5 Things Happy Expats in Italy Do

Italy is a beautiful country with so much to offer. From the food to the culture, there are many things that make Italy a great place to live. However, there are also a few things that can be challenging for expats. In this article, we will explore five things happy expats in Italy do to make the most of their experience. From learning the language to immersing themselves in the culture, these tips will help you make the most of your time in Italy.

Find a niche

If you’re looking to move to Italy and want to be happy here, it’s important to find your niche. There are so many different aspects to Italian culture and lifestyle, from the food to the way of life, that you need to find what works for you.

For some people, that means embracing all things Italian. They learn the language, make an effort to eat traditional foods, and participate in as many cultural activities as possible. Others take a more relaxed approach, enjoying the country’s Mediterranean atmosphere without getting too caught up in the details.

Finding other like-minded people is the easiest way to connect. If you are working in Milan, you will most likely make friends at the office. Try to socialize outside of your group of colleagues and join a club or a course. If you’re a foodie, you might enjoy joining a cooking class, if you’re sporty, a local gym or running group might be good for you. For the curious expat, tours and cultural activities with Milano Culture Club might be fun.

No matter what your approach is, though, there are a few things that all happy expats in Italy have in common. They’ve found a way to make themselves at home in their new surroundings, whether it’s by joining a local association or simply by befriending their neighbors. They’ve also found ways to enjoy all that Italy has to offer, whether it’s exploring its historic cities or indulging in its delicious food and wine.

Get involved in the community

There are many ways to get involved in the community in Italy. One way is to join a local sports team or club. This is a great way to meet new people and stay active. Another way to get involved is to volunteer for a non-profit organization. This is a great way to give back to the community and make new friends. Volunteering is especially useful for students studying abroad in Italy. Students will get experience that will enrich both their lives and CVs. There are also many cultural events and festivals that take place throughout the year. These are great opportunities to learn about Italian culture and meet new people.

Make local friends

Adapting to Italian culture are key to making friends in Italy. If you’re looking to make local friends in Italy, the best way to go about it is to get involved in your community as mentioned above.

Of course, one of the best ways to make friends is simply by being friendly and open to conversation. Italians are known for their hospitality, so strike up a conversation with someone next time you’re in line at the grocery store or getting coffee. You never know who you might meet!

Learn the language

If you’re moving to Italy, or even just spending an extended period of time there, one of the best things you can do is learn the language. Even if you only learn a few key phrases, it will make a world of difference in your experience. The locals will appreciate your efforts, and you’ll find that it’s much easier to get by in day-to-day life.

There are plenty of resources out there for learning Italian, so there’s no excuse not to at least give it a try. Many people find that online courses or apps are the most convenient way to fit language learning into their busy schedules. And once you’ve mastered the basics, why not enroll in a class at a local language school? There’s nothing like being immersed in the culture to really help you pick up the language quickly.

Embrace the local culture

When you move to a new country, it can be easy to want to hold onto your old cultural norms and traditions. But if you want to be truly happy in your new home, it’s important to embrace the local culture.

That doesn’t mean you have to give up your own cultural identity entirely. But learning about and participating in the customs and traditions of your new country will go a long way toward making you feel like a part of the community.

Here are some things expats in Italy can do to embrace the local culture:

1. Attend local festivals and events.
2. Make an effort to learn Italian (or another local language).
3. Get involved in the community, whether through volunteering, joining a club or organization, or simply getting to know your neighbors.
4. Sample the local cuisine – both in restaurants and at home.
5. Shop at local markets for fresh produce and other goods.
6. Support local businesses whenever possible.
7. Take advantage of opportunities to explore the country, whether through day trips or longer vacations.

Article by Anthony Ryan for Easy Milano