Torino is a medium-size urban and artistic center which was briefly established as the first capital city of a newly united Italy in the late 19th century. With approximately a million inhabitants, Torino is smaller than Rome but slightly larger than Florence. Its proximity to the rest of Europe makes it an ideal vantage point from which to travel and experience not only all of Italy, but surrounding countries.

Torino’s eclectic history encompassing the influences of the Romans to the Savoys is visible in its architecture and art. The historic heart of the city is characterized by the presence of the royal palaces of the Savoy family which ruled the Piedmont region from the13th to the 19th century. The central piazza, Piazza Castello, lined by looming covered porticos, is completely surrounded by some of the most historically important buildings in the city: the Palazzo Madama; the Royal Palace; the Regio Theatre; the Galleria Subalpina; the Church of San Lorenzo; and the Royal Library (which contains works by da Vinci). The city’s diversity is also reflected in its art collections; Torino is home to museums of art and archeology spanning nearly every historic period, including: the Egyptian Museum (second only to that of Cairo), the Civic Museum of Ancient Art in Palazzo Madama, the National Museum of Cinema in the famous Mole Antonelliana building, and the Museum of the Automobile.

The modern life of the city is characterized largely by its art and design industries which employ many of its inhabitants. The presence of major Italian car design companies such as FIAT (which produces Alfa Romea, Lancia and Ferrari) has defined the contemporary economy in Torino, making it an important center of European commerce.

MODERATION
One of the most fundamental rules of Italian culture is moderation. At first glance, Italians might seem to drink a lot, but upon a closer look, quite the opposite is true. They do drink - spumante to celebrate, limoncello to digest, aperitivo to taste and vino to mix with food - but with moderation, not in order to get drunk. In fact, the quickest way to lose the respect of your Italian friends and neighbors is to get drunk in public. Drinking on the streets is also considered very disrespectful. Keep in mind, the legal drinking age is 16 years old.

THE ITALIAN PACE
In Italy, patience is truly a virtue. Take a restaurant, for instance. Italian servers may seem to be ignoring you, but in reality, they just like to give customers time and space to talk and socialize. The slower pace and long waits also apply to many public offices and events. Italians do not like to stress over things, but rather tend to relax and enjoy life to the fullest with a slower pace. And since you are a foreigner in Italy, try to make an effort to adapt to this culture.

SOCIETY
Family has a very important role in Italy and life evolves around family. The majority of young adults move out of the family homes very late (in their thirties), partly because of unbearably high living expenses, and partly due to strong sentimental attachments to the family.Dating rituals are complex and very different from the U.S. Since the majority of Italian young adults live with their parents, the occasions to invite boyfriends or girlfriends to their house are also rare. Living together before marriage is slowly gaining popularity.

LOCAL CULTURE
The “torinese” are known for being extroverted and social. A popular past-time in Torino is the “aperitivo,” or before-dinner drink. Between the hours of 6 and 8 pm, all of Torino’s cafes and restaurants offer locals a buffet of assorted dishes to enjoy while they have their early evening drink. It is a popular activity since for only the cost of a beverage you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat spread ranging from gnocchi and pasta, to assorted meats and cheeses.

How will I improve my Italian?
Quite possibly one of the biggest advantages to living and studying in Torino is the ease with which students can get to know locals. Is a great place to practice Italian with natives, without the challenges of integration posed by other larger Italian tourist cities. Being home to one of Italy’s largest universities, the Universita’ di Torino, American students have ample opportunity to meet and interact with Italians of the same age. Students studying at St. John International also have the opportunity to participate in organized activities with Italian students from SJIU’s partner university, La Scuola Superiore per Mediatori Linguistici.

Parla Inglese? Do you speak English?
Non parlo Italiano. I don't speak Italian
Permesso Excuse me. (Used when you want to cut through a crowd.)
Prego - The response to "permesso"
Vada via! Go away, useful for people who are bothering you
Aiuto! Help! (If Vada via! Is not effective.)
Come sta? How are you?
Buon giorno. Good morning/afternoon
Buona sera. Good evening.
Arrivederci. Goodbye
Non capisco. I don't understand
Cone si chiama? What is your name?
Che ore so no? What time is it?
Dov'e' I'albergo? Where is the hotel?
Dov'e' un telefono? Where is a telephone?
Dov'e' II bag no? Where is the restroom?
Attenzione! Caution, look out!
Quanto costa? How much is it?
II conto . The bill
Sono vegetariana. I am a vegetarian
Aperitivo = a cultural social tradition of the north of Italy
Com’e’? (= Come va?) = How’s it going?
Bicerin = a traditional hot drink from Torino made of coffee, hot chocolate and milk, available in all the city’s cafes