Gianluca De Stefano - Expat in the USA

We’ve had the chance to talk to Gianluca De Stefano, an Italian expat who has moved to the USA with his family. Mr De Stefano, who has been living there for 3 years manages his company Gorilla Socks (www.gorilla-socks.com). Read more about his experiences in the full interview below.

 

Q: Where are you from originally?
A: Naples, Italy

 

Q: What made you move out of Italy?
A: I wanted a better life and more opportunity which Italy, at that stage of my life could not give me

 

Q: Where are you living now? How did you come to choose this new country of residence?
A: New York City. My wife was born here. So the decision was easy

 

Q: How long have you been living in New York City?
A: I have been in the USA for 3 years. Before that I was in London for 10 years

 

Q: Are you living alone or with your family? If yes, how are they adjusting to the Expat Lifestyle?
A: I live with my wife and son. The adjustment was easy, New York shares characteristics with Napoli. There was a huge influx of Neapolitans after the WWII. It can be felt in the city, from the food to the warmth of people

 

Q: Do you miss home and family sometimes? How do you cope with homesickness?
A: Of course I do. As an Italian, family is very important. My family come over a few times a year and I go back to Napoli at least once a year. When I am here I have my local pizza place that reminds me of home. By the way the pizza is excellent in NYC

 

Q: What do you think about the locals?
A: I love New Yorkers. They are warm, friendly.

 

Q: Was it easy making friends and meeting people? Do you mainly socialise with other expats in New York CIty? How did you manage to find a social circle there?
A: I have always found sports to be the best way of making friends. I play football and I joined a local league.

 

Q: How does the cost of living in New York City compare to your home?
A: New York is a lot more expensive that Napoli that is for sure!

 

Q: How much is a cup of coffee?
A: $3

Q: How much is a meal in an inexpensive restaurant?
A: $20-40

Q: How much is a meal in an expensive restaurant?
A: $100 to infinity

Q: How much is a bottle of wine? How about a pack of cigarettes?
A: $20-40

 

Q: Do you have any tips for future expats when it comes to opening a bank account in New York City?
A: It is fairly easy. No complicatons

 

Q: How will you describe your experience with government paperwork such as applications for Visa and work permits? Why is that so?
A: Hard, the USA makes you work hard for the paper work

 

Q: Would you say that healthcare in New York City is reliable? Any preferred clinics or advice for expats?
A: You have to have private healthcare. No free healthcare

 

Q: Did you secure a health insurance in the US or New York City? What should be the essentials in the coverage for expats, in your opinion?
A: I have healthcare through my company

 

 

Q: What was the most memorable about the packing and moving process to New York City? Which was the mover you chose and how was your experience with them?
A: It was easy, as my wife had already an apartment. I just packed two suitcases and make sure I had my books!

 

Q: What is the biggest challenge that you have faced as a new expat?
A: New environment, different ways of doing things. Adaptability

 

Q: What do you think are the positive and negative sides of living in New York City?
A: Positive you become more flexible negative you miss the family

 

Q: What are the best things to do in the area? Any particular recommendations for future expats?
A: It is New York, you can literally do whatever you want!

 

Q: Do you have plans to move to a different country or back home in the future?
A: Not for now!

 

Q: What tips will you give to expats living in the country?
A: New York is a great place to grow professionally and personally. It is expensive but if you are able to spend some time here it is really worth it

 

Q: Do you have favourite websites or blogs about New York City?
A: www.gorilla-socks.com