Florence Internships at Istituto Europeo :: Intern and Stage Experience abroad

Our internships program is dedicated to providing an enriching and enlightening experience as interns achieve international work experience in Florence. Our abundant internship opportunities here in Florence range from International Business and Public Relations to Culinary Arts and Fashion Design. While engaging with Italian procedures on a daily basis, interns will also discover the beauty of and appreciation for the Florentine culture.
Florence is home to 460,000 inhabitants. Florence is the capital of the region of Tuscany which resides on Italy's northwest coast. The city is easily accessible by car, train, and/or plane. The Santa Maria Novella train station is located in the heart of the city, just minutes from our school. The Florence airport, Amerigo Vespucc, is located just a few miles northwest of the city centre. The next closest airport is Pisa’s airport Galileo Galilei (for international flights) which is about 46 miles west of Florence. For those who love to walk, Florence is a charming city which one can see from one end of the city center to the other in about 30 minutes.

“In the past we have had the opportunity to witness interns work with soccer teams whether it was training with them or working as a physical therapist. Interns have worked side by side with famous fashion studios and designers, assisted in art galleries, museums, and this is all with the great help of our partnered internship agency here in Florence. It is a great thing to be a part of.”

Internships are offered year round and begin on specific dates every month (see below). Application deadlines are 60 days prior to start date of the internship.

Jan. 9, Feb. 6, Mar. 5, Apr. 2, Apr. 30, May 28, June 25, July 23, Aug. 27, Sept. 24, Oct. 22, Nov. 19

Jan. 7, Feb. 4, Mar. 4, Apr. 2, Apr. 29, June 3, July 1, July 29, Sept. 2, Sept. 30, Oct. 28, Nov. 25

The first month of the program interns will immediately begin their Italian language study as well as learn how to apply their knowledge of the language in its natural setting. Interns will also be studying amongst other international students.
The second month of the program internships will begin and will continue alongside language studies.* At the end of the study period and internship, interns may earn a professional language certification from Istituto Europeo verifying your level of linguistic fluency in Italian.

* Due to specific intern requests, it is sometimes impossible for us to avoid conflicts between language class schedules and internship hours.

Florence is an elegant and stunning city overflowing with cultural events and activities for anyone to embrace. There is never a dull moment in Florence because you can enjoy anything from theatrical venues and art galleries to Tuscan cuisine and shopping boutiques. Getting to know the locals is immensely enjoyable whether you are at a local market buying fresh produce or asking them for directions.
Florence is also a short train ride away from Rome, Milan, Naples, and Venice. You can also hop on a train or plane and explore many European cities such as: Madrid, Prague, London, Paris, Vienna, and Munich just to name a few!

Multi-Destination Internship Program (Italy and Europe)

Our Ambassadors: Mike Socoloski

ISTITUTO EUROPEO isn't just a language, music, art school. Over the past few years the school has embarked on a new program that has continued to increase their student numbers every semester. The Florence Internship Program provides students with the opportunity to learn beyond a classroom; students are placed within companies related to their majors or interests which gives them the opportunity to experience another culture inside and out.

Mike, a 22-year-old college student from New York with a major in political science.
Q1: Where Is Your Internship?
A1: Equilibri, an online magazine operated out of Milan.
Q2: What Are Your Tasks And Assignments As An Intern?
A2: Two to three times a month I am emailed assignment topics based on current events and international relations. I have to write magazine articles on the specific topic, and if my article is chosen it could be publish in the magazine. For right now it is a learning experience; therefore I get tips and suggestions on how to improve as well as comments on things I did well.
Q3: Is There a Language Struggle?
A3: No, my articles are in English.
Q4: Did you have previous experience in this field?
A4: No, not at all.
Q5: Overall Comments and Opinions... Do You Like Your Internship?
A5: It is a challenge to write cultural views and political comments in a different country, because I really have to do my research before stating my opinion, but overall, I like the flexibility of not going to an actual office everyday, everything is online and I can do things at my own pace. The opportunity to learn and improve my writing abilities to magazine article level will definitely help me excel in the future.

James Capuana from USA
“I was going to work with a professional basketball team”

When I initially arrived in Florence I thought that I was going to work with a professional basketball team. But there was one huge problem that deterred me from attaining this goal. The problem was that I had never studied Italian before, and therefore was not capable of working with a professional team. But I think that this honestly worked out very well for me. After a month of studying the language I began my “coaching internship” with two different developmental teams. The players on these teams range from the ages of 14 to 17 years old.

