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Want to hear from a college student who did a Study + Internship abroad program in Italy? We recently caught up with AIFS Abroad participant and Student Global Leadership Conference (SGLC) presenter Emily from the University of Arkansas, who spent her spring semester studying abroad in the ancient city of Rome.
Read on to learn more about Emily’s experience with the AIFS Abroad Study + Internship program in Rome.
Choosing a Study Abroad Program Destination & Term
Deciding where to study or intern abroad can be difficult for some students (our team can help with that!) because there are so many amazing places you can go with AIFS Abroad. Fortunately, no matter your destination, you’re in for a life-changing experience. Hear why Emily chose to study and intern in Rome:
“I chose Rome because I wanted to immerse myself in a city rich in history, culture, and everyday life that felt different from anything I’d experienced before. Rome is a perfect blend of ancient and modern, and I loved the idea of studying among ruins, piazzas, and vibrant local life. Plus, the opportunity to travel throughout Italy and Europe was a huge bonus.
I’d recommend this program to students who are adaptable, open to stepping outside their comfort zone, and eager to engage with a new culture. It’s great for students who appreciate history, art, and food, but also for those who want to challenge themselves by navigating a city that doesn’t always cater to tourists. If you’re independent but also value a structured support system, AIFS Abroad in Rome is a great choice!”
Choosing a term is another important consideration. AIFS Abroad offers amazing programs during all seasons of the year. You can go abroad in the spring or fall semesters, the summer, and even January Term! If you’re like Emily and you know which city you want to study or intern abroad in, this can help you determine which term is best for you:
“I chose to study abroad in the spring semester because I wanted to experience Rome as it transitioned from winter into warmer months. Spring felt like the perfect balance—starting off with fewer tourists and then seeing the city come alive as the weather improved. It also gave me the chance to experience unique cultural events like Carnevale and Easter in Rome, which were incredible to witness.”
Academics Abroad
Regardless of which AIFS Abroad program you choose, you’ll have courses that will deepen your subject knowledge and help you work towards getting your degree. Some of our programs, like Emily’s, are based in AIFS Abroad Global Education Centers, which are academic institutions designed for international education, providing city-specific curricula for students and center-based support. Here’s what Emily thought of her program:
“While abroad, I attended the AIFS Abroad Rome [Global Education Center], which is affiliated with Fairfield University. The experience was unique in that it blended academic learning with a truly immersive cultural experience. The university itself has a strong liberal arts focus, and I found the classes to be engaging, with professors who were not only knowledgeable but also deeply connected to the city and its history.
One aspect that stood out was how much we were encouraged to take advantage of Rome itself as a learning environment. We had classes that involved field trips to museums, historical sites, and even walks around the city, which made the material come alive. It wasn’t just about sitting in a classroom—it was about interacting with the environment and learning through experience.
The smaller class sizes and the ability to have one-on-one conversations with professors helped me feel supported and engaged. There was also a sense of community among students, many of whom were from different parts of the world, which made the overall experience feel [even more] international.”
Study abroad students like Emily often find that their courses abroad are quite different than what they’re used to at their home universities:
“The curriculum at AIFS Abroad in Rome was one of the highlights of my study abroad experience. The classes weren’t just about lectures; they incorporated the city itself, making learning feel more immersive and interactive. I loved getting to go to museums with my travel writing class.
At my home university, classes are often more structured, lecture-heavy, and focused on grades and deadlines. In contrast, my experience abroad was more experiential, discussion-based, and integrated with the surrounding environment. It challenged me to learn in a different way and made me realize how much hands-on learning can enhance education.
I’d recommend studying abroad to students who enjoy interactive, flexible learning and cultural exploration—it’s a completely different academic experience from being on a traditional college campus!”
Internship Experience Abroad
Emily chose a Study + Internship abroad program, the perfect choice for anyone who can’t decide between study abroad and international internship programs, or who can benefit from a little bit of both. These unique programs include classes in addition to a part-time in-person internship. Emily’s program included two part-time internships at an art gallery and event planning company, both of which were heavily involved in the community and local issues. Hear her discuss her internship schedule and the responsibilities she took on:
“My internship schedule was structured but flexible, reflecting the more relaxed Italian work culture. I split my time between [both internships], which gave me a diverse experience in both social justice initiatives and event planning.
As a Community Engagement & Event Planning Intern, I worked with [both organizations] to promote social justice initiatives through art and community events. My responsibilities included:
- Community Outreach: Assisted in promoting artwork addressing social injustices within the Rome community, ensuring engagement with both local and English-speaking audiences.
- Event Coordination: Helped plan and execute fundraisers and community events that raised awareness for social justice causes.
- Marketing & Promotion: Created content to advertise events and exhibitions, ensuring broad participation.
- Logistics & Administration: Managed internship logistics independently, including coordinating event details, artist collaborations, and promotional campaigns.
- Cultural Adaptation: Worked in an international environment, navigating language and cultural barriers to effectively contribute to projects.
This experience strengthened my skills in intercultural communication, event planning, and community advocacy while providing hands-on experience in an international nonprofit and arts setting.”
Work Culture Abroad
American work culture is known for long hours and prioritizing productivity, oftentimes over well-being. One of the benefits of studying and/or interning abroad is discovering how different the work culture is outside the U.S. Here’s what Emily had to say about the work culture at her internships in Rome:
“The company culture at [my internships] was collaborative, creative, and deeply rooted in social impact. It was a dynamic, arts-driven environment where the focus was on fostering community engagement and raising awareness about social justice issues through art and events. There was a strong sense of inclusivity, with everyone’s ideas valued, and collaboration was key to achieving the company’s goals. The atmosphere felt more relaxed compared to traditional American workplaces, with a focus on building relationships and trust over formal structures.
