Example Sites for Internships in Florence 2007

Fairfield University Program in Florence: Academic Internship Program
Host Organizations and Internship Descriptions

Regular Internships Offerings 2007-2008*
Academic Internship Coordinator: Prof. Lisa Friend (lfriend@fairfield.it)

Museo Archeologico di Firenze
The Museo Archeologico di Firenze hosts one of the most important collections of Etruscan art in Europe. The intern classifies and catalogues pieces in the museum's collection and, when possible, participates in trips to archaeological sites outside of Florence. Recommended for students of classical studies and art history.
Language requisites: Beginner's to intermediate Italian.
Website: http://www.comune.firenze.it/soggetti/sat/didattica/museo.html

Museo di Scienze di Firenze
The Museo di Scienze di Firenze hosts one of the most important collections of Renaissance scientific items in Italy, with items from Galileo Galilei to the radio of Marconi. The Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza (IMSS) was founded in 1927 at the initiative of the University of Florence under the name of Istituto di Storia delle Scienze. Its function was that of collecting, cataloguing and restoring ancient instruments and devices of historical and scientific interest, there are collections of Medici-Lorraine scientific instruments, as well as precious library sources. In the course of its history, the IMSS has constantly been a paragon for history of science research and for the issues involved in giving importance to the study of scientific instrumentation of historical interest. In particular, it has been a leader in the debate that has led to the full recognition of scientific instruments as a part of our cultural heritage, and has compiled the STS standard cataloguing system adopted by the Central Institute of Cataloguing and Documentation of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs as standard for cataloguing historical/scientific property. The intern classifies and catalogues pieces in the museum's collection, may learn to conduct tours in English, and, when possible, participates in related conventions or exhibits in Florence. Recommended for students of history of science studies and art history.
Language requisites: Beginner's to intermediate Italian
Website: http://www.imss.fi.it

Museo Stibbert
The Museo Stibbert hosts an important collection of late-medieval to 20th century collections showing the history of military and civilian costume; over 50,000 items of collections of porcelain, coins, tapestries, vases, clocks, and fabrics are included in this remarkable collection. The museum is considered 'the Florentine's best kept secret.' The intern may be assigned to catalogue pieces in the collection and/or give guided tours of the museum. Recommended only for students of art history
Language requisites: None
Website: www.museostibbert.it

Museo dell'Opera del Duomo
The Museo dell'Opera del Duomo brings together an extensive and valuable collection of art originally produced for and located in the cathedral, baptistery and bell tower of Florence. The intern gives guided tours of the museum to English speaking tourists. Recommended for students of art history. Enthusiasm and confidence speaking in front of people are helpful.
Language requisites: None
Website: http://www.arnolfofirenze.it/museo_opera_duomo/index.htm

Museo dei Ragazzi
The Associazione Museo dei Ragazzi offers guided tours of the secret passages and optical illusion rooms of Palazzo Vecchio to tourists and visitors. In the early part of the internship the intern receives training to give the tours and then in the second phase conducts the tours. The intern must be able to dedicate at least 10 hours of work a week including Fridays. Recommended for students of history and art history.
Language requisites: None
Website: http://brunelleschi.imss.fi.it/ist/luogo/associazionemuseoragazzi.html

Florence Newspaper S.p.A.
Florence Newspaper is a small Internet newspaper which provides residents of Florence with information about the city and its surroundings. Florence Newspaper manages www.florencenewspaper.it, a leading web portal which provides on-line shopping services, ticketing, and nationwide news reports. The marketing intern conducts surveys on the interests of students and tourists temporarily residing in Florence, and assists on layout and writing articles. The intern copyedits and writes articles for the English-language version of the magazine. Recommended for students of journalism and communications or photography expertise; must be familiar with Office and photo shop, etc. Students must be in office at least 4-5 hours per weeks and for the other 6 hours in assignment for press conferences, photo shots, interviews, etc. Work hours includes Friday mornings.
Language requisites: Beginner Italian
Website: www.florencenewspaper.it

The Florentine (Bi-weekly newspaper)
The Florentine is a bi-weekly English-language newspaper published in Florence by both Italians and Americans. It aims to help English-speaking visitors become better acquainted with the city of Florence and its surrounding communities. It reports on local and national Italian news and publishes an extensive lists of current events in and around Florence. The intern writes articles of general interest for English-speaking residents and visitors to Florence or is a media major and photographer.
Language requisites: None
Website: www.theflorentine.net

Leather School
Florence's Leather School is a family-owned business which attracts tourists and leather-making apprentices from all over the world. The marketing intern assists the manager with developing customer databases and promotional strategies.
Language requisites: None
Website: www.leatherschool.com

