Come to the fashion and business capital of Italy and explore the range of internship opportunities that await. Spend the semester helping run an art gallery, in public relations for an international fashion house, or in one of our placements in e-commerce, luxury companies, music, and more. Our program guarantees an unpaid, for-credit, semester-length internship of at least 25-40 hours per week in the field of your choice.
Milan, Italy
Full-Time Semester Internship








At a Glance
Program Dates:
- Spring 2025: January 20 - May 10
- Fall 2025: September 15 - December 12
- Spring 2026: Mid January - Early May
Credits:
Estimated Cost:
Housing:
Primary Spoken Language(s):
Language Prerequisites:
About the Internship
Fall 2025 Update Regarding Italian Visas & 90 Day Programs
New! Study Abroad in Italy Without a Student Visa This Fall
To accommodate recent legislative changes affecting student visas in Italy, we've created new opportunities for study abroad in Italy without a visa (for most students) this fall.
Check out our Study in Milan (No Visa) program or any one of our Rome and Siena programs which have all been adjusted in length, credits, and courses for Fall 2025—all while preserving the quality we're known for.
Helping you make your study abroad dreams a reality? It's just what we do.
Spring 2026
Program Dates:
Application Deadline:
Internship Program Advisor

Olivia Manternach
Once you’ve applied for an internship, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From field placements to housing and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare for your internship. Once you’re accepted to your internship, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!
About the Destination

Why Milan?
With five major train stations and links to other major cities, you’ll be at the center of everything. For your commute, utilize the Milan Metro, the city tram, or Il Passante, the commuter train. While exploring the city, make sure to tour Milan’s other specialty—food! On your lunch break, enjoy a plate of risotto alla milanese and if it’s around the holidays, follow it with a slice of panettone—mangia!
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Program Dates
Spring 2025
Program Dates:
Application Deadline:
Fall 2025
Program Dates:
Application Deadline:
Spring 2026
Program Dates:
Application Deadline:
Academics

While your priority may be gaining professional experience, we also know how important it is to build community where you can reflect and learn about the work world with other students. That's why--during your semester--we offer placements in a wide range of disciplines, and a supplemental required 3-credit seminar.
Before you go, we work with you to fine-tune your résumé and academic background, and hone your communication and interview skills as we prepare you for working in a new cultural environment. You’ll be guaranteed a placement at a local business or organization that fits your professional interests.
To supplement the real-life work experience you'll receive during your internship, you will also participate in a required 3-credit internship seminar. You should work with your current college or university to learn about how this credit will transfer back to your school.
Placement Examples

Arts

Business

Media & Communication

Education

Fashion
Courses
While working in Milan, you’ll also enroll in a required 3-credit internship seminar with other IES interns, where you’ll gain context for your internship placement by examining cultural issues in and out of the workplace.
Topics covered include understanding workplace culture, improving communication, developing soft skills like flexibility and problem-solving, and navigating issues, challenges, and opportunities so you can succeed on the job in Milan and when you return home.
Survival Italian Language Course
In your first few weeks in Milan, you'll have the opportunity to participate in a Survival Italian Language course in order to learn some basic Italian that will help you navigate the city and your workplace. This 30-hour Survival Italian Language course will be optional and does not carry any credit.
NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.
IES Abroad Courses
Cultural Studies (1)
Course name | Term | Language | Credits |
---|---|---|---|
IT/CU 370 - Italian Conversation: Culture and Cuisine of Italy | Fall, Spring | Italian | 3 |
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- 18 years of age
- In good standing at your home school
- 2.5 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
- At least sophomore standing prior to application; rising junior status at time of program departure. (Students who have completed one year of undergraduate study may apply and will be considered on a case-by-base basis.)
- Non-U.S. citizens must refer to their local consulate to learn about visa requirements and determine eligibility; IES Internships cannot advise on visa regulations for non-U.S. citizens.
- Non-U.S. citizens attending school outside the U.S.: Native English fluency or IELTS score of 6.0 or above, taken within the last two years.
- Visit the IELTS website to find a test location near you. IES Abroad reserves the right, in its sole discretion, not to accept students who it believes do not have the necessary English language competency to succeed in an Internship Program, irrespective of the applicant's score on a language proficiency exam.
- Students may be enrolled in a full-time degree program, or a graduate intending to begin their internship no more than 5 years after their graduation date (solid academic credentials related to studies or experience in desired field of placement required); graduate students enrolled in a full-time degree program may apply and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
About the IES Abroad Milan Center

The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
Our long-standing presence in Milan got an upgrade in 2024: welcome to the brand new IES Abroad Milan Center. It has architectural history, over a dozen classrooms, a 280-seat auditorium, onsite gym, plenty of study spaces, and more. This cutting edge center will be your study abroad hub.
IES Abroad Milan Staff
Housing

Apartment
Live in a furnished apartment located in a safe and lively district. Located on main public transportation routes, apartments are within a 40-minute commute to the Center, and each apartment offers fully equipped kitchens, Internet access, a dishwasher, and a washing machine. These apartments are single-sex. Premium location units may carry an additional cost. Apartment life can be enhanced by a live-in Italian roommate called a Community Assistant (CA). These Assistants can help you improve your Italian language skills, get to know the city of Milan, and integrate more fully into the local culture. Meals are not included, so you normally eat lunch at a local café or a university cafeteria, and prepare your own breakfast and dinner at home.
Field Trips
Even though your adventure starts in Milan, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Internship Cost
Spring 2025
Fall 2025
Spring 2026
$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.

Orientation
Health & Safety
With 75 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in your program cost to highly trained local staff who can connect you with English-speaking healthcare providers, we work around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Apply for your passport today!
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.

Frequently Asked Questions
Identity Resources
Student Ambassadors
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.

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How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.
