Leaving the USA for Italy. Why did I do it?
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- čas přidán 31. 07. 2024
- Moving to Italy is no easy decision. Here I discuss why I did it and why I choose to leave the US. I also have advice for anyone looking to move to Italy AND some important questions to ask yourself before you do so.
Moving to Italy from the USA is no easy transition and it wasn’t easy for me as well. I think everyone has difficulty in the beginning. But the key is to persevere and to be as prepared as much as possible before you move. One of the best ways to do that is to save up as much money as you possibly can because you will undoubtably incur plenty of expenses in the beginning both expected and unexpected.
My best advice is that if you can, make the leap and try your hand at Italian life. Even if it doesn’t work out, you will have satisfied this curiosity. Who knows! You may end up with a better life here! Buona Fortuna!
Sorry for the audio quality! I am working on trying to determine and fix the problem!
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🔎🔎 Jump to a specific part of the video:
00:00 Intro
00:43 Main reason
01:39 My Italian background
02:12 Other reasons for moving
03:05 Improving my Italian
03:29 Exploring my roots
04:43 What am I doing here?
05:12 Leaving the USA
05:49 Capitalism
06:17 Health Insurance
06:35 Live elsewhere in the USA?
06:57 Italian food
07:27 Miss snow?
07:52 Io rimango. I’m staying
08:12 raising a bilingual child
08:35 Italian culture/Appearances
09:29 Rude American in Italy
10:13 Rich Italian culture
10:43 Traveling from Italy
11:05 David vs Italy
11:37 Moving to Italy?
12:00 Comfort Zone
12:52 Being legal in Italy
13:08 Save up
13:34 Supporting yourself
14:26 Take the plunge
14:43 Frase Italiana Della Settimana
15:07 Subscribe! Like! Comment!
15:56 Italian and American 3
Find me on social media! 👍
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✔️Facebook: / davidsdoseof...
✔️Email: Davidsdoseofitaly@gmail.com
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David I really admire you drive and commitment to moving home to the boot. I'm almost the exact same heritage and bloodline as you but just can't get over the fear and the what ifs. Have there been times that you questioned this in the beginning and if so what made to knuckle up and tough it out. Sorry about the long question.
Hey Christopher! Welcome to my channel and thank you for the kind words. The what ifs are the best questions in life and ones that we must face if we want to get to know ourselves. I've had plenty of times where I wanted to move back but actually not so much in the beginning of my life here in Italy. In the beginning I was determined to try life out here for a few years because I felt that years were necessary to understand Italy and to get better at the language. In recent years thoughts of moving back have happened to me but they're never enough to want to move back. If I did move back to the states I'd be trading one set of problems (but also pleasures) for others. So it's all relative really.
You got me here 9:06
@@felixmbandandayitabi4536 How so?
Christopher, I just came back from Italy and I cry day and night because I miss it so much and I'm Jamaican. can I just swap your heritage so I can move there? please❤️
Thanks for your reply. I've always felt out of place in the country of my birth, America. And even though I served my country, there was usually a feeling of inequality. My father's blood line was of italian decent and my mom was of Mexican decent. I speak Spanish but learning italian in a community college. This may seem odd, but I feel a certain spiritual connection when I see videos of Italy. I've been looking closely to videos of Sicily and hope to journey there soon.
I'm a 4th generation italian and absolutely want to move to Italy. The American dream now means little to me.
I can relate. Hope you can make it happen.
Italy is civilization, humane, full of history, tradition, and the 8th biggest economy in the world. Well done. Bravo!
Grazie! I've been saying this for years. This country has so much potential and doesn't realize it. Rome could be a fantastic city if it were run better and if people all did their part to make it better.
We live in NJ and have been the Roma 30 times.May want to buy an apartment there
@Seyma Bekar you do have a point about it not being easy to live there
@Seyma Bekar Yes, Italian economy has a large manufacturing sector. In some rankings it is either #8 or #9 and Italy has 65 million people yet still very productive in top 10 unlike India, which has 1.6 billion. and ranks at #6.
To be honest I really didn’t move For economic reasons. Actually I moved for many reasons but the main one was I had Italy in my heart. After nearly 13 years I do appreciate that the US is still an economic power in the world. For example this CZcams channel is a part of Google which is American-owned to my knowledge. For this I am grateful
Dude you did right and i'm telling you this because i did the same 2 years ago. From Boston i moved to Bergamo.
Best choice of my life.
The environment, the food, the people, the lifestyle. I love it.
Hey Peter. Nice! Glad to hear it. How do you like the people in Bergamo ?
Bergamo is pretty cool! I am from Como, nearby! If you enjoy the alps and beautiful towns, I think Northern Italy cannot be topped!
@@gabrielboi3465 an area of the country I must explore !
@@DavidsDoseofItaly lake como is known for its beauty, and i am so lucky to have grown up here. Awesome vid btw!
happy for you
On the the best things of Italy is the concentration of different environments and cultures in a relatively small country.
For example: I live in the Dolomites, so I use to go skiing, but in less than two hours I can be near Venice, were I have a boat. In the middle, a different territory of hills and nice villages.
In less than one thousand miles you have mountains, volcanos, beaches, forests, historical cities... everything.
I really hope one day to visit the dolomites! This is very true and this is one of the things that I love about Italy. At the moment I am in Sicily and this is an island rich in culture.
Thats why I am in love with it there. I am an American living in Florida, been here for 20 years or so, but I want to live in Italy one day soon
Vivi di Grappa, beato te!
Skiing in the Dolomites in the morning and going in the afternoon on the Grand Canal in Venice with your boat, wowww.... this is life! I agree with you millionaires will be very happy in my Italy
The food and climate and free swimming everywhere. The walking lifestyle…. The language, and above all, the warmth of the people🥰
I concur with most of this. I love the walking culture here. I’m not sure there is free swimming everywhere. Of course I’m not a beach guy !
That's why I want to move but unless the Navy sends me I won't be there for atleast 20 years lol
Yes we are warm I must say. Especially in some regions. ❤️Climate can be too hot though if you spend the whole summer here 😢 In the summer I find it difficult to stay outdoors between 10 AM and 6 PM
Love Italy
Free swimming? Where do you have to pay to swim in the Sates..... and the people is not warm as here, I would never go back.
Grazie davvero! Noi italiani diamo il peggio di noi stessi quando non sappiamo apprezzare l'Italia! Finalmente qualcuno che ci fa sentire fieri di essere italiani, non siamo migliori degli altri, ma..... certamente non siamo nemmeno peggiori! Abbiamo tanto di cui godere, ma soprattutto sarebbe importante essere fieri di essere Popolo! Forza Italia!
Piu' vivo in America, piu' amo l'Italia
Quanto è patologico e quanto ci appartiene il guardare sempre a ciò che di brutto è l'Italia. Non lo trovo sano. Non sono nazionalista, però.... sarebbe bello recuperare i legami con la nostra gente, un poco di attaccamento al nostro Paese....
I'm Italian American and I just bought a home in Santa Maria Degli Angeli in Central Italy. It's the same town where my grandparents came from. It's in the province of Perugia. Now, I'm going back to my family roots. That's where I'm going to retire in 10 years.
Oh fantastic! I know that feeling of going back to your roots ! Umbria is a wonderful region of Italy and I was just there a month ago in Spoleto and Cascia. You’re a very courageous person to make that life decision. What kinda house did you buy ?
@@DavidsDoseofItaly I bought an apartment home with 3 bedrooms with a terrace, 1 kitchen, 1 bathroom. Downstairs has a storage room where I can put a bicycle. The great thing is that there are hardly any property taxes. Especially, when I become a resident. I have family there and I love the culture, the food, great activities and great people.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Mi piace Italia. Mi piace il cantante che si chiama Vasco Rossi.
As an Italian living abroad (UK) I can appreciate what you say. I have lived in Naples up until a few years ago. I think we need more people with the American mindset who can also share what we disagree with the American culture 😉 I can see you have pinpointed what is unpopular (the focus on money and the unhealthy habits) but you also bring what we really admire about the States, the enthusiasm, the can-do attitude 😊
My compliments for making the decision to move abroad and to leave your comfort zone. I agree I think everyone needs to hear the view of someone who is an outside observer.
