Hi Alyssa, thanks for your video, good and informative, I really enjoy it. My son just finished High School and he is planning to travel to Milán Italy next year. He is English/Spanish bilingual and hopefully he can learn Italian soon, my plan is to enroll him in the Società Dante Alighieri for a couple months and then comeback to US to start with the Student Visa Process. We took notes of your experience, truly appreciated. Keep it up. You have a great way to put your experience in words, love it. Thanks
I have so many thoughts haha but overall of course I agree with you. I think what you said about the honeymoon phase is spot on, and something I bring up as well in my videos is the difference between my study abroad experience in Rome and my life now in Bologna. I spent the whole 4 months of study abroad in Rome in the honeymoon phase. I think most people do, so then when they say "Oh I want to go back and live there!" (like me) they don't really realize what they're in for. Study abroad is such a different experience than actually moving there yourself and trying to make it work. I agree about Rome and how bad it's gotten. I studied abroad there from January to April in 2018 and that was still considered the "low season" at the time, so it was actually quite pleasant. Now, no matter what time of year I go back to visit Rome, it's insane and pretty unenjoyable because of how crowded and touristy it feels. I also totally get what you mean about never looking like you fit in. Even here in Bologna I've had so many people look shocked when I speak to them in Italian and they literally say "Oh wow sorry you look like a foreigner" or "I assumed you spoke English" 🤣 Which, I guess it's fun sometimes to surprise them, but I do wish I could "blend in" a bit more since I've decided I want this to be my home and I want to fit in. Anyways, I could write a whole essay on this, but I think your video is a great explanation of YOUR experience and I think it's totally fine to share what bothers you and be real about how hard life can be. I don't see it as complaining, I see it as you reflecting on your growth and experience and what you have learned, but some people who will comment negative things are too blind to recognize that. I think it's totally fine to split time between the US and Italy as I plan on doing in the future as well.
I agree with you. You wanted to experience Rome as a local, not tourist. I can understand that. Personally i like going where the tourist aren't. Too crowded. You can't enjoy. I admire that you took on this journey. How awesome it is that you've had this wonderful experience. As you learn, you grow. I have friends in France that describe the experiences you have. I think immigration anywhere could be the same. Strict & bureaucratic. Great truthful video.😊
Ahaha no I know!! I just meant in general, all of me doesn’t look Italian, and probably never will. I think I look very American 😂 I’ve even had Italians shout at me “AMERICA” as I was crossing the street lol
Honestly, Italy is just a country like every other at the end of the day. I agree that it’s over romanticized, but, you can say that a lot of Italians do the same thing with America, “the land of opportunity.” You have good advice in this video, but really a lot of it is just rapidly developing in your young adulthood. Anyone who actually believes moving to Italy, or any country, will somehow solve all their problems, is just incredibly naive. In my opinion, this entire experience is less about the faults of a country, and more about just getting a big smack of reality as a young adult.
The title of the video is "Things I wish I knew before moving to Italy" and that's what I spoke about. No need to insult my journey or my age. Let's be kind to one another.
@@AlyssaMaeFriend Not sure where you found an "insult" in that comment, but okay then. It was simply an observation, as a lot of people move to Italy a bit on the naïve side. I definitely didn’t mean it as an insult, just a general theme of being young and figuring things out. You certainly can’t be aware of every little detail about an entire country, or even a city, and that’s fine. What I was trying to say, though perhaps I didn’t convey it properly, is that your experiences aren’t necessarily unique to Italy. These experiences generally encompass a majority of people (primarily those in their 20s and 30s) who choose to move abroad. But hats off to you for making the move, it’s certainly not easy, as you said. I genuinely hope you continue to enjoy it, as getting out of your comfort zone can make you an incredibly strong person.
Sorry I misunderstood you- it's always hard to know the tone in comments, and I've been getting some really nasty ones on this video in particular. I'm too sensitive to be on the internet lol It's true my experiences aren't necessarily unique to Italy, and that's not the point I was trying to make in the video.. you're right, it's more about moving abroad in general. Thank you for explaining your meaning more ❤️❤️
@@AlyssaMaeFriend Yeah no worries! I agree, it's hard to know someone's true intent just based on written text. But I do think it's good to sort of "de-influence" this growing trend of moving to Italy, or really any country, and it magically solving all of your problems. You did a great job with that in this video. But what really grinds my gears, lol, is people putting all the stressors of moving to a foreign country, specifically on that country. Like Italy for example. Is it perfect here? Absolutely not. Many things could be improved. But the same can be said for literally every country on this earth. Even the U.S., which has horrific bureaucracy as well, which I know first hand as my father is an immigrant from Panama. So long windedness aside, good work, good convo and you take care :)
Ahh the good days of world travel. I was on a 6 week backpacking trip through Europe with no cell phone in 2010, right before smart phones and apps took the world by storm. I’ve traveled to many of the same places since and it was already terrible in comparison starting in 2013. It’s crazy and not even worth visiting most locations in Italy and just about every other destination on instagram.