At first I felt a little let down because I had such great expectations of working with a professional team. But I thought to myself, “James, you are in Florence and have a great opportunity to learn about a different language and culture while earning credits towards your degree at the University at Buffalo, and having the opportunity to work with players during the most crucial period in their young basketball careers.” So I made the most of the situation and I honestly could not be any happier.

I attend school Monday through Friday from 9 am until 12:30 pm. After school I have lunch and then take the bus to practice about 4 times a week. The head coach of the team, Lappo Falvoti, is a very nice individual who thankfully speaks Italian and English. The first few practices were very frustrating for me because I was still new to the language and I often scratched my head and asked myself, “What is the point of these drills.” But, I knew that I was new to the team and the European style of basketball. So I helped out in the drills and did whatever the head coach asked me to do. After a few practices things started to look up. Once the coach became aware that I had a pretty vast knowledge of basketball, he began to let me have more input on practices and games. This was a huge turning point in my internship because it allowed me to utilize all of the talent and knowledge I have gained throughout the years from both playing and coaching. I was finally able to show the players and coaching staff different aspects of the game of basketball that they have not really seen or experienced. Basketball is fairly new in Italy and is beginning to gain popularity. The European style of this sport is very different from that of the United States.

This style includes drills in practice, offensive and defensive formations, and in general the manner in which the game is played. But I realized that I am not Michael Jordan or Phil Jackson; I still have a lot to learn in my youthful coaching career. Before I arrived in Italy I did a lot of research and read a lot of articles on the differences between the two styles of the game. It is very clear that American players are better in certain aspects of the game, but it is quite foolish to think that everything we do is better.

Basketball is continuously changing as many European players are beginning to dominate in the NBA, so they must be doing something right. I feel that coaching the European style of basketball has given me the greatest opportunity in my youthful career. I have not only been able to teach the players and the coaching staff about the style of the game in the United States, but more importantly they have taught me a lot about the European style of the game. This diverse knowledge has completely changed my approach to the game of basketball both as a player and a coach. My new philosophy toward the game of basketball is to take the best of both worlds and combine the two styles of the game into one cohesive style.

Last weekend we had a very important playoff game with one of the teams. The team that we played had beaten us by 15 points two weeks prior to this game. I was unfortunately unable to attend the game that we lost to this team. But last Saturday was a new day and a new game. The first half of the game was very close and we went into halftime down by 2 points. In the locker room the head coach asked me what I thought we should do differently in the second half.

I will not bore you with basketball terminology, but I basically told him that we needed to pressure the other team and play man to man defense. I thought that this would catch the other team off guard because most teams in Europe tend to play zone defense. I told the coach and the team that they needed to put pressure on the opposing team and “stay in their faces” on defense. The coach put his trust in me and told the team to play man to man defense in the second half. The coach gave me the clipboard and I explained to the players what they had to do. This had an immediate impact on the game as we went up by 10 points within 5 minutes. We ended up winning the game by 22 points against the highly favored opposition. That night the Buffalo Sabres, my home hockey team, were defeated in the playoffs. For once in my life I did not care. I was so exhilarated that I was able to make a contribution to the team’s win. After the game the coach told the players that I was leaving the following week to travel around Europe. The players were absolutely crushed and said that they need me to be there for the semi-finals and finals of the playoffs which take place on the 3rd and 4th of June. That night I tossed and turned in bed and did not get one wink of sleep. The following day I called the coach and told him that I had cancelled my plans to travel around Europe. I simply can not leave these kids high and dry. They have worked so hard in practice and have come so far since I first worked with them in March. The coach and the team are thrilled about my decision to stay. I just hope that I will be able to contribute as much to their semi-final and championship game as I contributed in the previous game.
When I first thought about studying abroad I read numerous pamphlets for programs provided by several different schools. But one pamphlet stood out to me more than any other. This brochure was sponsored by SUNY Brockport and advertised a study abroad program that claimed to be different from the rest. I remember reading about the various internship programs being offered for the spring semester. This pamphlet seemed to say all of the predictable things that any other typical study abroad program says. But as I continued to read I stumbled upon a statement that ultimately caused me to apply for this internship. This phrase not only “sealed the deal” on which program to choose; but it has honestly “held true” throughout this whole semester. The phrase described how the internship program was different from any other study abroad program because it will provide the student with the most “unique opportunity” of their life. SUNY Brockport has not only lived up to this high expectation, but has somehow surpassed it in so many ways that I can not even describe.
I can not express how thankful I am for the opportunity to have this “unique” experience that has completely changed who I am and who I will eventually be.

