Hello everyone-- I am new to this Forum. My husband and two children are planning to take a year off from life in the U.S. We are researching Rome/out-skirts of Rome to possibly relocate to for a year. He wants to study there, I would like to continue teaching Elementary Education. My question: I am Hispanic, he is African American (married 10 years)-how are inter-racial couples looked upon in Italy? Any inexpensive apart. out there? How are the schools for children? Any info. would mostly appreciated...

Can someone give us the honest to God truth to help make this decision easier? Thanks.

I have no idea about inter-racial couples but there is definitely racism here (see racism thread.)

How are you planning to work as an elementary school teacher? Do you speak Italian? Do you have European citizenship or a right to work here (ie the equivalent of a green card)? Basically, from what I understand, it will be nearly impossible for you to get a job at an Italian public school even if you speak perfect Italian and have a permesso di soggiorno (like a greencard in the US). However, it may be possible for you to get a job at one of the American schools here if you have the right qualifications and are able to work here.

As far as studying - does your H speak Italian? If not - he will have to study at one of the American universities here which are quite expensive - John Cabot and American University of Rome.

Redy,
Racism aside (as Ramona said, you can read about that on the racism thread), I think you need to ask yourself what this 'year off' from the U.S. is meant to be about. The people who seem to have the easiest time are those who come here and are independently wealthy, for whom it is truly a 'year off.' I think that when you need to come here and set yourself up with jobs, housing, etc. - you may spend the entire year just getting settled. And typically it takes much longer than that. Keep in mind that it's difficult for Italians to find jobs much less foreigners. I don't know what your situation is - if you speak Italian, if you will have the proper immigration papers, if you have any 'connections' (and who you know is very important, especially in Rome) over here so it's hard to tell you whether you should do it or not. But as I said, keep in mind that when you move here to actually 'live' and not as an extended vacation, the first year/s are typically spent dealing with bureacracy and working very hard just to get the most basic things that you had back in the U.S. If you really want it, I'm sure you can make it happen. But don't romanticize it. It will be hard work. I think we've all learned that.
Michelle

As others noted, you couold hit some racism, not due to your being a mixed couple but to being an obviously "non european" couple. Immigration from Africa or south America is still a new enough phenomenon to make you peculiar, regardless of who you are married to. This is not universal, obviously, but still unfortunately present, especially in some areas.
For the legalities, you husband may come as a student and on a student visa, which will allow him to work for 20 hours a week, and I think he may have you and the kids join him as "ricongiungimento familiare" which, though, may not allow you to work legally. You may still consider working under the table as a "consultant" for homeschooling American families in Italy or as a nanny. This will not make you earn very muchm, you will still need some funds to spend for the year, while your work in Italy will probably serve as an extra.
For your husband, in Rome the possibilities are those above, but if you are willing to give up the rome option you may consider spending your year in Perugia or Siena and study at the two Università per Stranieri, which are public (= cheap) and aimed at foreign students wanting to learn the Italian langauge, literature and culture, or art.

So very true; don't underestimate this.

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the first year/s are typically spent dealing with bureacracy and working very hard just to get the most basic things that you had back in the U.S...... It will be hard work. Michelle

All I can say to you is that moving to Italy is IN NO WAY as easy as just making a decision, picking up, and moving, as you might in the United States. I know you probably don't think it is that easy, but it is really like moving to another planet. As Americans, we are so used to the concept of open spaces, going where we like, making a decison and then following through with no one telling us we can't, that to move to Italy (or maybe any foreign country) with all that entails comes as a shock to the system. That is why they call it 'culture shock'.

I can't begin to tell you how different it is to live here. It is not all peaches and cream. That said, once you have done it, you will always be able to say that you did do it, that you tried something totally different in life, and you will always have the experiences and memories. I have never felt so American, and so appreciative of being American and raised in America, as since I moved to Italy. The opportunities for people of any color, the concept of meritocracy with its upward/downward/sideways mobility, the openness...I am a Californian of Irish-Italian descent (second generation both sides), married to a New Yorker of Puerto Rican-Spanish descent, just in case you need my bona fides. Best of luck.

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Originally posted by stelviorider:
So very true; don't underestimate this.

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the first year/s are typically spent dealing with bureacracy and working very hard just to get the most basic things that you had back in the U.S...... It will be hard work. Michelle

When I have regrets for acting on unique opportunities, I think of my grandfather working in a kitchen his whole life to raise a family.

In Italy, plan on the hard work for at least a year. And from the previous post, it really does seem at times to be another planet...

As for the racism, my sensitivities are elsewhere, but my guess is that your bi-racial marriage won't even register on their radar - S. Africa and Mississippi are too far away. Romans won't value your racial diversity nearly as much as you do...that in itself could be a weird effect.

