i will be spending the first semester of my senior year in florence, italy.
what kind of customs and cultural differences (i'm from ny) should i know to get me by on a day-to-day basis.
2006-08-20 20:33:22 · 10 answers · asked by juliette 1 in Travel ➔ Italy ➔ Florence
SOCIAL HINTS
------------
THE HANDSHAKE IS THE CUSTOMARY ITALIAN GREETING IN
BUSINESS LIFE AND IN SOCIAL LIFE. IT IS CONSIDERED
VERY IMPOLITE TO REFUSE AN INVITATION TO DINNER. IF
INVITED TO SOMEBODY'S HOUSE YOU SHOULD BRING A GIFT
WITH YOU. SMOKING IS RESTRICTED IN PUBLIC AREAS, SUCH
AS BUSES, TAXIS, CINEMAS AND THEATRES.
BUSINESS HINTS
--------------
BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED IN A FORMAL MANNER & BUSINESS SUITS
SHOULD BE WORN. IT IS NECESSARY TO MAKE APPOINTMENTS WELL IN
ADVANCE. IF WORKING WITH BUREAUCRATIC TRANSACTIONS PATIENCE IS
NECESSARY. ITALIANS APPRECIATE IT WHEN YOU MAKE AN EFFORT TO
USE THEIR LANGUAGE. IF USING ITALIAN DURING BUSINESS MEETINGS
USE THE POLITE THIRD PERSON FORM OF ADDRESS. AVOID BUSINESS
TRAVEL TO ITALY DURING THE MONTH OF AUGUST AS MOST BUSINESSES
CLOSE FOR THEIR SUMMER VACATION.
2006-08-20 21:19:03 · answer #1 · answered by Life 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Jo, here I am again - hope you don't mind since I'm truly international and for certain things quite an expert... Here we go: 1. Food in Italy depends a lot regional even tough Pasta as a starter is eaten daily almost in the whole country. After that - open end... Northern stick more to Risotti's,Polenta whereas in the south fish etc. is popular. 2.Any style - depends WHERE in Italy!
2016-03-26 23:43:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I went to school in Florence as well. Never refuse a dinner invitation, try to use the language as much as possible they love helping out. You are an ambassador of the US so repect where you are and where you are from. Italians always dress well. They love Americans and the American HIGH fashion. Business dress in business suits, school dress like a college student but be CLEAN NEAT AND PRESENTABLE. Not to muh showing and typical Long island trailer trash tightness (LOLOLOL im from Long island I know what Im talking about). At night when I was there everyone dressed to go ut. YOung guys are always in the latest fashions and blazers dress shirts shoes no sneakers, girls are in nice fashionable dresses and outfits. You wil lhave the time of your life! And you will see the most beuatiful Men andWomen in the world right there in Florence!
2006-08-23 03:10:08 · answer #3 · answered by M B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I second rgobio's answer. I spent a summer in Florence and the best thing you can do is to realize you're not in America anymore. Take the time to watch how Italians interact, smile a lot (it's universally understood!), and make every effort to learn Italian so that you can communicate.
Other than that, take advantage of the opportunity you'll have: go to the museums, try the cuisine, eat gelato every day. I know you're thinking that's overkill, but trust me. I've never found gelato anywhere in the States that's as good as it is in Italy.
Buon divertimento! (Enjoy yourself!)
2006-08-21 17:59:42 · answer #4 · answered by nancina 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Amelia,,,, ok,, i love it there,, lots to see and do,,, about 5000 american students there also... so you will find plenty of people to talk to...
Learn your way around first..its pretty easy... do your leather shopping at the market that has the big brass pig... you will find it,, just ask about the pig....and there is another open market also... learn where to buy your food,grocerys.. and there is a great resturant up from the Duermo,,, on the right side,,, about 50 yards...... small but really nice......great food....
Remember your an ambassador representing us there.. so mind your manners also..... and the laws that we have here,, dont apply in another country,, remember that,....
Dont hang around the train station ..... its not a good place to ....
Meet some people and have fun.. you will love it......
See you there,,, probably....
good luck
2006-08-20 21:10:59 · answer #5 · answered by eejonesaux 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Leave NY at home. That is the best advice I can give you and it is hard to understand, however, when you are there, you will understand that line very well.
Learn to leave NY and your North American culture in NY and you will have the time of your life.
If you want to talk to people that live in Italy you can also join http://groups.yahoo.com/group/portalitaly/
2006-08-21 04:08:52 · answer #6 · answered by Rick 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please take time to leave the city (Florence) during your stay...visit Siena, San Gimignano and Volterra , they are beautiful medioeval towns. Fall in love with an Italian, and the cultural differences won't seem to matter anymore... whatever you do, however you do it...have a wonderful journey.
2006-08-22 07:34:43 · answer #7 · answered by mumtogirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, it might be easier to learn Italian. most people over there know some English, but not all. If you're going to a tourist attraction, watch out for pickpocketers. Also, Italians drive like crazy, so be careful cause they could run you over and not even care! Have fun! :)
2006-08-21 11:17:27 · answer #8 · answered by Kailey 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you don't speak Italian it is very important that you make an effort. Italians appreciate those that do. Your stay will be more enjoyable and it will cost you less.
2006-08-21 02:19:33 · answer #9 · answered by Dean B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
be yourself. i wouldn't mind much if i should move to ny.
2006-08-20 22:11:48 · answer #10 · answered by ₪djanma₪ [a man in the maze] 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