After a classic Agosto ferie, The Real Life in Italy is back. This episode Evelyn is going solo to chat about why she had to step away in August, that being the childcare situation in Italy. We’re covering childcare in Italy from 3 months old to 4 years, what solutions you have for daycare, and what schooling looks like from then on out. A common thread I had to point out in this overview podcast: summer vacation in Italy. Did you know essentially from July to August parents are fottuti? Schools shut down and there are limited options. On the note of long summer vacations - what does this do to Italy position in the Gender Equality Index? And did you hear that Italy wants to make summer vacation LONGER? Have a listen to this quick kick-off episode and find out more. Here’s the info on the Gender Equality Index: https://eige.europa.eu/gender-equality-index/2023/IT _______

If you enjoyed the episode, and show, please leave us a 5 ⭐️ rating, it means a lot!

Thanks for listening to the Real Life in Italy.

This podcast is for foreigners living in Italy, who are all just trying to make sense of it all. Listen in to learn all about a side of living in Italy everyone else forgot to tell you about. But don’t expect us all to be better, I promise. Expect some good laughs, helpful tips and cultural explanations, and expat stories to remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out.

Learn more about Evelyn at www.collineallemontagne.com www.instagram.com/collinemontagne

You can show your support by buying me a glass of wine, I always appreciate it: www.buymeacoffee.com/colline

As highly requested, we are getting into the topic of pregnancy in Italy. This solo episode, I explore what you should expect from the healthcare in Italy when you are pregnant, what exams will they have you do, how are your doctors going to care for (or judge, honestly) you, and what choices do you have about giving birth in Italy.

There’s PLENTY more to cover on this topic, but here’s some information to get you started. Have more questions? If you are on Spotify you can comment here, if not reach out to me on Instagram or my website and I’ll address your thoughts!

Check Doctorsa, formerly Doctors in Italy. A network of English speaking doctors in Italy, and Europe, available for in-person or video call appointments 24/7. Find out more: https://bit.ly/DoctorsaRealLife

If you enjoyed the episode, and show, please leave us a 5 ⭐️ rating, it means a lot!

Thanks for listening to the Real Life in Italy.

This podcast is for foreigners living in Italy, who are all just trying to make sense of it all. Listen in to learn all about a side of living in Italy everyone else forgot to tell you about. But don’t expect us all to be better, I promise. Expect some good laughs, helpful tips and cultural explanations, and expat stories to remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out.

Learn more about Evelyn at www.collineallemontagne.com www.instagram.com/collinemontagne

You can show your support by buying me a glass of wine, I always appreciate it: www.buymeacoffee.com/colline

In this episode of The Real Life in Italy, we’re taking a quick look at dating in Italy. And while I (that’s Evelyn, your host) have been out of the dating scene awhile, my good friend Sylvia is coming on to share experiences and thoughts, and tell me what all the kids are up to these days.

We chat cultural differences, personal dating experiences, stereotypes about dating Italian men, and the reality behind common myths. The episode covers in cultural dating habits, and practical advice for foreigners dating in Italy. And really we get into what ARE the apps that people are using in Italy (because who meets irl anymore?)

Big surprise though: we DO NOT discuss mammone or mothers ever. Crazy, but true. We’ll chat that another time.

Here’s the deets:

00:00 Introduction to Dating in Italy 01:58 Safety Tips for Dating in Italy 03:46 Meet Sylvia: An Expat's Perspective 04:46 Dating Expectations vs. Reality 11:00 Italian Relationship Dynamics 16:53 Stereotypes and Cultural Differences 25:49 Exploring Different Dating Apps 28:20 Italian Men and Dating Expectations 43:03 Ideal First Dates in Italy 47:12 Final Thoughts on Dating in Italy

Check Doctorsa, formerly Doctors in Italy. A network of English speaking doctors in Italy, and Europe, available for in-person or video call appointments 24/7. Find out more: https://bit.ly/DoctorsaRealLife

If you enjoyed the episode, and show, please leave us a 5 ⭐️ rating, it means a lot!

Thanks for listening to the Real Life in Italy.

This podcast is for foreigners living in Italy, who are all just trying to make sense of it all. Listen in to learn all about a side of living in Italy everyone else forgot to tell you about. But don’t expect us all to be better, I promise. Expect some good laughs, helpful tips and cultural explanations, and expat stories to remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out.

