Due to Italian labor restrictions you will find that most internships in Rome are unpaid (interns aren’t supposed to get paid anyway, remember?). However some placements do include a stipend or added perks such as housing, free meals, and bonuses. Your specific internship program provider will provide more details of the financial situation associated with your placement.

The booming tourism industry also makes the cost of living fairly high in Rome, but no more so than the other major European cities. If you stay away from the large attractions then you will be able to lead a comfortably thrifty lifestyle. There are a lot of cheap bars and cafes, and the fairly expansive metro system is an inexpensive way to travel across the city. As with most major cities, it is cheaper to shop and dine away from the large tourist areas.

(For further information on available financial aid opportunities consult GoAbroad’s Scholarships Directory for programs abroad in Italy).