Meet Kacie Rose, a 29-year-old TikTok content creator based in Florence, Italy. With her unique insights into Italian life, she offers a fresh perspective on various aspects that differ from her experience in the US. From healthcare to cultural norms, Kacie sheds light on some of the six biggest culture shocks she encountered during her time in Italy.
1. Affordable Healthcare: Kacie highlights the stark difference between healthcare costs in Italy and the US. In the US, expensive hospital visits make people reluctant to seek medical attention unless absolutely necessary. However, in Italy, Kacie discovered that visiting a hospital was surprisingly affordable. With universal healthcare built into the tax system, Italians enjoy accessible and cost-effective medical care.
2. Generous Paid Time Off: Italians are fortunate to enjoy ample paid sick days, with a legal requirement of 180 days per year. In addition, they have four weeks of paid vacation, ensuring they have time to rest and recharge. In contrast, the US lacks federal laws mandating paid time off, though some states do enforce it. Kacie explains how the use of sick days and limited vacation time is a common practice in the US, highlighting the stark contrast to the Italian system.
3. Bureaucracy Struggles: Kacie candidly shares her experiences navigating the Italian bureaucracy, particularly with the Italian Postal Service. While it can be messy and unpredictable, she humorously emphasizes the need to embrace the chaos. Additional struggles include unreliable appointment times, where showing up early is necessary to avoid long wait times. Kacie recounts her experiences with visa renewals, showcasing the importance of arriving early to secure a spot.
4. Emphasis on Experience over Degrees: In Italy, choosing a career path often begins at a young age. Unlike the US, where attending a prestigious university is considered essential for career success, Italians have the option to attend vocational schools aligned with their interests. This unique system allows students to gain practical skills and experience in their chosen field from an early age. Kacie’s boyfriend, a chef, attended a hospitality high school where he learned valuable skills related to his career.
5. Moderate Attitude Towards Alcohol: Kacie observes that Italians don’t view alcohol as a “forbidden fruit.” It is customary for Italian teenagers to have watered-down wine during family celebrations, fostering a healthier relationship with alcohol. The legal drinking age in Italy is 18, and Kacie notes that Italians generally have a more balanced approach to alcohol consumption. Drinking in public spaces, such as during a hike, is also a normal occurrence in Italian culture.
6. Making the Most of Challenging Roads: Italians have a remarkable talent for transforming one-way streets into two-way thoroughfares. Kacie recounts a hair-raising experience navigating the narrow, winding roads along the Amalfi coast. Despite facing obstacles like massive buses, Italians effortlessly maneuvered their way through, showcasing their adaptability and resilience.
Overall, Kacie expresses her love for the sense of community in Italy, where the concept of “it takes a village” is deeply ingrained. Italians support and care for one another through life’s ups and downs. However, she acknowledges that the bureaucracy can be confusing and chaotic, both for Italians and foreigners. Despite occasional homesickness, Kacie remains unsure of what the future holds and whether she will return to the United States.
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