Nice to visit Italy, Over populated, Gross looking people
Finally an intelligent presentation about relocating. Grazie e Forza Roma per sempre ⚽️
Thank you for kind words, much appreciated! I try to give a realistic view on all my videos.
After finally visiting Italy last year I came to the inevitable conclusion that american food is both lower in quality and more expensive. I also loved that it wasn't a corporate hellhole, still tons of small business
I tend to agree, but it can be difficult to find quality food here as well. However, compared to the US, no Italy wins.
I was born in NYC, of Italian parents. My dad wanted to work a few more years in America, before returning back to Italy, but he died in an automobile accident in New Jersey. Mom, didn't have the money to bring his coffin back to Italy, so we remained here. I was 2 and a half years old when he died. Most of my family lives in Italy and I have visited this wonderful country many times. I recently spent 5 weeks there, travelling from north to south. The churches, art, architecture, food, gelato and way of life, is just mesmerizing. Italy, is full of new beginnings. I am contemplating on moving there. I now have Italian citizenship and an Italian passport. So keep on enjoying your new experiences and new possibilities and may the Italian way of life be a way for you to redeem time, as you immerse yourself in its beauty. Buon Natale to you and your family. 🤗❤🇮🇹
Hi Jerry. Thank you for sharing your story as it was really touching. Even more so since I’m a father now.
There is something about Italian life that keeps me here almost as if I’m doing my duty being here. It’s even more special being of Italian heritage. Where are your parents from in Italy?
Tantissimi auguri di buon natale 💫 anche a te e famiglia !
My family is from the province of, Salerno. If I had to raise a family, I would have moved to Italy. I would have wanted my children to have had been immersed in Italian culture. You did the right move. Everytime, I visit Italy, I feel like, I am home.
@@jerryriccio5680 I worked in the province of Salerno. Which town?
Yeah I’m happy that my daughter will grow up Italian. Culturally I think she’s better off here but she’ll know English perfectly which is a big advantage here
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Siano
Never been there but some buses I used to take to go to work went to Siano as a final destination
I am an Italian/American and have been in Italy for the past 20+ years. What I have understood is that Italians ask that question because they do not realize what richness they have for free - from art, history, deep traditions etc. They live a very free life. Italy is a really beautiful and rich country. I would never in my life move to the U.S. for many reasons but I do love the U.S. but you couldn't pay me enough.
You’re a veteran ! Me too I don’t want to go back. And yes Italians take their country too much for granted
I lived the first 41 years of my life in Italy and now, after 10 years abroad, I fully realized what you talk about. Me and my wife are on the way back home, and we just count the days!
Esatto! Living in the U.S. but hoping to live in Italy at some point. We take our own countries for granted.
Dear David, Your move to Italy is something many Italian Americans consider, though likely on a temporary basis. I have been to Italy several times and loved the country. You had a strong commitment and determination that is admirable and brave. Something you said about the importance of appearances is a lesson my Mother, (born in NJ) emphasized to me from the time I was a child. Her Mother was the last of my ancestors to arrive in the US, so my Mother was very Italian. Maybe you are familiar with the phrase "Bella Figura". The meaning is about how you present yourself and this was taught to me by my Mother. Not only must you always look perfect in physical appearance, (the way your dress) but you must always present yourself as a positive and well mannered individual. So it was interesting to me that you mentioned how important appearance is to Italians. I know all about it. Anyway, I enjoyed your lesson regarding Italian life and I could say so much more, but this comment is wordy enough. Best Wishes to You and Your Family.
Hi! Thank you for the kind words.
When I moved here it was a jump into the abyss really with no intention of moving back to the States. Every year that passed by I never felt compelled to move back to be honest.
The idea of appearances is indeed a strong part of the culture here. In a way you’re forced to adapt if you live here but I try not to let it dominate my personality and sense of being. I’ve noticed that the less social you are and if you only have a few good friends this idea of appearances lessens.
Short story. We had a hot water heater put in last year and it’s big and bulky. While the tech guy was installing it, he said, sorry the appearance of it. I said who cares?! It’s in an isolated corner of the house. To this the tech said, “well most people are more concerned with how it looks in the house rather than its function. I think this is a plus we have in the states in that we’re more concerned with the functionality of something.
I was in Italy in the late 90's as a Tourist and was there for a full six months...visited many towns including Rome,Milan,Turin,Venice,Bologna and Trento where I stayed in the North part of the country..Italians are warm and very friendly their food,Icecream and anything to eat or drink is awesome and so is their culture..had fun biking over there and riding their magnificent bullet trains from one town to the next...cant wait to return there again someday...awesome video.
6 months in Italy is ideal! After that you are potentially a changed person forever. Thank you for watching!
As an American of Italian descent, I'm teaching my mother language by watching the animated show Tear Along the Dotted Line by Zerocalcare.
It motivated me to regain my Italian roots my family lost throughout the generations. Life is so terrifying, the only way to survive is to be as scary as it is.
Life is indeed terrifying but also wonderful at the same time. How are you going to be scarier ?
David! You have captured my sentiments exactly! Living as a second generation Italian American, I also feel a bit between two worlds and long for the "homeland". It just sounds crazy as no one really speaks like this. When I get off the plane in Rome, I literally feel at ease. I never thought about it but I totally agree; Capitalism may not be in our blood LOL (I actually think it's the rugged individualism of US culture that doesn't suit us)
It’s always good to speak to like-minded people! As I have lived here for 13 years, I still feel that I am neither here nor there. My Italian roots are undeniable, but it is clear that I didn’t grow up here and I am OK with that. In regards to US individualism this is something that still is a part of me. I have also come to terms with this and I am OK.
Oh you’re right about capitalism. Yes I feel better in Italy for medical. Cibo! Yesssss. Food is culture. Raising your child is much better in Italy. She will be exposed to culture! No guns in school! I feel safer in Italy. No fear of getting shot at grocery store, concerts, church ….
Very true. School shootings just don’t happen here.
Il cibo. Not gonna lie, it’s great living in a country that has a rich food culture!
The medical system isn’t perfect but I’ll take my chances here than pay for medical insurance in the States. I’ve had no real issues here with la sanità italiana
I lived in Italy for two years, learned to speak fluent Italian and basically became Italian cultured. When I came back to California I learned to speak fluent Spanish because I knew Italian. Italian and Spanish are 82% similar. Allora, many years later the Italian government gave me a scholarship to return to Italy to study advanced Italian language, Italian history, Italian culture etc. Ironically in Perugia, Italia where I went to school there were many Spanish speakers.
Nice ! How did you manage to get that scholarship? I know the school you’re talking about, Maybe! Was it the Leonardo Da Vinci school ? I went to the one in Firenze.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly
I taught Italian to first graders in a public elementary school sponsored by the Italian Institute of Los Angeles, California. They gave me the scholarship while I was teaching Italian to adults and high school students. I almost did it two times when I took an advanced Italian class at the Italian Institute.
La parola "allora". Molto apprezzato.
We moved to a medieval Norman-Invasion era village in Campania. We left 'crazy' and arrived in calmness. Thanks for your video.
Great YT name 😀. Where exactly in Campania are you now ?
@@DavidsDoseofItaly we're in the Telese Valley ... in a town called Guardia Sanframondi.
Ah that’s near Benevento. I don’t know that area of Campania. How’s it going there ?
I would say, Good Luck !
It's nice and good. Ciao mon amico.
David excellent video I agree with you 1000%. I an an American Armenian and we are. Like Italians
Thank you 😊. What similarities do Armenians and Italians have ?
First generation Italian here!! I commend you for your move!
Hi Gina. Thank you! I felt the pull of Italy!
I’ve been praying whether or not to move to Italy (I had a dream where someone invited me to Italy ) and now this popped up on my feed.
Pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Amen to that.
Nice! I moved from Australia. I get the same reaction. 😂😂😂 We love it.
From an Italian born Australian of 50 years, I’ve been thinking about this move for years and I’m looking into the logistics of it all, after many trips back to see my extended family I realised that I’m missing this part of me, the lucky country as it’s know has well and truly run out of luck. Thanks for the video
Why is it called the lucky country ?
I am first gen Italian American. I was surrounded by relatives who had just got off the boat. I grew up hearing Italian being spoken all the time. I know and understand the culture. I have never felt like I fit in living in the USA. Especially where I live…. Upper Midwest where Scandinavian culture rules. I hate it here.
