Italy

1. Brittany Qualls EBC 4th period Italy Brittany Qualls EBC 4th period

2. Italy’s Information • Italy is known as the boot shaped country. Italy has a population of 60.6 million people, the majority are Roman Catholic, and most speak Italian. • The Capital city is Rome, which holds almost 7 million people.

4. The first use of a green/white/red tricolor design for a flag in Italy was in 1796. The red and white came from the flag of Milan, and the green from the color of the region’s military. FLAGOF ITALY. CURRENCY. Italy’s currency is based using the Euro. The currency exchange currently is 1.42 US dollars to 1 Euro. 

5. Things to know before going to Italy • U.S. citizens may enter Italy for up to 90 days without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months before the period of stay. Italy has a moderate rate of crime. You should use extra caution at night and at train stations, airports, nightclubs, bars, and outdoor cafes. Be alert to the possibility of car jacking while you are waiting in traffic or stopped at traffic lights. Petty crimes such as pick-pocketing, theft from parked cars, and purse snatching are serious problems, especially in large cities. Pick-pockets sometimes dress like businessmen. • Italy has one of the highest rates of car accident deaths in the European Union. Streets in Italy are often narrow, winding, and congested. Motor scooters are very popular, Pedestrians and drivers should be constantly alert to the possibility of a scooter’s sudden presence.

6. Italian Language • Hello: Ciao • Goodbye: Addio • Thank You: Grazie • Your Welcome: La Vostra Accoglienza • Help: Aiuto • Emergency: Emergenza • Directions: Indicazioni

7. Generally, the best times to plan appointments are between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. and after 3 or 4p.m. Be aware of summer vacation periods, most are closed in August, and are closed on all public holidays. In Italian business culture, it's usually a good policy to arrive on time. Be prepared to wait 15-45 minutes before someone appears or lets you into his or her office. Making Appointments

8. Your clothing will be perceived as a reflection of your social standing and success as a businessperson. Men should wear expensive, sophisticated ties and well-cut dark suits. Italian men do not wear short-sleeved shirts to work even in the summer. Women are advised to dress simply and with elegance. Italian businesswomen usually wear more makeup and jewellery than American women. Business Attire

9. Good topics of conversation include current events, soccer, Italian architecture, food, wine, art and films. Topics to avoid would be War, Religion, Politics, Taxes , and comparing all Italians. Conversation

10. You are expected to use “Signore” [Mr.] and “Signora” [Mrs.], plus the family name, when introduced to strangers. Italians always start with the more formal title & family name. It is a sign of respect. Moving too quickly to first names can make Italians uncomfortable as they may feel that you are pretending to be friendly for other purposes. Addressing Others

11. You will always be introduced to older people and women first and it is best to follow this protocol when introducing yourself. Frequent and vigorous handshakes can be common for both business and social occasions. Eye contact remains direct and is the way Italians show their interest. Acceptable Behavior

12. Gift Giving • Gift giving in Italian business is not standard practice although it is fairly common for companies to give a gift to clients around Christmas time. • If you are invited to dinner at someone’s home you should always bring a gift such as a bottle of very good wine, flowers or chocolates.

13. Negotiating • Be patient, since rushing or putting pressure on the decision-making process will put you in a less powerful position. • The goal, at least for the initial meeting, is to start to build a good relationship. Once trust, respect and mutual liking have been established, the details of the individual proposal can be agreed upon.

14. Entertaining • Business is often conducted over a long lunch, which can last some time. Regardless of how you feel, refusing an invitation of any kind will be perceived as an insult. You won’t be expected to eat everything on your plate, but eat as much as you can.

15. Dining • Italians have a wide variety of regional food and drinks. White wine is typically served with appetizers or fish, while red wine usually goes with appetizers and meats. A sweeter wine may even be served with dessert. Be careful about adding salt, pepper or ketchup to food, since this implies to your hosts that the dish is bland. The cuisine of Italy usually includes pastas, pizza, fish, and generous amounts of olive oil and herbs.

16. CONCLUSION The United States and Italy do have many different cultures, but some are also the same. If you lived in Italy you would use less oil, less electricity, and be expected to live longer. I would love to live in Italy because it is absolutely gorgeous!

17. Italy Quiz • True/False: • 1.Italy’s main religion is Christianity. - ___ • 2.Never be late for a business meeting! - ___ • 3. Wine is a huge part of Italian’s culture. - ___ • 4. Italy has a $500 bill. - ___ • 5. 1 Euro = 14.59 US dollars. - ___ • Multiple Choice: • You should never discuss _____ with Italians. • a.Food c. War • b.Soccerd. Arts • Italy’s roads are known to be very ______. • a.Crowded c. Dangerous • b.Small d. All of the above • Italy has one of the highest rates of ___. • a.DUI’s c. Murders • b.Speeding d. Car Accident Deaths • The flag is made up of which three colors: • a.Red, Blue, Orange c. Green, White, Red • b.Yellow, Green, Purple d. Pink, White, Gray • Denying an invite or a gift shows signs of ____. • a. Sadnessc. Happiness • b.Disrespect d. Respect • Short Answer: • People in Italy speak _________. • Rome, Italy is the ________ of the country. • This country is known to look like the shape of a _____.