LIVING IN iTALY
Money
  • The basic monetary unit is the euro.  The exchange rate between the euro and U.S. dollar varies but generally one euro is equivalent to one U.S. dollar.  Traveler’s checks are the safest way to carry currency.  You can get cash advances at ATMs and banks in Italy with most major credit cards.  Some US bank cash machine cards will work in Vicenza ATMs.  It is not recommended that you open a bank account as this may involve Italian taxes.  VIA Director Franca Stocco can make arrangements for you to cash checks at the local bank in emergencies.  Also, you can write checks at the American Express office in Venice or Verona (45 minutes away) for traveler’s checks and cash if you are an American Express cardholder.
  • Past VIA students have found that the best way to maintain their cash flow in Vicenza is to access their US bank account with cash cards at Vicenza ATMs.  Check with your bank or credit union before leaving for Italy to ensure that your ATM card will work in Vicenza.
  • Arrive with some US dollars or traveler’s checks and change some money into euro at the airport in the U.S. or Italy.  (Banks are closed on weekends in Italy.)  Upon arrival you will need to have cash for hotel and studio damage deposits (US$200) as well as paying for travel to Vicenza from the airport and meals while traveling in Italy.
Clothing

Please keep in mind that you will be traveling, sketching outdoors and walking extensively.  Warmer clothes will be required at some times.  Layering is the best approach to varying conditions.  A winter coat and sweater(s) may be necessary

Regarding clothing, remember:

    • Dress comfortably, but be aware that Vicenza is not an American college town and the Italians dress much more formally than Americans.  As the only Americans living in Vicenza, you are expected to be sensitive to Italian standards for dress and deportment.  Jeans are fine.  A nice outfit for special occasions would be an excellent item to bring as well.

    • A large clothing market takes place in Vicenza’s main square each week where inexpensive items may be purchased.  Regular Italian clothing stores, while offering beautiful clothing, can be very expensive.

      Comfortable walking shoes are an absolute requirement.  You will be doing a lot of walking every day.  These shoes should be able to handle some rain.  Plan on bringing or buying a sturdy large umbrella.

       
Toiletries &  Medicines 

All the basic necessities are available in Vicenza, usually in the brands you are familiar with.  VIA Director Franca Stocco will advise you on the local brand and name of all such items.  Linens are provided at the hotel but if you plan on traveling and using youth hostels, bring your own towel.  Bring extra contact lenses, glasses and any prescription medications.  If you are especially fond of one particular brand product, bring it along.  There are, however, equivalents for all such American products in Italy.

        

Drafting
Lamps and parallel bars are provided on tables in the studio.
Supplies
High quality papers, sketch pads, pencils, pens, charcoals, knife-blades, etc are readily available.  You should bring basic tools that you do not wish to repurchase.  Do not overpack as drafting and art supplies are available.  Drawing will be emphasized more in Vicenza than it is in Gainesville.  
Film
Bring your own camera to record sites for later analysis in the studio.  Kodak film is more expensive in Italy than in the US, but there are equivalent, but less expensive, E-6 process slide films available (Fuji, Afga, Ilfa).  Print film is even cheaper but the cost of processing is a bit steep.  Do NOT purchase prepaid processing in the US since it cannot be done in Italy.

Travel 
Traveling extensively, and particularly over long distances, can be exhausting and may necessitate spending much of your time ‘on the train’.  Try to organize your independent travel before or after the VIA Program.  The required field trips may reach some of the places you would want to go anyway – plan your travel carefully.  Also, the Eurail Pass is not the bargain that it once was.
Appliances
In Europe the basic voltage is 220, rather than the 115 in the US.  Many personal use appliances can switch between the two.  If your appliance has an AC/DA converter, you can buy a transformer for about $16.  Also, Italian electrical outlets are the two-pin type and thus will not work with American plugs.  Remember that radios/stereos are not allowed in studio so you will need something that has earphones.  The best selection of CDs and cassettes is available in Verona and Padua (college towns - 30 minutes away).
TV/Radio
You should be aware that Italians watch very little television – mostly news, inscrutable talk shows and old American reruns dubbed into Italian.  News and current events media (NPR’s All Things Considered, BBC programming, and the US Herald Tribune) are the major entertainment resources.  Italians are more likely to take a stroll on the piazza, enjoy an extended conversation on a street corner, have a gelato or take in a movie after dinner.  We have scheduled your time so that there is very little time for television.  Enjoy the Italian lifestyle to the fullest – a unique opportunity available to relatively few American college students.
Bicycles/Skates
Italian towns are so compact that their historic centers can be walked across in 10-15 minutes – making bicycles and skates unnecessary.  Considering the narrow streets and the speed at which Italians drive, bicycles and skates could also be dangerous.  Since there are several bicycles in the studio (gifts from your predecessors), we recommend that you do not bring bicycles or skates.  If you must though, check on the various airline and train regulations covering traveling with bicycles as luggage.