It also worth mentioning Italy has been experiencing it's worst economic crisis since 2002 -ish, and it's still struggling to find its way out... Around the year 2000, the place has dramatically changed, for better or worse, because of 1) globalization 2) social medias 3) the Euro 4) the society has morphed into a multi ethic one (12% of the populace is made up of foreigners or 2nd generations ) 5) birthrate has been rock - bottom since late 70s , which makes Italy the oldest place in the world after Japan (1/4 are senior citizens ) A reality check is due to the debunk the silly myths you mentioned 🙂
@AlyssaMaeFriend I meant the people who buy the thing depicted in those movies, do they really believe in those things ? They are naive if that's the case 🙂
aaah capisco, sorry, I misunderstood haha I believed it a little!! I came to Italy for the first time when I was 21 and didn't know anything about life haha Glad to hear you relate to my thoughts!
@@letinese honesty She spoke the Truth, Rome, at least, Is One of the most backward, disorganized European Capital and things have worsened a lot since the euro.... The average income Is like 1k dollari, but the cost of living Is similar to Wien, Munich, Paris which can boast a way higher quality of life
I was just in Rome and I had the similiar theme park thought. It occurred to me as I walked further away from the typical sites of the Centre, even though the areas where still close they felt slightly different. The Centre felt like a theme park or a mall while the outer areas felt a bit more "normal", less hectic and quieter via comparison (as much as a big city can be). It made me realize that if I lived there I might not want to live in the centre.
La soluzione è semplice vai via da Roma ovviamente non andare a Firenze o Venezia basta andare in una città più piccola e meno turistica, non pensare che tu fossi andata in Germania in Francia sarebbe stato molto diverso tutti paesi hanno problemi con la differenza che il tempo (nel senso meteorolgico) fa cagare non ci sono spiagge e mare il cibo è così così. Anche gli U.S.A:. sono mitizzati invece ci sono grossi problemi e posti di merda. Ho visto scene pazzesche che qui in Italia non esistono tipo Zombi street a Philadelphia oppure San Francisco piena di merda dei senzatetto c'è persino una app per evitare le zone peggiori. Inoltre qui in Italia non rischi che qualcuno ti spari.
Se sei tanto sul negativo, potrai andare pure sulla Luna ma sarà sempre durissima! Un esempio? Parli con particolare sconforto del fatto che nei ristoranti non si avvicinano a chiederti il conto; ma lo fanno per non darti fretta! Si tratta di un gesto di attenzione! Non vogliono darti la sensazione che devi sloggiare! E' chiaro che se dopo anni, parti così prevenuta, leggerai tutto in modo orribile, pigliando talvolta lucciole per lanterne! Sei proprio sicura che per uno straniero che vuole vivere e lavorare negli USA, avere il permesso di lavoro (la mitica green card) sia facile? Non credo proprio. E poi l'Italia è così varia. Mica esiste solo Roma! A non molto ad esempio, trovi Frascati che è un centro urbano super vivibile e dove la vita costa molto meno. Oltre il settanta per cento dei comuni in Italia, ha meno di 20.000 abitanti. Le Università costano niente. La Sanità ancora meno. Certo se poi, non hai nemmeno il coraggio di parlare, in Italia e non solo, diventa assai dura.
The restaurant: I'm aware (now) of why they don't bring you the bill. I was stating that that is different than in the USA, and when I was in Italy for the very first time in my life, I didn't know about that cultural difference- It wasn't a complaint. "Things I wish I knew before moving to Italy" is the title of the video, and that was just a stupid example... meant to be light-hearted. I never said it's easy to get green cards in the USA, or any other country. I was saying that visas and documents were harder to get than I had expected, because everyone on social media makes it look so easy. I wanted to warn people that it's not so easy. I also said that things are different in other cities and towns, but my experience is mostly from my time living in Rome - did you listen to that part? The beginning of the video, I say that I don't regret moving and that it's made me into the person that I am - which would imply that I love Italy. There are many incredible things about the country. But this video isn't a list of "all the things I love about Italy" - it's about things that in reality were different than what I had expected, "things I wish I would have known". I'm not talking negatively about Italy... just wish I would have known some of these things before embarking in moving. I wish someone would have told me a lot of these, and this video might be helpful for other young people wanting to move. Hope you can understand my heart.
