Intern Abroad in Rome, Italy with AIFS Abroad

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 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 loved the culture immersion, activities, staff and safety. My only concern was the internship I had did not place me with someone in my field so they did not fully know how to assist me through out the experience.

My experience was good. I met some life long friends and made memories to last me forever, however, I wish there was more transparency when it came to our internship placements and wish we had more to choose from than just the one position given. That being said, our coordinator, Lucy, was so kind and helpful throughout the 8 weeks and planned some great events for us. She also took some amazing photos of all the interns at the end of our program, and I will definitely be using mine professionally. I absolutely love that she offered us that! Cheers :)

I personally had a great experience with GE. I was very satisfied with my internship placement except for the fact that my commute was over an hour, which I was told would not happen. However, my employer was very nice about me having a hybrid schedule. Access to health care was pretty good, but I did have to pay out of pocket and have yet to receive my money back. The program advisors were helpful but also could communicate better. Lucy Boscan was my location coordinator and was amazing. She always tried her best to help, and also did weekly check-ins with all of her interns.

Being in Rome this summer with AIFS was a great opportunity. The living placement was wonderful and same with the girls that I lived with. I felt that the 2 week mandatory Italian course was not as helpful as I had hoped it would be just because we learned more grammar and conjugations as opposed to basic phrases and material that would be useful during our time in Italy. The organization of the internships was very helpful but the internships themselves seemed to be less organized. The freedom of being in a foreign country and having the ability to immerse myself into a new culture has been one of the biggest steps into my independence as an adult.

I enjoyed my internship abroad. I worked at a refugee centre from 9-1 every day and It was really interesting to hear the stories of the people coming into the center. Furthermore with the center closing at 1 everyday I had time to go and explore the city and truly envy Rome.

I loved interning abroad at my host company, speaking the Italian language, getting to be a long-term tourist, getting to know my beighbours in Prati, involving myself in extracurricular activities, and just living in Rome overall.

Below is my review for the semester program, as I've done the AIFS Rome program twice. Once just for classes, and once for an Internship First Time Review:I understand that study abroad being life changing is a cliche and I used to roll my eyes at it too! But then I did it, twice, both times through AIFS in Rome and I can truly say my life is changed. I went from a shy introvert who longed to go home after being home sick for 2 days, to suddenly someone with many friends and a new zest for life and desire to explore. The classes were scheduled to fit well with allowing for cultural out of classroom learning and the on site staff made you comfortable and were so welcoming. My experience was so incredible the first time, that immediately upon getting back to my home university, I worked hard with my academic counselor to make going back a possibility. I then returned to do an internship and grew even more. I cannot recommend this program enough! Internship Review: I was placed at the Embassy of Malta to Italy and was elated! This was a perfect fit for my interests and major! I was able to attend UN Meetings and meet ambassadors and learned so much! The program staff and intern coordinator helped us find a work/social balance with other students, and it was an incredible semester that flew by!