Event in Milan: Demonstrations/Marches Alert
Multiple demonstrations/marches are planned this weekend (Saturday, 24 February 2018). Location 1: Announced gathering points include, but are not limited to the following locations in Milan, Italy: Piazza Oberdan The march route includes: Corso Venezia Corso Matteotti Via Catena Via Santa Margherita Concluding at Piazza del Duomo Event: A demonstration/march sponsored by Lega Nord is scheduled […] Read More
A Male Au Pair in Milan
With it being my last week in Milan, it allows me to reflect upon my time here. I came to Milan to be an au pair to a bilingual family, Italian father and American mother. Even though I would be considered both the wrong gender and age to be an au pair (male, 23), I […] Read More
Expats: How to Deal with Anxiety
As an expat, there is no shortage of challenges and stresses to manage and overcome. The logistical considerations of moving abroad – often with children in tow – automatically equal a dramatic increase in the amount of stress a family experiences. Add to that the emotional toll of leaving behind everything familiar and settling into […] Read More
Brexit: the UK’s offer on Citizens’ Rights
Ambassador Jill Morris writes about the British government’s intention to protect the rights of British citizens in Italy and the rest of Europe, and those of EU nationals in the UK. My role as Ambassador is to engage with the Italian government on issues such as foreign policy, security, trade and culture. But just as […] Read More
U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad – Automatic 6 Month Extension of Time to File
If you are not able to file your return by the due date, you generally can get an automatic 6-month extension of time to file. To get this automatic extension, you must file Form 4868. Or, you can file Form 4868 electronically (e-file), using your personal computer, or through a tax professional. You do not […] Read More
Italy 101: Understanding the Housing Market
The housing market in Italy is very different from other markets and many aspects of it often surprise foreigners relocating here. In order to fully understand how it works, and to avoid any unpleasant surprises, let’s take a look at the most important things to know: 1. Landlord’s Market– Italy, for the most part, is […] Read More
Filing Taxes for U.S. Citizens: Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act
“If you live abroad…you must submit a Form 8938 for foreign financial assets over a certain threshold” The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) is an important development in U.S. efforts to combat tax evasion by U.S. persons holding accounts and other financial assets offshore. The Treasury Department and the IRS continue to develop guidance concerning […] Read More
Italy: Making a Living & How to Do it!
When I first moved to Italy back in 1988, the employment situation and business landscape were very different, many opportunities that exist today, simply did not back then. Technology and the global market place being at our fingertips has had a lot to do with this. When it comes to finding work and making a […] Read More
The Accompanying Partner, AKA: The Trailing Spouse
“take heart that every single ex-pat you meet was once as green as you are…” There seems to be no great label for a role that is challenging, hard to define and often overlooked when talking about life as an ex-pat. Historically, the term has been ‘trailing spouse,’ which many feel implies that the one […] Read More
Overseas Voting Registration in 2017
Just voted in November? Still traveling or living overseas? You should register and request your absentee ballot to vote again in 2017 to ensure your election office knows where to send your ballot for any upcoming special elections for federal office. Some states are also holding gubernatorial or other statewide elections this year. TheFederal Voting […] Read More
Is an Overseas Assignment Right for You?
The allure of an overseas assignment can be very appealing to some individuals, especially for certain destinations that are very sought after, such as London. However, it is wise to note, that some of the most unsuccessful relocations from the US, for example, are into the UK – this may seem strange, but many people […] Read More
Expats: Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay
Expats come in every color and stripe, and each one has a unique story to tell, an individual set of circumstances and a reason that brought them here. It may be a job, a spouse’s job, a relationship, an opportunity, or something else, and, depending on the reason, the length of an ex-pat’s stay can […] Read More
Be an Active Voter: Vote in the 2016 U.S. Elections!
In many states, the voter registration deadline for the November 2016 elections is October 10. For some voters this might mean their paper voter registration and absentee ballot request must reach their local election officials by October 10. In order to vote in the November 2016 elections, all overseas U.S. citizens need to have completed […] Read More
The Stages of Cultural Adjustment (Part 3 of 3)
In part two of the series, we left off discussing stage three of cultural adjustment, adaptation, in which you were beginning to reach a place of understanding and acceptance of your new culture, and you found yourself feeling more like the person you were back in your home country, but with a new twist. As […] Read More
The Stages of Cultural Adjustment (Part 2 of 3)
In part one, we left off discussing stage two of the process of cultural adjustment, in which you were experiencing full-blown culture shock and all the frustrations and challenges that go with it. Again, this can be the most difficult stage of adapting to a new culture and the time in which it is most […] Read More
The Octopus and the Wedding Proposal
How did Salvatore propose?” a friend asked recently, referring to my Italian husband. When I told her that we’d decided to get married in Positano, she said that sounded breathtakingly romantic. Little did she know. When you grow up in the United States, you assume that a proposal will involve a man with a ring […] Read More
Some alternative BREXIT thoughts and why Italy could be next.
