Hi, I have been keeping an eye on information about moving to Italy since I was offered a teaching post in Milan - way too expensive for three children and one salary! I now have a potential opportunity in Breschia (with subsidised accommodation) and wondered if any one could impart their wisdom? I will have a thirteen year old daughter - have noted advice about uprooting fifteen year olds! Eldest daughter at uni. However both attend a Catholic secondary school and have good Italian which is taught to GCSE...by Italians too...we have had an Italian exchange student and my husband works for a part owned Italian company - I think we would cope with basic language...any advice welcome.

Hi, not wanting to sound nosy, but why move to Italy?

Various reasons, right time for me employment wise as well as skill development / experience - husband's company in the area and they speak English which is good for him - contacts through the company, Italian exchange student from the area who will help with introduction to young people, children have Italian language and will broaden life skills for them, not too far from UK...generally decent summers, food, culture...

Hi Bilborough,

Brescia is quite similar to Bergamo, but actually a bit more efficient. Laborious people, a little german like. Generally good services, good quality of life, expensive, and with more work than other parts of Italy. Schools in Italy are a little of a mess I'd say, so I'd recommend you check well in advance. Better to talk with few parents and teachers if you have the opportunity. I find private schools are less demanding but also more accepting.
I don't think your children will have any problems as there are lots of foreign pupils joining, but on the other hand they might struggle with an education system that is not based on meritocracy and that does not push them to achieve. A little do it your self style.
If it makes you fell better, I think that the advantage of being here is not from attending school, rather from the incredibly enriching life and cultural experience that this country can offer if you immerse in it. Prepare for bureaucracy and taxes.
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All the best
H&G

Hi, if you are still considering Brescia, my husband and his sister when to high school there, so if you want I can get you some information on the schools there. The school system is very different here!