My mom is from Cleveland so I have a general idea of what you mean.
I feel you. I felt the only way to satisfy my need for Italian culture was to move here. I was fortunate that I was able to do it. Where in Italy is your family from ?
I'm in the exact same spot as you! 1st gen italian also living in the midwest, i want to leave so bad.
Can you ?
@@DavidsDoseofItaly yes, my parents are from calabria. I have family living in calabria, milan, rome and torino. My cousin is in the process of finding me a job in torino, but i feel i allign with central and southern culture more, but i know there are much less jobs and opportunity there.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Well actually I grew up Ohio near Youngstown. When I was growing up (I am 66) that neck of the woods had a lot of Italians. All Calabrese. My family was from and is now in Calabria. My father and his brother moved to USA but the rest stayed. So I have first cousins there. My family goes back at least 500 years in the same small town in Calabria. Rogliano. HOWEVER when I married I settled near St. Paul Minnesota. This is a tough culture to live in. They are reserved. Never direct. No hugging or kissing. Not expressive. Joke: There once was a Norwegian man who loved his wife so much, that once, he almost told her. Sad but true.
I'm American and did it TOOOO! Best decision I eve made!! Came as a Model to Milan and NEVER left. Well did leave...I moved to Sicily!! Benvenuto Paisano!
Bravissima! Where are you from and where in Sicily are you?
I am from italy and after seeing your video i appreciate more my country! You are great
Nice! thank you! I think everyone needs to hear about their country from those who come from the outside.
Concerning Italian citizenship, qkatie made an excellent video. Recommended to anyone going to apply for the Italian citizenship
Cool. I’ll check it out. Thank you
I just got my dual citizenship and all I need is a remote job and I will be able to move to Gaeta from Boston. I grew up speaking the language and my family owns a tiny apt. there. I’m tired of living in such a culture less country and also want to reconnect with roots so I get it.
Working remotely and in a nice town like Gaeta is an ideal situation. I’m sure there’ll be more positives than negatives although don’t be surprised if you end up missing a few things in Boston. My dad is from revere so I grew up going to the Boston area frequently. I miss clam chowder and hockey culture.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly I love my clam chowdah! I've learned how to cook it and actually can't wait to make it in Gaeta with fresh caught vongole! (Even though the locals would not approve of the dish) lol
My wife was skeptic at first then learned to appreciate it. Those with an open mind will try it.
Thank you so much. Awesome video.
Thank You very much!
Thanks for sharing your video. For what ever reason I love Italy the language and the culture. 💖🇦🇺
Hi Colleen. Nice username! Yeah Italy just seems to have that allure, it must be why I moved here!
My husband and I moved to Milan with our two small kids this past March. I am not Italian but feel similar to some of your opinions about America and people ask me that question all the time why I moved here. Sometimes it makes me think " if I did make the right decision" but I look to your videos to get reassurance and opinions because you have much more experience and came out in 1 piece,lol. I think in the end it comes down to values and understanding what truly matters wherever you live. Keep making your videos to inspire us!!
Hi Adina. I’ve never seen your name before. Nice!
Don’t listen to Italians. The majority don’t understand America and take their country for granted. They have valid complaints about their country and I am sure I can recognize them. But in the end they don’t know your story, they don’t understand 100% where you’re coming from and that’s fine. You do what makes you happy. If you like Milan and you feel better living there, then that is all that matters. You seem to have the right mindset for living abroad, don’t change for anyone!
I am very happy my videos are having this impact on people. I thank you! I can’t wait to get back to Italy. I am stuck here in America in quarantine unfortunately but I’ll make it back soon enough!
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Thanks for the encouragement. I think because I have lived in California I have an opinion and its real life experience and therefore its not an unknown. ( not that I had a bad childhood its just times have changed) This whole experience has englightened me as I now see humans tend to fantasize about what they don't have instead of appreciating what is. But I now know what I value and I have kids so that's another deciding factor. Good luck with quarantine and looking forward to see more of your content! in-between toddler naps:))
Absolutely. It's the old expression the grass is always greener on the other side and it's absolutely 100% true. I've fallen victim to that and I won't ever take my life in Rome for granted again. Of course I complain about it and I try to make it better, but I think that's normal. Thank you! I feel better and it could have been worse! While I can't have my daughter around when I make videos, at least she's past her screaming stage which was a few months before she turned 1! Not fun nor is teething but it's all part of the package!
Adina. Thank you for your thoughts. We live in New Jersey. Been to Roma 30 times and now might like purchase an apartment were retired but addicted to Italy Rome and calcio. Forza Roma.
Come ti trovi a milano?
Great video David.....thank you for sharing
Thank you 😊
I appreciate your channel man👍🏽 I’m visiting in December, can’t wait!
I appreciate viewers like you ! Happy to help others and offer my perspective and knowledge of Italy.
Hi David, I saw a change in one of your gestures ... 99.9% of Americans I have seen or know personally when pointing to the number 3 with their fingers use the fingers 2-3-4 (index-middle-ring finger) of the right or left hand showing the back of the hand ... you did it the Italian way using 1-2-3 fingers (middle index thumb) holding the palm towards the camera! You're changing David ... you're becoming more and more Italian, probably faster than you ever imagined!😉😉😉
Oh yes! I've been doing it for years! In reality I could continue doing it the American way and they'd understand me. Thanks for noticing and watching the full 16 mins!
David, I really was impressed by your presentation. My husband and I both have Italian citizenship. We've toyed with moving there full-time. Right now we spend two months, usually from Rome south, since my family lives in Rome, Napoli and Cosenza. The thing is, we are not so young. We are healthy, and we like the idea of walking to shop every day. Actually, that's what we do in Manhattan. I am fluent in the language; my husband is OK, but a long way from fluency. Can you tell me if any of your subscribers moved to Italy in their 70s? I really would appreciate it. Buona sera.
Hi Patricia. If you’d like to move here it requires careful planning but I think you know that
Sure I can ask this on my community board. I’ll be curious myself to see what they say.
Thank you also for the positive feedback !
Done and posted ! Let’s see what people say.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Thanks for the effort. Yes, we looked into everything including tax consequences, health care, wills, etc. We are very comfortable in Italy. Actually, we love the small paese, but we would probably opt for Napoli or Roma.
Oh that's interesting, Why do you prefer the big city? I lived in Napoli for 2 years and I think you might like the Vomero section.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Actually, our favorite area is Chiaia. We usually rent in this area. Why Napoli: we love culture, opera, music, good food. The Vomero is not convenient if you want to go out at night. You have to take the funivia, which stops fairly early in the evening. For us, the Vomero is like the suburbs.
I 100% agree with you. I am in love with Italy and the Italian culture!
There’s much to love and appreciate!
Great video. Thank you!
Thank you 😊. Glad you enjoyed it.
Hai fatto una scelta molto coraggiosa che ti ha ripagato.
Video bellissimo e profondo.
In bocca al lupo per tutto!
Thank you 😊. Alcune volte pensavo di tornare ma invece sono rimasto perché mi sono sempre trovato a casa qui. Grazie crepi!
Great video david, I would love to treat you out to lunch Next month when you’re free. My wife and I are planning on settling like you have. We are in the process of looking for a home in Rome and raising a family. A lot of what you have said really connected with us.
Hi Dj Rich. Take any requests?! Bad joke I know!
Anyway, thank you for your kind words, much appreciated. Ok sure! Drop me an email and we can plan something. davidsdoseofitaly@gmail.com
When choosing a home in Rome there are many factors to consider. If you're working online or remotely then you have much more flexibility where you can live because it's not dependent on the closeness of your job. Just to get you started I recommend the following neighborhoods: Eur, Monteverde (better the old part), Laurentino, Garbatella, Portunese. There are other nice areas but I haven't explored all areas of Rome.
Great advice!
Thank you my friend!
I love watching your videos! I remember you talking about wanting to move to Italy since we were kids. I was (and still am!) very proud of you for taking the plunge, it's been an inspiration to me every time I hesitate to do something that's outside my comfort zone.
Hi Mike! Hope you’re doing well. No lie but at times when I have flashbacks to high school and when I was in my 20s, you occasionally come to mind. A Certain chick mobile also comes into mind!
