In the US we are used to and prefer communication to be very direct in business and in social interaction but it’s not always that way in Italy it’s not uncommon for you to ask a question and get sort of a roundabout response. This is not just the case with the company’s we consulted for. I tried to exchange money at a small out of the way location and without a doubt it was the strangest transaction I have ever been involved in. Some of the misconceptions that I had that got cleared up are pickpockets behind every corner, everything being super lackadaisical, and the language barrier being an issue. There are no pickpockets behind every corner. I’m sure they are around but it’s not to the same extent that people will make you believe. Being cautious in crowds is useful but walking around paranoid jumping at shadows is tiring and not necessary. For some reason I got the impression everyone had a super relaxed attitude about everything and trains wouldn’t be running on time and things like that. Overall stuff still has to work and it feels completely functional. Things do have a way of going wrong while traveling and delays do occur but often they are manageable. I also thought that the language barrier would be a serious issue but Florence is such a touristy area that you will hear English more than Italian in the city center. In the rest of the country too a good number of people speak English and it’s not really a challenge to communicate. Worst case scenario ordering at a restaurant pointing at stuff and counting with your fingers is very effective. Google translate is also a great option when you need to convey more complex ideas than pointing can accomplish. Overall a very enlightening experience I would definitely recommend to others. If you have the chance to study abroad you should take it.
