Interview with Jean in Torino

Name: Jean Ireton

Date of Interview: February 26, 2007

Area of Italy you live in?

Torino

Let us know a little about yourself?

Young single professional female.   

Why did you decide to move to Italy?

I studied Italian in College and unfortunately there's no other countries in the world to go to to improve it.  Also, I had studied here as part of my course so I had a fair idea about what the people were like and the language.  A friend told me that I could probably get quite a good job here since I am a native English speaker (the latter has proven to be false unfortunately)

What type of process did you go through to be able to move here?

As Ireland is part of the EU, I just booked a flight and came over.

What problems did you run into during the initial process and how were you able to fix them ?

I didn't have any problems like that, but I did get robbed during the first couple of weeks and that was a bit of a dampener on the spirits.  Finding a job was challanging.  

How long have you been here?

Since September 2006.

What type of adjustment problems have you had?

Problems like expressing myself and my personality through Italian has been challanging.  That's why a lot of my close buddies are native English speakers.

What do you wish someone had told you before you made the leap?

If it's for career advancement then I'd tell them to check out the job situation before they come and have a clear understanding about the salaries and taxes and different types of contract.  

What inside secret could you pass on to others looking to move over?

1. Join an International Church once you get here.  You'll meet loads of Expats and be more involved in the community.  
2  Do a TEFL course.

Do you have any disappointments, things you thought would happen but haven't for whatever reasons ?

Finding a flat is proving to be more difficult then I thought.  It's been 6 months now and I still haven't found a suitable place.  Plus the rents here are more expensive than in Dublin but the salaries less.

What has changed about you since you have been here ?

As regards my personality, I'm much quieter!  I think I just don't talk so much now because I'm used to not being able to contribute much to a conversation (in Italian).