Italy or Belgium?

[Rossie]

Hello,

 

I’ve been in a relationship with my boyfriend for over 2 years. We have met online, but spent around 8 months and a half in real life. We are both in our early 20s, one year difference, I come from Italy and he from Belgium. I’m currently studying languages at university and he social work. Next year, we will hopefully get our degrees and so we are planning on closing the distance. We are discussing about who is going to move, the pros and cons of our countries and before taking the final decision we would like to ask for more opinions.

 

I have a C1 in French, I speak English fluently, some basics of Spanish and I’m trying to learn Dutch, since he lives in the Flemish part of the country. He speaks fluent English too, a little bit French and German, and he’s trying to learn my native language as well. I actually think he’s learning faster than me. I’ve just come home from a 7 months exchanging program in a city very close to him, so I’ve had the chance to experience the type of life in there, although I consider it not much different than my native country, and to learn his language. I did enjoy my stay and I wouldn’t mind moving in there, but I want to make sure I’m taking the right decision.

 

The main concern is that we want to choose the best country for growing up our future children. I’ve been doing research over the internet and seems like our countries are pretty similar in that matter. Just for giving you an example, the Save the children report 2015 about the best country in the world for a mom and for raising a child, according to five measures related to maternal health, child well-being, education and income levels, and political status, ranks Belgium at the 10th place and Italy at 12th. I know this could be irrelevant to someone, but I find it quite interesting. Then, of course, firstly we want to be able to find a stable job, but the crisis seems to be a bit everywhere right now.

 

 

What do you guys think? I’ve been following this forum for a while now and I know there are some Europeans in here, so I hope to get an insight.

[writergal]

I think you both should choose a country where the unemployment rate is low -- especially for jobs in both of your fields. Which country do you feel the most comfortable living in? Do you have friends in Belgium or just your boyfriend and his family? Does your boyfriend like Italy at all? Would he be willing to move there to be with you?

[Rossie]

I think you both should choose a country where the unemployment rate is low -- especially for jobs in both of your fields. Which country do you feel the most comfortable living in? Do you have friends in Belgium or just your boyfriend and his family? Does your boyfriend like Italy at all? Would he be willing to move there to be with you?

 

Thanks for your answer.

 

We are looking into that, althought I think it could be easier for me to adapt there than he in Italy, especially for the language barrier.

 

I feel comfortable living in both countries, the only thing I could miss about my country, not including my relatives and friends, is probably the weather and the food.

 

I have only him and his family there. He likes Italy and he said he would be willing to move.

[martaldn]

you will never be able to find a permanent job in Italy with the present economy situation unless you know someone in the right place or you have a master degree in something for what the market is lacking.

go to Belgium.

[writergal]

Thanks for your answer.

 

We are looking into that, althought I think it could be easier for me to adapt there than he in Italy, especially for the language barrier.

 

I feel comfortable living in both countries, the only thing I could miss about my country, not including my relatives and friends, is probably the weather and the food.

 

I have only him and his family there. He likes Italy and he said he would be willing to move.

 

What do your job prospects look like in your boyfriend's city for yourself and for him? I think it's necessary to be realistic about which country based on how soon each of you could get a job in your field. Since your boyfriend isn't fluent in Italian, I could see how that would make being a social worker difficult for him if he moved to Italy.

 

Yes, Italian food and weather would be very difficult to give up. Haha! I guess the best way to find out, is for one of you to make the move to the other person's country and try to make it work. See what happens.

[writergal]

you will never be able to find a permanent job in Italy with the present economy situation unless you know someone in the right place or you have a master degree in something for what the market is lacking.

go to Belgium.

 

That's good advice but I think it's true for every country, not just Italy. Job networking is the best way to find a job. If the OP wants to move to Belgium, its best to start saving money right now especially if she has to repay any financial aid (student loans).

[martaldn]

That's good advice but I think it's true for every country, not just Italy. Job networking is the best way to find a job. If the OP wants to move to Belgium, its best to start saving money right now especially if she has to repay any financial aid (student loans).

 

Italy is the next one in line to end up like Greece if things carry on this way. Italy is not a meritocratic place and they dont care if you speak 10 languages unless you speak Italian among them.

 

Plus is expensive if they think to move in cities like Rome or Milan they will need to be ready to spend a fortune in renting with a probably ****ty income.

