AIW's Culinary or Hospitality Internship program in Italy provides students of Culinary Arts or Hospitality with a great opportunity to gain real work experience while learning about traditional Italian culture and cuisine. Through this internship program, students can learn a new language, immerse themselves in a new culture, and develop their professional skills!
Duration: 9-12 weeks
Program Fee: From $3,425.00 (round trip to Italy not included)
Program Start Dates:
2025: 03/17, 04/07, 05/05, 05/19, 06/03, 06/16, 07/01, 07/14, 07/28, 08/11, 09/01, 09/15, 10/06 and 10/20
Location:
Florence (all year round), Lake Garda area or seaside towns (from April to September only)
Compensation:
200 euros per month in Florence only (live-out conditions)
Typical Application Process:
3 months
9- to 12-week Culinary or Hospitality Internship Program in Italy includes a 2-week intensive language and cultural immersion course followed by an 7- to 10-week internship at a traditional or fine dining Italian restaurant (no Michelin star available) or hotel.
2-week Intensive Italian Course in Florence: 25 1-hour group lessons per week, Monday – Friday mornings or afternoons, plus an orientation tour of historic Florence, visits to local markets, cooking classes, and one full-day excursion.
7- to 10-week Internship Placement in Italy (~40 hours per week). Internships take place at traditional or fine dining Italian restaurants or hotels in Florence, Lake Garda (about 3.5 hours by train from Florence in northern Italy) or seaside towns near Florence. Internships generally begin on Mondays after the 2-week Intensive Italian course.
General Description of Internship: The main culinary position available is savory kitchen assistant, and hospitality positions are also available. Internships take place in Florence year-round and in Lake Garda/seaside towns from April to September each year. Internship positions are unpaid or 200 euros per month in Florence only.
Accommodations and Facilities: During the language program, students are housed with host families in Florence (single room) and provided with two meals per day. During the internship, students may be offered housing and meals depending on the time and location of their internship. Students interning in Lake Garda or seaside towns during the summer (April through September) will be offered shared housing and two meals per day. Students interning in Florence (year-round) will be offered housing in a shared apartment, self-catering at their expense (from~600 Euros per month). The hotel or restaurant in Florence will provide meals and 200 euros per month. AIW can help organize housing before the program begins.
Basic Requirements: Must be currently enrolled as a student, 18 to 35 years old, be a US or EU citizen, and have an educational background in culinary arts or hospitality. Recent graduates may qualify as long as their school can sign a training agreement (English) provided by our Italian partner. Contact AIW for eligibility requirements, exclusions, and additional program information.
