We regret that after six years of dedication to this fabulous resource site, we are taking a break and not accepting any new links. If your organization is already listed on our site but just needs a correction, please leave a comment on any posts on our Expat Women Blog and we will aim to make corrections within one month. Thank you.
Expat Women Living in Italy
If you are (or plan to be) an expat living in Italy , please find below a list of expat clubs, schools, general links for women living in Italy , country information and more...
American International Club of Rome http://www.aicrome.org
The Club is a "home base" for foreigners in Rome that mix with our local members to share the best of Rome and other cultures from around the world.
American Womens Assocation of Rome http://www.awar.org
Friendship... and Understanding... Between Italy and the United States.
Benvenuto Club of Milan http://www.benvenutomilano.net/
The Benvenuto Club is an international association of English-speaking women with approximately 400 members. Our common bond is that we all speak English, although we come from more than 40 different countries. We are non-profit, non-denominational and apolitical. We encourage the membership of newly arrived women to Milan by providing a forum where they can make friends and participate in activities together.
Benvenuto International Club of Monza http://www.benvenutomonza.com/
The Benvenuto International Club of Monza welcomes newcomers to the Monza and Brianza area and helps them settle into their new home. Another important goal of our club is to foster international fellowship through its various activities. Our membership consists of around 180 English-speaking women from over 20 countries.
Benvenuto International Club of Varese http://www.benvenutovarese.org/
Welcome to Benvenuto International Club of Varese - an English-speaking, women's club based in Varese, Italy. We are a non-profit organization whose goal is to welcome English-speaking women from all over the World.
Firenze Moms 4 Moms Network http://www.firenzemoms4moms.net/index.htm
English-Speaking Moms Network in Florence, Italy. This network was organized in 2004 to give information that is helpful for English speaking moms that are trying to raise children in Italy. We know how hard it is to move to another country, let alone with little children. This site is designed to give mothers information needed for raising their children while living in beautiful Firenze, Italy.
International Women's Club of Torino http://www.iwct.it
An English speaking club with members representing over 30 nationalities, that promotes friendship and understanding between its members and the Italian community. Events are organized regularly to provide opportunities for members to meet for social, cultural and sporting purposes and to undertake community service.
International Women's Forum (Bologna) http://www.iwfbologna.com/
The International Women's Forum is a non-profit organization founded in October 1998 in Bologna, Italy for English-speaking women of all nationalities. The group serves as a professional, cultural and social resource where members have the opportunity to exchange experiences, make professional contacts, find support and friendship, and speak English.
Pink Italy: Expat Ladies Living In Italy http://pinkitaly.forumotion.com/index.htm
A forum for expat women living in Italy, to swap ideas, make friends and seek advice!
Professional Women's Association - Networking Women in Milan http://www.pwa-milan.org/index.php
The Professional Women's Association of Milan (PWA) is a dynamic group of international women with diverse backgrounds, cultures and occupations. PWA aims to foster personal and professional development and to provide a friendly forum for networking and growth.
Professional Women's Association - Networking Women in Rome http://www.pwarome.org/
The Professional Women's Association of Rome (PWA) was initiated by two women, Julie Bauer and Cynthia Ehrlich in 1992. Cynthia had been involved with the PWA in Milan (founded in 1987). She decided to initiate the Rome branch of PWA after moving to the eternal city and discovering that such an organization did not exist.
General Links for Italy
Art Monastery Project http://www.artmonastery.org
Started by expats, the Art Monastery Project produces transformative art, performance and music through an innovative creative process deeply inspired by tradition.
European Professional Women's Network (EPWN) - Milan http://www.pwa-milan.org/
A vibrant growing pan-European federation whose common objective is to provide women with the tools, networks and support they need to assume leadership. We aim to share knowledge across Europe, and are participating in several Europe-wide initiatives. We combine a sophisticated online networking platform, linking several thousand business women across Europe, with regular, offline events in many cities across Europe.
Expats in Italy http://www.expatsinitaly.com
Assistance for expatriates and those moving to Italy, and a forum with information for the newbie or the old hand
Italia Kids http://www.italiakids.com
A Complete Resource Guide for International Families in Italy.
My-Milano.com http://www.my-milano.com
My-Milano.com explores the hidden side of Milan as the Milanese know and live it. Let them take you to unique shops, show you fascinating places where you can relax or have fun with kids and guide you through the variety of Bars, Restaurants and Clubs.
The Informer http://www.informer.it
An online guide to living in Italy, with particular emphasis on resolving problems relating to Italy's byzantine bureaucracy (immigration, work permits, driving licences, renting/buying property, healthcare, pension rights, recognition of qualifications, taxes, marriage, divorce, writing a will, etc).
The Roman Forum www.theromanforum.com
The Roman Forum is a monthly newspaper that contains relevant news from Rome and Italy, transport updates, extensive event listings, essential survival info and advice for foreigners, as well as regular monthly features.
