Note: some emails were shortened but all spelling and grammar errors are original to the inquirer.

I have to say I am astounded at the lack of general punctuation use and formulation of actual questions I receive. They take the time to find my email address, open their email program, compose a message to me and press “Send”, yet they can’t take the time to make their inquiry clear? Take a look at this one:

I looked at your website, i need an advice that i am thinking to do masters in Italy as i want to learn the language, i cant speak italian just few words, so are there any master programs taught in English, also a part time work or full time in english so finance myself.

and another:

Afternoon, Im very stuck. Been researching but Im so confused. Im hoping to move it Italy in the next year or so. I have accomodation already but how do I start to go about getting a work permit please. All Ive read confuses me so much. Plus, as a British citizen, will i need a residence permit for longer than 3 months.

and yet another:

Can you please help me, I know I need a visa but like you said it is hard to get a job without a permit but hard to get a permit without a job. Please help. Thanks.

These emails are not helpful to anyone. Please specify, after reading what I’ve already communicated, how exactly I might help. I am not an immigration official, nor a recruiter, just someone trying to help!

Let’s move on to the real questions:

Dear Ms. Adventures in Italy, I am currently a senior at Yale University. I just came back from living and studying in Italy for about 7 months, and all I can think about is going back. I would love to find a job for next year, but everyone I talk to seems to say the same things: “There just aren’t any jobs there” or “It’s really hard for a foreigner to find a job.” I am fluent in Italian and German and would love to work in business. Do you have any suggestions?

I have a couple of questions for you. First, do companies have preference for 1. English speaking people and 2. people with business degrees? I am having trouble finding work even in the U.S. and have read that it’s even more difficult in Italy. Also, I noticed in Rome that men are not shy about professing love to someone…even if they’ve only known you for an hour! Are woman treated fairly in the workplace, typically? Or discrimination a major issue? Sincerely, Listening to the Masses and Worried about Latin Lovers

Dear Listening to the Masses and Worried about Latin Lovers,

I think both sentiments are probably correct, but they depend on the industry you’re interested in. Becoming a university professor in Italy, for example, is extremely difficult whereas working in a private language school is relatively easy. Ditto for tourism, communication, internet, etc. but the answer is “it depends.”

Fluency is definitely a plus as most companies in Italy will use Italian in the office even if they are working with clients / delivering products-projects in English. I would say speaking English is always a bonus, but there’s no preference for it, especially if you speak 0 Italian. I know very few people working in offices where the base language is English.

You say you want to work in business – do you know where? I suggest your start two-pronged – make a list of companies that are in the sector you’re interested in that you know in America. Then, do a search for companies that are already in Italy, including companies founded in Italy. These two lists will definitely not be the same, and that’s ok – some of the companies in America may be looking for an international presence and/or freelance/contract help, and some international / Italian companies may be looking for someone with your skills. Of course, networking and making as many contacts as possible before leaving is probably your best bet, though many companies will want to interview you in person in Italy.

Unless you have a degree from an Ivy league university (in this case you do, congrats), or one that has high name recognition, I think your work experience will be what makes more of an impression on your interviewer. Advance business degrees (especially MBAs) are not as valued as I  think they are in the US, or rather, they have no additional value that might give you an edge. Some people have no idea what the acronym means. I suggest getting some work experience anyway – here in Italy new graduates do “stage” internships even into their 30s because of the difficult work situation – if you have some work experience under your belt before you make the move, it will be an edge.

“Rome that men are not shy about professing love to someone” – yes, this is a chapter all on its own called “The Latin Lover” – you will meet some Italian men who are looking for and love the exotic – an American on vacation is one of the sweetest varieties. But if you live here, you’ll also meet some great, honorable Italian men. There are all types, everywhere. The Latin Lovers just stick out more (like peacocks).

