I don't want to stray off topic but here I see a comment saying Italian schools are behind the US and on another thread that Italian schools are way behind in Europe. I don't believe this is true seeing what my kids are learning here, though they are in a private catholic school, and what I've seen in the US. Someone come up with some proof one way or the other. Tests of US students rank among the lowest in the World. My kids have homework to do everyday even during summer vacation, try to get a US kid to do that.

So back to the point I don't think your kids will suffer here educationally.

Is that salary you mentioned set in stone? Did your company offer you COLA? or to pay for the international schools? I don't know if companies do this any more since it is extremely expensive. When we were going to move with my husband's company years ago they were giving us COLA and paying for the kids' schooling.

I have to agree with the posters that say "go for it" but I love Italy and would give my right arm to live there now with my kids

My husband and I plan on retiring there someday but I feel bad that I won't be able to experience it with my kids.

Jhelm - the whole school thing can differ so greatly here in the US. For example: NC (where I live) ranks on the bottom of the list as far as the entire state for schools but the school district where my kids go is rated as one of the best in the country. So, how do you compare the entire US with Italy?

jhelm, et al
I have toured the US 12 times 200 shows a year, at least. Doesn't compare to Europe, as patriotic as anyone wishes to be.
My wife has a Master's in Early Childhood Education and development. Her direct observations tell her that school in Italy is much easier. And less well rounded. With One expception. Reggio Emilia. She studied th school for her thesis. Outstanding. However, once back int the public system, you are dealing with many teachers who don't have the same state standards as we do in California. There is much to learn outside of school and being in Europe is a great place for that. People are exposed to different thinking and they actually talk about issues, not just have them spewed at them by a biased talking head on TV.
PSL Homework should be done no matter where you live. It is what helps a child bond to and respect the intelligence of their parents. Try getting a kid to do it? Easy, just remember that you are the parent and they are the child. Not the other way around.

quote:

Her direct observations tell her that school in Italy is much easier. And less well rounded. With One expception. Reggio Emilia

As far as school being "easier" in Italy I think that the educational experience as in the States it varies state by state school by school.

( as this article about the 2006 PISA results confirm, there are wide differences between different areas of the country )

quote:

However, once back int the public system, you are dealing with many teachers who don't have the same state standards as we do in California.

My son went to school in California for the first 4 grades, plus my mom is a retired school teacher in California and I can honestly say that the differences in education quality in California not just between counties and cities but within cities is HUGE.
WHAT teaching standards in California? ARE YOU KIDDING ME???
California spends less and less on students each year, quality is falling dramatically, and privatization is really hitting the CA education system big time. IF you are lucky enough to have the resources to supplement your child's education with lots of paid activities (including buying extra material to teach your child at home) then you are probably ok, but most families where I lived (Berkeley, but this problem also exists in SF, Oakland, etc...) wouldn't dare send their children to public school after elementary due to the declining quality... so sad, I think.
I am not 100% convinced about the teaching methods common in Italy, but I think the quality is much better overall and more consistent than in the U.S.

Wow! The school thing seems has been a bit of a hot button. I'm pretty sure the kids will be fine. My wife and I will make sure of that. Like I said, she's an education professional so I have faith in her.

I've followed the housing links, but frankly they have not been very helpful. That being said, the houses that were on there were better than I expected. In the US, with the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), you can find 100's or even thousands of houses in any metro area with ease. Is there anything like that in Italy? The www.casa.it had a lot of places in the south, but not much in Vicenza area.

Here are a couple more sites for you to look:

http://www.soloaffitti.it/

http://www.immobiliare.it/

http://www.prendicasa.it/

http://www.tecnocasa.it/

About housing: no agent is going to give you the time of day until/unless you are here in person, but the sites will give you a good idea of what's available and at what cost. I found what I wanted on the internet, and was just very very lucky that it was still available a few weeks later when I actually got to Torino.

About schools: I take it you'll start with your kids in an international school (their Italian would have to be very good for them to attend a state school). Get in touch with the expat community (there's bound to be a women's group in the vicinity) in/near Vicenza and sound them out: no doubt they'll have some things to say that will be useful to you.

Sounds like you've decided to go for it? Good for you!