Louise Passamonti srl
Sig.a Passamonti is one of the leading quality control consultants in Italy for leading accessories brands made in Italy. The intern will accompany her to various sites, learning to check quality and assisting in taking notes, etc. Student must be willing to work on from Monday to Friday and travel with a lightweight laptop of their own.
Language requisites: Advanced Italian

Public Elementary Schools
Scuola Primaria "De Amicis; Italo Calvino (Pontassieve)"
Scuola Primaria e Media "Città-Scuola Sperimentale Pestalozza" (Firenze)
The elementary school intern works with a class of 20-25 children ages 6 to 10 assisting the teacher with classroom activities in English. In some cases the intern creates and carries out her/his own program, in others s/he follows that of the teacher. In both cases the intern is encouraged to share traditional American games, songs and folklore with the class. Recommended for students of education, English literature, or/and the performing arts, but open to anyone enthusiastic about working with children. Students are assigned to work with one or more teachers and in a class of 20-25 children, grades 1-5 to assist in the teaching of English as a foreign language. In some cases, the intern is asked to create and carry out her/his own classroom activities, in others s/he is asked to follow the program developed by the primary teacher. Whenever possible, interns are encouraged to share American folklore (games, songs) with the class. Activities related to American holidays (Halloween, Christmas, Easter, Independence Day, etc.) are welcome forms of intercultural exchange. An internship in an Italian elementary school allows the American student to gain firsthand teaching experience and gives her/him the opportunity to compare and contrast teaching methods and techniques used in Italy and the U.S. In addition to English language instruction, other teaching opportunities at the elementary level may include sports, art or drama in English. A basic knowledge of Italian is helpful, though not necessary. Participating elementary schools may include schools in the province of Florence-transportation will be reimbursed or provided by the school. In the spring and fall 2007, students may work in 2-3 schools assisting in the preparation and storytelling of the book "On the Day You were Born" by Debra Frasier.
Language requisites: None

Bottega del Cioccolato di Andrea Bianchini
The Bottega del Cioccolato makes quality chocolate products combining traditional production methods with innovative techniques. The intern assists with production, packaging and marketing processes, learning some lesser known truths about chocolate, the infinite range of products which can be created, its history and nutritional content as well as how cocoa is cultivated, processed and marketed throughout the world.
Language requisites: Intermediate to advanced Italian.

Frescobaldi Winery Company in Sieci Florence
Offered only in fall semesters. The Frescobaldi Wineries are part of a famous multi national wine company that has been family run for generations. Students will learn by hands on experience what it means to work in a wine business, by picking grapes with the locals for almost one month, working in the enoteca and assisting in the various aspects of bottling procedures and cleaning. Requires heavy working in the sun and lifting, good work boots, field clothes, and early-to-rise willingness. Student must take a commuter rail or bus ride of approximately 30 minutes. Recommended only for students taking the course in wine tasting/business or family management, economics and business areas.
Language requisites: advanced Italian

Dipartimento di Scienze Politiche - Università degli Studi di Firenze
The Dipartimento di scienze politiche is one of the University of Florence's most prestigious faculties. The intern may be assigned to work in the department's library, assist with the development of literary projects or help organize a lecture featuring an internationally acclaimed writer or literary critic. It is probable that in 2007-8 student will be assisting a renowned dept. director who specializes in Anglo-Chinese relations and politics.
Language requisites: Intermediate to advanced Italian; some knowledge of Russian or Chinese, French helpful
Website: http://unifi.it

Accademica Teatrale di Firenze: Laboratorio Teatrale
The Accademia Teatrale di Firenze conducts theater classes and workshops for children and teenagers, ages seven to nineteen. All classes are conducted in Italian. The intern assists in leading theatrical games, exercises, and other activities while gaining familiarity with characteristically Italian techniques and traditions in theater, such as the use of masks and "gestural vocabulary." In the spring semester the intern helps organize the yearend performance. Experience with theatrical performance and production is required.
Language requisites: Intermediate to advanced Italian.
Website: www.accademia-teatrale.it

Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
*Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Internships: The theater is the city of Florence's prestigious opera house, renowned all over the world, and employs almost 500 people. The internships in this theater provide hands on experience for students interested in such areas as arts management, business, education, public relations, theater and drama and music. Generally, no work will be done on Mondays, as the theater is closed. Students are permitted to eat at the cafeteria of the opera house for a minimal fee.
- Lighting or Set Painting at Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
The Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino is the main opera house of Florence.
The intern works under the direction of the theater's lighting or set painting director in the production of the season's ballet and opera performances. The intern must be available to work at least two mornings a week, as well as some evenings, Fridays and weekends. He/she should be willing to lift heavy objects, hang lights, etc. No previous experience in lighting is necessary, but the internship is recommended for theater, music, architecture, electrical engineering, engineering and arts management students. For Set painting: The student will assist at the Cascine in the more rudimentary aspects of assistance in scenery painting/production Suited for students in visual arts, with painting knowledge and some scenery production experience.
Students must be painting or theater majors with at least 2 years of experience.
Language requisites: Beginner's Italian
Website: www.maggiofiorentino.com

