Art History Internships in Italy

I had such a wonderful time studying abroad and grew immensely through the experience. Living with a host family and pursuing an internship allowed me fully immerse myself in a new community and the intercultural citizenship education I did throughout the experience helped me understand and appreciate both a new culture and my own back home through a new perspective.

I had the pleasure of attending Molise Italian Studies in the fall of 2023. I was placed with a local family who owned a truffle business, Di Iorio Tartufi. I had the opportunity to lead tours for international visitors to the farm, go truffle hunting with some adorable puppies, and prepare and eat 4-course meals made with freshly hunted truffles. What stands out about MIS, compared to other abroad opportunities, is that it is supported by cultural awareness and sensitivity. The classes I took during the semester centered around global citizenship and cultural awareness. As I currently study to become a mental health therapist, I often draw from the cultural competency MIS taught me in order to become a culturally competent mental health professional. Although studying abroad in Molise sometimes felt isolating due to its more rural setting, it taught me to find comfort in uncomfortable situations; a lesson that has stayed with me long after my study abroad ended. Through the weekly or biweekly excursions provided by MIS, I explored a side of Italy I would have likely never seen as a tourist. I gained a deep appreciation for the beauty of the Italian countryside, its unique cultural heritage, and the serendipitous encounters you have while traveling off the beaten path. I also had lots of opportunities to explore major cities in Italy, including Rome, Florence, and Naples. MIS helped to reshape my notions of what school could look like when curiosity and exploration are the learning objectives rather than rigid performance metrics. It empowered me to be a lifelong learner and global citizen.

I had the pleasure of attending Molise Italian Studies in Fall of 2023. I was placed with a local family who owned a truffle business, Di Iorio Tartufi. I had the opportunity of leading tours for international visitors to the farm, truffle hunting with some adorable puppies and preparing and eating 4 course meals made with freshly hunted truffles. What stands out about MIS as opposed to other abroad opportunities is that it provided a fully culturally immersive experience, that was supported by cultural awareness and sensitivity. The classes I took during the semester centered around global citizenship and cultural awareness. As I currently study to become a mental health therapist I often draw from the cultural competency MIS taught me in order to become a culturally competent mental health professional. Although study abroad in Molise sometimes felt isolating due to its more rural setting it provided me the confidence to seek discomfort long as as a form of growth long after my semester abroad ended. Through the weekly or biweekly excursions provided by MIS i was able to explore a side of Italy I would have likely never seen as a tourist. I gained a deep appreciation for the beauty of the italian countryside, it’s unique cultural heritage and the serendipitous encounters you have while traveling off the beaten path. I also had lots of opportunities to explore major cities in Italy including Rome, Florence and Naples. MIS helped to reshape my prior notions of what school could look like when curiosity and exploration are the learning objectives rather than rigid performance metrics. It empowered me to be a life-long learner and global citizen.

What started off as a desire for change turned out to be the most unforgettable time of my life. I sent in an application expecting the usual response delays I had experienced through the many intern abroad programs I had combed through but was happily surprised when Nicole was patient and kind, communicating often how available she was be it through video calls or email to sooth my anxieties. She helped me sort through my options and even when I had settled on an internship in Scotland, she kept searching and found me one most suitable for me: London. I sound like a broken record but it was truly life-changing. I had support throughout; Nicole with her check-ins to make sure I was settling in, my manager Ammu who was my rock and the best boss I have had the pleasure of working with and interns from another program who made my experience what it was. Walking to my train every morning felt purposeful and fun: I felt like a mini adult carving out a life for myself in this big city. I was excited to pop into my local Tesco and learn more about my roommates who invited me out every weekend; from window-shopping in the streets of Westminster to intimate dinners in a Fitzrovia neighborhood. At work, I was challenged! I learned how to interview, I was given responsibility over the intern team (again, the best people) and there wasn't a moment I felt afraid to be inquisitive or express my insecurities about the job. Every week was a new adventure and a new way to grow. I remember our manager had an idea for a viral tiktok and all 8 interns stood outside the work building searching for incoming buses, lingering close to where they'd park with a straight face, then burst into fits of laughter because of how unpredictable our work was! The train rides were honestly one of my highlights. The place I moved into after a month in London was 5 minutes from Canary Wharf so a quick 9 minute walk from my apartment to the train station looked like putting my headphones on while I admired the scenic waters of Canning Town before starting the day. London has an awesome transportation system so if you missed one train, best believe another one was coming a minute or two later (5 at most!). I travelled to Nottingham on the weekend and had a blast, and was surrounded by a great group of people. My landlord was the nicest and so was my housemate from both of my living situations, I had a wonderful time getting to know full-time staff through a get-together my manager organized and to this day, most of those people I am still in contact with. Shoutout Tina, Alicia, Stuart, Kate, Krystal, Nicholas, Catherine, Gayathri, Kamini, Shelby, Claire and Nate! Another to Nicole, Ammu, Ben, John and Georgeena for their continued support. I was lucky in that the issues I faced weren't program related, but I'll admit a travel kit of sites to see would have been nice! I was given housing recommendations as well though a person of support to regularly communicate with on residence issues I faced would be of great help as well. If the thought of study/intern abroad even occurs, run with it. The job experience was invaluable, the beautiful cultures I interacted with - from India to USA - have stayed with me and the memories linger in the "I miss you" messages shared amongst the intern group. Living away from home can be daunting, but you won't regret it for a second. I miss it and appreciate the opportunity beyond comprehension.