Fortunately, back in 2009, I was in a position to move here. In all fairness, it was not a complete jump into the unknown and out of my comfort zone as I had come here numerous times before. However, for the most part, it is because it’s still living in a different country which is radically different than Connecticut.
What I have found throughout the years is that leaving a comfort zone is not always a big dramatic step but it could be something that is something smaller.
This CZcams channel for example, was something that I’d never done before and if you watch my first videos, they’re not as polished as my recent ones. And even now I’m still learning.
Do you look me up if you’re ever in Rome, Italy for that matter !
Loved it. Spot on for how we're feeling after moving here recently from the US. Look forward to more from you and your channel! Grazie e buona giornata!
Nice! thank you! Where did you move from and where are you now? I got a lot of video ideas which I hope to get them out asap! I'd make 3 videos a week if I could!
@@DavidsDoseofItaly we moved from Orlando Florida, but we're from New York and California originally. We moved mid-year 2021. It's been amazing. We live in the south - Campania region.
Oh nice! I lived in Salerno and Napoli. I miss Campania for all its defects.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly 🤣
David, Thank you for articulating exactly what I feel insofar as moving from the U.S. to Italy. Every time I try to put it into words myself, I fail miserably. At 53 years old, I moved here to the north of Italy (Udine) three months ago and I plan to return each year for my allowable 90 days until I move here indefinitely. While I am not of Italian descent, I have always been enamored with the Italian language, people, art, the way of life, etc., etc., etc., Thank you for beautifully putting into words all the reasons why someone like me would want to live a lifestyle that quite simply resonates more with my inner core. You are SPOT ON! Grazie!
Hey Debra ! I am really happy my video resonated with you ! I also hope you find a way to stay here more permanently. If I may ask what brought you to Udine ?
@David Carmosino Hello David! Apologies for my delayed response I was traveling. The reason I am here in Udine is quite unique. Let me preface my explanation with this: I have wanted to live in Italy since I was 18 years old. My dream was to study languages in Trieste. As you know, life happens and sometimes our dreams go unfulfilled. That said, the dream never left me. It lay dormant for 35 years.
Now for the reason I am here in Udine. My son is a college athlete for Cal Poly Pomona in California. He is a high jumper on the track and field team. The international student, an Italian da Udine, is a pole vaulter and is a good friend of my son. After a year and a half of COVID-19 restrictions, the colleges resumed classes/athletics and the pole vaulter would return to the U.S. from Italy. I threw the idea out to my son’s friends’ parents that Matteo could come live in my apartment with my son to attend Cal Poly and I in turn would come to Italy to live/work in an extra apartment his parents have in Udine. Even exchange. It’s kind of a foreign exchange, semester abroad program really late in life. Lol! (More luck for me is I can work remotely and keep my same job in the U.S.) So in my opinion I am incredibly lucky while at the same time, I believe I am here by design because I manifested my deep desire to live here. I never let go of the dream. It ain’t over til your dead! 😀
@@debrachavira4598 Wow. You are my inspiration!! I’m 52. Just had a long awaited kidney transplant 6 mths ago. Immediately went back to school to get a degree in data science/analytics so I can live abroad and work remotely!!
I’ve ALWAYS wanted to live in Italy for exactly the same reasons you had. Culture Art Food Lifestyle and Health. Thank you so much!! Hoping to make a move in 2023! 🙏🏻
@@PlantTrees Wow! Outstanding. I am so happy for you. Keep pushing forward and before you know it, you’ll be walking to the market to get your groceries and you won’t believe your every move is being made in the most amazing country in the world. 🇮🇹😄👍🏼
❤
Thanks for another helpful video. Good advice to prepare for the social changes along with the obvious logistical concerns.
I’m sure you’ll do fine. With the internet the support for expats is always present.
Great video from you, and that doesn't surprise me at all. I love how you describe your roots, your decision to go to Italy and how you making it work there. Well done.
Thank you! 😃. Yeah I thought it was relevant to the topic, but the main goal was to inspire others and to ask some important questions before moving here.
Nice presentation David and so glad your dream worked out for you. I've considered it (as we've been to Italy 5x since 2011) but I cannot convince my wife to take the plunge and leave sunny California, so we'll just keep visiting and extend our stay longer each time. Ciao.
Thank you! Well, Italy is plenty sunny! So she'd more or less be in the same climate especially if she moves to Southern Italy.
I grew up in California, lived there for 21 years, moved to Texas lived there for 2 years, then moved to Washington state last year, I’m trying to find a place to call my home. Italy sounds like a dream. The US has been my nightmare, it feels like a soulless place.
I’m getting more and more of this from subscribers like yourself. Italy has its nightmares too. Which part of the country interests you?
Lived half of my life in California (from the East Coast) as an Italian-American you are right California is truly a soulless place.
Germany is the only normal productive place in Europe
I love Italy! I live about 2 hours from the border, and I go there as often as I can.
It has a lot going for it: food, climate, and the beauty of the landscape and cities are extraordinary.
The only downside are the fairly low wages.
Yes, this country has a lot to offer a lifetime is not enough to see it all! I agree the low wages are a problem that’s why I always stress the importance of looking to make money online or at least harnessing your skills to cater to a more international audience, ideally via the Internet
Bravo! Great video. Extremely informative. I'm also of Italian decent and love it there. I have often thought of moving or at a miminum having property there. I thought your observations and instructions were awesome and thought provoking. I liked and subscribed to your channel from this single video. Ci vediamo più avanti in video.
Hi Emil. Thank you so much for the awesome feedback on my video! If you’re going to live here long term I suggest owning property but that’s the same concept anywhere. Renting is only a temporary situation.
I’m really glad I found your channel and I feel like I am following a similar path: grew up Italian American, took a few classes in college, then a study abroad and coming back as often as I can and even attending scuola leonardo Da Vinci! Though in Rome haha. Now after 5 years of waiting on my citizenship recognition it has finally come through and I am planning to move to Rome this Fall! Keep up the great content and maybe even we can meet up some time when we both feel like speaking our first language with a fellow American haha
Hey cumpà! Thanks for dropping by! Dang the world is small! I've never met anyone else who went to that school. I was last there in 2002 (showing my age). Congrats on getting your Italian citizenship! That's awesome and you'll see that it's of the best decisions in your life; it was for me. If I may ask, what made you choose Rome and what kinda work do you think you'll do? I had a peek at your channel and I think you should keep posting videos ESPECIALLY if you're going to be in Rome. Sure, look me up when you get to Rome!
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Thanks for the encouragement! As for why I’ve chosen Rome (but in fact I’m open to other areas depending on job opportunities!), I’ve been attracted to the city ever since I started diving into my heritage. I even almost didn’t study abroad because the program was in Venice and I was so set on Rome; I’m glad I didn’t make the mistake of not going! But besides my love for the history and culture of Rome it’s also partly because of my family connection to the city and region as my ancestral comune is one hour east of the city. In addition some of my ancestors spent much time in the city and one in particular, Francesco Modon, played an important role during the time of the Risorgimento and he played a role as a Protestant preacher in the city after the pope lost it to the new Italian state. Plus I’ve got a mix of north and south Italian so I think splitting the difference in central Italy is good!
As for jobs, my ideal situation would be to work for the US embassy but I haven’t had much luck applying there. I will instead focus on teaching English to get my foot in the door and just yesterday interviewed with a school in Rome. It definitely wouldn’t make me rich to say the least but I’ve been saving up for this move for some time so I’ll be taking your advice of coming to Italy with a strong safety net in case the job situation is tough at the beginning. Either way I’m ready to throw myself into the deep end and start swimming as it seems like you did!
That's so cool how you are able to trace your ancestry back so far! I can trace mine back to an ancestor born in 1780.
I am glad to see you're following my advice (which I posted in my latest video). Teach English and just do it till you can find something better, if teaching is not your true passion. If it is then by all means go for it, but do look for ways to supplement your income. Growing your YT channel I think is an excellent way. Yeah, forget the embassy, they rarely have jobs available and if they do they seem to want specific skills. Check out my latest video if you need some other ideas. Let me know what you think!
czcams.com/video/obcgcm9S5TQ/video.html
1st generation Italian in America. My dad and his family moved to America in the 30’s to escape a horrible political climate, I plan on moving to Italy for the exact same reason.
