As I mentioned in my previous post, Rajab is coming to study Italian in Italy this summer.
Now why should this present an opportunity for Italy? Well, Italy is very well placed geographically to receive bright young things from north Africa, which is an area, unlike central and southern Africa, alas, which appears to be moving ahead, silently, but quickly.
In some respects, north Africa could be compared to India – which is another area which is on the up and up.
If Italy played its cards right, it could set up plenty of facilities to satisfy the craving for education the youngsters from these areas appear to have.
Not only this, but Italy could end up with some bright new talent too.
As Man of Roma pointed out in his ‘The Southern Shores of the Mediterranean‘ post, Italians are more closely related to those on the other side of the Med than perhaps many would like to admit. Which means that those on the other side of the Med can be made to feel quite at home here.
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Well, I can testify that at least here in Rome (but I think also elsewhere in this country) North Africans sometimes have less difficulties to integrate compared to east-European people.
What I mean is that people here find it often easier to understand a person from Tunisia or Egypt rather than one from Latvia or Bulgaria.
Ciao
Hi Man of Roma,
Your observations and insight are something I’d like to devote more time to!
Indeed, I keep on coming across people like you, and one could end up reading away one’s life!
If only….
Kind regards,
Alex
If only…?
Well, there is a difference between Med places like Rome (and generally the Italian South) and places like Milan, Trieste, or Turin. They are less Mediterranean, we are more Mediterranean. It suffices to look at a map. The ‘stivale’ is deeply plunged into this sea and is centrally located there. This cannot but have cultural consequences (like a different attitude towards north Africans, for example), though this creates difficulties to Northern Italians who try to integrate in some central and most southern parts of this country (of course I am sure this happens also elsewhere: Scottish people and English people are very different, for example).
What we perceive here, when we see people from Northern Italy, is persons who move faster than we do and sort of look like little inhuman soldiers. Yes, I would say they look a bit like inhuman soldiers to us, with their effective way of doing things, their promptness etc. (and their accent we mostly do not like).
Well, after all, they are among the richest people in the world while there is some sloppiness in the Mediterranean areas, some laziness plus many other flaws … still, if Italy had to be split in two (which will never happen in my view), I have not many doubts which part I would belong to. Too complex a topic to be discussed here lol.
All the best
My comment was a bit out of context. Plus, do not praise my writings too much, lol, they being not such a big deal. You seem to me to be doing a good job in your explaining the Italian ways to english-speaking people.
The key is the ability to speak the Italian language. If you can’t it won’t matter where you are from……it will be tough.
Aside from that, Rome is an international city with groups of people from all over the world. Its useful to meet people people from your home (even though it can hamper your integration into the Italian / Roman way of life).
What I have seen is that Rajab is also into SEO. I think this could be good timing as Italy is still a bit behind with websites and SEO. But home broadband connections are increasing dramatically. Hopefully you will be able to offer your services and do okay.
One tip for Rome……’Bucatino’. A traditional trattoria in Testaccio selling good Roman food.
Enjoy Rome!!! Ciao
The reason I’m coming to Italy (Rome) is not because of it is geographical location, but rather because I was brought in a family which has bonds with Italy. My great grandfather was married to an Italian and my great uncle has been living in Rome for 40 years. So the atmosphere among us is Italian. The expressions, the food, and even the language; we actually use tons of Italian words and phrases.
Another reason is that I’m fed up with the people (including relatives, friends..etc) who ignore me for the fact that I’m not like them in everything (they are Arab). At college I only talk to a few friends who are like me. Others just don’t want to interact with me, because we are not alike. We just don’t get along. The mentality is very different.
However, the nice thing is that my Dad understands me and he suggested that I start over in Italy. He really encouraged me to do so, because he knows that Italy can offer me what my home (lets say it is) couldn’t and will never offer.
I still have major exams to take here, and after that I should be in Rome, but I’d love to visit Milan, Florence…etc
@Rajab Bader
I understand what you mean. I was only referring to our Mediterranean geographical location because this favours mutual understanding with people from Arab countries, which have been our neighbours for centuries. I hope your Italian adventure will bring you happiness and opportunities!
All the best
@Man of Roma
“You seem to me to be doing a good job in your explaining the Italian ways to english-speaking people.”
Thanks for this!
“Plus, do not praise my writings too much”
Sorry, I point blank refuse to stop praising your writing!
And thanks for the tip! I’ll check it out
@Nigel,
A warm welcome to Blog from Italy!
Now some comments on your comments:
“The key is the ability to speak the Italian language. If you can’t it won’t matter where you are from……it will be tough.”
Yes, this is very true, and potentially the biggest obstacle to those from north Africa working in Italy, but with the right organisation – north Africans could study here – if courses were held in English. I do know of a few places that already do this.
Re Rajab – I agree whole heartedly – with Italian, and English etc Rajab and others like him are in a good position.
@Rajab
So you have Italian origins/connections do you? That is interesting, and hearing about the Arab and others cultural conflict is fascinating too. How has this division come about in your opinion?
As for the exams – best of luck with them, but it sounds as though you are studious enough to do fine.
All the best to one and all,
Alex
@Alex,
Yes I have connections with Italy. In fact, my great uncle Adamo and his wife Valeria have been living in Rome for 40 years. I’m going to stay with them while studying Italian in Perugia, but to be honest I want to move there permanently, and I think I’ll have to prove that I can take care of myself,first (learn Italian fast, get a job, stay away from troubles…etc).
I have been doing research about the life in Italy especially for students and it seems that Italy is the best place for people like me because as far as I know education is free and Italy has one of the best education systems in the world.
I want to major in Linguistics and I can’t do that here (I also guess that it is not available as a major in all Arab countries) so thats another reason to go to Italy.