MOVING ABROAD FOR A CHANGE OF PACE: From New York City to Small-Town Italy with Caroline Chirichella
- Bargain Homes Abroad
- Aug 26
- 3 min read
What happens when you trade the nonstop energy of New York City for life in a 5,000-person town tucked into the Italian mountains? In this episode of Armchair Expat, Shannon sits down with Caroline Chirichella, founder of Chirichella Associates, to hear her remarkable story of leaving behind chaos for community.
Caroline’s journey is anything but ordinary. She went from training as an opera singer, to running a private dining business in both New York and southern Italy, to ultimately creating a boutique PR agency helping Italian businesses connect with global audiences. Along the way, she navigated the complexities of Italian citizenship, found belonging in a close-knit rural town, and learned what it truly means to raise children abroad.
Why Italy Always Felt Like Home
For Caroline, Italy wasn’t just a relocation—it was a return to something deeper. Even before she made the move, she felt an undeniable pull toward the country. From the rhythms of daily life to the emphasis on food, family, and tradition, Italy offered a sense of grounding that big-city life could never match.
Navigating Italian Citizenship
One of the most relatable—and often overlooked—parts of Caroline’s expat journey was the patience required to secure Italian citizenship. From paperwork and bureaucracy to long waits and uncertainty, she’s candid about the hurdles. Her experience is a reminder that while the process is rarely smooth, persistence pays off.
Finding Belonging in a Small Italian Town
Moving from New York City to a small agricultural town in the Italian mountains meant a complete shift in lifestyle. Instead of anonymity, Caroline found herself in a place where everyone knows your name. That transition came with its own set of challenges, but ultimately it gave her the strong sense of community she had been craving.
The Challenge of Language and Starting Over Professionally
Caroline also shares the realities of learning Italian while raising young children and reinventing her career. Starting over professionally abroad isn’t easy, but it led her to discover a new passion: helping Italian businesses gain visibility with international audiences through her PR agency, Chirichella Associates.
Building a Business Abroad
Today, Caroline helps authors, real estate agents, wedding planners, agriturismo owners, and other expat-focused businesses gain global recognition. Her ability to bridge Italian culture with international press has landed her clients coverage in Forbes, Newsweek, Business Insider, and more.
Advice for Anyone Dreaming of Moving Abroad to Italy
Caroline’s biggest piece of advice? Lean into the discomfort. Life abroad comes with bureaucracy, culture shock, and moments of doubt—but it also offers the chance to grow, belong, and create a life aligned with your values.
Key Takeaways from This Episode
Why Italy can feel like “home” long before you move there
The patience and persistence required for Italian citizenship
How to find belonging in a rural, agricultural community
The challenges of language learning and professional reinvention
What it takes to launch a business abroad that bridges cultures
Caroline’s advice for anyone considering an international move
Final Thoughts
Caroline’s story is a reminder that life abroad isn’t always picture-perfect—but it can be deeply rewarding when you’re willing to embrace change, stay open to community, and carve out your own path.
If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to move abroad, start fresh, and build a new life in Italy, this episode of Armchair Expat is filled with inspiration and real talk you won’t want to miss.
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This Episode is Brought to You by Move Abroad Now
Big news! Armchair Expat now has a sister brand: Move Abroad Now, offering resources for Americans ready for a new life abroad. As part of our soft launch, we’re offering a free gift: FROM STUCK TO READY: 3 Steps to Overcome the Biggest Obstacle Stopping You from Moving Abroad. Our 15-page workbook helps you identify what’s holding you back, reframe your doubts, and take action. Get it here: moveabroadnow.co/subscribe
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