The history and appreciation of art that Italy, and most of Europe, has is something that is attractive to me.
I’m looking for a place away from the tourist areas and hopefully live out my days where the majority of my family is from.
Hi Darin. Thanks for the comment. Interesting how history repeats itself!
Where is your family from?
He counts on his fingers in the Italian way! Vero _compatriota_
😊. Lo faccio ormai da anni !
Really appreciate your video, I myself dream to move to Italy soon. So your work is very informative, keep creating more videos on Life in Italy, hope your channel gets big soon.
Hi! Thank you for the uplifting comment! I too hope it continues to grow !
I've been watching a lot of your videos recently. As an Italian-American who is also from New England (and who is also an Italian citizen), I've found your perspective particularly relevant to my current circumstances. Over the past half decade, the cost of living in this part of the country has skyrocketed and the the price of housing has doubled where I live. My wife and I have been crunching the numbers recently, and from a financial standpoint, moving to Italy would provide us with better housing opportunities and, seemingly, a much higher quality of life, even after Italy's progressive taxes. Thank you for making these videos. They're very insightful.
Hi! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for the kind feedback! Oh yes I've noticed an uncomfortable upward climb in prices in Connecticut every time I go back, in particular the rising food costs. I have no desire to move back even though I miss certain things from the States.
I would recommend Italy if you want to retire. In fact I may make a video on this given that you're one of many people who have reached out to me who want to retire here.
Now, you do pay more in taxes, yes, but if your income is high enough then you can afford it with no problems and it also pays for your health care. In essence, If you have an American pension (and investments that pay dividends that keep increasing) then I think you can afford to retire here.
I’m strongly thinking about making the move from Canada to Italy and your videos are exactly what I’m looking for. Thank you!!
Hey Jessica! Welcome to my channel! Glad my videos help. You've perked my curiosity: where in Canada are you from ? What attracts you about Italy and is there any specific area that interests you?
Hi David! I’m from northern Ontario, currently living in the Muskoka region. What attracts me to Italy? How much time do you have!? Lol! I fell in love with Italy on my first back packing trip in 2015. I wish I could describe it better, but honestly, Italy makes me feel at home. The culture, the people, the history, the architecture, the agriculture, and the way of life. All of it just makes sense to me and feels ‘right’. Dont get me wrong, I love Canada and everything it has to offer, but I swear I must have been Italian in a previous life! Sadly, I have no connecting ancestry to Italy, but theres just something about it that calls to me! My absolute favourite region is Tuscany (I mean, who’s isn’t?!). I’m absolutely in love with Florence and surrounding area, I was actually going to get married there until covid hit!
You know, by saying it just feels "right" really describes why I live in Italy and not North America. While there are plenty of negative points about living here, I have just as many positive things to say. Yeah, Tuscany was also what did it for me when feeling this initial push towards Italy. It's cleaner than Rome and I think quality of life is better there.
Canada. I could live there. I love hockey by far more than any other sport and I do just fine in cold weather. Although, I do remember hating the extreme cold at times! And losing power for days AND slipping on ice!
@@DavidsDoseofItaly exactly! There are pros and cons to living anywhere, so why not live where you feel at home ❤️🇮🇹
Hence the expression, home is where the heart is.
Really enjoyed this video. Look forward to seeing more😊
Glad you enjoyed it! I need to make more like these.
Salve David,
Thank you again for a very informative video. We are currently in the process of obtaining Italian citizenship, and in about 2 years, we should be there lol.
Oh fantastic ! Do you have an Italian ancestor ? You may have told me in previous comments but I can’t remember.
Thank you btw !
@@DavidsDoseofItaly yes, my Wife's grandparents
Hello David- thanks for this inspiring video. I started my JS Citizenship process 2 weeks ago on my own. It's a lot to take in, but I'm excited for my future life in Italy. I have a cousin in Varese, Italy where I can stay and help me with the moving transition. My Italian roots are in Sicily. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I have this strong pull to Italy and reconnect to my Italian roots, so I'm doing it! I'm looking for work in Italy, starting to learn the language, and the zillion other things. I'm ready for the challenges, food, culture, and the Italian life style. I have subscribed to your CZcams to learn as much as I can. Thanks!
Hi Christine. Welcome to my channel and thank you for subscribing.
That’s the right attitude and I think you’ll do well here. Expect good things and bad things here but in the end that’s life anywhere right ? I also came here to reconnect with my roots and I’d say I’ve done it. My child was born here, first one born here in over 100 years.
I am in Sicily as we speak as we came here for the Easter holidays.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly agreed, good and bad wherever you're located so might as be where your heart sings. My Great Grandfather is from Piana Dei Greci and my Great Grandmother from
Ah 😀. Well said. Yeah I prefer to face bad days here. At least I eat better and no health insurance to worry about
Nice video Davide. Will take a look at the other videos on your channel. Lived in Rome for a year and hope to be able to come back some time, preferably soon :).
Hi Justinas. Happy new year 😎. Thank you ! I hope my channel helps you, entertains you or just adds something positive to your day.
so cool you did this, it's a dream so many of us have -- thanks for posting, so helpful
Glad you enjoyed it! it was my dream too
I'm 17 living in israel.. my father is Italian.. one day I will come back
I promise to myself 🙏🇮🇹
Hi. Hope you can realize this dream. Did you ever live here in Italy?
@@DavidsDoseofItaly wan in was a little boy
So glad YT algo brought me to your video. Love Italian culture as a non-Italian. I am genuinely curious to hear your perspective re some of the practical aspects to consider potentially living there - safety / bureaucracy process / internet speeds etc (and realize this may or may not be different from North to South, etc). Mille grazie Davide !
This comment made me very happy , happy to see my content reaching the right people. Thank you for watching!
Yeah I often try to “tell it like it is” and show people what it’s really like to live here.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly - - so what is your opinion per my Q? grazie
Practical aspects: I am not quite sure what you mean. I can tell you that Italians keep their homes clean and that they rely a LOT on social networking and family ties.
Safety: I feel safer here than in the US although there is crime here in Rome too. I had an incident a few years ago but I came out of it ok. I think it was a fluke encounter.
Bureaucracy: At times it works no problem, often it’s an absolute nightmare, the more organized you are the better it will probably go.
Internet speeds. I have fastweb for my fiber optic and mobile internet. Rarely a problem.
Davide grazie tanto! I enjoyed hearing your words that echo my heart! You know I understand and get the same questions and our answers are very similar. We’re retired and it is different living in italy free from the work worry but it may be harder in other areas. We return again in March which makes us very happy, as living here these past months has been very difficult but honestly it is difficult everywhere these days. Like you I prefer the difficulties there... as for me like you they are more attainable over some great wine food and views! I hope you and your family are well! Ci vediamo a presto 🛵 Gigi
Ciao Gigi! I thank you for watching and your thoughful comment! Much appreciated. Yeah, I agree 100% There are no shortage of difficulties but I'll take my changes here in Italy and yes when you eat well it does help you think better and face life a bit better! A Merry Xmas to you and family. Un abbraccio!
You are saying exactly what I feel deep in my soul!
I dont think I've quite received a compliment like that ever. Thank you!
@@DavidsDoseofItaly AND YOU RESPONDED??? That’s a compliment in itself.
So funny my husband is always bragging when one of his heroes responds to him. 🤣🤣🤣. This’ll kick his ass!! 🤣💃✌🏼
@@PlantTrees Sure why not?! I always try to get back to as many people as I can. Brag away and let the ass kicking begin! hehe.
Grazie David! Im an Italian/British Canadian (1st born) who just came back from his first trip to italy and im mezmorized. This video answered a lot of my questions. Im looking deeper into obtaining my citzenship and what it would cost to make the move. That my sound sudden, but ive been growing frustrated with north american life for a looong time.....
I just need to learn our language...
Hi Matt. Yeah Italy does that captivating effect. I left the US for that reason, was tired of the nonsense and I haven’t looked back sense.
You’re on the right path looking into citizenship, the language and evaluating costs.
These are great videos! Dont stop making them!
Thank you 😊. I make them as often as I can. What sort of videos do you enjoy in particular?
I'd love to see a video explaining 5:49. How Italians see money as supposed to north Americans. Here in Canada it feels like $ comes before EVERYTHING.
that is an interesting question. Def worth making a video on this. I'd say the Italians do think money is important. However it doesn't define who a person is, not nearly as much as in the USA. I'd say the average Italian accepts what they make and never really embraces the idea of becoming rich.