@@AlyssaMaeFriend Io non ho detto che hai parlato "negativamente" dell'italia! Ho detto e dico che sembri avere un atteggiamento negativo rispetto alla vita! E' una sensazione. Ma io sono orgogliosamente italiano nel bene e nel male, e dò spazio all'istinto e alle percezioni, e non solo all'analisi e al ragionamento. E ho visto una giovane troppo remissiva che credo debba prendere l'esistenza con maggiore fiducia e guardando alle opportunità più che alla complicazioni. Lo so che per la cultura anglosassone, non va bene questa mia intrusione, ma non sono capace di restare indifferente perché ti vedo sperduta. Se sbaglio, scusami. Poi però, intendiamoci, io ti auguro ogni bene con tutto il cuore!
ALL GREAT ADVICE! I listen to a guy with a channel on TH-cam and his name is Rafael di Furia. He too mentioned many of the same things you did. He no longer lives in Italy.
Hi Alyssa, thanks for your video, good and informative, I really enjoy it. My son just finished High School and he is planning to travel to Milán Italy next year. He is English/Spanish bilingual and hopefully he can learn Italian soon, my plan is to enroll him in the Società Dante Alighieri for a couple months and then comeback to US to start with the Student Visa Process. We took notes of your experience, truly appreciated. Keep it up. You have a great way to put your experience in words, love it. Thanks
Glad it was helpful! Good luck, what a great experience that will be!❤️
I have so many thoughts haha but overall of course I agree with you. I think what you said about the honeymoon phase is spot on, and something I bring up as well in my videos is the difference between my study abroad experience in Rome and my life now in Bologna. I spent the whole 4 months of study abroad in Rome in the honeymoon phase. I think most people do, so then when they say "Oh I want to go back and live there!" (like me) they don't really realize what they're in for. Study abroad is such a different experience than actually moving there yourself and trying to make it work. I agree about Rome and how bad it's gotten. I studied abroad there from January to April in 2018 and that was still considered the "low season" at the time, so it was actually quite pleasant. Now, no matter what time of year I go back to visit Rome, it's insane and pretty unenjoyable because of how crowded and touristy it feels. I also totally get what you mean about never looking like you fit in. Even here in Bologna I've had so many people look shocked when I speak to them in Italian and they literally say "Oh wow sorry you look like a foreigner" or "I assumed you spoke English" 🤣 Which, I guess it's fun sometimes to surprise them, but I do wish I could "blend in" a bit more since I've decided I want this to be my home and I want to fit in. Anyways, I could write a whole essay on this, but I think your video is a great explanation of YOUR experience and I think it's totally fine to share what bothers you and be real about how hard life can be. I don't see it as complaining, I see it as you reflecting on your growth and experience and what you have learned, but some people who will comment negative things are too blind to recognize that. I think it's totally fine to split time between the US and Italy as I plan on doing in the future as well.
Love that Shea!
You look so young to have known what life was like before social media and I totally agree! I miss those days so bad😢
Haha I’m in my 30s 😅❤️❤️
Love this honesty and transparency! I heard some of these things before moving there, but you only really believe it when it happens to you 😆
I agree with you. You wanted to experience Rome as a local, not tourist. I can understand that. Personally i like going where the tourist aren't. Too crowded. You can't enjoy. I admire that you took on this journey. How awesome it is that you've had this wonderful experience. As you learn, you grow. I have friends in France that describe the experiences you have. I think immigration anywhere could be the same. Strict & bureaucratic. Great truthful video.😊
@@debrasams2362 thank you so much Debra 🥹❤️ I appreciate your kindness and supportive words!
@AlyssaMaeFriend you’re most welcome.
4:30
TU non ci crederai, ma esistono pure Italiani con occhi azzurri, giuro !
