What You’ll Learn about Italians in Your First Week Abroad

Written by Megan May 23, 2016

Every culture has particular qualities that are unknown until they are experienced firsthand. These differences can be fun, exciting, and eye-opening if they are embraced correctly. In Italy, Italians have a few qualities that set them apart from other cultures and specifically Americans. Listed below are some of the top things you’ll learn about Italians within a week:

1. Try to Speak Italian – Italians are used to tourists. They live in a country that is sought after and visited by millions of people each year. Travelers come to the country because they love the unique culture and history, and so do the Italians (especially the Venetians). Therefore, the citizens like when tourists try to speak their language and immerse themselves within the culture completely. Don’t worry if you’re terrible at pronunciation or not. The worst case scenario is that both parties get a good laugh.

2. They love their dogs – Italian dogs are treated better than any other animal I’ve ever seen in my life. Due the structure of the cities, most people live in apartments throughout high rise buildings and have no surrounding yard, which means dogs are brought and walked everywhere. Most Italians don’t even carry their dog on a leash, but instead let their very obedient dog run behind them while they run their errands. I wouldn’t suggest petting the dogs though. Although most Italians have been pleased by the attention, it seems to be a very “touristy” thing to do.

3. Time is not of the essence – Like most European stereotypes, Italians are in no hurry (unless they are driving and in which case, buckle your seatbelt and hold on). It is custom for Italians to speak to a cashier or friend at their local supermarket for an extended period of time during and after they have cashed out. If you’re in line behind them, this is something you’ll want to keep in mind. Also, Italians will not rush the bill to you at the end of a meal. It’s often easy to tell who is an American at a restaurant because they are usually the ones calling, “Posso ottenere il mio assegno, per favore?” or, “Can I get my check, please.” In either case, remember to be patient. What’s the rush? You’re in Italy after all.

4. Coffee is life – Start drinking coffee like Italians do. The smaller portions of coffee Italians drink will still have you feeling energetic, but healthier as well as you start your day. Grabbing coffee in the morning is also a great way to see Italian culture. Mornings are bustling at cafe bars for locals to get their morning coffee, which seems to be treated more as a cultural imperative than an option for them.

5. “Ciao-offs” Happen – Ciao seems to be every Italian’s favorite word. There will be many times when you walk into a public place and someone will greet another by stating, “Ciao!” only for the other person to say, “Ciao! Ciao,” in response, in which case the other person will again respond with, “Ciao! Ciao! Ciao!” At this point in time, you have seen a “ciao-off.” I encourage people to partake in these “ciao-offs” because more often than not it is seen as polite and sweet rather than annoying. However, I would make a strict cut-off point. For example, saying “ciao” five times in a row always seems to be the limit.