Career readiness and study abroad go hand-in-hand, making the Umbra Institute an ideal provider of highly selective unpaid and credit-bearing internships (3-4 credits) in Italy. The internships begin during the spring semester with limited hours designed as introductory phases to the internship and opportunities for students to relate their study abroad experience to their career development goals. The majority of internship hours are performed at the end of the semester during the months of May and in some cases May and June. The more intensive period of the internship pushes students to actively engage in the field they select and to reflect on their personal and professional development. Check the internship descriptions below for details.
The Umbra Institute works with a range of partners to establish internships that provide substantial opportunities to develop career readiness competencies, as defined by the U.S. National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). These enriching opportunities allow students to apply knowledge learned in the classroom as they engage in critical thinking, effective communication in an international work setting, collaborate on teams, apply technology in their field of interest, improve their intercultural fluency, identify career management goals, and utilize their skills in leadership and professionalism.
The Umbra Institute staff works diligently to locate partners who match the needs and interests of our students. However, internship options are limited based on the types of businesses and professional organizations found in Perugia and Umbria. Most internships are conducted entirely in English so there is no language prerequisite, however, some Italian proficiency will be helpful.
Internships Offered
Umbra offers credit-bearing internships for students who are studying at the Institute during the Spring semester. The internship includes preparatory sessions throughout the spring semester followed by 20+ hours per week of work throughout May, or in some cases May and June.
MARKETING & SALES ASSISTANTTerre Margaritelli Winery
GREEN TEAM MEMBERUniPG School of Agriculture
COMM & SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETINGThe Umbra Institute
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Wine Link Italy Tours
RESEARCH & TOUR ASSISTANTGuide in Umbria Tours
URBAN AGRICULTURE ASSISTANT Orto Sole Perugia
STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM ASSTThe Umbra Institute
Support Staff & Faculty
Coordinator
Jacopo Bernardino, Ph.D.Asst. Coordinator for Academic Programs
Faculty Supervisor
Zachary Nowak Ph.D.Assoc. Director CFSS
Coordinator
Aimee DeVittoAsst. Director for Comm Engagement
WHY INTERN ABROAD?
Internships offer substantial benefits when it comes to exploring a possible career path, developing and refining skills, networking, and gaining other valuable work experiences. However, internships abroad provide added benefits for your resume by showing your future employer that you:
- seek to expand your perspective and cultural competence;
- are willing to step out of your comfort zone and take on new challenges;
- can thrive in a diverse and dynamic environment;
- place a high level of importance on both soft skills (cultural intelligence, adaptability, etc.) and hard skills (quantifiable knowledge or abilities such as programming, writing, etc.)
- have demonstrated the skills to be successful in new and unfamiliar situations;
- are the type of employee they are looking to hire.
DISCOVER PERUGIA
Perugia is well-known throughout Italy as the country’s “UniverCity” and the capital of the region of Umbria. Its location and thriving student population offer opportunities to network with peers from around the globe. Because Perugia is not as well-known to the U.S. as cities like Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan, interning in the city illustrates to employers your enterprising desire to explore beyond the beaten path and experience authentic Italy. It demonstrates ambition, curiosity, and a propensity for seeking creative solutions to your goals.
The City is Our Campus
Click here to learn more about the amazing student life in Perugia.
APPLICATION & STRUCTURE
APPLYING
Internships are only available for students during the spring semester. To apply students must submit an inquiry (see below) requesting the internship several months before their arrival. This is necessary so that Umbra can begin the process of confirming the host’s availability and complete the necessary paperwork required by Italy for internships. Once you’ve contacted Umbra to request an internship, you will be assigned an Umbra advisor who will assist you with internship-specific placement requirements and the visa process. Placement may require an interview with the host company or organization and cannot be finalized without acceptance to one of Umbra’s spring semester academic programs.
INTERNSHIP HOURS
Once the spring semester begins, interns are assigned a site supervisor and a faculty supervisor. The site supervisor directs and overseas tasks throughout the internship. The faculty supervisor meets occasionally with the intern to assess their milestones, performance, and achievement of learning objectives. Internships are assigned the appropriate title, academic level, and number of credits based on their nature and scope. Interns should expect to work limited hours (2-3 per week) during the spring semester. They will then complete all remaining hours (approx. 20 hours per week) during the month of May, and in some cases also June.
PROGRAM FEE
$1,975.00
Fees Includes:
INT499 internship tuition (3-4 credits), housing for the duration of the internship (until the end of May or June), internship permit and insurance, transportation to/from internship locations, student services and 24-hr emergency assistance, assigned site and faculty coordinators, official Umbra grade report.
Program Fees do NOT Include:
Meals, independent travel, international health insurance, end-of-internship airport transfer, other personal expenses.
APPLYING IS EASY!
Click “Apply Online” below to apply for the spring semester abroad and qualify for internships.
Complete the “Inquire to Intern” form to be considered for internship placement.
The application and inquiry deadline is October 15th.
INQUIRE TO INTERN
Fill out the form below to begin the internship inquiry process and be contacted by an Umbra advisor regarding your eligibility and placement.