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Successful historical and archival research requires scholars to leverage different perspectives to engage with various sources, cultures, and viewpoints. Researchers need to analyze historical materials through multiple lenses, connecting past narratives to present-day understanding. Developing a well-rounded perspective allows researchers to interpret documents, artifacts, and records with greater depth and accuracy, and effectively communicate with colleagues from different backgrounds. One of the best ways to cultivate these skills is through an international historical/archival research internship.
An AIFS Abroad internship will help you expand your global perspective while building valuable skills that will advance your historical/archival research career. AIFS Abroad offers incredible opportunities for internships in some of the world’s best cities for the field, so here are our top five cities for historical/archival research internships!
Want to lay the groundwork for a successful career in the industry? Explore AIFS Abroad’s top 5 cities for historical/archival internships!
1. Florence
Florence is a dream destination for historical and archival research, offering unparalleled access to centuries-old documents, manuscripts, and art collections. As the birthplace of the Renaissance, the city is home to world-renowned archives where scholars can study records dating back to the medieval and early modern periods. Florence has valuable collections of thousands of manuscripts and early printed books, including rare works that provide insight into the political, artistic, and scientific advancements that shaped Europe. For those interested in art history, Florence’s archives contain materials on legendary figures like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Interning here means working alongside expert archivists and historians while developing essential research skills in one of the most historically rich cities in the world.
When you’re not diving into research, you can enjoy the Florentine lifestyle, which is as rich as its history. Wander through cobblestone streets lined with breathtaking architecture, admire masterpieces in world-famous galleries, and savor Tuscan cuisine in charming trattorias. Take day trips to the rolling hills of nearby Chianti or visit Pisa and Siena for a quick adventure. If you’re ready to turn the page to enhance your career and step into history, a historical/archival internship in Florence is a Renaissance you won’t want to miss!
2. Dublin
Dublin is a goldmine for historical and archival research, offering access to centuries of records that document Ireland’s deep and complex heritage. There are many national collections, including government records, maps, folk stories, and personal letters that shed light on everything from medieval Ireland to the fight for independence. Trinity College Dublin’s Long Room Library, home to the famous Book of Kells, also boasts a collection of rare manuscripts. In addition to large archival institutions, there are many smaller repositories and libraries that are perfect for interns, each offering unique collections that will give you firsthand historical and archival experience. For those interested in genealogy, Dublin is an excellent destination, with resources like the General Register Office helping researchers trace Irish ancestry back generations. Interning in Dublin will allow you to work closely with historians and archivists in a city that continues to play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage.
Outside of your research, you’ll find that Dublin’s fun and welcoming atmosphere make it an incredible place to live. Enjoy traditional Irish music in cozy pubs, explore historic sites like Dublin Castle and Kilmainham Gaol, or take a scenic trip to the iconic Cliffs of Moher. Whether you’re strolling alongside the River Liffey or uncovering the city’s literary legacy, you’ll learn that Dublin is full of stories waiting to be told. You don’t need the luck of the Irish to land an awesome historical or archival internship, all you have to do is apply!
3. Galway
Galway may be known for its strong arts scene and coastal beauty, but it’s also an exceptional destination for historical and archival research—especially if you’re interested in Irish history but want to intern in a small city. As a city deeply connected to Ireland’s medieval past, Galway offers unique opportunities to explore records related to Gaelic culture, colonial rule, the tribes of Galway, and maritime history. The city is home to a range of cultural artifacts, including collections on folklore, music, theatre, poetry, landed estates, business records, and more. Thanks to its influential past and strong cultural heritage, Galway offers access to artifacts and documents that highlight the city’s role as an essential port and cultural hub over the centuries. With its strong oral history and Celtic traditions, Galway is an ideal place to intern abroad and explore historical narratives to see how these early influences shape contemporary life in the region.
Beyond Galway’s archives, local charm is imbued in every street and facet of the city. You can stroll down the Long Walk by the coast to look at the iconic houses that are known for their brightly colored facades. Walk the Salthill Prom to listen to traditional Irish music sessions. Or wander the fishing village of Claddagh, home to Ireland’s famous symbol of love and loyalty, where the Claddagh ring—featuring a heart encircled by two hands with a crow on top—originates. Interested in Galway? Put a ring on it with a historical/archival research internship and learn why everyone falls in love with this quaint seaside city!
4. San José
If you’re interested in Latin American history, indigenous cultures, and ecological history, San José is a great choice for your historical/archival research internship. The National Archive of Costa Rica is made up of more than 300 individual archives of Costa Rican public institutions and holds extensive records dating back to the colonial period. An internship at one of San José’s many archival institutions will give you access to an array of important documents that tell the story of Costa Rica’s fascinating past. You can gain insight into the country’s transition from Spanish rule to a modern democracy and develop stellar research skills that will shine on your resume. San José is a prime location for studying indigenous heritage thanks to its archives from the Bribri, Boruca, and other native groups. Given Costa Rica’s global leadership in environmental preservation, interns can explore archives related to conservation policies and sustainable development—critical topics in today’s world.
Apart from offering incredible research opportunities, San José is a gateway to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world. On weekends, you can hike the biodiverse slopes of the Poás and Irazú volcanoes, zip line through the jungle, or go on wildlife tours in the rainforests. After a busy week or long adventure, you can take your pick of beaches—San José isn’t far from the Pacific and Atlantic coastlines—and unwind in the sand under the Costa Rican sun. The city itself is overflowing with delicious local cuisine, unique art, and colorful streets dotted with markets. With a historical/archival research internship in Costa Rica, we promise you’ll never be bored!
5. Rome
If you were to write a list of cities steeped in history, Rome would probably be near the top. Home to some of the world’s most extensive and famous histories—the Roman Empire, the Renaissance, art history, the history of the Catholic Church, and the World Wars—Rome is a top choice for any historical/archival research intern. As the heart of the ancient Roman Empire and the home of the Vatican, the city holds countless priceless archives that are crucial to the study of European and world history. There are archival texts within the Vatican that hold documents covering everything from early Christianity to the rise of European monarchies, while Rome proper houses various records related to Italian politics, art, and culture. Of course, for those interested in ancient Rome, the city offers access to Roman-era manuscripts, inscriptions, and papyri, making it a perfect city for anyone focused on classical antiquity. By doing a historical or archival internship in Rome, you’ll have the chance to work with rare materials and develop your research skills in a city where history is quite literally written in stone.
During your free time, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to experience the culture, art, and architecture this city is known for. Spend weekends exploring iconic landmarks, such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Trevi Fountain, or enjoy a relaxing walk through the charming streets of Trastevere. With a wide range of delicious Italian food including Margherita pizza, bucatini, and so much more, you’ll never run out of delectable dishes to try. If you’re ready to dive into history and enjoy “la dolce vita,” Rome is the place where your research can truly come alive!
Looking to impress employers with an international historical/archival research internship in one of the world’s most iconic cities? Connect with new cultures and develop your career simultaneously with AIFS Abroad!
An international historical/archival research internship is an incredible way to gain hands-on experience while immersing yourself in diverse cultures across the globe. AIFS Abroad provides unparalleled opportunities for aspiring researchers in cities with some of the world’s most notable historical and archival collections. With inclusions such as housing, insurance, career readiness programming, excursions and activities, on-site staff, and emergency support, you’ll have a stress-free global education and professional development experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to gain hands-on historical/archival research experience with an internship abroad!