Shopping in Italy is everything one would think it would be! I have spent the last couple of weeks, amidst all of our wonderful program activities, shopping in just about any city we go to. It is absolutely incredible, and not surprising since we’re in the fashion capital of the world, but there are some things I wish I had known sooner to prepare. One thing is that when you walk into a store, be sure to greet the store owners upon entrance, otherwise you can be given a look of “what is she up to?” No need to be shy or nervous, they are very friendly people! All it takes is a simple “buongiorno” if it’s morning or “buonasera” if it is the afternoon.

Since we are in Ariccia, it can be difficult to find people who speak English and the same goes for the neighboring towns of Albano, Genzano, Nemi, etc. Due to this, there are phrases (if you’re an avid shopper like I am) that would come in very handy to memorize before your first shopping trip! “Vorrei provare quello” means “I would like to try” and then you could use nonverbal language and point to what you would like or learn the phrase for what it is you’re wanting. “Questo va bene” can be used to say “this is good” if you are happy with what you have, are done shopping, or like how something fits. “Cerco una” translates to “I am looking for a” which you can once again finish with nonverbal cues or learn the words for what you are looking for and “posso provarla” means “can I try it.”

There are also some differences in shopping in America versus shopping here in Italy. When I went into a makeup store in Rome, I was a little confused because I saw one of each product but couldn’t find any more product anywhere. I asked an employee, who had to find a colleague that spoke English, and she told me that the product is kept in drawers that the employees find and get for you, not the customer. In shoe stores, you don’t just grab shoes and try them on or touch them like you do in America. You ask an employee for help and they touch and find everything for you. As an American, there can already be a pretty bad stigma attached to you (fortunately you are a JSB American so you have it a little better!), but because of this, you want to try and adapt as much as possible to show the locals you care about their culture and traditions. Being willing to learn this will get you so far!!

Caroline Avolese

Rome’s huge shopping corso