Everything you need to know about interning in Italy

What makes Rome the best internship destination?

For me, Italy as a destination 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 you can find beautiful art 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 espresso and cappuccino) is some of the best in the world! Italy just has a very warm, welcoming and hospitable culture and there is always something going on.

“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

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

Of course! Internships hosted out of Italy are conducted in English, but as expected when traveling anywhere (where English is not the first language), interns should still expect a language barrier from time to time.

All internship durations include Italian language lessons, the cost of which is included in your internship program fee! These are an important aspect of the experience, not only because they are fun and allow greater cultural understanding, but because they allow you to meet new friends, gain confidence, and settle into your “new normal” prior to commencing your internship. The teachers I met were incredibly passionate about the language and determined to support their students in reaching their full potential. The lessons were fun, well structured and catered to varying different language levels.

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.

I myself had no Italian language skills prior to arrival and found it incredibly easy to communicate with those around me. Everyone is very patient and understanding, as you always get there in the end with what you’re trying to say! It is however encouraged that interns learn a few simple phrases before they arrive and for me, a little went a long way! Even just being able to say “hello”, “goodbye” and “thank you” showed I was willing to make an effort and enhanced my confidence.

“The Italian classes at the start of the internship were one of my highlights from the experience in Rome. Being able to settle in with a nice routine that included language learning and meeting new people from the start, was such a fun way to enter the culture. The language school is incredible in their teaching mechanism. It was a great environment with great teachers!” - Haya Binladen, Cultural & Artistic Heritage intern in Italy

What kind of support will I have before and after my arrival?

As the Program Manager for internships based in Italy, I myself will be providing your pre departure support! If you have any questions leading up to your start date, or are unsure what you need to do (or when you should be doing it) i’m your go to! You can call, email or book an online call with me at any stage for assistance - I’m always happy to help!

Once in Italy, support is provided to you by our lovely local team and your direct placement supervisor. While I will continue to monitor your experience from afar (and remain available for support should you need it), given that your local team and your direct placement supervisor are physically based in Rome, they are in the best position to take the lead upon your arrival in country.

You will be introduced to your local team and placement supervisor prior to your start date. On the Monday following your arrival, your local team will provide an orientation at their office that covers health and safety guidelines, emergency contacts and procedures, advice about local cultural norms and expectations. Their office is also where your Italian language lessons will be held, so before you know it, you’ll soon come to know a lot of familiar faces!

Your local team is always available should you need any support while your experience is underway. Having issues with your placement? Unsure of what to do in your free time? Confused as to how the metro works? Your local team is there to help!

“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 benefits of interning abroad in Italy rather than locally?

Internships in Rome offer the unique opportunity to collaborate alongside a range of unique organizations. Choosing to take on an internship in your local country won’t provide you with the same cross-cultural intelligence, global outlook and work challenges – all of which are highly desirable to employers in today’s globalized economy.

The acquisition of relevant experience, in addition to emotional and cultural intelligence, can set you apart within a competitive workforce and compliment any degree or educational skills. Not only this but choosing to intern in Italy allows you to gain valuable career experience while also exploring one of the world’s most historically beautiful cities. Looking to develop both personally and professionally? Why not achieve both at the same time! Explore the world and gain more insight and experience within your chosen career field or vocation. It’s a win win!

“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

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

I wouldn’t say there is a better or worse time of year to intern, as Italy (and Rome in particular) is beautiful year round! The summer brings with it long hot days and delicious food enjoyed late into the evening, but similarly winter brings a beautiful festive atmosphere, full of lights and inviting Christmas markets.

I traveled to Rome in the heat of July and while I welcomed the escape from winter back home in New Zealand at that time of year, I wondered if next time I visited perhaps the cooler temperatures of Italy in April, May, September and October would be better!

Whichever weather you prefer, internships in Italy have start dates every month in accordance to when the Italian language lessons commence. During the month of August, internship placements cease for the summer (Italians need vacations too!). For this reason internships must conclude by the end of July, resuming again at the beginning of September.

“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?

Some of my top tips would be:

• Show your willingness to be proactive, offering your help, assistance, and ideas. Don’t wait for things to come to you, but rather take charge and demonstrate a willingness to utilize all opportunities that come your way.

• Ask questions, speak up and provide feedback (especially during your first few weeks!). This is important so that those around you can understand how you’re progressing, what you like or dislike or if you need support. Questions can help to demonstrate engagement, humility and interest!

• Don’t be too hard on yourself… or others! It is standard and common to gain an understanding of your company and organization before you “hit the ground running”. Allow time and space for your experience and relationships to constructively develop.

• Recognise that traveling overseas and participating in something new for the first time can be exciting, but nerve wracking too! At times I felt homesick and had to remind myself that the discomfort I felt, while real in the moment, was temporary and all part of getting out of my comfort zone to build independence, meet new people and discover new places.

• Presentation plays an important role in Italian culture, so dress to impress!

“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?

Airport pickup is included in your internship program fee, but once at your accommodation and your language lessons and internship are underway, you will need to budget independently for getting around the city.

This is incredibly easy, as the metro and bus systems are very quick and reliable. It seemed everywhere I looked a new metro station would pop up, so you’ll find you’re never far from a source to get you where you need to be. Rome has 3 metro lines: A, B, and C. It can be a little confusing at first (especially if you’re from a small town like me!) but I found after taking the same route a few times and getting some guidance from the local team, I soon got on top of it. It’s all about practice! Tickets could be purchased from machines at almost every metro station. A single trip will cost you €2 and is valid for 100 minutes.

Commute times and methods of commuting will always differ depending on the distance between your accommodation and placement, as well as where these are located in the city. In many cases, interns should expect a commute time of 30-45 minutes by public transportation (metro or bus).

“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 host family accommodation. For example, during my stay, I was accommodated with a lovely woman in her 50’s and her two adorable and friendly cats in an apartment not far from the local team’s office (and where the Italian language lessons are conducted). My stay was amazing! I had my own room which overlooked a popular park and access to shared living spaces (lounge, bathroom, kitchen and dining). I was given a key so that I could come and go as I pleased, and my host mother was always checking in to see how my day was and to make recommendations for what I should see and do.

Meals are not included, (so you will need to ensure you budget for weekly supermarket shops) but the kitchen had all I needed to cook and store my own groceries (when I wasn’t indulging in the many cafes and restaurants around the neighborhood).

I was within 15 minutes walk from the nearest metro station, and once on the metro, just 15 minutes to some of the main attractions of central Rome. I really couldn’t have asked for a better place to stay! My neighborhood felt very safe and I enjoyed exploring other parts of the city away from the hustle and bustle of the more touristic areas.

“I loved exploring the country and spending time with locals, doing things I normally wouldn’t do. I loved Rome, I loved the people I got to meet at both my accommodation and at the school, and I enjoyed that I got to connect with professionals in a field I want to pursue.” - Paige Kruger, Cultural & Artistic Heritage intern in 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. You will be spoiled for choice! 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! Keep in mind that weekends and evenings are free for you to spend how you like, and we want you to make the most!

Each month, your local team will do their utmost to arrange cultural and social events such as 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. When in doubt, your local team is happy to make recommendations and offer advice on how to make the most out of your time in Italy!

“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!