AIFS Abroad: Intern Abroad in Italy

Through my 3 month experience in Florence Italy, I was able to build my resume while simultaneously creating the best memories and friendships possible. As a psychology major, I was able to work first-hand with a psychotherapist who taught me a lot about the occupational field, as well as a lot about myself. My boss was a therapist who primarily worked with young adults. Because I am a young adult myself, this was very beneficial to me. I was able to take lessons from his clients and apply it to myself, which was very enlightening. I also had never been able to observe this particular realm of the psychological field, so I learned a lot from that aspect as well. Overall, the individualistic attention from my work experience only benefit my resume, as well as my understanding of the work realm.
In terms of the social life, I was far from bored. Although I came to Florence primarily for the work experience, I also created many friendships and memories that I will never forget. I spent a lot of time with the other individuals in the program, and we all eventually became very close. Time spent together ranged from shopping, getting dinner, exploring, or even just watching Halloween movies together on Netflix! On top of all of the excitement Florence has to offer, we were also able to travel outside of Florence to get the full Italian experience. From wine tastings, to day trips to surrounding cities, there were always activities available to participate in (regardless of the location). I am forever thankful to Global Experiences for the amazing opportunity and memories that will last forever!

This abroad internship was an experience of a lifetime! It helped me learn more about myself as a person and a working professional. It also helped me experience life abroad and working among locals without having to commit to a full time job. This program helped me prepare for the future in my career and I am excited to see where I go from here. I have also learned more about my likes and dislikes when it comes to what i seek on a professional level. I am happy to have completed this program as well!

I had an amazing experience here in Florence. If I can do it all over again, I really would. I’ve learned so much since being here and I’m so happy I did. I’ve definitely grown so much since getting here and I’m so grateful for all this experience has given me! I would recommend this program to students looking for a change, while also wanting to gain work experience in their major. It’s a great way to get out of your comfort zone, see new places, learn new things about yourself and about your career field.

I highly recommend taking the leap and interning or studying abroad. It sounds scary. Not every moment is going to be amazing (people forget to tell you that) but you learn from overcoming these challenges and grow as a person. I was really lucky with my experience. I fell in love with Florence. I thought it was a perfect sized city. I figured Rome and Milan would be too big for me and I think I was right. I recommend Global Experiences. My location coordinators, Anna and Erica were nothing but helpful, supportive, and kind. I know that if I needed anything, they would be right there to help. My internship placement was also perfect. I graduated with my undergraduate degree in marketing, and told GE that my interests were in the fitness industry and they placed me at a member's club, fitness and yoga studio. I got to do social media marketing for them and I learned so much, not to mention my coworkers were so welcoming and kind. I felt that the work I did for them was really contributing to the company's needs. Long story short - if you have any interest in studying or interning abroad, you should do it. You won't regret it.

Milan The staff was incredible. The on site coordinators, Amanda and Antonella, we’re amazing. They did anything and everything in their power to make our experiences better. They were always responsive and genuinely cared about each and every one of us in the program. I will say the housing in Milan is a little tough because they’re just isn’t a lot available but they did everything they could to make us as comfortable as possible and get us the best accommodations. Amanda and Antonella were awesome but I think a third person to help out would be even better. There were a lot of students to handle and it was a huge on for just two people.

My time in Milan was amazing. Global experiences is a bit disorganized, some students were sent home because they were not placed in internships, so that was really sad. Fortunately i did get placed, i had a great time at my job. Despite the drawbacks of global experiences as a whole, my program site coordinators were great. Antonella and Amanda were always helpful, kind, and planned events that allowed us to see and experience the staples in italy. They were awesome and really great resources when in Milan

This was a great program. I was able to work in a fashion showroom with friendly and welcoming coworkers, and I was able to immersed in Italian culture. My program coordinators Amanda and Antonella did a great job at supporting us and giving us guidance the entire time, and I appreciated all the events they had planned for us to mingle as a community. This was my first time abroad and I couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out! I was able to travel outside of the host city often and it fit perfectly with my work schedule

This experience was definitely one of a kind! I was given great experience for my specific major(s) and felt very at home! Our program supervisors, Amanda and Antonella we’re very helpful, kind and did so much to make us feel comfortable and safe. It was quite confusing in the beginning because we only received a couple of emails right before our departure and many internships were not confirmed until we arrived. I would still highly recommend coming in this program if you are interested in fashion marketing!