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I want to know what it’s like to study And intern abroad Italy? We recently spoke to George AIFS Foreign Scholarship Recipients from the Dominican University, who attended a Study + Internship Program In florence During the autumn semester.
Find out how George’s fall semester in Florence helped him develop professional skills and enjoy world-renowned Italian culture.
Selecting destination and duration for study abroad
While many students choose to study or intern abroad in a place they have never been to, others feel called back to a place they have already visited and want to learn more about. Having previously volunteered in Italy, George knew he had to return:
“I did a volunteer (program) abroad in Italy a year ago. I liked it so much that I wanted to return to Italy. My school offered it florence eventAnd it was natural for me to do an internship.It was a pleasant experience. Florence is beautiful and historic. I would recommend Florence to anyone interested in studying abroad.”
For George, choosing the fall semester was intentional. He was looking forward to experiencing Italy during the autumn and wanted to make sure his last year in college was truly memorable:
“I chose fall because I love the fall season. I wanted to see Italy in the fall, and living in Florence didn’t disappoint. Another reason is that I’m in my last year of college. I wanted to have at least one semester abroad and one semester in the US.”
universities abroad
AIFS Abroad has four Global Education Center (GEC) are located throughout Europe, including Florence. These international academic centers provide site-oriented courses and centre-based support for study abroad (and study + internship) students. Located just steps away from the famous Ponte Vecchio, Florence GEC applies excellent materials to the city’s rich history – which George immediately appreciated. As he said, “It is in a historic building and I enjoyed it very much.”
Through Their study + internship programGeorge balanced curriculum with professional experience. His classes were closely aligned with both his majors in international relations and diplomacy and the Italian language; He particularly enjoyed applying what he learned in the classroom in Florence to his daily life:
“(My course covers business in the EU, Italian, (and) Italian culture/tradition).. i really like it Italian (language course) Because I’m learning a lot of other things and using them outside (of the classroom).”
internship experience
completing one Training George was required to graduate, and he knew he wanted to take that experience abroad. For them, an internship abroad means developing culturally and personally, as well as gaining professional skills:
“I need an internship to graduate from my university. But I wanted to do my internship in another country. Internships are valuable because you get experience before (your) real job. Internships abroad… also allow you to (get) experience of living in a different country (and) culture.“
As an English education trainee, George was placed in a school that taught English to local children:
“I was placed in an English teaching school for children. Some of my responsibilities are to help the full-time teacher and speak to the children in English.”
While living and interning in Florence, George learned that work-life balance in Italy is quite different from the U.S. Hear George describe his perspective on Italian work culture:
“I feel like in America you live to work, whereas Here in Italy, you work to live. Jobs are not as stressful, and people enjoy their free time more.“
language learning
Although language learning is not required for many AIFS abroad programs, studying and interning abroad provides an incredible opportunity to build confidence in another language. George had been studying Italian since his freshman year, and his time in Florence helped him become more comfortable using it on a daily basis:
“I’ve been learning Italian since my freshman year of college. This is my second time in Italy. So, I’m comfortable speaking the language. But a word of advice: Don’t be afraid to speak the language. You can’t improve the language if you’re too afraid to speak.”
Accommodation
Housing is included in all AIFS abroad programs – and both our internship and study abroad programs have won awards for our housing! George lived in a shared apartment with other American students and appreciated the sense of belonging and freedom it brought:
“I live in a shared apartment with other Americans. It’s been a great experience. We all have some experience living with other college students.”
cultural appreciation
Living abroad often brings new routines and perspectives. For George, one of the most significant changes was Florence’s ability to walk:
“I really love Florence’s walkability. you have to get a car or public transportation To some places, but I’m doing a lot of walking. I hope to walk more when I (come back home). Walking is like a form of therapy for me. It’s quiet, and I get to see things I wouldn’t normally see.“
Trips and Excursions
AIFS Abroad Program Include trips and excursions outside of your host city, giving college students and recent graduates the opportunity to learn more about your program destination while making connections with fellow participants. Of the many trips included in George’s program, a trip to the Italian capital – where students visited historic sites such as the Colosseum and Pantheon and wandered through the Piazza Navona – was his favorite:
“My favorite was our tour Rome. “It was really fun because we got to go to different places and I talked to people I wouldn’t normally be able to.”
Are you ready to take the next step and move abroad like Florence? We would be happy to help you begin your journey!
Here at AIFS Abroad, we know a thing or two about helping college students and recent graduates Study and Train Abroad. Our programs offer lots of amazing inclusions (which really take the stress out of planning!), including accommodation, cultural and social activities, trips and excursions. Career Preparation ProgrammingComprehensive insurance, 24/7 emergency assistance, on-site staff, and more. Our programs let you move abroad with confidence – knowing that you’ll be supported wherever you go.