I really enjoyed my experience. This internship was an amazing opportunity to learn more about my field from professionals with far more experience. It allowed me to develop my skills, gain valuable knowledge, and build confidence in a real-world setting. I highly recommend this internship to anyone interested in expanding their knowledge and gaining hands-on experience in the field. Any questions I had were answered within 24 hours, which I really appreciated.

After being ghosted multiple times by the employer I was originally matched with, I was placed with C.R.E.T.A Rome, a ceramics studio and artist residency studio. I am a graphic design major and was tasked with designing two catalogues for the upcoming shows of one of the studio's owners, a magnificent ceramicist. I worked in person 20 hours a week and 10-15 hours remote per week and this has been a very rewarding experience. The placement was perfect and I'm very grateful.

My internship was incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally. What I enjoyed most was learning in a small, close-knit environment, which gave me a very real perspective on what running a design business looks like. I had the chance to strengthen my AutoCAD skills, improve my efficiency and learn to embrace feedback and iteration without over-attaching to early versions. I also grew personally, building relationships and gaining confidence working in Italian. This experience confirmed my passion for interior design and architecture. If I could give one piece of advice to someone, it would be: trust the process, don't give up and enjoy every chance to learn. I'm incredibly grateful to my placement and everyone who supported me throughout this journey. Sarah was my Program Manager throughout the internship preparation. She was always available and answered my calls and emails very quickly, with clear and helpful feedback and advice.

Ever sense I was a little girl I have always told people I wanted to be a fashion designer in Paris and I think if I would've known what the duomo was I would've said italy. Over my internship I worked with Ilaria Tollsi a fashion designer who opened her own atelier. with her I gained real life experience and got to feel what its like to work in my dream career field in a beautiful place. I dont think I would change my experience for anything. i think about florence every day.

I am so very grateful for my experience through AIFS. Although my internship placements were off to a rocky start, my studies abroad truly made up for it. From weekly activities, cooking classes, and local restaurants, AIFS has curated such a unique broad brush stroke into dipping your toe into long-term living in the heart of Florence. I could not be happier with my roomates and all of my friends made through the program and credit this opportunity for all of the locals and other fellow study abroad students through various programs to AIFS.

My internship in Rome was not only a goal of mine achieved, but it also exceeded all expectations. I genuinely wish I could do it all over again, but without changing anything—maybe just eat more gelato. AIFS guided me to a company that published a travel magazine, something I've always wanted to do. On the first day meeting my boss, I knew I was in the right place. The best part was that I only had to prepare a resume, a cover letter, and complete an interview. The internship was guaranteed, so I didn't have the stress of applying and interviewing at ten different places. I am extremely grateful to AIFS and my time in Rome. The program staff was accommodating and made life less stressful than, let’s face it, it should have been. I would recommend anyone look into AIFS, as it will change your life.

