Rome, Italy

Full-Time Semester Internship

Full-Time Internship

Length:

Fall, Spring

At a Glance

Program Dates:

Fall 2026: August 31 - December 10
Spring 2027: January 25 - May 06

Credits:

3 per Semester

Estimated Cost:

$9,919

Housing:

Apartment

Primary Spoken Language(s):

English, Italian

Language Prerequisites:

None

About the Internship

Where else can you brainstorm at a startup in the morning and stroll past the Colosseum on your lunch break? In Rome, ancient history meets modern hustle. Intern with international organizations or local family-owned businesses, while living la dolce vita in one of the most iconic cities in the world. From art to politics to journalism—there's a placement that fits your career goals and is sure to boost your resume.

Our program guarantees an unpaid, for-credit, semester-length internship placement of at least 25 hours per week in the field of your choice. Develop your professional skills, gain real world work experience, and learn to communicate across cultures.

Individual Internship Advising

We help you to fine-tune your résumé and perfect your cover letter.

Personalized Placements

We help you find a match aligning with your goals.

Italian Language Course

Enroll in an optional 3-credit language class.

Travel Throughout Italy

Join IES Abroad field trips to locations around Italy.

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!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ internships@IESabroad.org

At a Glance

Program Dates:

Fall 2026: August 31 - December 10
Spring 2027: January 25 - May 06

Credits:

3 per Semester

Estimated Cost:

$9,919

Housing:

Apartment

Primary Spoken Language(s):

English, Italian

Language Prerequisites:

None

About the Destination

Why Rome?

Live and intern in Rome—the capital and largest city in Italy. Built on 2,500+ years of history, Rome is home to almost 3 million residents. In addition to the world-famous art, architecture, food, and fashion, you’ll find a bustling finance, start-up, and technology scene.

Learn More About Rome

Get to Know Your New City

Discover the Ins and Outs of World-Famous Landmarks

Our programs take you inside the cultural significance of Roman landmarks.

Watch a Roma Game

Soak in the passion and pride at an A.S. Roma game.

Take in a Panoramic View of the City

Take your pick of Rome's hills, and climb to the top for the best views.

Take a Cooking Class

Learn the techniques and traditions of Roman cooking first-hand.

The Student Experience

A view of St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square at sunset, with the basilica being illuminated by warm lights.

Mirolla Ramzy

Mirolla Ramzy, Jun 9, 2026

Study Abroad Prep 101: Getting Ready for Rome

From passports and packing to budgeting and mental preparation, this is how I prepared for my study abroad experience in Rome.

Field Trip/Travel Finances Predeparture

cutting board, ichnusa, and a proscuitt sandwich

Reflection

A view of Rome's historical buildings against the blue Tiber River

A Week in Rome

View All Blogs

Program Dates

Fall 2026

Program Dates:

August 31 - December 10

Application Deadline:

Apr 9, 2026

Spring 2027

Program Dates:

January 25 - May 06

Application Deadline:

Oct 1, 2026

Academics

Placement Examples

Business

Health

Art & Culture

Courses

While working in Rome, 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 the workplace.

Topics covered include understanding workplace culture, improving communication, strengthening work attitude and aptitude, resolving conflicts, and navigating issues, challenges, and opportunities so you can succeed on the job in Rome and when you return home.

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.

Helpful Links

two students stand arm-in-arm in front of lagoons in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Transcripts, Credit Transfer & Accreditation

Two students jump for a fun photo in front of Neue Burg in Vienna

Refund Policy

See All Student Policies

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (2)

Internship Seminar (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
IN 395 - Leading Across Cultures: Internship Seminar	Fall, Spring	English	3

Italian (3)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
IT 101 - Italian Language in Context: Novice Abroad I	Fall, Spring	Italian	4
IT 301 - Italian Language in Context: Emerging Independent I	Fall, Spring	Italian	4
IT 401 - Italian Language in Context: Emerging Competent Abroad I	Fall, Spring	Italian	4

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.

