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Studying Italian in Milan: Joseph’s story
Moving to Italy can be difficult if you don’t speak the language. According to Joseph, it is an essential aspect for living well in Milan. Arrived in Italy with his family, freelance cameramen and videomaker by profession and passionate about tennis, Joseph tries to tell us what his life is like in Italy and what he likes to do.
Our chat with Joseph.
Ciao Joseph, can you tell us something about yourself?
My name is Joseph and I am English. I arrived in Milan from London in September 2018, with my wife Anna and my son Emile. My son is 3 years old and will be going to the Porta Venezia nursery school from this September. An Italian school! We are excited.
What were the steps that brought you to Milan?
We came to Milan for Anna’s work, who collaborates with a Milanese fashion house. I work as a cameraman for sports in Italy and in other countries. I really like tennis and touring.
How is the city treating you?
I must tell the truth, in my opinion Milan is a city that remains somewhat closed to those who do not speak Italian. But I can consider myself lucky: I am a freelance and therefore flexible, I can manage my life almost as I want, so I try to learn Italian in my free time, at school in group courses and private lessons.
One thing you like about living in Italy.
We love the countryside and we often go to the Marche, Liguria or Tuscany when possible.
In Milan I like people: they are elegant and dress well. They are also kind, despite having a reputation for being cold. It’s not absolutely true! In the future, however, I would like to go to Sicily, I think there is really the opposite of Milan. But maybe I’m wrong!