Learn more about Evelyn at www.collineallemontagne.com www.instagram.com/collinemontagne

You can show your support by buying me a glass of wine, I always appreciate it: www.buymeacoffee.com/colline

In this episode of 'Real Life in Italy,' we’re taking a better look at Italy's healthcare system—an essential topic for expats in Italy. The episode explores the details of Italy's public healthcare system, and the Tessera Sanitaria: what’s included, how you can access it as a foreigner in Italy, and what’s it good for.

The episode includes an insightful interview with Nadia Neytcheva, CEO of Doctors in Italy, who shares her expertise on the differences between public and private healthcare, the challenges in the Italian healthcare system, and practical tips for expats. We’ll also discusses the role of general practitioners or medico di base and the options available for private healthcare.

This episode will help newcomers navigate the healthcare landscape in Italy seamlessly. You can connect with Nadia here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-neytcheva/

And check out Doctorsa, formerly Doctors in Italy. A network of English speaking doctors in Italy, and Europe, available for in-person or video call appointments 24/7. Find out more: https://bit.ly/DoctorsaRealLife

If you enjoyed the episode, and show, please leave us a 5 ⭐️ rating, it means a lot!

Thanks for listening to the Real Life in Italy.

This podcast is for foreigners living in Italy, who are all just trying to make sense of it all.

Listen in to learn all about a side of living in Italy everyone else forgot to tell you about. But don’t expect us all to be better, I promise. Expect some good laughs, helpful tips and cultural explanations, and expat stories to remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out.

Learn more about Evelyn at

www.collineallemontagne.com

www.instagram.com/collinemontagne

You can show your support by buying me a glass of wine, I always appreciate it:

www.buymeacoffee.com/colline

In this episode of The Real Life in Italy we’re exploring the process of getting an Italian driver's license as a foreigner. We’ll cover an in-depth guide on when and why expats in Italy might need to get this license and how to get it done, with essential tips to prepare for the theory and practical exams.

Later, I’m joined by fellow American in Italy, Elizabeth Thacker Jones to discuss their shared experiences, challenges, and insights into driving in Italy.

For those living in Italy or planning on an extended stay, this episode is packed with valuable information and practical advice to help you hit the road legally and confidently.

You can connect with Elizabeth here: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethtjones/

TimeStamps: 01:41 When and Why You Need an Italian Driver's License 03:59 Steps to Get Your Italian Driver's License 05:00 Studying for the Theory Exam 12:38 Taking the Practical Exam 14:38 Interview with Elizabeth: Driving in Milan 18:20 Traveling in Italy: Renting a Car vs. Public Transport 21:06 Personal Experiences with Italian Driver's License 23:18 Navigating the Italian Driving Test 26:32 Challenges and Tips for Expats 43:06 Final Tips and Recommendations

If you enjoyed the episode, and show, please leave us a 5 ⭐️ rating, it means a lot!

Thanks for listening to the Real Life in Italy.

This podcast is for foreigners living in Italy, who are all just trying to make sense of it all.

Listen in to learn all about a side of living in Italy everyone else forgot to tell you about. But don’t expect us all to be better, I promise. Expect some good laughs, helpful tips and cultural explanations, and expat stories to remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out.

Learn more about Evelyn at www.collineallemontagne.com www.instagram.com/collinemontagne

You can show your support by buying me a glass of wine, I always appreciate it: www.buymeacoffee.com/colline

If you enjoyed the episode, and show, please leave us a 5 ⭐️ rating, it means a lot!

Thanks for listening to the Real Life in Italy. This podcast is for foreigners living in Italy, who are all just trying to make sense of it all.

Listen in to learn all about a side of living in Italy everyone else forgot to tell you about. But don’t expect us all to be better, I promise. Expect some good laughs, helpful tips and cultural explanations, and expat stories to remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out.

Learn more about Evelyn at www.collineallemontagne.com www.instagram.com/collinemontagne

You can show your support by buying me a glass of wine, I always appreciate it: www.buymeacoffee.com/colline

In our first episode of the monthly series “The Expat Files” here on The Real Life in Italy, Evelyn interviews Damien O'Farrell, an expert on global mobility who has lived in Italy for over 36 years.

