bridge over arno river in florence
Florence, Italy

Summer Global Internship

New for Summer 2025!

Full-Time Internship
Overview

Gain real-world work experience, grow your professional network, and develop transferable hard and soft skills on a once-in-a-lifetime international internship in Florence! Renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant art scene, Florence serves as an unparalleled backdrop for personal growth and career advancement. Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance where creative endeavor, intellectual risk, and exploration formed the city’s strong and proud identity. Florence provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in various industries while embracing a lifestyle based on the values of creativity, innovation, and exploration.  

During this eight-week summer program, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure filled with culinary delights, weekend excursions to Tuscan estates and Medieval hilltop towns, and encounters with some of the world's most iconic works of art. Whether exploring the labyrinthine streets of the historic center or savoring a traditional Florentine meal with locals in a family-run trattoria, CIEE interns will find themselves immersed in a dynamic tapestry of culture and tradition that will enrich their lives both personally and professionally.  

When you apply to become a CIEE intern, our staff will work directly with you to match you with an internship opportunity that suits your unique needs and professional goals. While internships are competitive, CIEE will help you navigate the internship interview process to set you up for success. Our staff will offer constructive resume revisions and provide you with the tools to succeed in your interview to ensure you are placed with the right opportunity. Learn more about our personalized placement process.

Unique Experiences

Learn to make your own homemade pasta

at our wonderfully entertaining and enriching cooking classes where seasonal local delicacies are prepared with love

Each Tuscan cit and town has a duomo

and every duomo has a bell tower; how many bell towers leading to spectacular views can you fit into one summer

Join us for the great Italian before-dinner tradition

in a private aristocratic secret garden high above the city behind Piazzale Michelangelo; here we'll combine team building and learning with gorgeous scenery and food and drink

5 M

VISITORS MAKE THE UFFIZI GALLERY THE MOST VISITED MUSEUM IN ITALY

5

OUT OF 10 OFFICIALS IN FLORENCE’S GOVERNMENT ARE WOMEN

32,700

TONS OF CARBON EMISSIONS ERADICATED BY THE NEW ELECTRIC TRAM CONNECTING GREATER FLORENCE

Experience
  • Florence street level view of Duomo
  • Florence cooking class with large group of students
  • Florence girl overlooking city

Your Destination

Italy holds the European record of companies with the entire management coming from the entrepreneurial family; in fact, about 90% of businesses in Italy are family businesses and they generate 80% of the GDP. Some of the biggest names you can think of are family-run: From the wine houses of Antinori and Frescobaldi to the fashion houses of Ferragamo, Gucci, Pucci, and Fiorucci.  

Florence exudes an undeniable “cool” factor that makes it an enticing location for any adventurer. Its seamless blend of history and modernity creates an atmosphere that is both timeless and trendy. From the iconic Duomo dominating the skyline to the chic boutiques tucked away in cobblestone alleys, Florence offers the perfect fusion of old-world charm and contemporary flair. The city's vibrant street art scene adds an edgy vibe to its Renaissance elegance. Whether indulging in artisan gelato by the Ponte Vecchio or soaking in panoramic views from the hilltops of Fiesole or Settignano, Florence captivates with its effortlessly cool ambiance, making it an irresistible choice for those seeking an unforgettable experience in one of Europe's most dynamic cities.  

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Florence. 

The Culture

countryside village in tuscany region, italy

Excursions & Activites

Students will have the opportunity to visit nearby Tuscan towns and cities, which will not only reinforce the historical and cultural notions learned but also present opportunities to visit unique businesses like Pescia’s greenhouses and gardens, Lardarello’s geothermal plants in the wilderness built on millenary fumaroles, or maybe even recording studios in the Tuscan countryside, producing world-famous artists.  

Closer to home, we’ll combine cultural activities with family-owned and managed businesses such as wine and olive estates, hotels and restaurants, as well as art galleries.  