Submit Your Online Application

Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.

Submit the following in your MyIESabroad account after your Online Application is processed:

Home School Authorization — Your on-campus study abroad or academic advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form. Consult your advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization. If you will not be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, or will graduate prior to the IES Summer Internship start date, this form is not required.
Academic Credit Acknowledgement Form — This form allows you to select whether you plan to enroll in the internship program for credit. Consult with your advisor on campus to understand your school's requirements for earning credit for your internship.
Placement Interest Form — This form will ask you about your goals and objectives for the internship placement, as well as information about how to best contact you throughout the placement process. Our internship staff will use this as a starting point for matching you with a host employer.
Transcript(s)  — Include a transcript for each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
Curriculum Vitae (Résumé) — This should detail relevant work or volunteer experience. IES Internships will provide assistance, suggestions and advice for your CV if it is submitted by the deadline. Your application is not considered complete until a correctly formatted CV is submitted.
Cover Letter (optional) — This letter should not be addressed to IES Internships. Instead, it should be targeted toward prospective internship hosts in the field in which you would like to work. Your letter will allow potential host organizations to better understand your interest, skills, and background experience.
Professional Letter of Reference (optional) — Submit a letter of reference from a previous employer or supervisor.
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam — Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.

If your cumulative GPA is below 2.5, include the following in your MyIESabroad account:

Professor Recommendation — The recommendation must include a professor's opinion of the applicant's academic ability to pursue university-level coursework in a foreign country and any information that would help IES Abroad gain a better understanding of the applicant.
Personal Academic Essay — Although there is no length requirement, this essay must address your GPA, any particular academic challenges faced, reasons you chose this IES Abroad program, and how it fits into your academic career.

Apply Now

Renew (or Apply for!) Your Passport ASAP

Passport applications and renewals are taking longer than normal these days. Save yourself from the last-minute stress by making sure:

You have a passport
The expiration date is at least six months after your study abroad program ends

Visit  travel.state.gov to locate U.S. passport agencies in your area.

Visa Requirements – Resuming Spring 2026

Italy requires U.S. citizens to obtain a student visa before studying abroad for a semester or longer.
Learn more about applying for a student visa for Italy and whether or not you are eligible for Italy ACCeSS.

Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and contact your IES Abroad Advisor.

Fall 2025 Visa Requirements for shortened program

U.S. citizens are not required to have a visa to study on IES Abroad programs in Italy that are less than 90 days in duration. U.S. citizens are permitted to be in the Schengen area as a tourist (without a visa) for up to 90 consecutive or non-consecutive days within a 180 day period.

We have developed this shortened program specifically to accommodate students who are unable to obtain an Italian visa for the Fall 2025 term. Please note that we have not finalized program dates for the Spring 2026 term, and it is possible that Spring 2026 programs would be longer than 90 days and require students to apply for a visa.

If you will enter Italy on a non-U.S. passport, you may be required to obtain a visa prior to your arrival in Italy, even if you are participating in the shortened, Fall 2025 program. You can check to see if you will be required to obtain a visa prior to your arrival in Italy based on your nationality by filling out this quiz on the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website. We also recommend non-U.S. Citizen applicants  contact your IES Abroad Advisor to further discuss their potential visa requirements.

IES Abroad Rome Staff

Simona Di Giustino

IES Abroad Rome Center Director

Arianna Gaffi

Assistant Director, Student Affairs & Housing Coordinator

Luisa Taffara

Assistant Director, Administration, & Human Resources

Eleonora Maria Redaelli

Dean of Faculty

Francesca Angeli

Academic Manager

Antonella Maglione

Italian Language Program Coordinator

Elena Dalla Massara

Internship Coordinator

Valentina Castellani

Health and Safety Advisor

Michela Carnevali

Student Affairs Assistant

Elisa Bellitto

Administration Assistant

Naike Valeriano

Customized Programs Manager and Co-Curricular Activities Coordinator

Giulia Lazzarelli

Academic & Customized Programs Assistant

Caterina Gulfo

Customized Program Assistant

Edoardo Lucarini

IT & Center Faculty Manager

Brando Maxwell

Front Desk Coordinator

Housing

Apartment

Get to know your peers by sharing an apartment with other IES Abroad students! Apartments are furnished, single-sex, and generally accommodate four to seven students, with two to three IES Abroad students sharing a bedroom. Internet access is available in every apartment. Meals are not included, but apartments offer equipped kitchens.