A million thanks for the video! Grazie mille! My paternal grandmother was born in Sicilia and came to US around age 8. She never became a US citizen, therefore Italian citizenship is open to me. I am in process of getting the paperwork together. You addressed many of the questions that I had if I were to move there.
Hey Kelly. Thank you for the kind words. Appreciate it! Also glad to help. Make sure your grandma and her children don't fall into the 1948 law. But even if they do, there is a way around it if the need arises
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Yes, I have already spoke to an attorney.
Perfect
I'm Italian-American, but contrary to you I was born and raised in Italy, then married an American. We've lived in the US, Germany, and now UK, we are supposed to move back to the US in a couple years due to my husband's job, but I really hope to move back to Italy sooner or later. Pros of living in Italy definitely outweighs the cons imo, I'm too European to enjoy the American individualistic society. But as you may be aware, the job market in Italy is not a great one, so finding decent jobs for both my husband and I in order to give a good life to our children is not easy :( I enjoyed hearing what a foreigner think about living in Italy 😊
Hi Silvia. Thank you for sharing a bit of your story. I don't know all the details of your story, but I hope destiny takes you back to Italy and not the US. In fact I always hope people choose Italy when they have a choice between here and the US, especially when kids are involved. I say this because I find more advantages to living here than in the US, although I wouldn't exactly recommend Rome. I got certain days where I wish this city would implode! I also prefer that my daughter grows up here rather than the US for numerous reasons.
In regards to the Italian job market, I think we are living in a fortunate era in the sense that a lot of work is found on the internet. My youtube channel for example, while it doesn't make much money, it is proof that it is possible to earn passive income online. With that said, I encourage you to explore this possibility and in the end you'd be location free! This is my ultimate goal. If I may ask, where exactly have you lived? I also spent some time in the UK, in Birmingham to be exact.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly unfortunately I'm a veterinarian, the only way to work in Italy is with a partita iva...
@@silmuffin86 ah ok. Do you see that as a possible job here ?
@@DavidsDoseofItaly yes and no. Can I work? Yes. Would I make a decent living (not talking about becoming rich!)? Not so much. There is a "nice" law in Italy, if your profession requires a license with a board you can be "hired" with a p.iva, with no rights at all, even though in fact you are an employee... My husband on the other hand needs to learn Italian much better if he wants any chance 😅
@@silmuffin86 I understand. In the end you gotta put food on the table and we all need some form of income. At least you have time to consider the options
What is a license with a board ?
Two thumbs way up!! 🖖🏽 Wicked awesome video.
Thank you 😊
I just came across your channel while planning my trip to Italy. You seem like a very inspirational guy, and I do wish you the very best and Kudos to you for following your passion. Many of us take our passions and curiosities to a grave, I am really glad and inspired to see someone do the exact opposite.
Hi Jacob. Thank you for that uplifting comment! I always thought the best way to follow you passion is to step out of your comfort zone. It is absolutely true that there is no reward without some risk.
I'm Italian and I had to leave Napoli to get a Job that pays more than 700 euros a month. I would happily return to my native country but Naples does not offer fair working conditions. It's mostly slavery. Good for you that you managed to work there somehow.
Uè! I was in the same scenario. 900€ a month wasn't enough. with no family support how can you build a future on that salary? I survived because I somewhat of a minimalist, I enjoyed the freedom I had here and learned to appreciate things despite the low salary. Also, our two salaries, mine and my wife's, allows us to live rather well. I am also lucky to have a permanent contract now although the pay could be better. The solution, at least for me is to pursue making money online.
About the Italian citizenship: Absolutely get it (or any other EU citizenship), because it will give you the right to settle in any other EU country for work or retirement.
Absolutely. It’s the best decision of my life. I’ve never needed a visa.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Indeed. Plenty of EU countries have citizenship laws that allow citizenship for those with grandparents who were born in the EU country, like in your case.
@@samhartford8677 True but you have to check the list very carefully. Ireland for example I believe has tough laws in this area.
Here’s an interesting case. I have a friend who is from Ecuador and her husband is American. She managed to get her Italian citizenship the same way that I did. Their daughter was born in Spain however she was born almost stateless and to this day is not a Spanish citizen but Italian one.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Sure. Absolutely agree. There are no EU-wide citizenship laws, just state specific ones.
However, whether she's a Spanish or an Italian citizens, the daughter that is, she's still EU citizen and can take advantage of rights in 26 other countries like you can. She's not stateless. It's just that she, as an Italian born in Spain she can take advantage of being born an EU citizen and can later apply for Spanish citizenship likely with reduced conditions, if she thinks that gives her more advantages than her Italian citizenship.
@@samhartford8677 when she was born she was only stateless on paper. In theory she was born an Italian citizen but it just hadn’t been recognized officially yet.
I like your style. Very normal speaking, no nonsense, well organized and dense content
Thank you. This comment made my day!
I am so glad I stumbled across your channel. I am preparing to move and you are a wealth of information. Thank you!
Hi Suzanne! Awesome! Glad I’m helping and that’s great how you’re moving to Italy. Two questions if I may: which part of Italy are you moving to and what precisely do you find difficult about the moving process ?
@@DavidsDoseofItaly My family comes from Palena, Chieti, Italy so I would like to relocate in the Abruzzo region. I have not been to Italy at all yet so I will make my first trip in the coming months. I am allowing a years time of preparation and to learn the language before relocating. The thing I am finding most difficult at the moment is starting the process of citizenship by decent. Your video helped me and I was able to use some of the information that I have collected so far to understand that I do qualify. That was what was most confusing. "Do I qualify". I have a great grandfather who was born in Italy in 1894, immigrated but never naturalized and the first child, my grandmother was born in the U.S.
I am going to Abruzzo tomorrow for the weekend! Yeah that’s smart to give yourself a years time to learn the language. What materials are you using? It would seem you qualify given that your ancestor never became a US citizen. This was my case.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly my first step is to collect documents such as birth certificates. My Great Grandfather died about 12 years after coming to the US so I am really having trouble finding anything for him. I have 2 avenues but both are through my Paternal Grandmother so I think I might have a 1928 case but not sure. This is the info I have collected so far: Antonio Carozza (Great Grandfather)born 1893 in Palena, Chieti, Abruzzo, Italy. Immigrated 1910, my Grandmother was born in 1918 and Antonio was still listed on the 1920 census as an alien. He died in 1922 from a mining accident in Pennsylvania. Thank you for listening!
I don’t blame you for leaving. The things we hear on here about healthcare and work life balance in US it sounds a nightmare
Healthcare is simply not affordable for all. Work life Balance: A lot of people don’t have it ! Many people work too many hours per week and even those who make a lot of money tend to not be able to fully enjoy it cuz their lives are spent at work. It happens here too unfortunately
Non è ironico che gli italiani vogliano venire a vivere negli USA ed invece gli americani in Italia? Hai spiegato bene i tuoi motivi, posso dire che, come italiana, amo il senso della libertà e le grandi distanze che ci sono negli USA. Un' altra cosa che ammiro è l'orgoglio che hanno gli Italo americani delle loro origini italiane. Spesso li ho sentiti dire: sono italiano!
Ciao Carla ! Grazie per il commento. Infatti è un po’ ironico. Conosco alcuni italiani che abitano negli Stati Uniti e sebbene siano felici e hanno una vita bella si vede che gli manca tanto Italia.
Eh si pure io per molti anni prima di trasferirmi in italia mi vantavo di essere italiano come se fossi nato qui.
Noi italo americani abbiamo questo senso forte di appartenenza alle nostre origini che addirittura diventa parte della nostra identità. Io? Io mi trovo in mezzo sinceramente perché non sono nato qui e si vede ma non sono nemmeno un americano medio e lo dice anche mia moglie! Sono David e va benissimo così! Ammetto però che bello avere un cognome italiano.
Very cool to me that our roots are in the same area. My great great grandparents were from the Naples area, more specifically Noli.
I think you mean Nola. Noli is way up North!
