Moving to Italy for Love: Escaping the 9–5 for La Dolce Vita
The Leap from California to Campania
When Ambika Mathur boarded a one-way flight to Paris in 2022, she didn’t know she’d soon be calling southern Italy home. What started as a post-breakup adventure through Europe turned into something far deeper; a rediscovery of herself and an unexpected love story that would reshape her life.
Ambika had always imagined a more flexible, creative life.
“When I was in Bali surrounded by digital nomads, I remember thinking, I would love to live that kind of life someday,”
After losing her job during the pandemic, she began freelancing, modeling, and designing websites: slowly crafting the life that would give her the freedom to explore the world.
A Chance Encounter on the Amalfi Coast
That freedom took her to Europe, where a chance invitation to a birthday party on the Amalfi Coast changed everything.
“I came to Naples, met Marco, and we just clicked immediately,” she shared. “It was love at first sight... literally. Within days, we were inseparable.”
Their relationship moved quickly, not by design, but by circumstance. As a U.S. tourist in Italy, Ambika could only stay 90 days at a time. Together, they had to navigate:
- Visa restrictions that limited how long she could stay in the EU
- Long-distance challenges while balancing life between two continents
- Uncertain timelines that made every decision feel more intense and immediate
Eventually, the answer was clear: they wanted to make it work. Marco flew to California to visit her, and after two years of balancing love and logistics, Ambika returned to Italy... this time, for good.
The Reality of Building a Life Abroad
But the romantic “La Dolce Vita” dream came with a reality check.
“I quickly learned that living abroad is very different from visiting,” Ambika said. “When you’re traveling, everything feels magical: the food, the architecture, the history. But when you move, you’re dealing with paperwork, language barriers, and homesickness. It’s beautiful, but it’s hard.”
She described how the early months in Naples as both exhilarating and isolating. She basically threw a bomb into the life she had built and had to rebuild herself in a new context. This is a struggle she was warned about, but still couldn't believe she found herself thinking what have I done?
Still, there were turning points.
“When Marco and I got engaged, I felt a shift,” she said. “Suddenly, his friends and family started seeing me as part of the community. I felt accepted, like I belonged.”
Cultural Differences and Finding Balance
Through her work as a model and creator, Ambika began noticing the contrasts between northern and southern Italy and between American and Italian lifestyles. She explained how In Naples, life is slower, more emotional, more communal, but in Milan, it’s driven and cosmopolitan.
That blend of ambition and presence defines her life now. Between creative projects, acting, and documenting her expat experiences, Ambika uses her platform Travel with Amby to inspire others to pursue bold moves whether that’s relocating abroad, shifting careers, or simply expanding their comfort zones.
Advice for Americans Moving to Italy
When asked what she’d tell Americans considering a move to Italy, Ambika’s advice was simple but powerful:
“Be open. The journey won’t be linear. You’ll probably end up doing something totally different than what you planned and that’s okay.”She also emphasized the importance of connection:
- Build community early
- Find other expats
- Join language classes
- Find connections online
"Learning the language is huge, but so is surrounding yourself with people who understand what you’re going through.”
Arielle agreed, adding that community is the cornerstone of any successful expat transition.
“There are so many ways to connect even before you move, through Facebook groups, local meetups, and online communities. Building your network early can make all the difference.”
Connect with Our Guest
Ambika Mathur is a model, creator, and actress from California who shares her expat life in Naples, Italy through her platform, Travel with Amby. Follow her journey as she captures the beauty, humor, and challenges of life abroad.
More About the Author
Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA, is a U.S.-licensed financial planner and host of Passport to Wealth™. She helps American expats and globally mobile professionals build financially confident lives abroad through personalized cross-border financial and tax planning.