Insider Insights: The Top 5 Challenges Expats Face in Milan

Want to know what the main challenges of foreigners are in Milan? 

Let us start with a disclaimer: everything is relative! Your challenges depend on your points of reference: your previous experiences, your beliefs, expectations, your country of origin and so on. 

But still: what are the main challenges of living abroad? 

If you ask Chat GPT, it will list a set of challenges that expats may face, among which the top 5 are: 

1. Cultural Adjustment: adapting to a new culture, customs, and social norms 
2. Language Barrier: not speaking the local language (well enough) 
3. Homesickness: missing family and friends from the home country 
4. Loneliness and Social Isolation: building a social support network in a new country 
5. Work-related Challenges: securing employment due to differences in job markets, qualifications recognition and work visas 

All the above can cause a great deal of frustration and emotional stress, hindering integration and the creation of a sense of belonging. 

Do these challenges characterize the lives of expats in Milan? Is there something about the city, the country or the culture that changes somewhat the above list? 

We asked expats in the spring of 2023 what they struggle with in Milan. Here is what we found after consolidating more than 50 “milanese” expats’ inputs*. Here is their list in no specific order: 

• Bureaucratic Struggles: navigating the Italian bureaucracy is no walk in the park, not even for locals. Getting your residence or work permit, figuring out taxation are some of the most nerve-wrecking issues. 
• Language Barrier: not speaking Italian and Italians not speaking English can be a difficult combination, which can magnify some smaller challenges. 
• Lack of Community: feeling lonely, lacking quality relationships and a certain sense of belonging put many expats’ persistence to the test. 
• Tiredness of Proving Oneself: starting from a “blank page” abroad has its downside. One might need to constantly prove his/her worth on the job market, at school or work, or even when trying to build new friendships.  
• Cultural Adjustment: understanding the Italian “way of doing things”, the mindset, the customs - which goes beyond the fact that ordering a cappuccino after noon is frowned upon - takes time and hinders the infamous process of creating a sense of belonging.  

Can you relate to these challenges? Would you add something else?

🗣️ Please leave a comment and share your experience with us! 

Oh yes, one crucial question remains: How to tackle these challenges? 🤔

Stay tuned for our next article for some tips! 😉

 – Article writen by Eszter Sztrányay , Professional Trainer & Coach, Co-Founder of The Expat Project - Milan.

* We gathered data through a survey and a series of interviews, in addition to an in-person workshop.