Spend 12 weeks in Rome, one of Europe's most historically rich and culturally vibrant cities, completing a guaranteed internship placement while earning academic credit. This AIFS Abroad program combines hands-on professional experience with structured coursework, making it ideal if you want to build your resume, develop career skills, and immerse yourself in Italian culture—all for credit toward your degree.

You'll work 240 hours in a full-time internship across diverse fields including advertising, marketing, architecture, fashion, business, communications, art, design, hospitality, journalism, and more. The program's placement team conducts a personalized assessment of your skills, career goals, and language proficiency to match you with a dynamic employer that fits your ambitions. Most internships are available to English speakers, though Italian language skills are a plus and can enhance your placement options.

Academically, you'll earn 12 semester credits through three courses: INTN 240: Full Time International Internship in Italy (6 credits), SOCI 360H: Italian Culture and Traditions (3 credits), and an Italian Language course at a level from Elementary to Advanced (3 credits). Credits are issued through Fairfield University and may be transferable to your home institution, potentially allowing you to apply existing financial aid. Courses are taught at the AIFS Abroad Rome Center and online, designed to help you communicate effectively with colleagues and navigate daily Italian life through essential phrases for directions, dining, and cultural engagement.

Your experience goes far beyond the office. You'll live in a furnished apartment in vibrant central neighborhoods like Trastevere, Campo de' Fiori, Prati, or Monti—10 to 40 minutes from the study center by foot or public transport. The program fee includes housing, an optional meal plan valued at $1,300 to subsidize your meals and introduce you to authentic Italian cuisine, and a robust calendar of cultural activities: cooking classes, Vatican Museum and Colosseum visits, wine tastings, aperitivos, art tours, concerts, and excursions to Florence, Pompeii and Capri, and Sicily. You'll also benefit from the award-winning Global Career Readiness Program, which includes the CliftonStrengthsFinder assessment, one-on-one career coaching, interview preparation, and networking events.

Support is woven throughout your journey. A dedicated on-site Location Coordinator provides orientation, ongoing coaching, and assistance with any questions. Pre-departure services, 24/7 emergency support, comprehensive insurance, and carbon offsetting for your flights are included. A Language Peer Mentoring Program and conversation exchange with Italian college students help you develop language skills and connect authentically with locals. Rolling admissions mean you can expect acceptance confirmation within two working days of completing your application.

This program is for first-year, sophomore, junior, and senior undergraduates, as well as non-students who are currently enrolled in university or graduating within 12 months. The Spring 2027 session runs February 5 through April 30, 2027, with an application deadline of November 1, 2026. Whether you're exploring a potential career path, building international work experience, or seeking to fluently navigate Italian culture and language, this internship offers a transformative blend of professional development and lived cultural immersion in the Eternal City.