FIU in Italy ~ Cultural Considerations Courtesy & Conduct in Italy . . • Attitude Remember that you are a guest when we arrive in Italy, even if you have been there before. Although the Italians are famously hospitable, and will accept a lot of normally unacceptable behavior from guests in their country, please be a good cultural ambassador. Remember that you will be representing the University and your culture while in Italy, let's make a good impression. Never forget that you are in Italy as a scholar, not a tourist on vacation. . • Language Learn some Italian before you get to Italy. Start now! Don't expect people to "be nice" to you if you don't make an effort to speak Italian. The faculty can not stress this concept enough. Yes, you may "get by" with Spanish or English in some places, however, please do not take this approach to your Italian experience. Spanish is not Italian and not everyone speaks English. Many doors will be opened to you if you make an effort to "speak the language", as in any country. If you address an Italian in Italian and they answer you in English, don’t be surprised or disappointed, you have done your part. It is considered rude to address someone in a foreign tongue in any country. . • Attire & Sacred Buildings Italians tend to wear “more” clothes than Americans do. You should be conscious of the fact that many churches and other sacred places will not allow you in if your are dressed for South Beach. In general, bare shoulders and shorts won’t work. Try to plan a wardrobe that will be comfortable and decent ahead of time. Comfortable shoes (not brand new) are a good idea. Avoid clothing that will identify you as an American (or tourist in general) to unscrupulous types; do not call attention to yourself with the way you dress. You will not be allowed in sacred buildings if your are not dressed properly. That means no spaghetti straps, shorts, or tube tops. You should bring something that you can wrap around yourself, if need be, on the days when we are going to sacred buildings. While in sacred buildings in Italy, keep your voice to a whisper and do not sit down anywhere except for the benches. It is considered disrespectful to sit on the floor. You will see tour groups with guides being very loud, don’t take this as an invitation to behave the same way. What works for a group with a loud guide often doesn't work for groups without a guide. . • Museums Museum and monument staff in Italy handle an enormous amount of tourists every day. Although they may appear to be abrupt on occasion, they are usually very helpful, professional and knowledgeable. Please follow any verbal instructions while in the museums as they can change quite often due to the large number of “art lovers” that go to Italy. . • Restaurants & Gratuity Do not be surprised if everyone at you table does not get a menu, this is just a cultural difference that should be anticipated. A service charge is added in restaurants in the standard “coperto”, if you sit at a table. This fee is basically to cover the cost of servicing the table and is not a sign of gratuity. In general, you are expected to leave a small tip of 10% after the meal as a sign of gratitude. A 10% tip may be automatically added to your bill as at some places in this country (“servizio”). If the restaurant asks you if you want bread and you say “yes” be prepared to pay for it. . • Drinking Don’t be drunk in public in Italy. Although drinking in public is more acceptable than here, public drunkenness is not accepted in Italy just as in the United States. Drunkenness is the principal cause of injury to American students in European study programs. If you are of age and drink we expect you to drink responsibly and in moderation at all times. . • Attendance ~ Optional & Free Days Attendance at scheduled activities is absolutely required. You must be be at scheduled meeting points ahead of the scheduled departure time. As a rule of thumb, we will meet in the lobby of the hotel each morning, and occasionally in the evening for informational meetings unless you are otherwise notified. While on walking tours do not shop or fall behind the group as we can not wait for you to catch up out of respect for the entire group. Shopping should be reserved for optional or free days. Please make sure that you have taken care of your camera, bathroom, pharmacy, and/or cash needs before we leave the hotel. If you plan on taking advantage of optional destinations that one of the faculty members will not be going to, you must notify one of the faculty members of your plans. Likewise, if you are planning a trip out of town on a free day, you must notify the faculty of your plans the day before. . • In the Hotel Do not gather in the hallways of the hotels, the noise will inevitably bother another guest. Likewise, keep quiet in your rooms if you are having a gathering. We like having the option of using the same hotels in the future. If you gather in the lobby, please keep the conversation to a low pitch. If your behavior becomes intolerable to the point of which the management would like you to be removed, we will not argue on your behalf. Guests are not allowed in the hotel unless previously arranged with the faculty. . • Safety Always be conscious of your personal safety. When you go out at night, go in groups and stay together. Valuables that you leave at the hotel should be kept in the hotel safe. Never get into a car with a stranger no matter how nice they seem! • On the Train and Bus ~ Luggage Restrictions
• ATM Machines ("Bancomat" in Italian) • "Sent Home" Clause
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