Very nice! Thank you for sharing your story and your experience in moving to Italy. I think the ideal for me might be to spend part of the year in Italy (when it's really cold here) and part of it in the US. Your videos help me think through my plan.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly I think you meant this reply for someone else. I've been thinking Sicily for warmer weather but might test out different parts of Italy. Also, thinking the cost of living might be lower in Sicily too.
@@josephbordonaro Oh you're right sorry! Anyway you're right on both counts. The winters are chilly but not bone chilling cold in Sicily. And yes you can get a nice house for much less in Sicily compared to here in Rome.
Great video! How did you get your dual citizenship? My dad is from italy, but he renounced his citizenship before I was born - looks like I'm out of luck even though my grandparents were italian, i have many aunts/uncles/cousins in italy...
Hi! Thank you. I got it via my paternal great-grandfather who was never a US citizen. Did your dad become a citizen before or after 1992? If it was after then you're in. I'd fully investigate this matter if I were you. I have a friend who was born in Italy, moved to Canada as a toddler (before 1992) and just recently regained his Italian citizenship. You never know.
Hi David, thanks for the video. My wife and I are trying to coordinate the logistics of moving to Florence by the end of the year. We have a small dog and a 6 month old son. I have ancestry from Italy but I think it's too far away for any type of citizenship as it's my great-grandparents who have been dead for a long time. My wife and I both work remote and will continue to do so while we're there, but our only concern is health care, specifically for my son as he's still a baby. Any tips for us in that department?
Hi Patrick. Hats off to you for making that move! Florence is very nice and I think you’ll like it. I got my Italian passport from my great grandfather so I think you should look into the possibility too.
As for your son you definitely want to establish residency as soon as possible because then you can get a health card (tessera sanitaria). At that point you can get a pediatrician for your son and a primary care physician for yourselves. Remember it doesn’t cost anything as it’s tax paid and this is something I adore about this country !
Hope that helps !
I wouldn’t worry about having a strong tight Italy because I think it’s really irrelevant. It’s a relevant if you mean having immediate family in this country. For example I don’t think I have any family left here and that did not play a role at all and me getting my passport. I am not sure what you mean by straightforward however in a sense my process was straightforward because in my situation we were all males, all the same last name, and my great grandfather was never a US citizen so that saved us the hassle in finding his naturalization certificate. I think straightforward can be identified as making the process as easy as possible if possible.
Hello from Massachusetts! Nice video! My Dad is from the Naples region; He said Mt Vesuviusis is part of the landscape in the village he is from.
Hey ! My dad is from Revere. I always preferred Massachusetts over Connecticut. Most definitely. In Torre Del Greco Vesuvius is quite visible
Hello David, it was awesome to see your video and to see that you have a channel. I hope you remember me-Mr. Sanchez. I was your karate teacher back in the 80’s. 😄. My wife is Italian and we travel back and forth to Italy all the time. Her family is from the south as well, Saracena. We plan on traveling there in the spring now that covid seems to be calming down. Hope all is well.
Mr Sanchez, Sensei! What a pleasant surprise! Of course I remember you, I have a lot of great memories from the East West Karate studio which are still part of my daily thoughts. Nice, Saracena to me seems like a real authentic town so you're getting a real taste of Italy. Definitely hit me up if you're passing by Rome, it would be great to meet up! Take care, un abbraccio
Ho avuto i brividi quando hai raccontato di essere venuto qui per riscoprire le tue origini.
Come mai ? Ma nel senso positivo o negativo ? Se è negativo, ecco parlavo proprio di questo nel video
Di solito quando usiamo l'espressione "i brividi " oppure una cosa "da brivido" non va presa letteralmente e di solito ha un significato positivo!
@@davide539 Ah ecco. Scusa! All'inizio mi sembrava una cosa negativa. Eh si. Io pensavo cosi nel 2009 "Hai origini italiane? Allora vai a vivere in Italia! Semplice no?". A tutt'oggi mi piace questo concetto però mi rendo conto che non tutti si possono permettere di trasferirsi solamente per questo motivo. Non so se mi spiego.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly ma tranquillo, l'importante è che hai trovato il tuo equilibrio e tu sei felice! Poi concetti come la lingua si imparano nel tempo, non preoccuparti! Se hai dubbi basta chiedere come hai giustamente fatto e qualcuno ti risponderà , buona giornata!
@@davide539la
I’m second generation. Campania roots too. DNA italian 90%. Just received my dual citizenship. I’m studying italian. Next year I’m moving to Italy. Yes Italians tell me I’m crazy. They think we are all rich here and everything is great. They don’t know the truth. I’ve been to Italy many times. I feel at home.
Congratulations!! Dual citizenship is like the holy grail and it was hands down the best decision of my life. Where are you moving to in Italy?
Italians have a distorted view of the states and rely too much on what gets reported to them in the news and talk shows. They watch too many movies and TV series which also are misleading and they have no idea what daily life is like in the US. I feel many Italians are ungrateful for what they have here and unfortunately spit in their own plate. Crude example but I think it coneys the idea.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly I would love Rome. But I’m retired , single. Italy has a 7% flat tax on income offer for certain areas. Im looking at some areas in Puglia and Scalea in Calabria. I’ll be there in May to look around. I’ll see…. Rome is where my heart is.
That's smart. ALWAYS go there first and take a look and get a feel for the place. If you like a slower pace of life. better food, lower prices and more or less friendlier people, the South is where it's at.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Hi! I'm Italian and, trust me, I'd never move to the USA. I have never visited the USA but I think that Italy is much better in terms of food, healthcare, social security, culture and perharps mentality too. Can you confirm?
Very inspirational, I too have citizenship. Thanks, David.
Hi Mike. Thank you! Congrats on getting your citizenship, that is a huge accomplishment and I am sure you're glad that's over with. I know I was.
Hi Dave, hope all is well. Love the latest video. Can’t wait to get back. We are coming in April. Doing Rome, Florence and ending in Sorrento. If we don’t speak, enjoy the holidays. Ciao
Hey Jeff! Doing relatively well thank you. Do let me know if you're in the Rome area, it would be nice to meet again.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly absolutely
Hi David, in the last 10 years of my life I had experienced the opposite passion, trying to really understand the American culture, deeper than what we are used to by the movie industry. A more practical opportunity was when I bought, back in 2004, an old C4 Corvette, since then I brushed up my high school English and even my old high school English grammar book...After some months on Corvette Forum, I started to approach different topics, like politics and off-topic sections...soon I was in the middle of a cultural confrontation, and being that Forum 100% Republican, my Italian kind of "socialist perspective" was instantly held up in public derision...Well, they were quite rude actually, with me and my country...I just wanted to share a different perspective on topics like healthcare or violence and guns...but I started to learn that not all America is sparkling gold...fast forward to the present days I still feel this conflicting emotion...When I watch cop videos on youtube, I can't accept the level of violence, and sometimes the open disregard for human life when they shoot in the back of fleeing people...I don't know..., probably after 10 years in Italy, you can understand what I mean...It's kind of delusional and it's like an up and down of different emotions... I don't know if I would be able to embrace totally the American way of life...complimenti per il canale e il tuo accento
Hi, I really enjoyed reading this comment and I commend you for wanting to go beyond what Italian society thinks of US society. I am not surprised by your experiences with the republicans. Not just them but a lot of Americans can't handle differences of opinions and yes they can be insulting and never seek to understand the other point of view.
I remember once I was with some friends and among them was a girl who was a proud republican, claiming she had even had dinner with the Bush family. I told her I was planning on moving to Italy and she was shocked at this. I told her there were certain things I disliked about the USA (as I mention in this video) and I will never forget her reaction. She said, "Do us all a favor, don't vote". I found this comment very insulting and hypocritical of her. America is freedom for everyone, not just an elite group of people who have this presumptious sense of superiority. Then again every political party has their morons!
Grazie per le belle parole! Prima o poi mi tocca a fare un video completamente in lingua italiana. Continua a guardare! A presto!
Most Americans think Robert De Niro is a real Italian. But, some do know Italy makes a lot of things from Ferrari to world class products in design and more. I think Italians, as much Americans, need to realize the power of Italy's creativity and output.
