Motivated SAI students can complete an internship alongside regular FUA coursework in the academic year and summer for 3 US credits. Students are placed in internships that complement their major or minor, and are supported by an internship supervisor. At the completion of the internship, students produce an analytical report that synthesizes what they have learned.
Internships are offered in the following areas:
- Accounting and Business
- Architecture
- Communication and Publishing; Photography
- Culinary Arts and Wine Expertise
- Education
- Fashion and Accessories Studies and Technology
- Fine Arts
- Health Science
- Hospitality Operations and Management
- Interior Design and Industrial Design
- Performing Arts
- Physical Education and Sport Training
- Student Life and Development Office
- Visual Communication
While Italian language proficiency is not required, it is helpful for expanding the placement options. Students are encouraged to enroll in an Italian language course alongside the internship. Placements are determined by the student’s language ability and previous experience in their requested field of study.
The following two placement types are available.
Internal Placement: Students are placed within one of FUA’s Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI), which are comprised of:
- Ganzo, the Apicius Creative Lab and Hospitality Event Venue
- Fedora, Pastry Shop
- FLY, Fashion Retail Store and Fashion Event Venue
- Corridoio Fiorentino, Digital Imaging and Visual Arts Gallery
- FUA Communications Office/Ingorda, Publishing House
- Squola, Center for Contemporary Italian Studies
- La Palestra, Campus Gym
External Placement: Students are placed in local organizations across various fields. In order to be eligible for external placements students must undergo an evaluation by both the internship department at FUA and the external placement supervisor. The availability of these placements may be subject to:
- Seasonality (some placements may be only available in certain sessions)
- Language proficiency requirements (depending on the degree of contact with non English-speaking individuals)
- Further motivational interview run by external supervisor
- Commuting expenses to the placement location at student’s expense
- Weekend work schedule
- Portfolio evaluation
How to Apply
Interested students should contact their Admissions Counselor to discuss their options. In order to apply for an internship, students should select the internship class as part of their elective class schedule, and then must submit the following materials:
- A cover/motivational letter explaining the reasons why the student would like an internship and the expected outcome of the internship.
- A detailed resume focused on the specific academic and professional background of the student in the chosen field of interest.
- A portfolio may be required, depending on the field of interest or placement.
- If applicable, an Italian language proficiency assessment, which can be completed through an interview with a certified Italian Language instructor.
Upon receipt of the internship materials, students will be contacted by the FUA internship coordinator to arrange a video interview.