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Curious what life looks like for a college student interning abroad in Italy? We recently caught up with AIFS Abroad participant Carlos from the University of Kentucky, who spent his summer interning abroad in the Renaissance city of Florence.
Discover how Carlos’s summer internship in Italy with AIFS Abroad helped him expand his cultural horizons and gain valuable professional experience!
Choosing an Internship Program Destination & Term
Once you decide to study or intern abroad, you get to pick where in the world, and when, you’ll go. With so many AIFS Abroad destinations located around the world, you can choose a program in a host city that best aligns with your personal and academic goals. As someone interested in Italian culture and history, choosing to intern abroad in Italy was a no-brainer for Carlos:
“I chose Italy because I wanted to experience its culture, history, and language while also gaining [professional] experience. I would recommend this program to students who are open-minded, adaptable, and interested in working with children while learning in an international setting.”
As far as picking a term went, Carlos said that summer worked best with his academic schedule:
“I chose summer because it fit well with my school schedule and gave me the chance to spend more time abroad. The season made the experience even better with warm weather, lively festivals, and lots of cultural events, though it also meant more tourists in the city.”
Internship Experience
Carlos did a full-time internship program, allowing him to gain real-world experience in the education and psychology fields. His role as an English teaching assistant included tasks both in and out of the classroom:
“[My host company is] a non-profit organization in Florence that focuses on helping young children (ages 6 – 10) learn English in a fun and engaging way. We use creative, play-based methods like games, songs, and hands-on activities [to teach students English].”
While his responsibilities on any given day could vary from assisting in the classroom to working on administration tasks from his computer, he could always rely on one thing—free time after his internship to explore the city:
“Sometimes I work online doing administration tasks or lesson planning. Other days, I collaborate with my supervisor to develop new projects or activities. And, of course, some days I’m hands-on with the kids, leading English games, crafts, or interactive lessons. It’s a great mix of behind-the-scenes work and time with the students!… I also make time for exploring the city, grabbing coffee with friends, or visiting a museum after work. Every day feels a little different, which I love!”
When you intern abroad with AIFS Abroad, you’ll be guaranteed a supervisor at your new host company. Someone who is there to show you the ropes, help you build professional skills in your career field, and answer any questions. Hear Carlos describe his experience with his supervisor:
“My supervisor was supportive and collaborative. Their leadership style was approachable and flexible; they gave guidance when needed but also encouraged independence and creative problem-solving. This made it easy to ask questions and learn from experience.”
Professional Development
Interning abroad allows you to build out your resume and gain practical professional experience, all while you make international connections and live like a local abroad. Carlos emphasized that his education internship in Florence had an impact on both his personal and professional development:
“I really developed my adaptability by learning how to adjust to a new culture…and work environment. I also improved my communication…[and] leadership [skills] by planning activities, guiding students, and taking initiative on different projects.
Interning abroad gave me real experience working in a global setting, while also letting me fully immerse [myself] in the local culture. It’s been a great way to grow both personally and professionally!”
Cultural Appreciation
Interning abroad with AIFS Abroad gives students the chance to live like locals—and for Carlos, that meant enjoying authentic Florentine experiences. From embracing a slower pace of life to tasting his way through the city, there’s so much to love about interning abroad:
“I tried many new foods, including fresh pasta, pizza, gelato, and local cheeses. I especially loved gelato from small shops and homemade pasta dishes. My go-to meals were often simple, local favorites like margherita pizza or pasta with seasonal sauces, and I enjoyed trying different restaurants and cafes around the city.”
In addition to delectable cuisine, Italy is home to many cultural festivals that encourage authentic local experiences:
“I attended La Festa di San Giovanni on June 24, which was a memorable local festival. It was exciting to see the city come alive with fireworks, music, and celebrations. Experiencing this event gave me a deeper appreciation for local traditions and made me feel more connected to the culture.”
Trips & Activities
AIFS Abroad programs include trips and excursions as well as social and cultural activities that take participants around their host country and city—further immersing them in the culture while offering the chance to travel with fellow participants and trusted on-site staff. Between tasting desserts in Florence and traveling to some of Italy’s most fascinating cultural sites, it’s no wonder Carlos remembers these events fondly:
“I attended several AIFS-sponsored excursions and events that were really memorable. For excursions, I went on day trips to Siena and Pisa and a weekend trip to Milan and Lake Como, seeing the historic sites and beautiful landscapes made them unforgettable. For events, I enjoyed the gelato tour, wine tasting, cooking class, pizza making, and a dinner with Italians. These experiences let me try new foods, practice my language skills, and connect with local culture in a fun, hands-on way.”
Housing
Housing is always included with AIFS Abroad programs. As Carlos explains, his housing in Florence made him feel like he was part of the local community:
“Housing really gives you the chance to live like a local! We stayed in an apartment surrounded by Italian neighbors. All the apartments are spread out across central Florence, so everything is super walkable. They vary in size and style, but you typically share with 2 – 4 other students from the program. It’s a cool way to really feel like you’re living here, not just visiting.”
AIFS Abroad Scholarships
AIFS Abroad offers scholarships and grants that can help reduce the cost of our programs. Carlos was awarded our Green Ambassador Scholarship, which allowed him to focus on sustainability abroad and make a difference in his new community:
“Being an AIFS Abroad Green Ambassador means representing sustainability while abroad and encouraging others to make more eco-conscious choices in their daily lives. As part of the program, I’m working on a sustainability project and creating content that highlights local green practices here in Italy. It’s about staying mindful, whether that’s using a tote bag at the market, supporting local businesses, or reducing waste, and helping others see how small actions can make a big impact, even while traveling.”
Language Learning
Want to intern abroad but don’t know a second language? No problem! You’re not required to speak the local language to study or intern abroad, and as Carlos explains, he was able to get by in Italy with just the basics:
“I interned in Italy, where English is not the primary language. I did not need to know Italian to be eligible for the program, but learning some basic phrases helped me communicate and feel more comfortable. My language skills improved a lot with the two weeks of Italian lessons we were required to take before the internship began, and also through daily practice and immersion in the culture. My advice is to try speaking the language whenever possible, practice with locals, and not be afraid to make mistakes. Immersion is the best way to learn.”
Why AIFS Abroad?
There are so many reasons to choose AIFS Abroad, including our on-site staff, great housing options, and our high-quality programs located all over the world. Our comprehensive offerings and testimonials from past participants made it easy for Carlos to choose one of our programs:
“I chose AIFS because it offers strong support, good program options, and clear guidance for studying and interning abroad. I had heard it was well organized, reliable, and that students felt safe and supported while gaining cultural and personal growth.”
After interning with us, Carlos is sure glad he did choose AIFS Abroad—as he put it, having on-site support was really helpful and reassuring:
“The AIFS staff and advisors were very helpful throughout the entire program. Before I left, they guided me through applications and travel planning. During the program, they were available for questions and support, and their check-ins made me feel safe and prepared. Their guidance really stood out and made the experience smoother.”
Are you a college student or recent grad who’s ready to intern abroad like Carlos did in Florence? We’d love to help you start your journey!
Here at AIFS Abroad, we know a thing or two about helping college students and recent graduates intern abroad. All our programs come with many beneficial inclusions, which takes a lot of the stress out of planning. From coordinating your housing to providing things like cultural and social activities, excursions, comprehensive insurance, 24/7 emergency support, on-site staff, and career readiness programming, you’ll take comfort in knowing you’ll have support throughout your entire experience abroad.
