Nicole’s Fall Semester in Florence, Italy
2
Desperate to step into the footsteps of a school pupil who did a Examine + Internship overseas program in Italy? We lately caught up with AIFS Overseas participant Nicole from Fairfield College, who spent her fall semester learning overseas within the Renaissance metropolis of Florence.
Learn on to discover Nicole’s journey by the AIFS Overseas Examine + Internship program in Florence.
Selecting a Examine Overseas Program Vacation spot & Time period
While you determine to examine or intern overseas, there are just a few vital decisions to make, like your most well-liked program vacation spot, kind, time period, and supplier. AIFS Overseas is a superb selection for college kids from most residence establishments, and choosing a program kind will depend on your tutorial/skilled focus.
Lastly, private desire weighs in, and for those who’re nonetheless not sure, our staff will help you determine! For individuals who are like Nicole, selecting a time period might rely in your lecturers:
“I selected the fall as a result of it labored out higher for me academically. I actually loved spending the month round Christmas time as a result of Florence was embellished very properly and it was very spirited.”
Lecturers Overseas
Whether or not you’re learning overseas or collaborating in a Examine + Internship program, lecturers are an vital a part of your overseas expertise. Luckily, all AIFS Overseas examine overseas and Examine + Internship applications are hosted at establishments the place you possibly can develop your tutorial information in distinctive methods. Right here’s what Nicole needed to say about her tutorial expertise in Florence:
“I loved the expertise—my lessons have been all crammed with English audio system, and the professors additionally spoke excellent English. This was a aid to me as a result of I communicate very restricted Italian.”
Nicole additionally took native programs that she might not have been in a position to take at her residence college; for instance, she says, “I actually loved my wine advertising and marketing class.”
Internship Expertise Overseas
Nicole selected a Examine + Internship overseas program, the right selection for anybody who needs to get pleasure from the advantages of each examine overseas and worldwide internship applications, conveniently wrapped into one wonderful expertise. These applications mix a part-time internship with lessons. Right here’s what Nicole’s schedule regarded like:
“Monday: Internship in individual at [varying times]
Tuesday: Class from 12:30 – 3:00 + internship 4:00-5:00
Wednesday: Class from 12:30 – 3:00
Thursday: Class from 12:30 – 3:00 + internship 10:00-12:00
Friday: Internship in individual at [varying times]”
As Nicole explains:
“My internship week was slightly totally different each week, relying on when my employer and I had occasions. My schedule was all the time created on Monday, and we deliberate out Monday-Friday, then the following week we modified it up based mostly on when she wanted me.”
Nicole’s part-time internship was a advertising and marketing function at an area small enterprise. Her tasks included social media administration, web site modifying, electronic mail, public relations, contact cleanup, and occasion internet hosting. Take heed to Nicole clarify why she appreciated working with such a small firm:
“The corporate was very small with just one worker, the founder. This was very totally different as a result of I’ve usually labored with bigger firms. But it surely was good to see how a start-up works. I additionally discovered the work setting slightly extra relaxed than any American firm I’ve labored for.”
Cultural Appreciation
Going overseas with AIFS Overseas means residing in a brand new, thrilling metropolis and immersing your self within the native tradition. It’s an important alternative to broaden your cultural horizons and learn the way others reside. Wherever you select to go, you’re certain to realize some appreciation for the tradition—for those who’re like Nicole, there’s nothing mistaken with the meals being your favourite half:
“I actually loved the meals in Italian tradition. The meals was excellent, they usually have been very pleased with it. My associates and I took a pasta making class and ever since then we make our personal pasta. I attempted plenty of new pasta dishes. My favourite meal was wild boar ragu.”
Exploring Different International locations
When you’re overseas, you’re free to make use of your time (outdoors of your lessons and/or internship) as you see match. For a lot of college students, particularly in European international locations, they use this chance to discover close by international locations on the weekends, like Nicole did:
“I took just a few weekend journeys. My favourite weekend journeys have been Mykonos, Greece, and Budapest, Hungary. I actually loved the climate and seashores in Mykonos, and I cherished the historical past of Budapest.”
Making Pals Overseas
While you land at your new program vacation spot, it’s vital to understand that there might be loads of different folks, together with AIFS Overseas individuals, who’re wanting to make associates. Because of this, most individuals, together with Nicole, construct quick friendships:
“I used to be in a position to construct private connections in a short time, and a few recommendation is that everybody there may be in the identical boat as you, they usually all need to discover associates, so be certain that to be open. I made plenty of associates by attending class and [visiting] fashionable pupil spots. My recommendation is to be open, there are lots of people and everybody could be very pleasant.”
Getting Round Your New Metropolis
American college students are sometimes shocked by how nice public transportation is once they go overseas. However for those who’re residing in a medium-sized metropolis like Florence, you would possibly discover that though the general public transportation is superb, there’s no want when you possibly can stroll virtually in all places. As Nicole explains:
“We primarily navigated town by strolling. The town was very walkable, and my recommendation is to deliver snug sneakers.”
Language Studying
For those who’re like Nicole and aren’t fluent in a second language, however need to examine or intern overseas, no downside—you’re not required to be fluent in one other language to take part in most applications. Right here’s what Nicole needed to say about her language expertise in Italy:
“I didn’t have to know the language upfront to be eligible. Attempt to study the language and absolutely take up the tradition as a result of it makes it very attention-grabbing and offers you a way of accomplishment.”
Why AIFS Overseas?
There are such a lot of causes to decide on AIFS Overseas, together with our on-site employees, nice housing choices, and our high-quality applications positioned all around the world. One of many causes Nicole was so pleased along with her resolution to decide on AIFS Overseas, was the unbelievable assist we offer earlier than and through this system:
“I loved the advising I obtained earlier than the internship; it helped me [understand] what I used to be strolling in to. My [internship] supervisor was very good, whereas additionally being very decided to satisfy our objectives.”
Are you a pupil who’s prepared to review and intern overseas like Nicole did in Florence? We’d love that will help you begin your journey!
Right here at AIFS Overseas, we all know a factor or two about serving to school college students examine and intern overseas. All our applications include many useful inclusions, which takes plenty of the stress out of planning. From coordinating your housing to offering issues like cultural and social actions, excursions, complete insurance coverage, 24/7 emergency assist, on-site employees, and extra, you’ll take consolation in realizing you’ll have assist all through your whole expertise overseas.
