Ya’ll already know the drill, so lets jump in!

5. Your visa is a two step process.

The closest consulate to get your visa if you’re here in Springfield is to drive up to St. Louis. There you’ll have to make an appointment to complete the necessary documents but this is just the first step. Then once you get to Italy, you’ll have to go to the post office to pick it up and pay the second half of the cost for it. Compared to some other countries, this was definitely a lot more work.

4. Italian food does not taste like American Italian food.

Shocker, I know. Our Global Ambassador Haylee Ebersole, who went, actually didn’t like Italian food once she got there. She enjoyed the American version but she said that the way that they prepare everything was just completely different. Marinara sauce was seasoned differently and Alfredo sauce didn’t even exist. Just keep an open mind and you’ll be fine.

3. Expect to walk everywhere in the cities.

There are buses and subways for you to take, but the money spent on those can add up quickly. Especially if you’re taking them everyday. If where you’re going is beyond walking distance, your cheapest option is the subway, and then to just walk the rest of the way.

2. They’ll want to practice their English with you.

If you’re going to learn the language, keep in mind that you might need to be a little more assertive in stating that. The locals will automatically recognize that you’re not only a foreigner, but an American as well. So they’ll 9 times out of 10 initiate a conversation with you in English. This is your chance to reply in Italian and to say that you’re here to learn the language. However, if you’re not there for the language, don’t worry because most people do speak English.

1. Luxury stores are heavily guarded.

In different plazas and luxury brand name stores, there will be heavily armed guards outside of them. At some places, if you’re not dressed looking the part, then they will not let you enter. Just a heads up, don’t be alarmed if you come across this. It’s just how things are done.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for next week’s entry.