Yasmina Umarkhanova, 25, lives in Florence, Italy where she works as an agile coach at the Gucci headquarters. In her interview with WEproject, she discusses first impressions after moving to Italy, work culture, and how the experience changed her.
About the move
I moved to Italy at the end of February 2022.
I chose the country of my childhood dream - I like Italian history and culture. I thought about living in Italy permanently, so I actively studied Italian before moving.
About adaptation and difficulties
The first challenge was getting a work visa. The state gives foreigners a limited number of quotas for work.
Another one was the language. Most Italians only speak Italian. Even in touristy towns, you may have some trouble communicating in English.
Third was food. Italians have a particular schedule for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Because of this, cafeterias are closed the rest of the time.
Lucky for me, there were few difficulties. The company was supportive in all immigration matters. I used a phone translator to complete errands at the pharmacy or the post office.
The first day I arrived, I drove through the Tuscan Hills. I felt like I was dreaming. All the pictures on the Internet with cypresses, hills, and villas convey only 50% of the real beauty.
About development and career
This is my first experience working abroad. Previously, I had only worked in Kazakhstani companies - in a startup and a bank. I worked in HR since I majored in psychology. Then, I moved to the artificial intelligence department, and from there to agile coaching.
I found my current job through LinkedIn - I just entered the job title and chose Italy. Good knowledge of English and varied experience help in getting a job overseas. Specialists from the CIS are valued in the foreign market.
Now I am working as an agile coach in an Italian fashion house. We are transforming the company by going digital. Agile means flexible. That's what I teach the brand on a team and organizational level.
An interesting feature of working at our company is that you will definitely be invited to coffee five times a day. Coffee is a chance for small talk. Also, people rarely stay late. Everyone has a hot meal waiting for them at home at seven o'clock, so people clock out on time. It's also normal here to be open about family issues – and it’s a legitimate excuse for absence. In Italy, they put family first.
How did the culture affect you
I express my emotions differently now. As an Asian woman, I was so used to talking about positive things only and being modest, even when I was uncomfortable with something. Now, I know that I am allowed to say "your coffee isn't good” without any repercussions.
My eating habits have changed. People in Italy start dinner at 9 p.m. and finish at midnight, and afterward, they have a shot of espresso or limoncello.
And there’s the slow pace of life. People in Italy don't rush things.