 

Italy is good for holiday tho

[ExpatInItaly]

Italy is the next one in line to end up like Greece if things carry on this way. Italy is not a meritocratic place and they dont care if you speak 10 languages unless you speak Italian among them.

 

Plus is expensive if they think to move in cities like Rome or Milan they will need to be ready to spend a fortune in renting with a probably ****ty income.

 

Italy is good for holiday tho

 

I am a Canadian citizen, and I moved to Rome 2.5 years ago. You are very correct, this is an expensive city and the employment situation is dire. Fortunately, my job is good and this has made my life here much easier and I am still very happy living here.

 

The only reason I am able to continue living here without much hassle is because I have a permanent work contract, so my job security is good. So you touched on a very important point there too.

 

OP, if your boyfriend doesn't speak Italian, he can more or less forget about working in his field in Italy for the time being (and I say this as foreigner!) Considering that, you would probably be much better off going to Belgium for now.

[martaldn]

I am a Canadian citizen, and I moved to Rome 2.5 years ago. You are very correct, this is an expensive city and the employment situation is dire. Fortunately, my job is good and this has made my life here much easier and I am still very happy living here.

 

The only reason I am able to continue living here without much hassle is because I have a permanent work contract, so my job security is good. So you touched on a very important point there too.

 

OP, if your boyfriend doesn't speak Italian, he can more or less forget about working in his field in Italy for the time being (and I say this as foreigner!) Considering that, you would probably be much better off going to Belgium for now.

 

You are one of the few ones then. I am Italian and I had to move abroad if i wanted to give myself a chance. I dont regret it tho.. I love London and I dont think i would be able to live in italy anymore. as you said its too much hassle. I discourage anyone from moving to Italy. Unfortunately I know ( from friends that still live there and following the news on TV and newspapers ) how hard the situation is there.

 

Rome is beautiful isnt it?

[Rossie]

What do your job prospects look like in your boyfriend's city for yourself and for him? I think it's necessary to be realistic about which country based on how soon each of you could get a job in your field. Since your boyfriend isn't fluent in Italian, I could see how that would make being a social worker difficult for him if he moved to Italy.

 

Yes, Italian food and weather would be very difficult to give up. Haha! I guess the best way to find out, is for one of you to make the move to the other person's country and try to make it work. See what happens.

 

 

About my field, I think I could have more chances in Brussels than his actual city, since he lives in the Flemish part and they mostly require Dutch too. About his, I know he has good chances to find a job he likes, especially because he lives close to an industrial area.

 

 

 

Italy is the next one in line to end up like Greece if things carry on this way. Italy is not a meritocratic place and they dont care if you speak 10 languages unless you speak Italian among them.

 

Plus is expensive if they think to move in cities like Rome or Milan they will need to be ready to spend a fortune in renting with a probably ****ty income.

 

Italy is good for holiday tho

 

 

I think you are right. I'm probably being a bit naive.

 

 

Anyway, we wouldn't move to a big city if we decide to stay here!

 

 

 

I am a Canadian citizen, and I moved to Rome 2.5 years ago. You are very correct, this is an expensive city and the employment situation is dire. Fortunately, my job is good and this has made my life here much easier and I am still very happy living here.

 

The only reason I am able to continue living here without much hassle is because I have a permanent work contract, so my job security is good. So you touched on a very important point there too.

 

OP, if your boyfriend doesn't speak Italian, he can more or less forget about working in his field in Italy for the time being (and I say this as foreigner!) Considering that, you would probably be much better off going to Belgium for now.

 

 

Reading your reply makes me realise that the right choice is probably to move to Belgium. I kinda knew that the fact he doesn't speak Italian would have been a disadvantage!

[Haydn]

Belgium is not known for excitement. Beers good mind.

 

But it's a safer bet for employment. Mind you Milan has it's moments.

[writergal]

Isn't London a more expensive city than Rome? Just curious. London seems like the most expensive city in Western Europe.

 

I think Belgium is a good choice OP, if it means that both you and your boyfriend can find employment, can afford the cost of living there, and there's no language barrier. There won't be any language barriers either since everyone in Belgium seems to speak English (I assume, having never visited there).

 

Just make sure you get your work Visa straightened out before you move to Belgium. You don't want to have any hassles where that is concerned.

[Rossie]

Isn't London a more expensive city than Rome? Just curious. London seems like the most expensive city in Western Europe.

 

I think Belgium is a good choice OP, if it means that both you and your boyfriend can find employment, can afford the cost of living there, and there's no language barrier. There won't be any language barriers either since everyone in Belgium seems to speak English (I assume, having never visited there).

