Intercultural Communication Course Blog 
Authors: Emma Guo (UConn), Rachel Plant (UConn), and Dana Samuel (UConn)

ITALY IS …

Different. Different pace, different social norms, different lifestyle; pretty much different everything. Coming from the United States, we’re used to a more fast-paced way of living, and having things be convenient for us so we have to do as little work as possible. Living in Italy for the past few weeks has given us a new perspective on what life and culture here is actually like and made us realize just how much adjusting we’ll have to do. Italian culture is more slow-paced and seems to have a higher focus on function and practicality while America focuses on ease and efficiency. For example, when going out to eat, there are about three or four courses Italians go through (all in moderate portions) and they can stay for practically as long as they want after finishing. In America, the focus is on the entrée (which is usually large) and the waiters are constantly circulating asking how things are, if you’re done and they immediately bring you the check once you finish.

Another difference between America and Florence are the social norms. It’s a big adjustment coming from a culture where personal space is of high regard, to one where it’s (almost) normal for a stranger to come up to you and touch and smell your hair. Despite the fact that this behavior in the US would not be accepted, it is of utmost importance to keep in mind that social and cultural differences are not always negative. The United States is no better than Italy simply because we are used to our way of life with regard for personal space. We recommend that before head to a new country, be prepared for all of the differences that come along with the territory. Being prepared and accepting these differences ahead of time will make all the difference. Overall, it is a huge adjustment moving to a new country but we wouldn’t trade it for the world. Becoming fully comfortable here won’t happen in an instant, but we are sure that with time, Florence will feel like our home away from home.