Spend 12 weeks interning in Florence, Italy—one of the world's most beautiful and culturally rich cities—while earning 12 semester credits toward your degree. This program combines a guaranteed internship placement with academic coursework designed to deepen your professional skills and cultural understanding. You'll complete 240 hours of in-person work in fields like fashion, business, communications, architecture, culinary arts, and more, gaining real-world experience in a dynamic international setting. Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to countless masterpieces of art and architecture, serves as your classroom and workplace. The city's winding streets, historic towers, world-class museums, and vibrant culture create an unparalleled backdrop for personal and professional growth.

Your academic experience includes three complementary courses: a 6-credit internship seminar (INTN 240), a hybrid Italian culture course with in-person field trips (SOCI 360H), and an Italian language course tailored to your proficiency level (Elementary to Advanced), all worth 3 credits. These courses are taught through AIFS Abroad's Florence Center and online, helping you navigate your workplace, understand Italian colleagues, and master essential phrases for daily life. The language component ensures you're prepared for real interactions—ordering food, getting directions, and engaging authentically with locals.

AIFS Abroad's placement team works with you one-on-one before departure to understand your career goals, academic background, and language skills, then guarantees an internship in one of your approved fields. Once in Florence, on-site Location Coordinators provide ongoing support, check-ins, and coaching to help you maximize your experience. You'll also participate in the award-winning Global Career Readiness Program, which includes the CliftonStrengthsFinder assessment, career strengths coaching, interview preparation, and networking events—equipping you with tools to thrive in your future career.

Your housing includes a centrally located, fully furnished student apartment with double bedrooms (single beds), shared kitchen and living space, and internet access. The inclusive program fee covers tuition, housing, a day trip to medieval Siena, and a rich calendar of cultural activities and social events—from cooking classes and wine tastings to museum tours and walking tours led by knowledgeable local staff. You'll explore both iconic sites and hidden gems that offer authentic insights into Florentine life. Optional excursions to Rome (3 days, ~$745) and Venice (2 days, ~$520) allow you to deepen your knowledge of Italy beyond Florence.

The program runs January 23 to April 16, 2027, with an application deadline of November 1, 2026. You must be currently enrolled in university or graduating within 12 months, and the program is open to first-year through senior undergraduates and non-students. AIFS Abroad handles visa processing for those enrolled by the visa deadline and provides 24/7 emergency support and comprehensive insurance. With 20+ years of experience placing interns in top-tier international companies across 20+ career fields, AIFS Abroad ensures a transformative experience that combines career development, language immersion, cultural exploration, and unforgettable memories in one of Europe's most iconic cities.