La Dolce Vita

Five more reasons to live in Italy!

Ever since masses of Italians first started arriving on our shores post WW2, Australians seem to have developed a healthy obsession for all things Italian! Italians are well integrated into our society and form a lively part of our community, but the real Italy is a world away from Lygon Street (VIC) and Norton Street (NSW)! See for yourself…

FAMILY

Too much family is never enough, so say the Italians. Family is of utmost importance, so get set to share your life with your host family, as well as cousins, uncles, aunts, ‘nonni’ — the whole clan!

PASSEGGIATA

Take part in the daily ‘passeggiata’ — the social event of the day where you head to the piazza, link arms with your best friend and stroll around and around — this is the place to see and be seen.

SPORTS

Italians love their sports — volleyball, car racing, basketball, soccer, snowboarding, even surfing! It’s the home of luxurious sports cars such as Lamborghini, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and the more modest Fiat. Sport is a big part of life — just don’t mention the 2006 Soccer World Cup...

HISTORY

Learn firsthand about Italy’s fascinating history, from bloody Roman battles to the prosperous Renaissance period when the Medici ruled Florence to the twentieth century’s turbulent political struggles.

FOOD!

Italians are a proud bunch, and nothing makes an Italian mamma more proud than a culinary compliment. Be loved the Italian way — with tortellini, scallopine, lasagne, minestrone, tiramisu... heaven on a plate!