Another consideration is your wife's career. She has 15 years in as a Guidance Counseler. Can she take a "Leave of Absence" while you try out the Italian experience? Otherwise, would it be easy for her to find another job if you were to return to the USA within a year or two? (Or must you stick it out for a certain amount of time due to your work contract?)

Many of us have blogs where you can get an insight into lifestyle, adjustments, daily life etc... though everyone's experience is unique.

It's not an easy decision, but if you have a sense of adventure and can take things slowly (leave of absence for wife, rent out house instead of sell) you'll probably be OK. What have you got to lose, especially if your kids are bright and academically advanced in the US. What you'll all gain by living abroad, even just for a year or two, is priceless.

quote:

Originally posted by Scott:
Private International schools are fine, but I think you will find that the teachers are less qualified than those in the States. No credential, for instance.

I have taught in 3 private international schools here in Europe (1 in Latvia, 2 in Italy). I have both a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I am also certified in the state of Illinois. All of my colleagues at these schools had the same credentials I have (from early years to high school). Maybe a few of them didn't have a Master's. I kept up my U.S. certification while overseas because all of the international schools have required that I do so.

What private international schools are you speaking about exactly? What experiences have you had to back up what you said about all the teachers in all the private international schools? Frankly, I have found the teachers in these private international schools to be some of the best I have seen.

dls_in_us:

What's your decision? Are you coming over to join us?

Paul,

We're still working on it. The company is in an annual one week summer shutdown this week so I won’t know any more about the details until next week. I have learned a lot from this forum and have asked for more details on some issues. I'm also trying to get them to pay for a fact-finding trip for my wife and me.

In addition, we’ve got our tax accountant doing some analysis for us. Everything is moving slower than I’m used to. Consequently, it will likely be a few weeks before we make our final decision.

quote:

Originally posted by dls_in_us:
Paul,

We're still working on it. The company is in an annual one week summer shutdown this week so I won’t know any more about the details until next week. I have learned a lot from this forum and have asked for more details on some issues. I'm also trying to get them to pay for a fact-finding trip for my wife and me.

In addition, we’ve got our tax accountant doing some analysis for us. Everything is moving slower than I’m used to. Consequently, it will likely be a few weeks before we make our final decision.

You ain't seen slow until you come to Italy...

Concur, JoanSi, one hasn't seen process freeze until one has seen a process in Italy!

dls_in_us, from personal experience I will stress that your fact finding trip should be just that - fact finding. I am sure that the temptation will be to spend some time seeing the sights in Italy this being your first trip to Italy. Your hosts will probably be nice and try to take you to those places. Example: Venice is a short train or car ride away. However, to make a fully informed choice, as I said in an earlier post, you should spend 100% of your time time being an "Italian". Don't stay at US hotel chains, stay at a hotel who caters to Italian families. Renting an apartment would even be better. Spend your day going to the local market to see what is available. Compare that to a supermarket. Go speak with the expat support group from the military base in Vicenza. Although I can't think of an relevant example of this on a short trip, try to engage a government process so you can see what it is like. Go to the post office and mail something home.

I think you get my gist. Obviously there are plenty of US expats in Italy - so folks know how to make the life work over here - and absolutely love it. I just think you can save sightseeing for a proper family vacation if you chose not to take the job or it will be a great weekend trip if you do. Focus this first visit on the decision at hand and you'll do well...

Once again I second Paul. You might engage a real estate agent to have a look around to see what you can get for how much, and also try to suss out the legal tangles. You could pay a visit to the local town hall to see what they're all about. And try to get a self-catering flat as that will give you a much more realistic view of day-to-day life in Italy.

By all means DO go to the supermarket since in all likelihood that's where you'll be doing the bulk of your weekly shopping, especially for items like toilet paper and laundry soap (I agree that fresh produce should be bought in the local open market). Compare not only prices but exactly what you'll be getting used to: different toothpaste and so on. You'll also get an idea of what you WON'T find here, like Splenda, and pack a supply to carry you through.

One word of warning, though: Italians are very fond of saying "No" just to say it. Pay no attention to that first roadblock.

quote:

dls_in_us: "Everything is moving slower than I’m used to."

That is the Italian way!

dls_in_us: Any update?