Re: women treated fairly in the workplace, I can’t profess to know every workplace in Italy. I think on the whole the women’s movement regarding equal opportunity and pay is several years behind the UK or the US, but that doesn’t translate into disrespect or discrimination automatically. I think it’s much easier to find the negative experiences because that’s what sticks in people’s minds more. There are several women’s groups (some of which are listed on my Milan & Italy links page) which are working toward improving the situation. Cheers, Ms. Adventures in Italy

Dear Ms. Adventures in Italy, I am in the midst of applying for my dual citizenship and should have it within a year.  My mother is an Italian citizen living in Canada.  My question is, if I move there with my husband, and he does not have a citizenship, what is the process for him since I will have the necessary paper work.  Can he apply through me?  Can he move there with me and will he need to get anything when we move?  Any information you can provide me is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Doing the Dual

Dear Doing the Dual,

Congrats! Dual citizenship is an easy way to move to Italy. Your husband will need to get a visa and then he will be able to apply for a permesso per motivi familiari since he will be joining an Italian citizen. Inquire at your local Italian consulate (see my Help Me Move to Italy post for consulate links) – it’s something that you’ll have to do BEFORE you move since you’re not currently a resident. Cheers, Ms. Adventures in Italy

Ms. Adventures in Italy, I’m a student who want to pursue my higher education in Italy. I was looking for someone to help me get in touch with the student community there for a few clarifications. I’m an International student who want to pursue my Masters there and go on to do research in the field of my interest. Looking For a Connection

Dear Looking for a Connection,

I think your best bet is narrowing down where you want to pursue your higher education and start mining that university’s website for student associations and clubs that you can come into contact with. Another suggestion is to search on Facebook – a lot of the Italian student population is online and there are groups for everything – you’re bound to find an informal space to ask some questions. Cheers, Ms. Adventures in Italy

Ms. Adventures in Italy, My question is if I enter Italy as a Tourist with my Canadian passport, what if I find work while there, can I get the paper work started while I am in Italy? Or do I have to absolutely apply for the work visa in my country of residence? From Here or There

Dear Here or There,

I’m not Canadian so I can’t speak from personal experience about your country. I know that for Americans you have to go back to the US to apply for a visa, I’m assuming it’s a requirement of the Italian consulate, not anything to do with the home country’s requirement (so I’m assuming it would be the same for Canada). Best check the consulate’s documentation and recommendations on their site (see my Help Me Move to Italy post for consulate links). Cheers, Ms. Adventures in Italy

Hello, I love the work your blog and the work you’ve done to make it very helpful for people like me who are interested in moving to Italy. In your “Help! How Do I Live and Work in Italy?” blog post you talked about the work visa paradox. After I finish my Masters degree, I really would love to work as a teacher in Italy. Is there anything I can do to impove my odds of finding a job before I go to Italy? Would I have a better chance of getting a work visa by flying to Italy and personally talking to schools to find one to sponsor me? Thanks! From Flying to Teach

Dear Flying to Teach,

I think planning a trip to Italy to do interviews and talk to schools in person is a good idea. Contact them beforehand saying that you plan to be physically in “x” city on those dates and would like to interview/meet with the Director of Studies that week, etc. and attach your resume, highlighting any previous teaching experience. Schools are selling a very human, person-to-person experience, so it makes sense that they expect to see and know you before making a decision about hiring.

Be ready for the question: “So when are you planning on moving here?” Have a game plan ready in case 1) they offer to work on the work visa situation and 2) in case if they don’t offer. (Will you still move to Italy? Have you already bought that 1-way ticket?)

As far as the work visa situation goes, very few schools go through the trouble (when they have British/EU teachers available) so you’ll just have to see what kind of response you get. Cheers, Ms. Adventures in Italy

Hi Ms. Adventures, I’ve been learning Italian for the past year. It’s coming along well but I am by no means fluent. I like the idea of teaching because I love languages (I speak English and French). However, I have seen some information that states that in Italy you do not need teaching qualifications to teach English, you just need to be a native speaker. I’m totally confused about what qualifications I would need and how to apply for a job. The Italian way seems to be very much more about networking but I have no idea how to do this, especially being based in the UK at the moment. Have you got any advice you can give me? From Qualifying to Teach

Hello Qualifying to Teach,

See my above answer for the networking and applying – I think it can only help for the schools to meet you in person. Schedule a week (or two if you’re still undecided between cities) to come here and do some in-person interviewing and scouting around.