Damien shares his journey from moving to Italy to assist a friend, to running a teaching business, and eventually starting a global mobility agency.

We also get into just how important it is to show Italy not only as a place to retire but as a place to create a life and work. Damien also offers insights into the most promising industries and skills for a lucrative career in Italy, underscoring the necessity of hard work and continuous learning.

Essentially: Figure out if Italy is right for you. Be Decisive. Do the Work.

Time Stamps:

00:56 Meet Damien O'Farrell: A Global Mobility Expert in Italy 01:48 Damien's Journey to Italy 03:43 From Teaching to Global Mobility 05:54 Adapting to Change: Business and Technology 08:53 Challenges and Opportunities in Italy 15:26 Deciding to Stay in Italy 20:00 Navigating Bureaucratic Hurdles 21:57 Cultural Quirks and Public Administration 24:55 Daily Life and Work Realities 29:49 Economic Challenges and Work Opportunities 38:16 Advice for Long-Term Living in Italy

Damien O’Farrell a Global Mobility Expert and Expat Coach with over thirty years of experience in Italy. He specializes in facilitating smooth transitions for individual and corporate clients adapting to Italian life. His services include immigration, relocation, citizenship, and expat coaching programs

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damien.ofarrell Website: https://damienofarrell.com Blog: https://damien65.medium.com/ Ultimate Italy Newsletter: https://bit.ly/2yMCNfK

If you enjoyed the episode, and show, please leave us a 5 ⭐️ rating, it means a lot!

Thanks for listening to the Real Life in Italy. This podcast is for foreigners living in Italy, who are all just trying to make sense of it all.

Listen in to learn all about a side of living in Italy everyone else forgot to tell you about. But don’t expect us all to be better, I promise. Expect some good laughs, helpful tips and cultural explanations, and expat stories to remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out.

Learn more about Evelyn at www.collineallemontagne.com www.instagram.com/collinemontagne

You can show your support by buying me a glass of wine, I always appreciate it: www.buymeacoffee.com/colline

In this episode of 'The Real Life in Italy,' I’m taking you for another technical, bureaucratic journey to understand maternity leave in Italy, but not only. I’ll also cover paternity leave, and the options for parental leave in Italy.

Italy has both “obligatory” leave for parents, and optional extended maternity and paternity that can still be paid leave. As expats in Italy, I think it is so important to understand the benefits we have access to under our Italian social security, and it’s important to understand how to access them. I hope this episode will help you make your life in Italy, as a soon-to-be mom, a little easier.

I cover who is eligible for maternity benefits, how to apply for and use these benefits, and the financial aspects of both maternity and paternity leave.

I’m covering rights for contract employees, freelancers in Italy, adoptive parents, and single parents within the Italian system. This episode aims to provide a comprehensive guide to navigating the bureaucratic landscape of parental leave in Italy.

As I mentioned in the episode, the CAF and Patronato may be your friend when applying for leave, here’s a blog explaining those more in depth.

https://collineallemontagne.com/what-is-a-patronato-or-a-caf-in-italy/

TimeStamps: 02:40 Eligibility for Maternity Leave 04:23 Maternity Leave for Contracted Employees 08:39 Maternity Leave for Freelancers 11:37 Applying for Maternity Leave 15:30 Paternity Leave and Parental Leave 21:01 Single Parents and Conclusion

____

This Episode of The Real Life in Italy was sponsored by Doctorsa.com A network of English speaking doctors in Italy, and Europe, available for in-person or video call appointments 24/7. Find out more: https://bit.ly/DoctorsaRealLife ______

If you enjoyed the episode, and show, please leave us a 5 ⭐️ rating, it means a lot!

Thanks for listening to the Real Life in Italy.

This podcast is for foreigners living in Italy, who are all just trying to make sense of it all.

Listen in to learn all about a side of living in Italy everyone else forgot to tell you about. But don’t expect us all to be better, I promise. Expect some good laughs, helpful tips and cultural explanations, and expat stories to remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out.

Learn more about Evelyn at

www.collineallemontagne.com

www.instagram.com/collinemontagne

You can show your support by buying me a glass of wine, I always appreciate it:

www.buymeacoffee.com/colline