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.
Full-Time Semester Internship
At a Glance
Program Dates:
- Fall 2026: August 31 - December 16
- Spring 2027: January 12 - May 07
Credits:
Estimated Cost:
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?
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!
The Student Experience
A Look Inside Collegiate Milan Bovisa: One of the Most Popular Housing Options at IES Milan
A detailed tour of Collegiate Milan Bovisa, including room features, shared spaces, amenities, and student living experience.
Program Dates
Fall 2026
Program Dates:
Application Deadline:
Spring 2027
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.
Integration Period
In your first few weeks in Milan, you'll participate in an Integration Period in order to learn some basic Italian that will help you navigate the city and your workplace.
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 (1)
| Course name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IN 395 - Internship Seminar | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
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
Rooms in shared Apartments will be available to IES Students. The apartment buildings are located in safe areas of the city, within 15-45 minutes from the IES Abroad Milan Center by public transportation. You can expect to live in an apartment with an equipped kitchen, a private or shared bathroom, and a washer available. Towels, sheets, and bed linens are provided and replaced weekly during the cleaning session.
The buildings may include amenities such as a workout/gym area, common lounges to meet with peers, study or work, front desk staff. Apartment life can be enhanced by a live-in Italian flat mate called Italian Student Companion (ISC). ISCs 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
Fall 2026
Spring 2027
$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.
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.