Some schools will not ask for previous teaching experience, nor CELTA/TEFL certificates, but they will take into account your own formal education and if you have multiple degrees, etc., especially in subjects they are teaching to students. Some schools, though, require these certifications and if you have neither a university degree nor teaching experience you may want to consider getting the certificate. Cheers, Ms. Adventures in Italy

Hi, Great website! I am a cook looking to study pizza in Napoli or any other region. I would love to attain a Pizzaiolo certification. I have cooked for many years in Sweden and in California. I have lived in Italy in the 80’s, yet have no contacts. I am also interested in just working in Italy as a cook. Any help would be much appreciated. From the Pizza Man

Hi Pizza Man,

This isn’t my specialty, but with a quick google search for “pizzaiolo certificato” I found the Verace Pizza Napoletana Association and a Masters for Pizza makers. It’s probably a good place to start, but since you speak Italian, troll some of the forums to see if you can find out which program is the most reputable. Cheers, Ms. Adventures in Italy

Dear Ms. Adventures in Italy, My wife and I are considering moving to Italy.  I am a teacher in the United States and I had thought about teaching English abroad. I have looked some at your website, but there is a lot of information and I wanted to contact you first. Most jobs seem to say they require experience.  Can I find a job teaching English in Italy that will provide an income that I can live with functionally without returning to school for years on end?  I love teaching and it is a feasible career to get a start in a foreign country it would seem.  I just want to figure out how realistic the option is without having to go back to school first. From Enough Dough to Live?

Hello Enough Dough to Live,

You already have teaching experience which is good – even better if you’ve been teaching English! If you’re hoping to support a couple on a single income of an English teacher in a private language school, the answer is no, it’s not enough dough. I don’t think going back to school will solve the problem – it’s not enough for two to live. A teacher can make anywhere from 600 euro/month to 1,500/month, depending on your schedule, how busy the school is and how many other teachers they have, and if you have any private students, etc. I heard of one (1) teacher who was making more than 2,000euro/month but he had been in Italy for several years and had built up an impressive private businessmen/student clientele. If the two of you both work, you might have a chance, but it won’t be luxury. You will be getting by. Cheers, Ms. Adventures in Italy

Dear Ms. Adventures, I am a dental student at the University of Toronto in Canada, and want to work in Italy (maybe Rome) as an associate for a year or 2 after I graduate. I will have my Canadian DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and will pass the Canadian Board Exam to be able to practise in Canada. Will I be able to work for a Dentist in Italy?? Or is this dream just too hard to accomplish? I was thinking I could work for an American/English Dentist that works in Italy. What do you think?? And will I be able to get a work Visa for 1 or 2 years if I’m a Dentist? Thanks for any help/contacts you have! And thanks for the time you put into helping others experience Italy! ~Canadian Dentist dreaming of Italy

Dear Canadian Dentist dreaming of Italy,

Unfortunately I have no contacts regarding dentists – I need one myself! But, I think the possibility that you could get an internship with a dentist may be a possibility but practicing on your own and getting a work visa are completely different situations altogether. I would suggest scouring the advertising sections of popular English language publications in Italy (check my Milan/Italy links) to find the American/English dentists and contact them with your questions. Prepare yourself and know your answer to – If they are willing to accept me as an associate, but without a work visa, will I do it anyway? Often work permits are more expensive and trouble than they are worth to the employer to pursue for a possible employee. The burden usually remains with the person looking for work to have the correct papers. Cheers, Ms. Adventures in Italy

Please note: I am not an immigration lawyer or official – this information is not intended to be legal advice nor supplant/contradict any official government communication. Please consult the rules/regulations that pertain to you and your particular situation/country. I am not encouraging or advising your participation in illegal activity.

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So, I don’t often talk about what it’s like to live in Italy since this is more of a food, recipes, travel blog instead of an expat blog, but where I live, it’s definitely not like living under the Tuscan Sun. Milan is a city, albeit a city surrounded by a beautiful country that is Italy.