When I arrived in Florence 3 months ago, I had some doubts about my stay here in Florence. But my experience here was so good that I decided to stay longer: one year. My internship was by Patrizia Fusi. In this fashion company I made a lot of things, but above all I researched for my new collection.
I recommend this experience. But one has to be prepared to make many and different things, for this you need to have initiative and work hard. To improve the language is a good opportunity.

According to Biagio Cantarella, Commercial Director at Patrizia Fusi, hosting student interns is in any agency’s best interest. For a company in the fashion sector like Patrizia Fusi, having international interns is essential. In addition to providing a way of working with new people, it creates an environment where a constant flux of ideas comes from students who, coming from different countries, contribute their own unique perspectives to the agency. It’s vital for a company like Patrizia Fusi to exchange ideas with others who can share their differing points of view on fashion. Still, the students do not benefit as much as they could, according to Cantarella. While the company provides many opportunities for interns, many of them limit themselves to simple office work.

Biagio Cantarella
(Commercial Director at Patrizia Fusi)
“It’s vital for a company to exchange ideas”

An internship is a tremendous opportunity for the students, both linguistically and professionally. The student should push their capacities to the limit and show a spirit of initiative during their time at the agency in order to procure the maximum possibilities for their professional futures. In the fashion sector, the most talented students are usually the Europeans, especially the Belgians.
In many cases, the students often end up doing internships more to please their families than to satisfy any interest they may have in research.
RESEARCH is in fact the most important element of the internship, according to Doctor Cantarella.

I’ve worked at Galleria Tornabuoni for almost two months, and I like it a lot. I studied art at university, and now I study Italian here, so this job is perfect for me. When I work, I can practise my Italian while I learn the business. Usually I speak with clients that come into the gallery, and I also write to them. Sometimes I go with my boss to see some of the artists whose works are in the gallery. This experience is very fun for me. My boss is very nice, and I like to talk to the tourists who come into the gallery. I hope that one day I will be able to show my works in a gallery like Galleria Tornabuoni.

Our Gallery Internship is decidedly a positive experience. The students often collaborate on writing critical texts in English about our artists and participate in a constant exchange of ideas and incentives.

Personally I find that through their presence and through the freshness of their ideas, I am able to find constant stimulus, which leads me to approach my work as a gallery director from new angles.

Ernesto Alvarado from USA (left)
with Luca Toni (middle); soccer player from the Italian National team

My experience in Italy will be one that I will soon not forget. I will probably remember this experience for my entire life! From August until May I was given the opportunity to train and play with an Italian soccer team and see how the daily operations of a soccer team play out from training day to game day.

I arrived in Florence in August and had to learn basic Italian before I was able to go to training for the team. The team is called U.S. Cerbaia and it is located in the small town of Cerbaia about 40 minutes away from the city center. Once I arrived I soon found out that the team was very warm and all my teammates welcomed me with open arms.

On Tuesday evening, Thursday evening and Saturday mornings, I would have training with Cerbaia. I commuted to Cerbaia on the SITA bus and returned home with one of the players. Usually on Tuesdays we would work on cardiovascular fitness, quick changes of speed, agility and muscle endurance. Thursdays consisted of technical work with the ball, various scrimmages, small sided games and an 11 v. 11 senario at the end of this practice. Saturday mornings would be tactical training with light running, working on set pieces, and shadow play with little pressure.

On Sundays the games were played. Cerbaia played many different teams from around the outskirts of Florence including Grevigana and Porta Romana. I was able to do the pregame warm ups with the team but was not able to play in official games due to visa problems. Watching the games on Sunday, I could see how the tactics used in the Italian game differed from the U.S. and other countries. The high level of commitment and work by the team led to Cerbaia winning the championship this year!

At the end of the season there was a scrimmage against Serie A team Empoli FC that was played out in the official stadium. I was given the opportunity to play against pro players that will be competing in the UEFA Cup next year and play in a pro stadium. Needless to say the experience was remarkable.

I gained so much from my soccer internship both on and off the field. I became a better player as well as a better and smarter person. I was able to live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world and play in the country with the best soccer in the world. I will never forget Florence or my experiences there!

Internship

ITALIAN LANGUAGE SCHOOL IN ITALY ITALIAN MUSIC SCHOOL IN ITALY ITALIAN ART SCHOOL IN ITALY

Multi-Destination Internship Program (Italy and Europe)

Our Ambassadors: Mike Socoloski

ITALIAN LANGUAGE SCHOOL IN ITALY
ITALIAN MUSIC SCHOOL IN ITALY
ITALIAN ART SCHOOL IN ITALY