AIFS Abroad Summer Internships

Going into this experience I for sure had my doubts and uncertainties about living and working in a completely foreign environment. But as I started to assimilate and create a day to day schedule in a culturally vibrant place I fell in love with my existence in the moment I’m encapsulated by. From the people and culture to the lifestyles and experiences I have felt nothing but bliss into terms of my perception of the world and overall life. I feel the knowledge ive gained from not only my internship but also my encounters with people and places have been some of the most enriching information I have experienced. I highly recommend anyone and everyone to leave your comfort zone and experience life through a different lens. The world is so much bigger than you think.

As interesting as it was working in Italy, the social activities offered by the program made the experience in Italy even better. From wine tasting to boating on the Arno River, these experiences helped build friendships and bonds with people from all over.

Additionally, the housing was amazing. We were placed in the heart of Florence, where everything was walkable. My three roommates and I had 2 rooms and 2 bathrooms to share with our own kitchen. Also, It was very nice to have multiple ac units which kept the place cool during the hot weather.

not good. this was their first year doing the program in rome but it still shouldn't be this bad. half of the people that came did not have an internship even 2 weeks into the program. ge was scrambling to find them interviews and found a few okay ones but most of them were bad. many people just got a full refund and quit the program. our internship coordinator was not helpful and pretty rude. i got an internship a few weeks before leaving and i am working there now. not much better for me because i have to go in for a 40 hour week and have close to nothing to do but they refuse to let me go home. i've asked for more to do and they have nothing. i emailed the internship coordinator and she's conveniently on vacation. had to email and call many others just for them to say that i have to still come in for the whole week. i. have. nothing. to. do. this job requires max 2 days. i emailed my school coordinator and am waiting to see if i can do part time. it simply doesnt make sense why they are forcing me to work a 40 hour week when i just come into the office (one hour commute each ways btw) to sit there and be bored.

the housing is okay, pretty far from the center and small but cute. some people got awful housing and had to switch multiple times so i guess we got lucky.

the only reason why i'm having a good time is because of the people and the fact that we are in rome. ge has done basically nothing beneficial.

moral of the story, dont do it. if you really want to, go somewhere that they have a more established thing in place so you're not the guinea pigs like we all were.

I am a huge fan of Global Experiences, so much so that I've now done two summers with them in London! I've always had the need to explore, yet I knew that I needed to spend my Junior and Senior summers doing internships to prepare me for the future, so interning abroad seemed like the perfect solution. I've had great experiences both times, most significantly in my placements. I'm a Business student looking to enter the entertainment industry and I wasn't sure what would be available for me abroad, but GE found two really great internships that helped me to develop skills in management, production and even video editing that I never expected. I learned so much about myself, my work and how I fit into the industry that I've even altered my career path and I'm more excited than ever about the future.

Global Experiences isn't just an internship, it's the whole package. It can be a little intimidating moving across the world to work in a place you may never have been before with a culture that is unfamiliar to you, but GE is really good at preparing you and being supportive throughout the experience. You're with a group of people that are all going through the same thing, and you help build each other up so that you all have the best possible time. The events are also geared towards helping you integrate into the local culture which is so important if you want to get the most out of your experience.

I would (and I have) recommend friends to do this program, as I can't really see the last two summers being any more wonderful!
Cheers GE!

This past summer was one I could never forget! My internship taught me so much about my major and even gave me the opportunity to come back and work for them. It was so amazing being able to work in another country because I learned so much beyond the office! The Global Experiences staff was incredibly helpful and supportive along the way. :) I would recommend this experience to anybody looking for growth in their major and personally!