Wanted in Rome http://www.wantedinrome.com
This website contains news about Rome, as well as cultural listings of exhibitions, music, dance, cinema and theater in Rome and Italy. It also features classified advertisements for accommodation, apartments, property, jobs vacant, rentals and services in Rome.
The Roman Forum www.theromanforum.com
The Roman Forum is a monthly newspaper that contains relevant news from Rome and Italy, transport updates, extensive event listings, essential survival info and advice for foreigners, as well as regular monthly features.
Looking for Work in Italy
Looking for work in another country requires more than just the obvious CV translation. You will be confronted with issues
that probably didn't even cross your mind when you decided to go for an international career, but don't underestimate
the big impact they can have on the outcome of your adventure! Think for example about the different rules and
habits regarding immigration, job application procedures, the selection procedures and the management culture.
These tips were kindly provided by volunteer Expat Women Mentors in 2007. ExpatWomen.com shares these tips in an effort to help but takes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information.
Provided by Elizabeth A, American, in Rome, Italy
1.
Learn the language.
2.
Be flexible.
3.
Expect what you thought would be good things to have an underside and what you thought would be bad things to sometimes turn out for the best.
4.
Expect to change your bio-rhythms: meal times, rest/active times, or you will forever be out of sync with the surrounding world.
5.
Laugh, laugh, laugh, especially at yourself! It is fine to make mistakes and learn.
Provided by Tracie B, American, in Ischia, Italy
1.
Try to find a job before coming (maybe through NATO, or the DOD) unless you are happy living on 1000 Euro a month--that's if you're lucky. I would also do some online TEFL course to show some sort of credential for teaching English. Native speakers are in short supply and the money is better than most others opportunities you would find here.
2.
Save as much money as you can before coming (see tip number 1, but if you're short of your savings goal, don't let it keep you from coming anyway.
3.
Learn Italian, or at least the basics, then surround yourself with Italians (not other expats!) when you get here. I took a month-long Italian for Tourists class before coming. In most towns near a university, the university will offer "community classes" or "informal classes" that are open to the public and cheap. I learned how to ask directions, order from a menu, etc. They taught us a few basic verbs and a bit of grammar and off I went! It was helpful and easy.
4.
Don't be afraid to attempt the language. This may not be Naples-specific, but in my experience Italians are very patient with non-native speakers and are usually happy to see foreigners try to speak Italian. If you waste your time being afraid of not speaking well, you probably never will.
5.
Be flexible, and patient. Southern Italians have their quirks (boy, do they have some quirks), and when the romance wears off you have to be able to go with the flow and respect the culture around you.
Provided by Cynthia A, American, in Emilia Romagna, Italy
1.
Learn as much of the local language that you can before you go.
2.
Have realistic expectations of what life will be like in your new country and learn about local customs and traditions.
3.
Be patient with yourself. Culture shock and homesickness can be hard; it helps to know that many people go through it and that it takes time to adjust.
4.
Don't constantly compare your new country with your home country. My first year in Italy I was always comparing how much easier it was to get things done in America. I had to tell myself "This is Italy and things here are just different than what I am used to". Once I was able to do that, I became less frustrated and it was much easier to just go with the flow.
5.
Seek out other expatriates in your area. Don't limit yourself to a friendship circle of ONLY expats or you will miss out on meeting wonderful local people. However, it helps to have friends who can offer advice and relate to some of your experiences. This website could be a great way to meet people.
Provided by Sara R, American, Milan, Italy
1.
Learn the language, and speak often. Don't worry about speaking perfect at the beginning – speak badly but practice! Italians will respect you more for trying and for trying to acclimate.
2.
Be curious about everything. Don't be afraid to try something new (like eating intestines) or different (salty ice cream) – you never know when you find your next favorite...something.
3.
Ask questions (this follows #2) – people are almost always willing to give you some information you didn't know existed, and this is the best way to show someone you appreciate their time – be interested!
4.
Constantly scour the news / sites for interesting shows/outings/exhibitions. It will be harder for you to find information when it's aimed at Italian speakers, but it's out there. If all else fails, use #3.
5.
Be proactive about making friends and meeting people.
Provided by Shelley R, American, Rome, Italy)
1.
Don't let anyone's negative comments about or experiences with Rome deter you from having a positive experience or going after what you want––you are the one who makes your experience what it is.
2.
Make the effort to learn some basic Italian and try to surround yourself with Italians––it will make a difference with your integration into the local culture.
3.
When dealing with Roman bureaucracy, have a thick skin, don't let any setback make you give up, and remember that the first visit is usually just for them to tell you what you're missing: don't expect to get anything done on the first try and it will cut down on disappointment.
4.
Enjoy and savor the local food and wine, learn about it and seek out hidden, non–touristy restaurants.
5.
Try to view everything as an observer and don't judge –– living the Roman experience often means accepting new things even if you don't necessarily agree with them.
