Everything you need to know about interning in Italy

What makes Rome the best internship destination?

Life in Italy is beautiful for so many reasons! The pace of life is much slower, as people prefer to enjoy “la dolce vita” or “il dolce far niente” (the sweetness of doing nothing). There is a greater emphasis on taking your time and doing the things you love and cherish most. Whether savoring a morning coffee, enjoying the company of others, delighting in the flavors of your meal, or enjoying a long leisurely stroll to simply take in the sights.

The summers are long and hot, and beautiful art can be found around every city corner. The food is next to none, with restaurants and cafes taking great pride in fresh produce to create simple delicious dishes. Italian coffee, especially espressos, is some of the best in the world! Italy has a very warm, welcoming and hospitable culture and there is always something going on. Rome is one of the oldest cosmopolitan cities: here the world meets!

Can I intern in Italy if I don’t speak Italian?

Of course! All internships hosted out of Italy are conducted in English; however interns should expect language barriers to arise from time to time (as is expected when traveling anywhere, where English is not the first language). It’s encouraged that interns learn a few simple phrases before they arrive and maintain an ongoing commitment to the language throughout the program.

There is excellent support in place to help you navigate an internship in Rome - all internship durations include Italian language lessons, the cost of which is covered by your internship program fee! This is an important aspect of the experience, enabling extra opportunities to meet new friends, gain confidence, and settle into the culture prior to commencing the internship.

• For beginners to the Italian language, your chosen internship duration will include four weeks of Italian language lessons. After this, the remainder of your internship duration will be spent at your internship placement.

• Interns with intermediate Italian proficiency (B1, B2 certification or higher) must complete at least 2 weeks’ Italian language course before commencing their internship, for the remaining program duration.

Additional language lessons can also be arranged in-country, for those who wish to continue classes.

“I chose to intern in Italy because I wanted to live in another country, learn more about and experience another culture, and learn Italian. My biggest piece of advice would be to keep an open mind and be willing to be adaptable. Showing that you are trying and want to learn shows respect. In turn, others will respect you and have more patience with you while trying to communicate.” - Kiersten Luger, Intern in Italy

Who can apply for an internship in Rome?

Internships in Italy are open to applicants who are aged 18 through 30. They’re especially designed for international participants who do need to apply for and obtain a Schengen visa before traveling to Italy and the EU. (For example, citizens of Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Japan and many other countries). EU / EEA nationals may be permitted to intern in Italy if the purpose is related to Erasmus+.

“Although I am still young, my internship in Italy was amazing in helping me see what the corporate world is all about! This internship was great in not only helping me figure out who I am, but also helping me to explore my interests and passions.” - Brooklyn Carleton, Intern in Italy

How are internships in Italy assigned?

Interns are always provided a placement, within the scope of their chosen field, following a customized process. There are a large number of potential host organizations and companies available. A designated Placement Coordinator, based in Italy, works to make individual arrangements for every program participant. Interns are always encouraged to confirm participation well in advance of their start date, to allow sufficient preparation time.

When matches are made for interns, we always consider a range of personal variables, such as:

• Your chosen internship start date and duration
• Your relevant skills, experiences, and studies and preferences
• Your existing level of Italian language proficiency (if applicable)
• The most appropriate match possible, subject to availability

Once you confirm participation, you’ll be asked to provide a copy of your resume and a cover letter to get started. State your preferences clearly, while keeping an open mind and willingness to try new things. The exact nature of placements will always depend on industry availability at the time of commencement.

“I learned a lot through this internship. I would say the most important skill I learned is how to better communicate with people. I had to communicate with people from across the world in a mix of languages and the internship experience taught me how to use my resources to communicate effectively.” - Kiersten Luger, Intern in Italy

When is the best time of the year to intern in Italy?

As the Italian internship programs include Italian language lessons, there are set start dates. In most cases, internships commence at the beginning of every month. Applications are accepted year-round, so go ahead and submit your expression of interest! Our Program Manager will reply to address any questions and advise you on availability.

Note that, during August, internship placements cease for the summer. However, interns may enjoy a summer internship in Italy by starting in early May and completing their program by the end of July. If you prefer to enjoy the tail-end of summer and avoid the summer vacation crowds, we welcome participants at the beginning of September too.

“My internship experience allowed me to really utilize my skills, while enhancing my knowledge of Italian culture, including all the cool things you can see and do when you visit. I feel so much more confident in my writing skills, and my ability to be creative and passionate about a topic. The marketing skills I have picked up will go a long way when applying for jobs in future!” - Joseph DeBrito, Intern in Italy

What are top tips for a successful internship?