Press Relations Office or School Office at Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
The Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino is the main opera house of Florence, and one of the most important in Europe. The intern works under the direction of Director of Press Relations or Education, learning about and assisting in layout of programs for the production of the season's symphonic, ballet and opera performances. The intern must be available to work at least three mornings a week, as well as some evenings, Fridays and weekends. Previous knowledge of music, musicology, opera, musical theater necessary; the internship is recommended for theater, music, acoustics in architecture and engineering and arts management students. Students must be painting or theater majors with at least 2 years of experience.
Language requisites: School office: Intermediate. Press Office: Advanced Italian
Website: www.maggiofiorentino.com

Maggiodanza at Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino (Teatro Comunale) or Florence Dance Center
(Marga Nativo and Keith Ferrone directors): student works in the offices of the resident dance company of the Florentine opera house, assisting the artistic director for the dance company and the company's secretary in various public relations activities and errand running for the dancers. Rehearsals take place at the opera house practice rooms, and performances are divided between the renowned tiny Teatro Goldoni and the larger Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. Skills: typing (Office and Word), available evenings, some weekends, and many Fridays. Suitable for students with some dance and/or arts management interests. (Students should not expect to be able to dance with Maggiodanza but will be able to take some classes at Florence Dance Center if working there.)
Language requisites: Beginner's to intermediate Italian
Website: www.maggiofiorentino.com; www.florencedance.org

AgoMago
The store AgoMago sells items for sewing, crochet, knitting, fabrics, rare clothes decorations, quilting and patchwork, jewellery making, embroidery, ribbons, and provides courses in the morning or evening. In addition, it has a small import business of fabrics/sewing items from the orient, particularly from Japan. The intern works under the direction of the store owners, experts in related areas. The intern must be available to work at least two mornings a week, as well as some evenings, no weekends. Previous experience in any one of following: sewing, patchwork, knitting, crafts, jewellery making is necessary, but the internship is recommended for any crafts-interested students. No work Monday morning in general.
Language requisites: Beginner's to intermediate Italian. Japanese a plus!
Website: www.agomago.it

Industrial Fabrics Import-export Company in nearby Prato:
The company in Prato is a major small company for import and export of fabrics in the city that is a leader in textile import and export - Prato. The intern works under the direction of the owners, experts in related areas. The intern must be available to work at least two mornings a week, perhaps some early evenings, at least 5 hours on Friday mornings, no weekends. Previous experience in fabrics or sewing work is helpful, but the internship is recommended for students interested in import-export, such as business and management students. Must have excellent Office skills.
Language requisites: Beginner's to intermediate Italian

Onerati Musical Instrument Repair and Sales Store/Factory Repair Shop
Brass, Winds, Percussion Only. This store/factory works with leading musicians in the world of winds, brass, percussion instruments, since it is a common stopping/passing point for musicians coming through Italy on tour. Student may concentrate in the repair or the business part of the store, or divide the work half and half. A basic knowledge of Italian and of music, particularly having played an instrument in one of the 3 instrumental categories, is helpful, though not necessary; database computer skills helpful. A student with good manual skills such as jewellery making, etc. is a prime candidate for the repairs work; business major for main and general store assistance.
Language requisites: Intermediate Italian
Website: www.onerati.it

Democrats Abroad, Tuscany Section:
The newly formed DA Florence section is extremely active in Florence with over 300 members of the American community and as a liaison group with the Italian Olive Tree Party. Student assists the board chairman and works with board (comprised of ex-patriots who have lived in Italy at least 15 years or more). They assist in voter registering activities, national events organization for VIPs, make up a database and compile information, assist in monthly guest lecture events held at alternating campuses in Florence, one trip per semester to European Convention included generally. Recommended for students of: Psychology, Communications, Journalism, Political Science, International Organization, may focus on the dynamics of media coverage. No Italian necessary. Student will be assigned a specific research project which makes the experience extremely valuable in terms of original, comparative research in their fields of interest.
Language requisites: None
Website: www.democratsabroad.com

updated: April 07

Fairfield University Florence Program,
Academic Internship Coordinator: L. Friend
For information contact: lfriend@fairfield.it
Tel:+ 39. 339.7539996

*This list is provisional and subject to change and approval. No guarantee can be made that student will be placed in their first choice of placement. Students may request other types of internships, subject to availability, and should contact the Internship Coordinator for more information. Students should also read the "Introduction to Internships" information available on the website.