😅
Ahaha no I know!! I just meant in general, all of me doesn’t look Italian, and probably never will. I think I look very American 😂 I’ve even had Italians shout at me “AMERICA” as I was crossing the street lol
@AlyssaMaeFriend senza dubbio ! Hahhaah
Honestly, Italy is just a country like every other at the end of the day. I agree that it’s over romanticized, but, you can say that a lot of Italians do the same thing with America, “the land of opportunity.” You have good advice in this video, but really a lot of it is just rapidly developing in your young adulthood. Anyone who actually believes moving to Italy, or any country, will somehow solve all their problems, is just incredibly naive. In my opinion, this entire experience is less about the faults of a country, and more about just getting a big smack of reality as a young adult.
The title of the video is "Things I wish I knew before moving to Italy" and that's what I spoke about. No need to insult my journey or my age. Let's be kind to one another.
@@AlyssaMaeFriend Not sure where you found an "insult" in that comment, but okay then. It was simply an observation, as a lot of people move to Italy a bit on the naïve side. I definitely didn’t mean it as an insult, just a general theme of being young and figuring things out. You certainly can’t be aware of every little detail about an entire country, or even a city, and that’s fine. What I was trying to say, though perhaps I didn’t convey it properly, is that your experiences aren’t necessarily unique to Italy. These experiences generally encompass a majority of people (primarily those in their 20s and 30s) who choose to move abroad. But hats off to you for making the move, it’s certainly not easy, as you said. I genuinely hope you continue to enjoy it, as getting out of your comfort zone can make you an incredibly strong person.
Sorry I misunderstood you- it's always hard to know the tone in comments, and I've been getting some really nasty ones on this video in particular. I'm too sensitive to be on the internet lol
It's true my experiences aren't necessarily unique to Italy, and that's not the point I was trying to make in the video.. you're right, it's more about moving abroad in general. Thank you for explaining your meaning more ❤️❤️
@@AlyssaMaeFriend Yeah no worries! I agree, it's hard to know someone's true intent just based on written text. But I do think it's good to sort of "de-influence" this growing trend of moving to Italy, or really any country, and it magically solving all of your problems. You did a great job with that in this video. But what really grinds my gears, lol, is people putting all the stressors of moving to a foreign country, specifically on that country. Like Italy for example. Is it perfect here? Absolutely not. Many things could be improved. But the same can be said for literally every country on this earth. Even the U.S., which has horrific bureaucracy as well, which I know first hand as my father is an immigrant from Panama. So long windedness aside, good work, good convo and you take care :)
the fruit and vegetables actually taste good!
lol yes they do
Italy is so beautiful country by You Dear Alyssa.🥰😍🤗
Ahh the good days of world travel. I was on a 6 week backpacking trip through Europe with no cell phone in 2010, right before smart phones and apps took the world by storm. I’ve traveled to many of the same places since and it was already terrible in comparison starting in 2013. It’s crazy and not even worth visiting most locations in Italy and just about every other destination on instagram.
How lucky are you to have travelled before smart phones! haha I'm jealous
thank you sweetheart
It also worth mentioning Italy has been experiencing it's worst economic crisis since 2002 -ish, and it's still struggling to find its way out...
Around the year 2000, the place has dramatically changed, for better or worse, because of
1) globalization
2) social medias
3) the Euro
4) the society has morphed into a multi ethic one (12% of the populace is made up of foreigners or 2nd generations )
5) birthrate has been rock - bottom since late 70s , which makes Italy the oldest place in the world after Japan (1/4 are senior citizens )
A reality check is due to the debunk the silly myths you mentioned 🙂
@@pulse4503 thanks for your comment 🙂 I didn’t mention any “silly myths”. Just sharing my personal experience.
@AlyssaMaeFriend I meant the people who buy the thing depicted in those movies, do they really believe in those things ?
They are naive if that's the case 🙂
@@AlyssaMaeFriend I can totally relate with your experience, you nailed it, really ! Rome is a mess
The real Rome is not in the city center !
aaah capisco, sorry, I misunderstood haha
I believed it a little!! I came to Italy for the first time when I was 21 and didn't know anything about life haha
Glad to hear you relate to my thoughts!
@@letinese honesty She spoke the Truth, Rome, at least, Is One of the most backward, disorganized European Capital and things have worsened a lot since the euro....
The average income Is like 1k dollari, but the cost of living Is similar to Wien, Munich, Paris which can boast a way higher quality of life
I was just in Rome and I had the similiar theme park thought. It occurred to me as I walked further away from the typical sites of the Centre, even though the areas where still close they felt slightly different. The Centre felt like a theme park or a mall while the outer areas felt a bit more "normal", less hectic and quieter via comparison (as much as a big city can be).
