IES Internships - Rome Summer Internship

Interning in Rome was the most life changing experience for me. I got to intern at Livitaly which is one of the leading tourism companies in Italy that specializes in giving small tours all around the country. Through this internship I got to learn so much about Italian culture and was able to absorb it all in. Not only did I learn to adapt to a new work environment and culture but I also learned a lot about myself and improved my cultural intelligence. Through this amazing company I was able to see Rome and Italy in general in a new perspective. The internship seminar was also very helpful and insightful. I gained worldwide skills that you can't learn back at home, and I was also able to attend networking events and met professionals who come from all over the world and found themselves working in Rome. Overall the people working for IES are what really makes this program great! Without them, I would have never experienced something as phenomenal as this. If you're looking for your chance to elevate yourself professionally, definitely come and see what IES Roma has to offer you.

During this 8 week program in Rome I got to work with a small sustainable tourism company in Rome! The company is small, family owned, and I have never had so much hands on experience! Working in a small collaborative environment with Italians, Americans, and Swedes enabled me to learn how to adapt to a new way of approaching tasks/projects and the business day in general, it has also helped me learn how to communicate across cultures and even languages! During my internship I was able to edit the website and different write-ups as well as create a proposal to create a partnership with 250+ five star hotels in Rome! I got to manage the social media accounts and acted as a customer service rep! I got to go on free tours and was given credit to travel the country, do research, and take photos! All in all, I gained great contacts, learned some more Italian, and over all had a great internship experience in Rome!

Recently I studied abroad which is an experience that propelled my passion for global health, microbiology, traveling, and human rights. The combination of those interests are unique, but I was enlightened about each of them in my work experience abroad. I was a research intern at the National Institute for Health, Migration and Poverty. There I aided in research of candida cell infections and the effects of LAMP and IP3 antibodies on autophagy. I also took the minutes of meetings for the European Network for Health Inequalities where I learned about the actions put into place by doctors and health officials within the the European Union to educate about the rights to access health care and other global health initiatives. I learned so much during my time spent at the National Institute for Health, Migration and Poverty and it motivated me even more for my future. In regards to social life, I traveled around Italy and surrounding countries in good company. I met amazing friends in my program who I made amazing memories with and who I still stay in contact with. My living situation and learning atmosphere were nothing less than ideal. I absolutely loved being immersed in Italian culture in an apartment in Rome. Everything about my internship experience with IES Abroad was enriching and surreal.

I was over 4,000 miles away from home, working in an ancient city filled with passion, history, and adventure. The IES Rome Summer Internship Program gave me the opportunity to broaden my horizons, and grow as a person. I worked at a small boutique company next to the Pantheon with co-workers who spoke mainly Italian. From about 20 or more choices of companies IES felt fit my interests and hobbies, I chose the internship that was business focused and would help me improve my Italian language skills. I worked on translations on websites, counting inventory, and communicating with the customers. The relationships I formed with my bosses and co-workers became very strong, and I maintain my connections today through Skype and and other forms of social media. The program lasted about two months, and in those two months I traveled throughout Italy, formed new friendships, and adapted to a different culture. The apartment I lived in helped immerse me into the Italian culture, and the social and nightlife scenes expanded my knowledge and admiration of the wonderful city. The staff at IES was helpful in so many ways, which really helped my overall experience. Whether it be asking for directions or advice on where to eat, or even a medical concern, the staff was there and available every second of the day. They truly helped make sure you were enjoying your experience and making the most of it. The cell phone situation was not the best, for we needed a cell phone for the program, however I think there could have been a better way to go about it. I ended up signing a cell phone plan for my time there, but I wish I knew more options before I went, for it would have saved me a decent amount of money. One piece of advice on travel luggage I would suggest is to make sure you have room for bringing gifts and souvenirs home. I came over with a pair of towels and sheets with the knowledge I was leaving them there, which gave me more room for gifts when I returned home. All in all, I was more than delighted with the program and would recommend it to any and everyone. If you are looking for a program that will help you grow professionally and personally, allow you to explore and travel new cities, and create relationships and memories that will last a lifetime, this is the program for you!

My time in Rome was absolutely incredible. There were dozens of internship options and great choices to pick from. The internship coordinator was always there if you had any concerns or issues with your placement, which gave everyone some peace of mind. I had the opportunity to work with an Italian ceramist, where I assisted with ceramics classes and prepared presentations for potential study abroad partnerships. The IES staff and courses were both great and the day/ weekend trips really added to the whole experience. I would definitely recommend this program to those who are looking for the chance to immerse themselves in the Italian culture!