AIFS Abroad: Intern Abroad in Italy

I loved everything about this program and loved my internship. Cassidy was so helpful and kind through the entire program- I would definitely recommend. I was able to travel often and was placed with random roommates but got along with them great. Cassidy was very helpful for anything that I needed and my internship was fantastic at smart trip- my bosses could not have been nicer and I learned so much through this role. I loved this program and would recommend to anyone especially college students.

I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the AIFS Study + Intern Program during the Spring semester of 2024, and I can't say enough good things about it! This program was everything I hoped for and more, making my time in Rome unforgettable.

One of the highlights of my experience was my internship with UP Factory. The work was interesting and engaging, giving me hands-on experience in a dynamic field that aligned perfectly with my academic and career goals. The team at UP Factory was incredibly supportive, providing me with meaningful tasks and guidance that made my internship not only educational but also genuinely fun.

Rome itself was a dream. The city is rich with history, culture, and endless things to do. Traveling around Rome was surprisingly easy, whether I was navigating the metro, hopping on a bus, or simply walking through the beautiful streets. Every corner of the city had something new to explore, and the accessibility made it easy to fit in as much sightseeing as possible.

The AIFS staff were exceptional—friendly, approachable, and always eager to help. From pre-departure questions to on-the-ground support, they were there every step of the way. I felt well taken care of, which made adjusting to life in a new country so much smoother.

What made the experience even better was the amazing group of students I met. Everyone was so open, making it easy to form friendships that I know will last long after the program ends. We shared so many incredible moments together, from weekend trips to local hangouts, and those memories will stay with me forever.

If you're considering studying abroad, especially in Rome, I highly recommend the AIFS Study + Intern Program. It's an experience that blends education, work, and adventure perfectly, giving you the chance to grow both personally and professionally. It was truly a semester to remember!

I interned in Florence for two months and it was the best job I could have been placed at! This internship was perfect for me and I felt that I really learned a lot while at work. On the weekends, you get the time to travel and explore. There are so many things to do in Italy from the food, to the excursions, you can never be bored! It is also so easy to take day trips from Florence which is so great to ensure you make the most of your time abroad. I would recommend this trip to someone interested in living in a new city and looking to be immersed in a new culture.

The AIFS full time summer internship was a phenomenal study abroad program. It started out with a two week Italian class to allow students time to acclimate to the environment as well as learn the basics of Italian and give ample time to explore the city. Following the class we were placed in a 6 week internship, which personally was exactly aligned with my future career goals and I was given meaningful and impactful assignments. The team in charge of the Rome AIFS office are amazing people who are nothing but helpful and extremely friendly. The minute you walk in you will feel at home and safe with them supporting you. The program provided many activities to explore the city and even travel to other cities in Rome. I could not have asked for a better program to spend my summer with. Highly recommend applying for the program, you will not regret it.

I had a really good and fun time while getting to live and work here in Florence. I was really pleased with my living arrangements and my job placement. My job placement was better then I expected, I feel like I was pushed in my job and given responsibility which I was really satisfied with. With that being said I got to meet a lot of cool people in and out of the program and I got to travel a lot with the friends I made here and I was really grateful for those experiences. The staff at AIFS in my opinion was very helpful and easy to communicate with if anything came up. I think ultimately the experience is what you make it so if you make the most of it and put yourself out there you and take advantage of what Italy has to offer then you will have the time of your life and your experience will be positive.

This summer I had the opportunity to intern abroad in Florence, Italy. I met so many friends and it was amazing to get to intern full-time during the week and travel on the weekends. Interning abroad is such a unique experience, there is absolutely nothing like it. In the evenings after work you get to meet up with your friends, explore the city, enjoy an aperitivo, and there is truly no opportunity to be bored which was amazing! Italy is a beautiful place and being here for this amount of time in the summer allowed me to see so much of it. Also, interning allows you to meet a lot of locals that give you and your friends a lot of recommendations for what to see/eat/do!!!

Being able to come abroad for 2 full months was such an eye opening experience! I got to learn so much about myself, and really get out of my comfort zone! I have gotten to meet such amazing friendships that will last a lifetime, and so many memories! I have been able to make professional connections and learn so much from my employer! This was such an awesome experience, that I will cherish and remember forever! I would recommend this experience to anyone, especially if you are in college!!!!!!!

I loved my time in Florence, and I feel like I grew so much as a person. I would do this semester again in a heartbeat. Cassidy Fickes and AIFS made it easy from start to finish and were always so helpful. I made so many friends and memories this semester. My internship was fun, but I wish I would have been a bit busier and that it would have been more applicable to my career that I want to have in the future, but it was still a valuable experience. I would recommend this program to anyone, and I will never forget my time abroad.