling Home from Italy
It is important to know how to contact Mom back home once arriving to Italy. Many students struggle calling overseas in hopes of hearing a friendly voice so far away from home.
To dial the U.S.A. from Italy press 001 and then the number desired to call. If family and friends back in the U.S.A. want to get a hold of the student, dial 01139 and the desired number.
It is also a good idea for students to download Skype before boarding the plane. Skype allows students to either call a phone line in the U.S.A. at a low rate, or call another computer back home. Calling computer to computer on Skype is considered a free international call. All that is needed is an Internet connection. If a student’s computer has a web cam, family will even get to see a friendly face half way around the world.
Skype is free to download and easily one of the most economic ways of staying in contact with friends and family while studying abroad in Italy.
Italian Groceries Stores and Markets
Say goodbye to Costco and giant supermarkets back home. In Italy, supermarkets will be smaller for the most part. In small towns they may just resemble a convenience store.
Also, supermarket hours are somewhat limited. Most are not open Sunday and generally shut down for riposo (rest) from 1PM to 4PM. Although, there are a few big name supermarkets in bigger towns that are now staying open on Sunday and through riposo times.
Italian Cultural Differences
When it comes to studying abroad in Italy, students are bound to encounter a few cultural differences. While annoyance and frustration may be a student’s first reaction, knowing a few Italian cultural subtleties may reduce that initial annoyance.
In lines at stores, supermarkets, or even to board planes, personal space between one person and the next is almost non-existent in Italy. In fact, sometimes lines are even non-existent with people cutting in front on a daily occurrence. If someone is practically on one's boot heels, try not to get too offended.
Another cultural distinction while studying in Italy is the Italian’s schedule of the day. Dinner is generally consumed later in the evening, around 8PM in most towns. Most restaurants will not open or have a crowd until later. At around six in the evening, students will notice hordes of Italians strolling the main piazzas and streets in town. This is called the evening passeggiata (stroll). Embrace it and join along. It is a great way to work off the delicious Italian cibo (food).
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