An IES Internship develops your professional skills, your ability to communicate across cultures, and provides substantive work experience to jump-start your career in today’s competitive job market. While Italian is not required, some fields may require a basic understanding of the local language. You’ll be guaranteed an unpaid internship placement at a local business or organization, where you’ll work for at least 25 hours a week.
Summer - Internship
At a Glance
Program Dates:
- Summer 2026: May 20 - July 17
Credits:
Estimated Cost:
Visa Required:
Housing:
Primary Spoken Language(s):
Language Prerequisites:
About the Internship
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?
Business, fashion, and design all converge in Milan— Italy’s second largest city—where old Italian tradition blends with modern innovation. Be inspired by Milan’s notable institutions, from the Teatro alla Scala to the Borsa Italiana, Italy’s main stock exchange. How will a full-time internship program in Italy’s business capital transform you?
The Student Experience
Beads and Thread
An account of interning at an independent Atelier in Milan. If you are wondering if applying for an internship is worth it, I can say my experience so far has...
Program Dates
Summer 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, perfect your cover letter, 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.
Courses
While working in Milan, you’ll also enroll in a required 3- or 6-credit academic internship seminar with other IES interns, where you’ll gain context for your internship placement by examining cultural issues in the workplace.
Topics covered include understanding workplace culture, improving communication, strengthening professional attitudes and aptitudes, resolving conflicts, increasing adaptability, and navigating issues, challenges, and opportunities so you can succeed on the job in Milan and when you return home.
You may also enroll in an optional 3-credit Italian language course taught at the IES Abroad Milan Center.
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
Internship Seminar (2)
| Course name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IN 395 - Internship Seminar on Global Workspace Cultures | Summer | English | 3 |
| IN 395 - Internship Seminar on Global Workspace Cultures | Summer | English | 6 |
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.)
- Students must be enrolled in a full-time degree program, or a graduate intending to begin their internship no more than 12 months 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.
- 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.
- While previous study of the Italian language is not required to apply, basic comprehension and conversational ability may be preferred for competitive placements.
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
Furnished apartments are single-sex and typically house two to three IES Abroad students and interns, in double rooms. Some apartments are also shared with a live-in Italian Student Companion who will guide your cultural integration. Meals are not provided but apartments have fully-equipped kitchens with dishwashers. Internet access, A/C and a washing machine are provided.
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
Summer 2026
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
$7.9 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.
PRO-TIP
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
Contact a Previous Student
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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