You'll just be perceived as different, like every other non-Roman, non-Italian. It might be different if you looked like an Albanian or a Gipsy. The characteristerics here for determining and judging you based on your social class are more subtle than in the USA: how you move, your posture, your expressions, etc.

Here are some possible red flags regarding such an anthropological mission:
- you are tired of fighting to overcome things in your life
- you want to be treated normally in a consistent, sensible environment
- you don't speak Italian
- you believe in a separation between church and state
- you have no friends or family in Rome
- exposed breasts freak you out
- you believe in meritocracy (and/or you have no friends with connections in Rome)
- you have dependents
- you value their education (if you have kids)
- you have no job or no internationally-respected certifications
- you need money to live
- you have a mortgage/car/etc. and do not have cash available to pay for them
- you didn't know that Telly Sevalis was Brazilian
- you need to be right or feel victorious

That last one's a killer here (I'll be a new man in after a couple years in Puglia!).

I'm having a *seriously* difficult time getting work. The real challenge is adjusting to the culture - that's after 4 months with the support of my wife's family/friends and *lots* of Italian lessons.

For my street credentials: I'm a bonafide white-boy from suburban Boston, with no accent. I'm 33 y.o. with a Master's degree and 12 years of post-graduate professional experience, five of which are in biotech sales and web marketing. I'm $0.10/12 in the states and would have a job in a NY-minute almost anywhere there.

I'd do this move again in a heartbeat, though sometimes I'm miserable (like today). I'm choosing to change myself permanantly, and for the better.

Living in Italy beats the heck out of flippin' burgers in Upstate NY.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: aiki,

I'd like to specify about Racism. The racism we have in italy is not an hatred against foreigners but it is based on prejudices.Italy is not an intercultural country yet, so some people may think "i don't know you because you're not italian, not because you're black or Hispanic. The media doesn't help as well because they show many crimes commited by strangers on Tv. I also have to say this is not the majority but you could be involved.My advice is to learn the language before, and if you meet these kind of people be sure of yourself and don't fear to answer to them.

Il Padrino - one thing:
stangers= sconosciuti
foreigners = stranieri

I actually think you're being a bit simplistic in your post re racism in Italy. For example, as a white Australian woman I get stares and people treat me as a "foreigner" but the way I'm treated is entirely different from how African, Chinese or Romanians are treated here (in general). No one ever assumes I'm a prostitute (as happens to one black female poster here) or a criminal or uses racial slurs against me. I've had no problems renting an apartment, for example, whereas other foreign friends (from Romania) have had big problems.

So I don't think it's an ignorant "you're not Italian therefore we don't trust you" thing. It's more that many Italians dislike/hate certain groups based on steretypes and media portrayals.

I agree with you 100% that the media here is incredibly irresponsible the way it paints a portrait of immigrants as criminals when the vast majority are here simply to work hard and build a better life for their children.

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you didn't know that Telly Sevalis was Brazilian

He was?

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Originally posted by Bill 2:

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you didn't know that Telly Sevalis was Brazilian

He was?

...like a Brazilian. Millions of people can't be wrong!

"Who loves you baby!"

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Originally posted by aiki:

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Originally posted by Bill 2:

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you didn't know that Telly Sevalis was Brazilian

He was?

...like a Brazilian. Millions of people can't be wrong!

"Who loves you baby!"

Er, I thought he was Greek? and related to Jennifer Aniston?!

Jennifer Aniston is Brazilian too?

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I agree with you 100% that the media here is incredibly irresponsible the way it paints a portrait of immigrants as criminals when the vast majority are here simply to work hard and build a better life for their children.

Yes, more or less it's the same thing that happend to the Italian people in America years ago.

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Originally posted by Bill 2:
Jennifer Aniston is Brazilian too?

No, Greek or Greek descent! In fact I just checked the ImDB and he is definitely Greek, the son of Greek immigrants. His best mate was John Aniston, who I guess was father of Jennifer. He was her Godfather.

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Originally posted by Bill 2:
Jennifer Aniston is Brazilian too?

In my husband's fantasies, I'm sure she is!

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Originally posted by Il padrino:
Yes, more or less it's the same thing that happend to the Italian people in America years ago.

As well as to Italians from the south of Italy in the north until not so long ago.

The telly savalas reference is to a bikini wax, that is very, uhm, thorough.

Jennifer Aniston rec'd said wax in the movie "The Break-up"

Telly "who loves you baby" is not brazilian. LOL

Oh no, not "that" again ! Being a bit fick sorry!!

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As well as to Italians from the south of Italy in the north until not so long ago.

you're right too.