Instead, today I’ll talk you about someone who IS living under the Tuscan sun, expat veteran Judy Witts Francini, aka Divina Cucina. She has her own blog, which you should definitely check out, and we were supposed to meet a few weeks ago but thanks to a stupid train strike, that meeting didn’t work out. I was so pleased to get her new cookbook, Secrets from my Tuscan Kitchen: Divina Cucina’s Recipes by Judy Witts Francini in the mail with a nice note from her, and I couldn’t wait to try it out.

Judy is an expat who came here 25 years ago, and stayed. I’ve only been here for 6 years, which some days seems like a long time, but then I meet someone like Judy and I realize…I’m just getting started.

Judy’s made her first cookbook, written, produced and printed locally here in Italy – Secrets from my Tuscan Kitchen: Divina Cucina’s Recipes by Judy Witts Francini – I hope you check it out. David Lebovitz posted Perfect Panna Cotta from the cookbook as well!

In continuing in my “I Dare” food cooking challenge of 12 Fresh Pastas this year, I knew I wanted to make a pasta with spinach and Judy’s Salsa di Noci – Walnut Sauce / Pesto is great with the spinach pasta!

I called the pasta I made “Reginette” but they are not true Reginette which are wide ribbons but have wavy edges and therefore are difficult to do at home without special tools…but I think they’re close enough! You can make tagliatelle or fettucine instead of you prefer. I also fried up some sage leaves for a garnish.

Fresh Spinach Pasta

For 3-4 servings. Can be easily doubled.

150g fresh spinach
200g flour
1 egg

1. In a food processor, puree the fresh spinach with the egg until all pieces are well chopped.
2. Add the flour and pulse until just mixed together.
3. Turn dough out onto floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until pasta is elastic and smooth. Add more flour if dough is too sticky.
4. Form into a ball, lightly oil it and cover it with plastic wrap. Place in fridge for 30-60 minutes.
5. Divide the dough into at least two pieces (if the recipe is doubled, 4 pieces) and loosely form a rectangle shape with your hands. With a rolling pin (or pasta machine), roll out the dough.
6. With a ravioli cutter, cut the pasta into 1/2 inch strips wide and 6-8 inches long.
7. Cook pasta for 8-10 minutes in salted boiling water.

Salsa di Noci – Walnut Sauce

from Secrets from my Tuscan Kitchen: Divina Cucina’s Recipes by Judy Witts Francini

Note from Judy: This sauce is traditionally served with ravioli filled with spainch and ricotta or with tagliatelle. I like to serve it on bread as an appetizer.

6oz. walnuts (170g)
2 garlic cloves
2 slices white bread
1/4c. milk
3 T. olive oil
Salt

1. Remove the crusts from the bread and soak in a little milk, just enough to wet the bread.
2. In a food processor, blend the bread with the walnuts and garlic until pureed.
3. Add salt to taste, then add olive oil and blend again.
4. It can be thinned with more milk until you have the consistency you desire.

Want to make more fresh pasta? Try some of my other fresh pasta recipes:

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Go to my Expat GTG in Italy page to get more details and RSVP. Please spread the word!

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Hosting Thanksgiving in another country means that you have to make a lot of choices. Who to invite? Where to get the ingredients? Who hosts?

Over the years, mostly due to space limitations more than anything, I’ve given the precedence of inviting Americans (+ spouses) to the event. It is a common belief among my friends that it is the Americans who are more in touch with the sentiment behind the occasion, and therefore enjoy it more.

But whose fault is it?

It’s perhaps my fault, not having ever communicated to non-Americans what Thanksgiving means to me, especially as a host.

The origins of Thanksgiving date back to the 1600s, and though birthed as a day to give thanks after the harvest and to God, the modern-day celebration is largely non-denominational other than each individual family’s saying of grace or lack thereof. Many new vegetables and foodstuffs were introduced to the Pilgrims by the Native Americans, including squash, corn and beans, which is why these ingredients are usually present in some form at the meal.

