AIFS Abroad: Intern Abroad in Italy

My experience with the Global experience program in Florence, Italy was rewarding in so many way. I am a senior in college and over the summer I was required to do an internship for school. Most of my classmates interned in NYC and answered phones, copied papers and put data in the computer. My internship was nothing like this because Global experience listened to what I wanted to do and had me working one-on-one with an Italian fashion designer. Every day I took the train to where my boss needed me to meet her and we together worked on her summer 2014 collection. I helped her with buying fabric, designing, research for upcoming trends, cutting out patterns and whatever else she wanted me to do. Every day was something different, which I loved cause it kept me on my toes. Not only was my internship an amazing experience but I also made great friends who I will stay in contact with the rest of my life. Overall I had an amazing experience and would not consider Sara as just my boss but also my friend. I would suggest if you have this opportunity to go abroad, take it.

Studying abroad with AIFS is one of the best decisions I have ever made. AIFS made my study abroad experience as smooth as possible. I felt safe, well fed and happy to attend a wide vary of activities provided for us. I took four classes and was in no shape or form overwhelmed by the work load. However, I learned so much academically. It was such a treat to attend class and then see paintings that I had learned about earlier that day in person. Our professor would take us there and reiterate what we learned in class in front of the masterpieces.

AIFS provided cultural activities for us to attend such as cooking classes and aperativo to name a few. Most of the time these activities didn't even cost us extra. The staff was incredible. If I ever had any questions they were there to help!

I came to Florence for the summer 2013 internship program with Global Experiences and I couldn't have made a better decision in my life. Global Experiences interviewed me to get to know me perfectly! They couldn't of found a better internship to fit my goals and personality. I ended up interning at a small art gallery right next to the Arno River (which is beautiful). My mentors at the gallery named me the "assistant art director" and I don't know what I would of done without them. Not only did I learn about the business/marketing side of the art world, but I learned a new language and the hospitality side as well. I applied right before graduation not knowing what I wanted to do with my life. After going through this program, I now have a clear view of my future and what I want to do with the rest of my life. When I was done with my internship, I had an epiphany. I literally never want to leave this amazing country! I fell in love with the culture, people, and history of Italy. Instead of leaving, I found a new job in the advertising industry and I am still learning and working to this day! This has been the most amazing and eye opening experience of my life. Not only that, but also the best decision I have ever made and I wouldn't change a thing!

I had a blast in Florence this summer. The people I met in the program were awesome. The experience I had was life changing. The work experience I had was one of a kind. I worked for an Italian Event Planning company planning their Summer 2014 swimwear exhibition. They allowed me to see behind the scenes of how a business coordinates with its customers, the hotels they make reservations with, the evening events organization and planning, and so much more. I had never done anything with fashion before, so being able to go into this internship and come out having learned not only things about the industry, but also skills that I didn't know I had was a great feeling.

Also this summer program gave me the opportunity to travel Italy for a summer and make new friends along the way. I learned the basics of a new language as gained a new kind of independence.

The moment I made the decision to apply for the Florence program with Global Experiences, I knew it was going to be an extraordinary experience. I was a managerial intern at a restaurant for two months. I learned about all aspects of the restaurant industry from two fabulous owners that I worked for. Global did an amazing job in positioning me with the right people and company during my internship abroad. I also learned a lot about the city of Florence from my personal adventures through Global Experience's Scavenger hunt. Through this scavenger hunt, I met many interesting people and found many unique places that allowed me to make the most of my time in Florence. Furthermore, the field trips that Global took us on were to Cinque Terre, Verona and Lake Garda, Florentine Soccer game and Chianti. I was more than content with all of these diverse trips because it allowed me to really understand what the Italian culture was all about. The Global Experience program was absolutely incredible. It opened up many doors for me in the professional world. I recommend the Florence Internship Abroad program to anyone who enjoys being part of an extraordinary program in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The combination of the two doesn't get any better.

This summer i ventured to Italy alone to do an internship through GE. I was nervous about not only my job but also the people i would meet. Looking back, I would love to relive the experience over and over again. I wouldn't trade the world for the people I meet this summer. The other interns along with Whitney served as an incredible support system to getting used to living and working abroad. I had traveled to Italy many a times with my family but this time I had a whole new experience. The nostalgia from this trip seems to never end, the relationships I formed with my coworkers and with the GE team were remarkable. I truly learned so much from my Italian coworkers and am so thankful to have gotten placed with them. They taught me a lot about their culture and the process I learned a lot about my own culture. GE does an excellent job with the placement and with the social aspect. Meeting new people can be tough, but the school and GE both make this simple. Through apertivos and field trips you broaden your social horizon in ways unthinkable. I still am in contact with my coworkers and my teacher and am so thankful that I choose this program. I encourage everyone I can to do the same.

The Milan internship summer 2013 was a great time for me. The staffs were very helpful when I needed help with personal needs. Great Italian language school and all the small trips GE organized. One thing I have to pointed out is that I specifically request an internship in Italy that I could learn about the Italian fashion, hand sewing and techniques; unfortunately I did not get any of that at my internship rather than just working on the computer most of the time. That is way far than what i was hoping to get out from this internship. For the price I paid to be in this internship, I would want to get the skills I set out at the beginning. GE did not do a great job at placing an internship dedicating to my needs, and wants.

The language program was excellent. I learned so much and it helped me prepare for my internship where only Italian was spoken. I learn foreign languages very fast, so coming to a country where I didn't speak the language was not a problem. But, I would recommend taking an Italian course before coming to Italy. It will help when traveling, meeting new friends and having success interning.

For the first 2 weeks I was placed at an internship that was not a good fit and I was able to get it changed. (keep in mind changing an internship can only happen if the internship breaks the rules in the contract i.e. not giving you 30-40 hours per week of work) I was placed with a fantastic internship that focused on my exact area of interest. For the last 4 weeks of my internship was great. I worked hard and learned a lot. What you should keep in mind about any experience is that it is what you make it. The first 2 weeks of my internship was not good, BUT I was able to look at the silver lining in it and apply the difficulties I faced to improve myself and my work.

I participated in Project Moda, and although it was a good experience, I didn't personally think it was a make or break event that was a 'must' to attend in order to further my career.

Some pointers: Be open to meeting new people and relating to other cultures, stay positive, get an Italian cellphone provided by GE, eat everything, live like a local (I did and ended up having the time of my life), bring walking shoes (lots of walking in Milan), don't overpack (you won't use everything... I PROMISE), having experience on your resume WILL get you a better internship, explore-explore-explore and lastly, THIS EXPERIENCE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT... you will encounter so many types of people and have the opportunity to further your career and make many memories... take the chance... live it up!

Included in the program price are 4 excursions (one local and 3 outside of Milan). I had so much fun, and it was a great way to introduce Italian culture and life to me; a foreigner.

Overall, I believe this program was a fantastic and necessary addition to my life experience and future career. It has opened my mind to possibilities I hadn't considered, and has allowed me to broaden my scope of interest and skill set. Having work experience in a foreign country and knowing another language will definitely put me ahead of the competition.

Take a chance on GE, you won't be disappointed!