 

Just make sure you get your work Visa straightened out before you move to Belgium. You don't want to have any hassles where that is concerned.

 

Yes, most people can speak English. I had no problem when I had to ask for an information. Luckily I don't need a visa for working in there because both our countries are in the European union!

[writergal]

Yes, most people can speak English. I had no problem when I had to ask for an information. Luckily I don't need a visa for working in there because both our countries are in the European union!

 

Ah, then it sounds like Belgium is a good choice. I am glad you don't have to worry about any work Visa issues.

[Rossie]

Ah, then it sounds like Belgium is a good choice. I am glad you don't have to worry about any work Visa issues.

 

I'm happy about that too! Thank you for your help

[writergal]

I'm happy about that too! Thank you for your help

 

Haha I didn't help at all. Martldn is Italian and Expat is a Canadian who lives in Italy helped more! I just like to encourage people.

[Rossie]

Haha I didn't help at all. Martldn is Italian and Expat is a Canadian who lives in Italy helped more! I just like to encourage people.

 

Well that actually helps too ahah! Thank you all for your replies!

[writergal]

Well that actually helps too ahah! Thank you all for your replies!

 

Non c'e' problema.

[lolablue17]

The best place in the world to raise children, is where parents are happy, love their children and love each other.

[Rossie]

The best place in the world to raise children, is where parents are happy, love their children and love each other.

 

Yes I agree with that, but I believe that the choice of the country is not entirely insignificant. The economic factor is important too beside love. We must be able to find a stable job before giving birth to a life.

[ExpatInItaly]

You are one of the few ones then. I am Italian and I had to move abroad if i wanted to give myself a chance. I dont regret it tho.. I love London and I dont think i would be able to live in italy anymore. as you said its too much hassle. I discourage anyone from moving to Italy. Unfortunately I know ( from friends that still live there and following the news on TV and newspapers ) how hard the situation is there.

 

Rome is beautiful isnt it?

 

I adore Rome, yes! Are you from Rome or another part of the country?

 

And I know and have trained many young Italians who moved abroad too, because they simply couldn't find jobs in their fields here. It is very difficult, and you are correct that I am one of the few whose situation is relatively good here. I am certainly an exception to the rule, and I have worked very hard to get where I am.

 

OP, as I said before, if your boyfriend were to move here, he would almost certainly not be able to get a job in his field as that would require proficiency in Italian. Therefore, he would either be unemployed or sorely underemployed which would mean his pay would be very low. Even the "well-paying" jobs here are not so well-paying relative to other countries. I can't tell you how many people I know here who work a lot but are poorly-compensated and have financial problems. In your situation, I would save Italy for holidays and move to be with him.

[Rossie]

OP, as I said before, if your boyfriend were to move here, he would almost certainly not be able to get a job in his field as that would require proficiency in Italian. Therefore, he would either be unemployed or sorely underemployed which would mean his pay would be very low. Even the "well-paying" jobs here are not so well-paying relative to other countries. I can't tell you how many people I know here who work a lot but are poorly-compensated and have financial problems. In your situation, I would save Italy for holidays and move to be with him.

 

Yes I know some people in the same situation too. Your reply is right and because of that reason I think that I will probably move in there. The risk of him not finding a job here would be too high to take. I honestly liked his country during my exchange program for several reasons, so I don't mind it at all! Thank you

[martaldn]

I adore Rome, yes! Are you from Rome or another part of the country?

 

I am from Lazio but not Rome. I have worked in Rome for 5 years before moving to the UK.

I used to live close to Rome back at that time.. maybe you know this little town called Monterotondo?

[Fuerza]

Working in Brussels usually requires the knowledge of the 3 languages, English, French & Dutch. Depending on the company it might just be 2 of these but it's rare. Working in the Flemish part it's usually only Dutch and English.

 

If you have any questions about Belgium you can always send me a message, I'm glad to help if you have questions.

[Rossie]

Working in Brussels usually requires the knowledge of the 3 languages, English, French & Dutch. Depending on the company it might just be 2 of these but it's rare. Working in the Flemish part it's usually only Dutch and English.

 

If you have any questions about Belgium you can always send me a message, I'm glad to help if you have questions.

 

So you think that I would not be able to find a job in Brussels? I've read of people who found a job in there without speaking Dutch, but I didn't think it was rare.