Getting an internship in Rome as an English speaker

Find out how to get an English-speaking internship in Rome. Discover where to look, which companies offer such internships, and get valuable tips for success.

Greta

6 minute read

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Updated on 16 Apr 2024

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Studying

Are you an international student or a recent graduate looking to pursue an internship in Rome? If so, you've made the right choice. Rome is a major hub for a wide range of industries, including fashion, design, media, technology and tourism, offering fantastic career prospects in these fields. By interning in Rome, you'll dive into a vibrant professional environment, gain practical skills and acquire invaluable industry insights.

Let's delve into the various types of internships available in Rome, where to search for them, the expected compensation, and the visa requirements for international students interested in studying and interning in Rome. This article will provide you with all the answers you need to explore the exciting prospects for your internship in the Eternal City.

• Career development: In Rome, you’ll find many international companies, startups, and research institutions. Doing an internship in Rome will help you develop a professional network, gain experience in your field and uplift your resume to get the job of your dreams in Rome.

• Personal growth: Doing an internship in Rome can be a challenging, yet rewarding experience. You’ll learn to adapt to cultural differences and new work environments whilst building relationships with colleagues from all around the world. This experience will help you develop personally and improve your self-awareness.

• Convinient transportation: As an expat, you probably won't have your own car when arriving in Rome for your internship. Fortunately, you can rely on Rome's excellent public transport network to commute to your office from any neighborhood you choose to live in. That way, you can live in a more affordable area while enjoying convenient access to various locations across the city.

• Cultural experience: Rome is an ancient city with a rich history, art, and architecture. By doing an internship in Rome you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city’s culture, visit historic landmarks, and try Italian cuisine. Rome is the ultimate destination to enjoy authentic Roman-style pizza and pasta, perfected over centuries!

Rome offers 2 main types of internships: Curricular and Extracurricular.

Curricular internship (Tirocini Curriculari)

Curricular internships are part of your academic curriculum or study program. Your school typically requires you to train for 6 months to get practical work experience within your specialization. These types of internships are often coordinated by the university, and you earn academic credits upon successful completion.

Extracurricular internship (Torinicini Extracurriculari)

Extracurricular internships are voluntary and pursued by postgraduate students or those who want to gain practical knowledge outside the classroom. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain real-world experience, build a professional network, and boost your resume. Typically, this kind of internship lasts for 2–12 months.

Your monthly internship allowance depends on the type of internship that you’re undertaking. Curricular internships, which are a requirement for graduation, are often unpaid as they provide students with practical work experience relevant to their education.

On the other hand, extracurricular internships require a mandatory monthly compensation for interns. The amount of this allowance is not fixed and can vary depending on the industry you’re in. However, according to Italian law, extracurricular interns are entitled to a minimum allowance of €300 per month.

Additionally, companies are also expected to cover interns' basic expenses during the internship, including transportation and meals. However, the monthly allowance is designed to cover only essential living expenses. It won’t be sufficient to cover the full costs of living in Rome, which is roughly €1,500 a month for students.

Getting an internship in Rome can be quite competitive, especially for English-speaking internships that are in high demand. To increase your chances, it's important to start your internship search early and be proactive in finding opportunities.

1. University portal: If you study in Italy already, your Italian university is likely to have a portal that offers internship opportunities with a diverse range of companies, allowing you to apply in either English or Italian.

2. Internship placement programs: Programs such as Global Experiences and Intern Abroad HQ connect students and young professionals with internships in Rome, offering support throughout the process. These programs collaborate with companies like Valentino, Fendi, and the United Nations agencies to provide internship opportunities in diverse sectors, including fashion, design, international organizations, and more.

3. Online platforms: Platforms such asJobInRome, LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and Monster are excellent resources for finding paid internships in Rome, specifically for English speakers.

4. Company websites: Larger corporations in Rome frequently advertise their international internship programs on their websites.

• Apply through the company's website. Take the initiative to apply directly through the company's career page to demonstrate your genuine interest and improve your chances of securing the internship you desire.

• Attend job fairs. Make sure to attend job fairs in Rome. Networking can help you learn about hidden internship opportunities and receive recommendations.

• Customize your resume and cover letter. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your language skills, relevant experiences (such as work and extracurricular activities), and cultural adaptability to catch the attention of Italian employers.

• Learn some basics in Italian. Even within international companies, you will frequently encounter Italian colleagues conversing in their native language. It's a good idea to learn some basic Italian phrases before starting your internship to make your integration smoother.

• Prepare for interviews. Polish your interview skills and get ready to demonstrate your strengths, experiences, and enthusiasm for doing an internship in Rome. Being well-prepared will help you make a strong impression on potential employers during the interview process.

1. Enel: This multinational company headquartered in Rome offers a range of exciting opportunities for students, graduates, and young professionals. By joining Enel, you'll have the chance to develop a well-rounded, technical skill set while immersing yourself in their inclusive culture. They have internship positions available in customer service, engineering, software, marketing, and sales.

2. Google, Rome: In addition to their amazing office in Rome, Google has a special program called "Spark at Google." This program is all about digital marketing and sales and lasts for 18 months. It's designed to help you gain the skills you need to kickstart your career. If you're interested, keep an eye out for job openings on their careers website and apply when you see an opportunity for this program.

3. Glovo: This international and rapidly-growing company offers student programs for roles in tech and business. After your internship at Glovo, you can seek a full-time position if you enjoy your role. Sounds promising, doesn’t it?

4. SAP: This leading software company provides valuable opportunities for students and graduates passionate about business operations and customer relations management. Immerse yourself in operational roles at this multinational company, gaining practical experience and essential skills to excel in your career.

5. Amazon: This company offers exciting opportunities for students who are currently pursuing their undergraduate or graduate studies. These opportunities include internships and full-time positions in different roles, such as software development engineers, support engineers, product managers, operations managers, applied scientists, vendor managers, cloud support associates, sales specialists, and financial analysts.

6. Leonardo: This Italian aerospace, defense, and security company offers international students and graduates internships. Additionally, if you have plans to further your education, Leonardo collaborates with leading Italian universities to provide technical specialization programs. You'll spend 50% of the program at the university and the rest at the company.

7. Accenture: This company helps businesses with their management and professional needs all over the world. They have opportunities for students and interns who can apply for positions in software engineering, branding and communication, marketing, HR, and business management.

8. FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations): They offer a unique chance for students or recent graduates to supplement their academic knowledge with practical experience related to FAO. Engaging in this program also allows you to contribute towards the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals, making a positive impact in the field of food and agriculture.

If you’re from an EU/EEA or Swiss country, you don't need a visa to do an internship in Italy. However, international students studying in Italy will need to have a valid student visa to be eligible for an internship. If you’re coming from a Non-EU/EEA or Swiss country specifically for an internship in Italy, you’ll need to obtain a national work visa (type D visa). Once you arrive in Italy, you must request your Italian residence permit within 8 days.

Now that you’re ready for the next chapter in your career in Italy, it’s about time to check out the best neighborhoods to live in Rome. Make sure you assess all pros and cons based on your preferences to select the most suitable accommodation in Rome.

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