@@giapetto2 hi Frank, you know I’m here in Italy, probably if I was totally into your way of life I could accept some inevitable compromises and go over the initial culture shock, but still I can’t accept the political radicalism recently you can find in s lot of Republican Governors, like in Florida with the bill about sexual discussion in schools , or the abortion made illegal or again the early age trans gender issues. I know these are very sensitive topics but, from a Republican perspective, it seems the entire society has to step backward a lot instead of making progress…again I respect your country perspectives, but even here in Italy with our Catholic religion and the Pope we still keep a modern perspective… just my 2 cents… at the end of the day America will be always the greatest country of freedom and opportunities but a lot of things are getting worse… ciao Franco 👍🇮🇹🇮🇹
yep. republicans; and guns. the very same reasons of the evil in this country. having said that, democrats were once what republicans are now; just to be fair and objective. nowadays, anybody can get killed at any time of the day or night, in any place (no restrictions here), for no reasons, whatsoever. you don't have any cover; starting with the politicians and government officials, from the federal level all the way down to the village level. every country has their own evil, but here, in America, it has crossed all lines. even in Italy, with the ascension of the far right, would not be the same. reason: there is no crazy gun culture and no massacres because of this fact.
I go every year, and have thought about retirement there, but it seems like a lot of red tape, especially for housing. And learning to Speak Italian in Rome is impossible. I speak to people in Italian, and they reply in English. WTH.
You got my sympathy on both of them. The red tape is irritating and in the beginning they replied to me in English. Very frustrating indeed
Great video. This one resonated with me in a special way because I too had to completely adapt to a new system here in the USA vs. my origin country. My motives and circumstances where different but the experience of getting thru the crude reality of a new language, culture, economics, and creating a comfortable home with little to no help. Add to that equation a then 2 yrs old son and a wife and the struggle gains some extra difficulty. One positive that propelled us was that we had no way back nor we wanted one, after yrs waiting for the legal system to take its course we weren't going to throw it all away. Here we are now, nearly 12 yrs later, the family grew and we're well established and enjoying it the best we can while actively trying to travel and experience other corners of the planet.
IMO, taking these steps without uprooting a family in the process makes it easier and more bearable because you can put yourself thru some "inconvenient" situations but it's painful when those depending on you have to go thru the same. It's tough to be strong when your family is navigating the storm with you and you can see their struggle too.
Quick story to wrap it up: The reason why we lived for 18 months on cereal, milk, eggs, rice, beans and occasional meat in order to save for the house down payment was because my son (4yrs then) asked me why his school friends lived in big houses and we lived in a tiny apartment with so many people. 😓
Hey Ron. Thank you for sharing your story. Yeah, I've never gone through the experience of sharing this immigrant experience with my family and hopefully I never will. Although my daughter may feel some of this conflicting cultural concept in the future. The one advantage of being in a difficult situation is that you learn to live below your means and I think this is a great concept to learn even when you are rich.
Hi! I'm glad I found your channel. I've visited Italy several times, and last summer visited Rome. I'm planning to retire to Italy in a couple of years. Been working on learning Italian for a while. Hopefully, when the time comes, I'll be fluent enough. 😊
Hello there! Welcome to my channel and thank you very much for watching. I hope my channel does in fact help you at some point in the process with moving to this country. Let me know if you have other questions.!
Sorry for all the separated comments, too many thoughts coming at me😂 I too, have gotten my citizenship by decent and I have been told I speak ‘old Italian’ because I learned all my Italian from my angel Nonna who has now passed on. Sometimes my lovely Italian family in Italy finds my speaking entertaining because of that. I wish you would do a video on the generational changes of Italian language because we are out here!
Congratulations on the Italian citizenship! Oh yes Italian Americans linguistically speaking are a time capsule and tend to speak an older version of Italian and it’s often a regional dialect spoken at home. It’s like meeting someone who speaks Shakespearean English in todays world.
Ottimi argomenti e considerazioni. Il modello di capitalismo americano è indifferente alle persone e ai luoghi . Le multinazionali controllate dai fondi di investimento stanno chiudendo aziende sane in Italia e le spostano all estero per aumentare i profitti .
Grazie. Fa pensare a quando feci un corso di inglese ad alcuni ex dipendenti di una fabbrica a Battipaglia che era in chiusura e che trasferiva l'attività in Olanda. Mi dispiaceva per loro perché erano costretti a scegliere tra trasferirsi in Olanda dove c'era già un lavora che li aspettava oppure iniziare a cercare un nuovo lavoro in Italia. Alla fine 3 sono rimasti definitivamente lì mentre uno che sentiva troppo la mancanza della sua terra è tornato.
I’m Italian Australian,love your work/video
Awesome name! thank you!
This was great information David. My grandparents came to America from Abruzzo Italy when they were 17 years old. That’s a brave move. I can remember all the time spewing the grands and tradition and cooking of course 😆. But now we all would love to move back to Italy. My son just got a new job where he will be working remotely and would like to travel and spend time in Italy so I passed your video on to him. I think the quality and speed of life is so much better than where the US is heading. Have to enjoy life.
Thank you 🙏
Hi Liz. I was in. Abruzzo this past summer and honestly I had a very good time. I loved the nature the food and the architecture of the houses there. The only one big disadvantage of that area of Italy is that it is very seismic.
Perfect. Moving to Italy with a remote job already in place is a great idea. As a matter fact, I think this is the only way to work in Italy but that’s just my opinion.
You know you aren’t the first and certainly not the last to tell me that you’d like to move to Italy to get out of United States due to the direction in which its heading. I know I am happy to live out my life in Italy. Life here is far from perfect but I don’t feel. I am missing out on life by living here. I have everything I need, with the exception of ice hockey.!! They have hockey here in Italy, but it’s not common. Best of luck on your move, and if you need advice, don’t feel shy to reach out.! Happy new year! 🎊
If the average Italian had the ability to make as much money as they could in the US, they would. Italy is PLAGUED with bureaucracy. Taxes are VERY high.There is NO meritocracy in Italy. Everything usually depends on who you know.
My mother's family came from Lazio. After WW2, most ppl in her town left for: Venezuela, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Argentina and Germany in the 1946- very early70s. Many made $$$ in said countries and came back and helped her town. If it were not for the remittances of the emigrants, many areas of Italy would not have become developed. Many areas of Italy became developed, due to the emigrants and the money they made in foreign countries; money they could have NEVER made in Italy.
Having lived in Italy myself in the 80s, I noticed how Italians generally WORSHIPED ppl with money, be they TV personalites, Italian noble families, magnates, etc. Some ppl in S. Italy even revere mafiosi.
Versaci, Cavalli, Gucci, Berlusconi are GREATLY admired by most ppl, except maybe, Leftist intellectuals.
Italians who have family in the US are obsessed with US salaries of their relatives or are curious as to comparing the same job salaries in Italy. Life in Italy is NOT easy, especially in the South.
Italians have a strange relationship with money. It is very important for them, they are savers and yet they don't have ambitions to become wealthy. This is in part to an unfair job market, yes II agree and also a cultural belief that even low salaries are better than nothing. "Hey at least you got a job".
I was speaking to a friend the other day in the US who is a manager at a big company and he believes that the idea of meritocracy is disappearing in the US. Since I haven't worked there in 13 years I can't confirm nor deny that.
I don't feel it is fair or accurate to compare US salaries to Italian ones and here's why. Everything is more expensive in the US and so a person making 40K a year for example may very well be living paycheck to paycheck. I don't know. Are they single and living at home? Are they frugal? In that scenario then yes 40k a year is doable. Or do they have a large family with a mortgage to pay, health insurance, groceries, bills, gas, extra curricular activities for the children, etc?
Italians of course have similar expenses but the cost can be much less in Italy and I also feel that Italians have stronger family ties and with that said it definitely comes in handy for them and I think it's the glue that holds Italian families together. Otherwise in Italy a family with a combined monthly income of 2400 and no support from friends or family for example might never be able to afford a mortgage, car, food, bills, etc.
It's all relative and I find many Italians misled when it comes to this subject.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Costs are all relative, as you say. You are from expensive New England. If I go to cheap Mississippi, prices for housing/rent are NOT at all comparable, just like in Milan vs Isernia or Foggia.
Living in Milan, making 40k, is NOT the same as say, 40k in a "paese" near Potenza or L'Aquila. Quite a few ppl there are lucky, living for free in the same, "villa," their emigrant "nonno" built, by toiling in a Dussuldorf car factory or a Maracaibo oil rig, back in the 60s.