Avoiding a political discussion where we discuss the tragedy that befell the Native Americans in the years to follow, the modern-day Thanksgiving itself is probably the least commercial holiday America has. Which is why, of course, Black Friday was invented the day after – to catch up on a day spent largely with family and friends (and perhaps watching American football on TV) and shopping your hearts out.

Tips for Non-Americans at Thanksgiving

This is probably the most important holiday of the year for your American host.
Thanksgiving is or was probably the least-likely holiday that your American host spent alone. In fact, we want to surround ourselves with friends and family. I love Thanksgiving, the being together, whether with friends or family, and the lack of pressure surrounding gifts that Christmas has, and the non-denominational holiday spirit. The cold ensures close quarters and that we will spend time together – talking, drinking, and of course, eating. I want to spend it with people that I feel can appreciate the evening, or at least my enjoyment of it.

Treat the invitation like you’ve been invited to the host’s house for Christmas dinner.
In the U.S., the most asked question before Thanksgiving is “Whose house are you eating Thanksgiving dinner at?” Through the years I have received invitations to Thanksgiving dinner with people who were not my immediate family, and offered them as well.

You wouldn’t invite just anyone to your house for Christmas (or equivalent) dinner, so it is an honor to be invited to Thanksgiving. Likewise, you wouldn’t refuse an invitation to Christmas dinner last-minute, so you wouldn’t do the same with Thanksgiving. This will also help your host with planning the right amount of ingredients and desserts to have on hand. Of course, abundance is key on Thanksgiving (as are leftovers), but a timely RSVP is appreciated.

Ask your host what you can do.
Especially in the expat kitchen, we might not have all the tools on hand (I had a friend bring a potato masher this year), and it’s almost a guarantee that we can’t find all the ingredients needed. Your host will probably spend all day in the kitchen (gladly!) but ask what you can do, and don’t be upset if you get asked to bring a dish. Actually, expect it!

Contributing something to the meal is part of the original sentiment of Thanksgiving, and it becomes a bit of a “potluck” meal this way. Potluck is an American institution, perhaps as ingrained into our culture as apple pie, and it is the beauty of “everyone contributes” and it makes the meal more special knowing every dish has been carefully prepared by someone different.

Thanksgiving therefore isn’t just the host’s dinner, it’s OUR dinner.

Check if it’s an open invite.
Back to the space issue. Someday I’ll live in a “villa” (single-family house) with space for many Thanksgiving participants. But for now I live in a one-bedroom apartment with squeezes in 10+ on a very good day. Most hosts want to invite the world, and if they do, they will tell you to spread the word. But if they don’t, don’t invite other people or mention it casually without clearing it with your host first. Probably every invite extended was a carefully thought-out invitation.

There may be some “feelings” time involved.
It depends on the group, but sometimes your Thanksgiving group will spend some time talking about what they are thankful for. This is, after all, the main sentiment of the holiday. Don’t be afraid to be thankful for more than just the meal in front of you.

Did I leave something out?? What tips would you give?

Thanksgiving this Year

This year, due to a combination of better suppliers and some international trippers, we had most of the usual suspects on the buffet table, with a few new surprises. I miraculously ordered a 7 kilo (~16lb) turkey on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, and my local macellaio responded to my pleading smile and ordered it, even though it meant they had to accept a pack of 3 birds. They even cleaned it well and left me with a minimum of feathers to deal with.

The funniest part about the turkey was the company label that was stuck into it like a clothes tag. I checked inside the turkey to see if they had left on the anti-theft device, too. Another side note: “Vecchia Fattoria” is funny because it’s the beginning of the Old Mac Donald song in Italian – “Nella Vecchia Fattoria…i ai i ai…” :)

After a slight hesitation that it wouldn’t fit in my oven, I developed a patented upside-down baking tray reinforcement for my roasting pan that would allow me to rotate and remove the turkey as necessary for basting. Those dark pieces on the turkey? Just some of the stray pieces of onion and other roasting veggies.

If you want to know what we served that night, click on the photo and it will take you to my Flickr page where I inserted notes on the picture.

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