Residence Hall

Our residence hall in Rome offers both single and double occupancy rooms with stylish lofted beds. All rooms include an en-suite bathroom, a furnished kitchenette, air conditioning and a weekly cleaning service. Enjoy amenities such as study rooms, an on-site gym and cafeteria, and a shared outdoor space!

Homestay

These placements with local Italian families are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage directly an Italian family and is considered to be a very culturally enriching experience. Homestays generally house one to two students in a single or double bedroom, and you will receive a daily breakfast and dinner five nights a week. Homestays are located throughout the city in family-friendly neighborhoods.

Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Rome, 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.

Buildings sit crowded on a hill on the Amalfi coast, with a large rocky outcropping standing tall in the background.

Campania

2 Days ($) Fall, Spring & Summer

From a guided tour of Pompeii to stunning views of the Amalfi coast, this trip provides fascinating insights into the lives of the ancient Romans and the beauty of modern day Italy.

A lush garden sits off the Tuscan coast on a sunny day.

Tuscany

2 Days ($) Fall, Spring & Summer

Tour the countryside of one of Italy’s most unique regions, with its gorgeous landscapes and rich artistic legacy. You will also visit the sites of the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance.

Umbria

2 Days ($) Fall & Spring

The trip in the region of Umbria, called “the heart of Italy”, starts with a relaxed rafting tour down the amazing waters of the river Nera valley (equipment and gear included). The group will have lunch in the area and then move to a tiny medieval village...

Internship Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Fall 2026

Tuition

4,750

Housing

4,869

Insurance

300

Total

9,919

Fall 2026

Rome - Full-Time Semester Internship Fees

Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)	Cost
Tuition	$4,750
Base Housing (& Meals, if applicable) plus one of the following supplemental fees below:	$4,869
• Option 1: Apartment (no meals provided)	+$0
• Option 1: Homestay (12 meals provided per week)	+$0
• Option 1: Residence Hall (no meals provided)	+$0
• Option 2: Apartment (no meals provided)	+$1,100
• Option 2: Residence Hall (no meals provided)	+$1,100
• Option 3: Apartment (no meals provided)	+$1,800
Health Insurance	$300
Total IES Abroad Program Fee (total dependent on housing option selected)	$9,919-$11,719

+

Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition (invoiced by IES Abroad)	Cost
Tuition
Course-related trip for AH252	$200
Technical equipment fee for AH/AR312	$100
Course-related trip fee for AH/CL330	$200
Course-related trip fee for CD254	$200
Technical equipment fee for CU270	$120
School of Record transcript (if required)	$475
Total Additional Fees

+

Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply; consulate fees may be subject to change)	Cost
Visa application	$55
ACCeSS Fee (Optional, paid to IES Abroad)	$175
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)	$700-1,300
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials	$40
Estimated Groceries for Duration of Program (varies by the number of meals included per week) Students in certain housing options may require less groceries based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans
• Option 1: Apartment (no meals provided)	$1,620
• Option 1: Homestay (12 meals provided per week)	$690
• Option 1: Residence Hall (no meals provided)	$1,620
• Option 2: Apartment (no meals provided)	$1,620
• Option 2: Residence Hall (no meals provided, but meal plan can be purchased on-site)	$1,620
• Option 3: Apartment (no meals provided)	$1,620
Estimated Costs for Dining Out (based on one meal out per week) Students in certain housing options may require more meals out based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans	$280
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)	$30-150
Local Transportation	$100
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)	$250-750
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)	$2,100
Total Other Estimated Expenses

