Ciao! From being in Italy for over a month already, there are a few things that I couldn't help but notice. There are lots of different cultural norms and expectations. Here are a few! In Italy... - They do not put ice in your drink, no matter what the drink is. If you ask for ice, they will probably assume that you are American -Multiple courses for dinner. Italians will eat an appetizer, then a pasta dish, then a main dish. -Pasta and meats are always separated -Slower paced. You can sit in a restaurant for hours. They will not rush you out. Dining is about the experience, not about quickly moving tables to make tips - Italians do not tip -If you tip, you are American -You have to ask for the check when you are finished - It is rude to eat in class - Italian university classes do not have one professor per class. They have multiple professors per class, and this manipulates what days and times you have class on a weekly basis - Europeans talk much quieter
Ciao! My name is Erin and I am studying abroad this semester Florence, Italy. Let's begin this crazy adventure!