One of the most notable differences from an American work environment was the pace and structure of the workday. In Italy, there was often a more laid-back approach, with longer lunch breaks and a greater emphasis on personal relationships, which created a more fluid work schedule. In contrast, American workplaces tend to emphasize efficiency and time management, often operating on a more rigid schedule. There was also a stronger emphasis on collective decision-making, with group discussions guiding decisions rather than a top-down approach that might be more common in some American companies.
Additionally, in Italy, work and life were often more integrated, with social gatherings and events frequently overlapping with professional activities. This helped create a sense of community, where work was seen as an extension of personal values and relationships. In American workplaces, there tends to be a clearer separation between professional and personal lives, with a stronger focus on productivity and individual achievement.”
Career Opportunities
One reason to choose an international internship or Study + Internship program is that it expands your career horizons, allowing you to bolster your resume, develop valuable career skills, build a professional network, and stand out to future employers. As Emily explains:
“The experience provided invaluable skills and insights that have significantly contributed to my career development. The opportunity to work on social justice initiatives, engage with diverse communities, and manage event logistics has deepened my understanding of advocacy and community-based work. These skills will directly inform my future career in counseling, particularly in family and marriage therapy, where community engagement and the ability to navigate cultural differences are essential.
Additionally, the mentorship I received from the leadership team and the hands-on experience in managing projects has strengthened my ability to take initiative and work independently—traits that will serve me well in any future counseling or nonprofit roles. This internship has played a critical role in shaping my professional trajectory, helping me build a strong foundation for my career in mental health and social services.”
Making Friends Abroad
Whether you choose to study abroad with friends from home or set out on your own is your decision. While taking that first step can feel scary, remember that you’ll be making new friends as soon as you arrive in your program destination, just as Emily did:
“Building both personal and professional connections while abroad was one of the most rewarding aspects of my experience in Rome. I made an effort to meet new people by joining group activities, such as social events organized by my program, attending local meetups, and exploring the city with classmates. I also made connections with locals through events and even in everyday settings, like coffee shops or markets, where casual conversations often led to deeper connections. My advice to future participants is to take the initiative—don’t wait for connections to come to you.”
Language Learning
If you’re like Emily and aren’t fluent in another language, but want to study or intern abroad, don’t worry—you are not required to be fluent in another language. While you don’t need to speak another language for most programs, many students like Emily use the opportunity to improve their foreign language skills:
“During my program in Rome, Italian was the primary language spoken, and while I wasn’t required to know the language fluently to be eligible for the program, a basic understanding of Italian was helpful. Although many people in the city spoke some English, I quickly realized that knowing Italian made daily interactions and navigating the local culture much easier, especially in more informal settings.
Throughout my time in Italy, I worked on improving my language skills by actively engaging with locals, using language-learning apps, and attending events where I could practice speaking. By the end of my internship, I felt more confident in basic conversations, especially in work-related contexts, such as communicating with artists and event organizers. While my fluency didn’t improve dramatically, I was able to manage everyday situations and contribute meaningfully to my work in a bilingual environment.”
Housing
All AIFS Abroad programs include student housing. Hear about Emily’s housing experience in Rome:
“During my internship in Rome, I stayed in an apartment with three other girls. The apartment was cozy and located in a vibrant neighborhood, which made it easy to explore the city, attend events, and meet up with friends. I appreciated that it had a fully equipped kitchen, allowing us to cook meals and save money. The shared living space also created a sense of camaraderie, as we were able to bond over our experiences and make the most of our time together.”
Why AIFS Abroad?
Let’s be honest, if we were to go into all of the details of why students choose AIFS Abroad, we’d be here all day; instead, let’s hear why Emily chose our program:
“I chose AIFS Abroad because of its strong reputation for providing immersive study abroad experiences with great support systems. I had heard that AIFS Abroad offers a well-organized program with built-in excursions, cultural activities, and internship opportunities, which really appealed to me. I also liked that AIFS Abroad handled a lot of the logistics, like housing and visa assistance, making the transition smoother. Plus, I had heard from past students that the staff was really supportive, and the courses were engaging and transferable to my degree.
The AIFS Abroad resources, staff, and advising were incredibly helpful throughout my study abroad experience, especially when it came to providing support and guidance before, during, and after the program. Before I left, the pre-departure materials were thorough and provided valuable information on adjusting to life abroad, navigating cultural differences, and what to expect in Italy. The AIFS Abroad staff was always available to answer questions and give advice, ensuring I felt prepared for my trip.
While abroad, the AIFS Abroad staff in Rome was supportive and accessible. They organized cultural excursions and offered opportunities to connect with other students, which helped ease any feelings of isolation. One of the most valuable resources was mindhamok, a mental health tool provided by AIFS Abroad that gave me a space to reflect on my experiences and emotions. Though I found mental health resources abroad were not heavily promoted or easy to navigate, mindhamok was a great starting point and helped me stay grounded during challenging moments.
The advising I received during my time abroad was also fantastic. The AIFS Abroad staff was always quick to respond to any concerns or questions I had, and they made sure I was aware of the resources available to me, both for academic and personal support. Post-program, they continued to check in and provide guidance as I transitioned back to life at home. Overall, AIFS Abroad played an integral role in making my study abroad experience smoother and more enriching.”
Are you a student who’s ready to study and intern abroad like Emily did in Rome? We’d love to help you start your journey!
Here at AIFS Abroad, we know a thing or two about helping college students study and intern abroad. All our programs come with many beneficial inclusions, which takes a lot of the stress out of planning. From coordinating your housing to providing things like cultural and social activities, excursions, comprehensive insurance, 24/7 emergency support, on-site staff, and more, you’ll take comfort in knowing you’ll have support throughout your entire experience abroad.