Ciao Buongiorno, Hi! Good Morning...
Growing up in Scotland, I always dreamt of living in Italy. Now, that dream has become a reality, and I'm enjoying all the wonderful things this country has to offer. However, one of the most challenging aspects has been learning the language and navigating various institutions, like the Comune (town government) or dealing with delivery services, which can be frustrating without knowledge of Italian. I must say though, that I haven't encountered an unwelcoming Italian yet. It's deeply ingrained in their culture to be warm and hospitable towards others. While some younger Italians may know a bit of English, it's still essential to learn Italian to adapt as an expat here. By mastering the language, not only can you make friends more easily, but it also opens up more job opportunities in Italy. While a second language like English is appreciated, having a solid grasp of Italian is crucial for day-to-day life and work. When I arrived in Italy thirteen years ago, I could only say 'ciao' and struggled with even the simplest tasks like going to the supermarket. Grocery shopping that should have taken 30 minutes turned into an all-day affair as I wandered aimlessly, unsure of where to find items. Despite the daunting prospect of going back to school in my forties, I decided to enroll in a basic beginners course offered by the Parma commune's free Italian courses at the local CPIA school on Via La Spezia. The course was challenging, but I persevered and gained a basic understanding of greetings, shopping, ordering food, and more. Living in Parma, I had the opportunity to practice my new language skills daily while shopping for fruit, vegetables, ham, and cheese from local stores like Ortociccio and salumerie. As I improved, my discomfort and confusion faded, and I felt more integrated into the community. Learning Italian may seem daunting, but with various options like language schools, private tutors, and online courses, you can find a suitable method within your budget. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, and consistency is the key. Progress comes with practice and building your skills bit by bit each day, while making friends with locals can also greatly enhance your language learning journey. Below you can find a list of local courses, the community run ones via the CPIA restart in September and applications for enrollment are available online: http://www.cpiaparma.edu.it
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