I did an internship in Florence, Italy in the summer of 2025 through AIFS Abroad, and it was truly one of the best experiences I’ve had. I chose AIFS because of their strong reputation and the support they provide, and they really delivered. From the application process to my time in Italy, the staff was always there to answer questions, give guidance, and make sure I felt prepared and supported throughout the program. The housing was safe and well located, which made it easy to enjoy daily life in Florence. I also appreciated the excursions and cultural activities that were included, since they gave me the chance to explore more of Italy and learn about its history and culture in a hands-on way. These experiences helped me connect with other students in the program, and I built friendships that made my time abroad even more meaningful. This internship not only allowed me to live and work in another culture but also helped me grow in confidence, adaptability, and intercultural communication skills. It has had a lasting impact on me personally and professionally, and I feel more prepared for future opportunities because of it. I would highly recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone who wants a supportive, well-rounded, and unforgettable study abroad or internship experience.

Florence was absolutely incredible. From beautiful art to exciting lively parades, there is a range of different activities for every kind of person. The academics were also very interesting. I took a Museuology course and an Archaeology course while I was there and it was some of the most fun I've had in classes. I got to go to museums and learn about them and got to handle real Etruscan artifacts and try to construct them back together. The courses are relatively smaller but for me I was able to build a tighter-knit relationship with my peers and professors so I greatly appreciated that opportunity. API is also a wonderful program host to go through as they not only set you up with different options of where to stay but they also are ready to support you every step of the way leading up to and during your study abroad experience. I had a moment abroad where I had to deal with feeling very ill and I was in need of some help. API connected me with an excellent doctor abroad and were very supportive in my search for help. I couldn't have asked for a better outcome - especially being abroad. On top of this, they also organize different excursions for students to go on. We got to go to Venice and Rome through API and it was incredible. They organized tours, time for us to go explore, and our transport and stay. It was absolutely wonderful to not have to stress the details of traveling while already being abroad. API was absolutely the program for me.

What I enjoyed the most was the overall abroad experience and the safe chance I got to explore a foreign country. I really liked the segment at the beginning with Italian lessons and think that made my experience a thousand times better. I feel fulfilled after having lived alone abroad for a few months and having started learning a new language.

The best thing you need to know about Linguistic Horizons is the great support system. I often communicated with Nicole from the start of my application, my departure and all the way to the end of my internship, and she was absolutely fantastic. So nice, friendly and helpful and willing to hear you out always! I had some issues with finances and my placement and she sorted it out like nothing. I would recommend this experience not only because of the the prospects of being abroad and immersion, but for the cultural and work life that awaits you. Loved everything about my experience and I'm sure you will too!

Linguistic Horizons responded to this reviewDecember 20, 2024

Thank you, Angellah! I'm so glad you joined us in London!

It was a great experience, however I do think it is geared towards people with little to no work experience and did not meet all my expectations of learning something new in a new work environment. The best part was being able to practice my Spanish with my host family.

CIEE provided me with a great internship site, a clean and nice apartment in a good neighborhood, and gave me roommates who shared similar interests. The staff was extremely kind and helped me whenever I needed, and were good about checking in with me about my experiences

Cassidy was awesome, smart trip was awesome and it was a great experience overall def recommend! I made the best friends and am so glad I did this experience. The summer program was super fun and the perfect amount of time!

My experience interning abroad in Florence was absolutely amazing! AIFS paired me with the perfect internship for my aspiring career. I had the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture and learn in a foreign work environment. It was the best internship I could have asked for immediately following my undergraduate graduation and made me feel more prepared when returning home to start my career. It was truly an unforgettable summer!

Everything from the beginning steps of applying to landing back home 2 months later for me was as smooth and straightforward as one could ask for. All the coordinators work with you to ensure your safety. This program changed my life and opened the door for endless possibilities for the future in my profession. I was able to live another life and travel so easily, if any issues arose there was always someone I could talk to 24/7 no matter where I was. Made so many friends not only within the program but also from where I was living. I now because of this am lucky enough to say I’m returning to Florence, Italy due to a job offer I received while interning thanks to the wonderful placement from AIFS.

I had a truly amazing experience from start to finish while being involved in this program and working at my internship. The living accommodation I was given was very nice and I was placed with great roommates who made the experience even better. The AIFS staff were very helpful and there for support if needed and were easy to communicate with. My internship placement exceeded my expectations and the people I worked with were amazing and I was able to build relationships and friendships with them even outside of work. Overall I am truly grateful and happy that I chose to take part in this summer abroad program and for the experiences and memories this has given me that I will never forget.