It made me realize that if I lived there I might not want to live in the centre.
Yeah the authentic Rome is definitely in little pockets outside the touristy center!
La soluzione è semplice vai via da Roma ovviamente non andare a Firenze o Venezia basta andare in una città più piccola e meno turistica, non pensare che tu fossi andata in Germania in Francia sarebbe stato molto diverso tutti paesi hanno problemi con la differenza che il tempo (nel senso meteorolgico) fa cagare non ci sono spiagge e mare il cibo è così così.
Anche gli U.S.A:. sono mitizzati invece ci sono grossi problemi e posti di merda. Ho visto scene pazzesche che qui in Italia non esistono tipo Zombi street a Philadelphia oppure San Francisco piena di merda dei senzatetto c'è persino una app per evitare le zone peggiori.
Inoltre qui in Italia non rischi che qualcuno ti spari.
Sono d'accordo, grazie
Se sei tanto sul negativo, potrai andare pure sulla Luna ma sarà sempre durissima!
Un esempio?
Parli con particolare sconforto del fatto che nei ristoranti non si avvicinano a chiederti il conto; ma lo fanno per non darti fretta!
Si tratta di un gesto di attenzione!
Non vogliono darti la sensazione che devi sloggiare!
E' chiaro che se dopo anni, parti così prevenuta, leggerai tutto in modo orribile, pigliando talvolta lucciole per lanterne!
Sei proprio sicura che per uno straniero che vuole vivere e lavorare negli USA, avere il permesso di lavoro (la mitica green card) sia facile?
Non credo proprio.
E poi l'Italia è così varia.
Mica esiste solo Roma!
A non molto ad esempio, trovi Frascati che è un centro urbano super vivibile e dove la vita costa molto meno.
Oltre il settanta per cento dei comuni in Italia, ha meno di 20.000 abitanti.
Le Università costano niente.
La Sanità ancora meno.
Certo se poi, non hai nemmeno il coraggio di parlare, in Italia e non solo, diventa assai dura.
You misunderstood the entire video my friend. Have a great day.
@@AlyssaMaeFriend
Cosa avrei frainteso, amica mia?
The restaurant: I'm aware (now) of why they don't bring you the bill. I was stating that that is different than in the USA, and when I was in Italy for the very first time in my life, I didn't know about that cultural difference- It wasn't a complaint. "Things I wish I knew before moving to Italy" is the title of the video, and that was just a stupid example... meant to be light-hearted.
I never said it's easy to get green cards in the USA, or any other country. I was saying that visas and documents were harder to get than I had expected, because everyone on social media makes it look so easy. I wanted to warn people that it's not so easy.
I also said that things are different in other cities and towns, but my experience is mostly from my time living in Rome - did you listen to that part?
The beginning of the video, I say that I don't regret moving and that it's made me into the person that I am - which would imply that I love Italy. There are many incredible things about the country.
But this video isn't a list of "all the things I love about Italy" - it's about things that in reality were different than what I had expected, "things I wish I would have known".
I'm not talking negatively about Italy... just wish I would have known some of these things before embarking in moving. I wish someone would have told me a lot of these, and this video might be helpful for other young people wanting to move. Hope you can understand my heart.
@@AlyssaMaeFriend
Io non ho detto che hai parlato "negativamente" dell'italia!
Ho detto e dico che sembri avere un atteggiamento negativo rispetto alla vita!
E' una sensazione.
Ma io sono orgogliosamente italiano nel bene e nel male, e dò spazio all'istinto e alle percezioni, e non solo all'analisi e al ragionamento.
E ho visto una giovane troppo remissiva che credo debba prendere l'esistenza con maggiore fiducia e guardando alle opportunità più che alla complicazioni.
Lo so che per la cultura anglosassone, non va bene questa mia intrusione, ma non sono capace di restare indifferente perché ti vedo sperduta.
Se sbaglio, scusami.
Poi però, intendiamoci, io ti auguro ogni bene con tutto il cuore!
Non mi conosci, hai visto solo un video. Ma grazie.
ALL GREAT ADVICE! I listen to a guy with a channel on TH-cam and his name is Rafael di Furia. He too mentioned many of the same things you did. He no longer lives in Italy.
Yeah I know his channel haha