= Total Estimated Budget:

The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars
Estimated expenses are based on calculations and exchange rates at the time of printing
These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee
Estimated meal and grocery expenses are accessed from numbeo.com/cost-of-living/; costs of meals and groceries may vary based on your own spending habits
Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: additional meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), taxis, social activities and entertainment, toiletries, and laundry
Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad
The IES Abroad program fee does not include financial aid

Visa / Consular / Residency Fees

Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ obtain their visa
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs

Cell Phone Usage

Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location

Program Dates:

August 31 - December 10

Application Deadline:

Apr 9, 2026

Estimated Cost:

9,919

Spring 2027

Tuition

Housing

Insurance

Total

Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet

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.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Helpful Links

Blogs on Mental Health

Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling

Blogs on Safety

Learn More About Health & Safety

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that internships are “guaranteed”?

IES Internships guarantees you a placement in your field of choice, as indicated on your internship application. If we are unable to offer you an internship placement in the expressed field of choice at least two weeks before the program start date, despite your participation in the process and satisfaction of all program requirements, then you have the option to receive a refund of the full amount that you paid IES Internships or the chance to transfer to an IES Abroad program of comparable length and value in the same location (subject to satisfying applicable visa requirements and IES Internships’ academic program requirements).

The IES International Internship Waiver will include:

More clear expectations around students’ required “active participation” and responsiveness during the pre-departure and placement process (rather than our previously stated “good faith participation”)
IES’ ability to rescind a student’s admission (no later than 2 weeks prior to the start of a program to avoid uncoverable costs) due to their inactivity/unresponsiveness that jeopardizes the student’s ability to secure a timely internship placement or required visa
And the student’s liability for any other associated costs/losses in the event that a student’s admission is rescinded (e.g. visa fees, airfare, home school fees, etc.

What does the program fee cover? Where can I find a breakdown of the costs?

The program fee covers: your tuition, housing, and health insurance, in addition to access to an incomparable amount of predeparture support and resources, direct on-site guidance and assistance while you’re abroad, and networking opportunities and reunions with other alumni once they return from abroad. You can find a breakdown of costs by clicking on the program page they are interested in, clicking on the “cost” tab at the top of the page, and then clicking on the total price.

How do scholarships and financial aid work? Can I use my existing scholarships or apply for more?

Full-Time Summer Internship Program students can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline – even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies. Please note, Full-Time Fall and Spring Semester Internship students are not eligible for IES financial aid.

Are all internships abroad unpaid? Will I get credit?

Yes, all of our internship placements are unpaid. In many countries, it is illegal to pay interns without obtaining the proper visa/work authorization. All of our internship students will be enrolled in an internship seminar while abroad, which you can earn credit for based on your home universities polices. We at IES believe our internships help give students the opportunity to build their resumes, earn a higher salary, gain cross cultural skills and intercultural confidence, secure a job faster, get into their grad school of choice, and become a global leader.

What type of internship will I have?

We have numerous types of internships in a variety of fields and disciplines. For a list of placement examples, check out our internships by field page. Please keep in mind that while these are past placements, they are not necessarily available every year. Our team works to find students customized internships based on interests, qualifications, and the needs of the internship hosts.

I was accepted into the internship program, what are the next steps?

What does it mean that internships are “guaranteed”?

The IES International Internship Waiver will include:

More clear expectations around students’ required “active participation” and responsiveness during the pre-departure and placement process (rather than our previously stated “good faith participation”)
IES’ ability to rescind a student’s admission (no later than 2 weeks prior to the start of a program to avoid uncoverable costs) due to their inactivity/unresponsiveness that jeopardizes the student’s ability to secure a timely internship placement or required visa
And the student’s liability for any other associated costs/losses in the event that a student’s admission is rescinded (e.g. visa fees, airfare, home school fees, etc.