internships in italy


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Join World Endeavors for the most affordable and unique internship opportunity in Florence, Italy. From international business, tourism, cuisine and handicraft internships to one-of-a-kind opportunities like interning with a professional soccer team or an opera company, a wide variety of internships are available. All internships, whether 3 or 6 months, include intensive Italian language training. Interns will also have the opportunity to connect with other Italian language students and participate in optional excursions and outings to the many historical and cultural sites in Florence and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind internship that offers both professional experience and the opportunity to learn the Italian language in the heart of Italy, this program is for you.

Choose from a wide variety of professional fields in which to intern. If you have specific academic requirements or are interested in a field not listed below, let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.

  • Accounting
  • Advertising/Marketing
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Artistic Gymnastics
  • Coaching
  • Communications (Radio, TV, and Film)
  • Concert and Event Coordination
  • Culinary
  • Cultural Management
  • Dance (technique and choreography)
  • Education
  • Fashion
  • Finance
  • Food Science 
  • Government
  • Graphic Design
  • Handicraft Apprenticeship (Leather, Ceramics, Pottery, Ironwork, Mosaics)
  • Hospitality (Hotel and Restaurant Management)
  • Industry
  • Information Technology
  • International Business
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Media
  • Museum Studies
  • Photography
  • Public Relations
  • Social Services
  • Sports Management
  • Sports Physiotherapy
  • Tourism
  • Web Design
  • Wine Industry

Eligibility: No prior Italian language knowledge is required. However, for interns who can speak Italian, an assessment exam will be provided to determine the appropriate placement in language classes. Interviews will be conducted after arrival in Florence.

Pre-Departure Information: Before students embark, they will be provided a pre-departure guide that includes important details about their experience abroad. The pre-departure guide includes general information about the host country, cultural information, interviewing tips, contact information, and more. In addition to the guide, students may contact World Endeavors any time prior to departure with questions.

Back_topOrientation:

After arriving in Florence, students will be given a welcome orientation that will familiarize them with Florence, the language program, and the internship process. Our representatives in Florence will be available to provide support and answer your questions throughout the duration of your internship.

Back_topHousing:

Housing assistance provided.

Short-term accommodations in Florence can be difficult to find. We provide assistance to interns looking for housing during their stay in Florence. Many options are available from home stays with local Italian families to single and shared apartments. Costs vary from one option to the next. Our goal is to provide you guidance but also flexibility to ensure that you find housing that meets your needs and your budget. And if you have a difficult time finding the perfect fit, we can put you in contact with one of several housing agencies in Florence that can provide further assistance.

Back_topParticipant Life:

During the first month in Florence, you will take intensive Italian language courses and begin to become acclimated to the Italian culture. In the second month, you will begin your internship in the field of your choice and continue your Italian language training.*

Throughout the course of your internship, you will find ample opportunities to experience the authentic Italian life. You will discover the vibrant culture of Florence and the greater Tuscan region through optional weekly social events and weekend excursions. These excursions are organized to visit country villas and wineries as well as to other Italian cities. You will meet many people and make friends from all over the world.

To stay connected with your family back home, you will have access to free internet during normal business hours at the Institute or you can take advantage of several affordable internet cafes which are open late. Mail service is also available through the language institute.

* Conflicts between language class schedules and internship hours are sometimes unavoidable. If your internship hours conflict with some of your language class, you can talk to our local coordinator about your options.

Activities: Many activities are organized to give you the chance to meet people, make friends, practice your Italian, and learn more about the Italian culture.

  • Optional weekend excursions to other Italian cities and to country villas and wineries.
  • Weekly visits to monuments/museums and seminars.
  • Lunches, dinners, and parties at characteristic Florentine restaurants.
  • Trips to the theatre for concerts and opera.
  • Visits to artisan workshops to witness the Florentine craftsmanship of leather, jewelry, ceramics, and pottery.
  • Sports: organized games of soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball.
  • Monthly student recitals and concerts.

Back_topConsiderations:

 Due to cultural considerations, it is very difficult to secure an internship during the month of August.  World Endeavors encourages applicants to schedule their trips accordingly.  Applicants will be able to continue language classes during the month of August; however, internships will not likely be available during this month.

Back_topCost and Dates :

Duration 1 month 2 months 3 months 4 months 5 months 6 months
Costs X X $4,655.00 $5,695.00 $6,725.00 $7,755.00

Internships are offered year round and begin on specific dates every month (see below). Application deadlines are 90 days prior to start date of the internship.

*Internship duration follows the academic schedule of the language institute, not calendar months. See below for actual session lengths.

3 month sessions:

March 29, 2010 through June 25, 2010
April 26, 2010 through July 23, 2010
May 31, 2010 through August 20, 2010**
June 28, 2010 through September 24, 2010**
July 26, 2010 through October 22, 2010**
August 30, 2010 through November 19, 2010
September 27, 2010 through December 17, 2010
October 18, 2010 through January 28, 2011
November 15, 2010 through February 25, 2011
January 03, 2011 through March 25, 2011
January 31, 2011 through April 22, 2011
February 28, 2011 through May 20, 2011  

4 month sessions:

March 29, 2010 through July 23, 2010
April 26, 2010 through August 20, 2010**
May 31, 2010 through September 24, 2010**
June 28, 2010 through October 22, 2010**
July 26, 2010 through November 19, 2010**
August 30, 2010 through December 17, 2010
September 27, 2010 through January 28, 2011
October 18, 2010 through February 25, 2011
November 15, 2010 through March 25, 2011
January 03, 2011 through April 22, 2011
January 31, 2011 through May 20, 2011
February 28, 2011 through June 24, 2011


5 month sessions:

March 29, 2010 through August 20, 2010**
April 26, 2010 through September 24, 2010**
May 31, 2010 through October 22, 2010**
June 28, 2010 through November 19, 2010**
July 26, 2010 through December 17, 2010**
August 30, 2010 through January 28, 2011
September 27, 2010 through February 26, 2011
October 18, 2010 through March 25, 2011
November 15, 2010 through April 22, 2011
January 03, 2011 through May 20, 2011
January 31, 2011 through June 24, 2011
February 28, 2011 through July 22, 2011


6 month sessions:

March 29, 2010 through September 24, 2010**
April 26, 2010 through October 22, 2010**
May 31, 2010 through November 19, 2010**
June 28, 2010 through December 17, 2010**
July 26, 2010 through January 28, 2011**
August 30, 2010 through February 26, 2011
September 27, 2010 through March 25, 2011
October 18, 2010 through April 22, 2011
November 15, 2010 through May 20, 2011
January 03, 2011 through June 24, 2011
January 31, 2011 through July 22, 2011
February 28, 2011 through August 19, 2011**



**Please note that due to cultural considerations, many internships are not available during the month of August. Interns will still be enrolled in the program and take language lessons; however, many local businesses are closed during this month.

Back_topCost Includes:

  • Internship placement
  • Housing assistance
  • On-site orientation
  • Travel medical insurance
  • Cell phone rental
  • Intern services and learning support services
  • Pre-departure handbook and pre-trip guidance
  • English speaking directors in Florence for your support
  • 80 hours per month language training
  • Free internet service during normal business hours
  • 24/7 emergency phone support

Not Included:

  • Round-trip transportation to Florence, Italy
  • Housing fees
  • Meals
  • Visa expenses 
  • Optional trips and excursions
  • Language Textbook
  • Personal expenses
  • Daily transportation

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