The last few weeks entertainment have taught me that there are decades when nothing happens in the world and weeks where decades happen. I have bounced from anger to frustration and back again and I am still trying to understand the logic for the BREXIT vote. I am slowly getting to that place and thought […] Read More
The Stages of Cultural Adjustment (Part 1 of 3)
When thinking about and planning to move to a new country, the number of logistical preparations to take care of can seem endless. Especially if you are moving not just by yourself, but with a partner and children in tow. Sorting out housing, schools, cars, documents – documents! – and much more, add up to […] Read More
Intercultural Relationships: When They Don’t Work Out
You fell madly in love with an Italian man, someone who wasn’t like anyone else you had ever met. You quickly realized you could see yourself with this person in a permanent way. You decided you were willing – happy – to leave your own life behind and move across the world to be with […] Read More
Expat Steve Oxley, director of British Council in Milan
The British Council is an organization that was founded 82 years ago with the intention of promoting British culture and English education abroad. Today, the goal has changed only slightly to promoting friendly knowledge and understanding between the UK and the rest of the world, while continuing to offer English language classes.[1] The British Council […] Read More
Top Tax Tips for Expats in Italy
Here are my top tax tips for living or moving to Italy. Beware of the DIY approach. Always discuss your tax situation with an experienced and knowledgeable commercialista and financial planner Taxes in Italy are not that much different to other countries around Europe and you might be surprised at just how little you have […] Read More
Applying for Italian Citizenship (with few tears)
You’ve been an expat in Italy for long enough to ponder if you should apply for Italian citizenship – but you might not be so sure about the process. Inspired by the imminent BrExit referendum, the Scottish association Casa Scozia recently held a seminar on Italian citizenship for Brits and other English speakers in the […] Read More
Helpful tips on buying a property in Italy
Buying a property in Italy can unfortunately be a nerve-wracking process and there are plenty of potential pitfalls. What starts out as an exciting adventure can quite easily turn into an unpleasant and costly experience. This is however no reason to be put off. Just be sure to do your research and to seek the […] Read More
U.S. Income Tax Return Preparation
U.S. Income Tax Return Preparation and Advice for American Citizen Living in Italy Personal Income Tax Resident individuals are subject to a personal income tax, named IRPEF, on their worldwide income. Individuals carrying on a business or profession and/or partnerships are liable to IRAP which is not deductible from IRPEF. Non-resident individuals are subject to […] Read More
New Parenthood and Giving Birth in Milan (Part 1)
(Part 1 of 3) You’re having a baby! Few discoveries are as momentous, as joyful and as terrifying as the news that from this day forward, you will forever be responsible for a life aside from your own. That bringing this life into the world and helping to shape the person your baby will become […] Read More
Happy Waitangi Day from the New Zealand Consulate General
On February 6 each year New Zealand celebrates Waitangi Day. This national holiday marks the signing of what is regarded as New Zealand’s founding document, a treaty signed on February 6 1840 between the then Queen of England Victoria, and the chiefs of most of New Zealand’s indigenous Maori tribes. This holiday is at the […] Read More
Two Worlds, One Relationship
Are you in an intercultural relationship? Do you know firsthand the unique joys of having a partner who enriches your worldview, and the frustrations of having a partner with whom you are often on different pages, based on different points of reference, different societal norms and countless different cultural nuances? In my counseling practice, I […] Read More
Traveling with Kids
Like international couples, my wife and I travel abroad frequently, often to spend time with family and friends. For expats, traveling is like brushing your teeth, something you do on autopilot without giving it much thought. Well, at least that was the case before you had kids. Now this has become something far more challenging. […] Read More
How much do you know about Robert Burns?
Scotland is perhaps the only country in the world that regularly celebrates a poet: 25 January 2016 will mark the 257thanniversary of Robert Burns’ birth in 1759. Scots all over the world will get together for a traditional Burns Supper, which features Scotland’s most famous dish: haggis. We will have it flown in specially from […] Read More
Holiday Blues
The holiday season has begun, dear ones. Thanksgiving was just a few days ago, and for those of us living in Milan, we’re going to have holidays again in a few days (S. Ambrogio) and then… Christmas time. When December kicks in we all feel like Christmas is here and the whole month is all […] Read More