Where possible, you’ll visit volunteer organizations and other members of the vital “third sector” in Florence to learn about another important Italian and Florentine value: Social Innovation. You will discover firsthand how Florence and Tuscany successfully integrated their workplaces and services, and even talk to associations allied with the LGTBQ+ community or those striving for gender equality and against gender-based violence. 

Interactive workshops will be created so that global interns, local students, and workers can compare norms and recommendations around: 

  • Resume building  
  • LinkedIn personal branding   
  • Mock interviews    

Program Blogs

From CIEE

What Subjects Can You Study Abroad: Top 10 [2024]

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

While you excitedly explore CIEE Study Abroad locations and specific program options, don’t forget to look for study abroad courses in specific areas of study, too! Being in the classroom... keep reading

From CIEE

6 Best Study Abroad Programs in Italy

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

If you’re looking for a study abroad program in an iconic country packed with art, history, architecture, culture, cuisine, and much more, consider a study abroad program in Italy... keep reading

From CIEE

EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: FLORENCE

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

EAT It's not autumn in Florence if you don't snack on schiacciata all'uva (Italian sweet bread with smashed grapes) during the city's annual grape harvest season. While the Tuscan schiacciata... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

As a global intern in Florence, you’ll work in a non-paying position within a wide range of opportunities across a diverse set of innovative industries. Extracurricular cultural activities in and around Florence complement your coursework and immerse you in the history and culture of the city.  

This eight-week program includes a full-time internship and an integrated academic course.  

GPA

2.5  

Additional Requirements

Rising sophomore standing and above required at time of participation.   

Additional visa restrictions may apply and CIEE will advise students as part of the early application process.  

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Requirements

Students participate in an academic course taught in a hybrid learning environment alongside the eight-week, full-time internship. Participation in the integrated academic course and internship are mandatory for all participants

Program Credit

Total credit: 6 U.S. semester/9 quarter credits    

Course Credit

Internship: 6 U.S. semester/9 quarter credits; 15 integrated academic course hours, 225-300 internship placement hours    

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Academic Culture

Students are expected to dress and behave professionally throughout their internship project and are subject to the agreed-upon internship protocols arranged by CIEE and the host organizations. The academic course is designed to prepare students for leadership in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse workforce.  

Class Format

Students participate in an eight-week CIEE full-time internship and academic course taught in an online learning environment. Class and/or work hours may be scheduled Monday-Friday, and attendance is strictly enforced for all. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel away from the city when classes or work are scheduled.    

Grading

Students will be assessed via assignments and activities related to the academic course, including but not limited to online discussion forums, reflective papers, individual or group presentations, analysis of readings, an internship work plan, and feedback from internship supervisor. Internship supervisors and students each provide written evaluations of progress toward goals.    

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Language of Instruction

English

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Internship Opportunities

Gain real-world work experience, grow your professional network, and bolster your resume while interning at fashion businesses, vineyards, academic institutions, consulting agencies, and more in Florence. Search here for a more detailed list of internship opportunities. 

Hospitality & Tourism 
Business development, marketing & communication, and data analysis. 

Culinary Arts & Food Service 
Development, communication & marketing, and social media. 

Fashion Business 
Consulting, event planning, social media marketing, and content creation. 

Business & Marketing 
Business consulting & development, sales, and communication & marketing. 

Wine Business 
Production, sales, and social media. 

Agriculture 
Event planning, production, and business development. 

Architecture & Design 
Design, urban planning, architecture design, and business development. 

Education 
Curriculum development, event planning, and teaching. 

Finance 
Data analysis and financial analysis. 

Note: Please keep in mind that securing a spot in any of these opportunities is not automatically guaranteed and depends on availability and the internship host organization's decision. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The internships, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development.

Courses

Course Information

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Dates & Fees

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Tina Marisa Rocchio

Center Director

Tina grew up between the mountains of Vermont and the coastline of Rhode Island and has spent her adult life between Tuscany and Rome. Mastering Italian in high school, she...

Carla Fronteddu

Academic Director

Carla has a decade of experience in American study abroad programs and universities in Florence.

Request Info