• Show your willingness to be proactive, offer your help, assistance, and ideas. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions!

• Presentation plays an important role in Italian culture, so dress in a clean and tidy manner.

• You may begin to notice that punctuality is not always a main concern in Italy. It’s important to be flexible when it comes to your schedule but you should always attend the internship placement when you’re expected to be there.

• In Italy, discussions can be very lively! It is common to express constructive criticism during meetings and negotiations. Maintain your commitment to learning during the internship and consider any feedback as your opportunity for growth.

• If you watch how others operate, you’ll learn all sorts of important things about “how we do things here.” Pay attention to how things are done, to learn more about local etiquette, expectations and culture.

“My whole internship experience was amazing. I learned so much about the culture, people, language, and the essence of Italy! I had the privilege to intern with a company that had amazing and friendly employees. Everyone was very mature in stating their opinions and listening to what others had to say, which only encouraged me to do my absolute best! Coming away from the experience, I definitely learned more about how an office environment works.” - Mone Smit, Intern in Italy

What should I do for transportation in Rome?

Wherever possible, we like to place interns with organizations that are within walking distance from the accommodation to their placements. That way, interns can enjoy a leisurely stroll through town, enjoying the sights, sounds and smells before starting their day.

If transport to and from your internship placement is required, you can opt to use the Metro, which is the most popular form of transport throughout Rome. Commute time on public transportation, such as bus or Metro, can be roughly 45 minutes each way.

If interns prefer to stay at a homestay that’s further from the office (where the language lessons take place), yet closer to the internship placement instead, this request may be granted (subject to availability).

“This internship was my first real taste into the business world and I loved every second of it. From the get-go, this was a real dream come true. The internship provided much needed work experience, which not many university students are able to have, and a reference from my wonderful supervisor.” - Robbie Bell, Intern in Italy

What is the accommodation like?

The program fee for internships in Rome includes accommodation. Extra spending money must be budgeted, so you have weekly funds available for meals, snacks, public transportation, tourism activities, etc.

Interns in Rome are accommodated in a local homestay, often located within an apartment building. Interns can expect to have their own bedroom for privacy and access to shared common areas such as kitchen, living room and bathroom. Other rooms within the apartment are utilized to accommodate other international students / interns, in addition to the accommodation host / homeowner. You will be provided with your own key and can come and go as you please. If you want to participate alongside friends, this is no problem - arrangements can be made to ensure you’re accommodated together.

Homestay apartments are typically located between 20-45 minutes by public transport to the local team’s office (where the Italian language lessons take place), and your internship placement.

“We feel very confident and optimistic about bringing interns to our programs! This is an exciting time for interns to go abroad. More than ever, companies need a competitive advantage… Welcoming the contribution of international interns helps bring a fresh perspective on their market, products, tools and ideas. When we bring people together from around the world, there’s a shared experience that brings people closer together.” - Fabrizio - Intern Coordinator in Rome, Italy

What are the best things to see and do in the city?

There’s so much to see and do within the city of Rome, it can almost seem overwhelming! The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, St. Peter’s Basilica, The Vatican Museums… not to mention countless other attractions, museums, galleries, shopping, parks, dining, and more. One of the best ways to explore the city is just to put on a pair of comfortable shoes, grab a drink bottle, and start walking!

Each month, local coordinators will do their utmost to arrange cultural and social events. For example, guided tours of the city, cinema evenings, cooking classes, etc.

When you’re ready to get out of the city, Rome’s central location makes it conveniently situated to visit other Italian cities, such as Florence, Venice, Milan, Sicily, and Tuscany, as well as other destinations within Europe.

“A lot of people said that I wouldn’t have the motivation to go back to school after taking some time out abroad, but after my internship experience, I feel more motivated than ever! I have new goals because of this program… Traveling the world gives you a much better perspective of everything and I can’t wait to do more and fit that into my career wherever possible.” - Brooklyn Carleton, Intern in Italy

​​I’m ready! How can I start planning my internship in Italy?

Found your ideal opportunity yet? Check out our amazing range of internship opportunities offered out of Rome, Italy!

Submit your interest via our online application form (for free). We’ll review your application to confirm you’re a good match for your chosen internship program and that there is availability for the dates you’ve requested. We can then accept you into the program.

Once you’re accepted, you can reserve your place by paying a deposit of $499 USD. This confirmation allows us to reserve your desired internship dates while we arrange your placement and customize your internship. Then let the adventure begin!