9 Best Internships in Italy

Espresso breaks between meetings. Downtime exploring iconic sights and discovering little local corners (like that charming piazza with the spot for homemade pasta). The best internship programs in Italy give you a window into Italian culture as you kick-start your career with practical experience and a global perspective.

Even better? You’ll have plenty of internship programs to choose from in one of the best places to study and work in Europe. Some programs let you add an internship experience to your study abroad plans, while others let you head to Italy solely for an internship. Some give you the option of learning or perfecting your Italian, a great investment in your future career.

You can get up close and personal with art and museums, learn business from the best, or go on a deep dive into culinary arts and nutrition in one of the foodie capitals of the world—and that’s just the start. An internship abroad means learning from locals and building international knowledge and intercultural skills, benefits that will propel your career no matter where you ultimately want to work.

What makes these programs the best?

Once you know how to determine the best program for *you*, things will fall into place.

So much goes into finding the perfect program for your internship. We’re here to help you sort through the best programs for interning in Italy by giving you options that let you tailor your experience abroad to achieve your goals. We focused on several factors:

• Location: We’ve rounded up programs in a variety of locations, so you can choose an internship opportunity in a place that fits your academic, career, and travel goals.
• Fields: You want an internship in the academic area you’re studying or career field you want to pursue. We’ve got you covered with the best internship opportunities in Italy in a wide range of fields.
• Program inclusions: We looked for programs that include valuable perks like internship placement assistance, local support, Italian language classes, and excursions in and around your host city.
• Reviews: There’s no better insight into a program than advice from someone who’s already participated. These internship opportunities boast great reviews from past participants—read about what other interns have enjoyed as you make your decision.

9 best internship programs in Italy

You can find great internship opportunities in every corner of Italy!

The best opportunities for interning in Italy combine cultural immersion with real-world, on-the-job growth. Here are some of our favorites to get you started:

1. Intern in Italy with World Endeavors

• Why? You’ll transform your resume—and grow as a person—with an internship in Florence that lets you explore your career interests while immersing yourself in Italian culture and language. With internships available in a wide variety of professional fields, World Endeavors makes it easy to gain practical, hands-on experience in a vibrant city you already have on your bucket list. Why not boost your language skills and add a unique piece to your resume while you’re at it?
• Where? Florence
• Fields: Environmental Studies; Fashion Business; Food Science & Nutrition; Marketing, Advertising, & PR; Social Work; and more!
• Read World Endeavors reviews

2. IES Internships - Milan Summer Internship

• Why? Spend your summer in a chic Italian city honing your professional skills and cross-cultural awareness alongside co-workers in the country’s fashion and financial hub. You’ll have personalized assistance fine-tuning your resume and cover letter for a guaranteed internship placement. An academic internship seminar helps you contextualize your time abroad, while field trips and an optional Italian course enrich your experience as you learn the local language and see even more of Italy.
• Where? Milan
• Fields: Art & Fine Arts; Business; Communications; Education; Fashion Business; Fashion Design; Finance; Marketing, Advertising, & PR
• Read IES Abroad reviews

3. AIFS Abroad Internships in Florence, Italy

• Why? The best programs for interning in Italy combine career development opportunities with the chance to see firsthand what living in a world-renowned Italian destination is like. That’s exactly what you’ll get through this program. Advisors take the time to get to know you, your career goals, and academic and language background to help match you with an internship, while cultural and social excursions let you truly connect with Florence (you know, the birthplace of the Renaissance!).
• Where? Florence
• Fields: Art & Fine Arts; Culinary Arts & Cooking; Interior Design; Journalism; Law; Museum Studies; Tourism; and more!
• Read AIFS reviews

4. Affordable, Comprehensive Study and Intern Abroad Programs

• Why? Whether you want to upgrade your study abroad experience by adding an internship or you want to focus your time abroad on an international internship experience, CIS Abroad has something for you. Head to Sorrento for a semester or summer interning while taking academic credits or simply spend a summer interning on the Italian coast. No matter which experience you choose, scenic Sorrento provides the perfect backdrop to your resume-enhancing activities.
• Where? Sorrento
• Fields: Archaeology; Architecture; Art History; Communications; International Business; Marine Biology; Natural Sciences; Photography; Social Sciences; Women’s Studies; and more!
• Read CIS Abroad reviews

5. SAI Study Abroad at John Cabot University (Rome, Italy)

• Why? John Cabot University (JCU) is your ticket to an exceptional education in a city where ancient history and modern life come together. If you’re studying abroad at JCU, you can apply to complete an internship as part of your academic program. JCU’s relationships with leading organizations translate to some of the best opportunities for interning in Italy, so take your resume to the next level in the heart of Rome.
• Where? Rome
• Fields: Art History; Business; Communications; International Relations; Theater; Political Science; and more!
• Read SAI Programs reviews

6. Italy - Liveaboard Dolphin Research Expedition

• Why? Interested in learning more about conservation? You’ll get hands-on experience while living on a historical boat when you join this program, sailing along the Italian coast and assisting with dolphin data collection that will help to protect marine life. Whether you’re looking to build a career in a related field or just want a unique and meaningful experience, learning to study dolphin behavior and record bioacoustics will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
• Where? Naples
• Fields: Marine Science
• Read GoEco reviews

7. AIFS Study Abroad in Rome: Semester Internship

• Why? History and modernity intertwine everywhere you look in Rome, delivering some of the best internship opportunities in Italy. You’ll have the chance to complement your work life with conversation exchanges and cultural activities designed to connect you with authentic, local life in the city. Excursions beyond Rome deepen your understanding of Italy, too. The best part? It’s all included in your program!
• Where? Rome
• Fields: Art & Fine Arts; Art History; Communications; Marketing, Advertising, & PR; Political Science & Politics; and more!
• Read American Institute For Foreign Study reviews

8. ISA Study Abroad in Florence, Italy

• Why? Through ISA’s Internships & Experiential Learning summer program at the Florence University of the Arts (FUA), you’ll have the choice of enrolling in either an internship worth a recommended three U.S. credits or in a six-credit experiential learning course. An internship placement at a local business in Florence means getting to assist real-world professionals as they do their work each day. If you opt for the experiential learning course, you’ll take a class and participate in projects with the local population. More options for gaining experience in your field!
• Where? Florence
• Fields: Art History; Business; Culture; History; Political Science & Politics; and more!
• Read ISA (International Studies Abroad) reviews

9. Most Affordable Internships in Italy | Intern Abroad HQ

• Why? You’ll get work experience that works for you thanks to the tailored internships and flexible start dates this program offers. There’s so much to do and see in Italy’s capital city and cultural hub—Rome becomes the ideal setting for launching a global career. Included language lessons at either the beginner or intermediate level help you build your Italian language skills, and homestay accommodations enhance your intercultural learning even more. Other program perks like Intern Abroad HQ’s Experiential Learning Curriculum and 24/7 in-country support help you seamlessly transition to the intern life in Rome.
• Where? Rome
• Fields: Architecture; Art & Fine Arts; Marketing, Advertising, & PR; Sales
• Read Intern Abroad HQ reviews

Compare these programs side-by-side for FREE with MyGoAbroad

Immerse in Italian culture with an internship!

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

Fix your sights on Italy if you’re looking for an internship in Europe that will set you apart in a competitive job market, all while letting you grow as a person (and maybe figure out your future while you’re at it!). Trust us, your resume will say grazie when you do.

Explore ALL International Internships in Italy on GoAbroad.com