Internships are a key part of your academic and professional journey at JCU. They boost your resume and make you a stronger candidate for jobs and graduate school. They also provide invaluable opportunities to understand what you like and don’t like, and to test your assumptions about yourself and the professional world.
You can access opportunities at our 200+ partner organizations in a wide range of industries, in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors, in Rome and beyond. Internship opportunities are available year-round, both during the academic year and in the summer.
Doing an internship while studying abroad in Rome adds depth to your international experience. It also allows you to earn academic credit toward your degree at your home institution.
Elizabeth worked as an intern at Dakota, a luxury vintage fashion shop in the center of Rome.
A for-credit internship allows you to earn 3 academic credits while working. These internships are unpaid and competitive, and while placement is not guaranteed, all eligible students are encouraged to apply.
Students are expected to work for a total of 150 hours during the course of the internship, and for no more than 20 hours a week.
The for-credit internship can only be completed in person, and a maximum of 20% of the internship may be done online.
To be eligible for a for-credit internship, students must:
A mandatory for-credit internship class goes hand-in-hand with a for-credit internship. This class is designed to help students reflect critically on their internship experience and better understand the context in which their employer operates.
The internship and the for-credit class take place simultaneously. In Fall and Spring, the class begins in the third week of the semester; in Summer, it begins in the first week.
The class provides a total of 20 hours of instruction during the course of the semester.
Follow these steps to apply for for-credit internships:
Any questions? Write to us at [email protected] or book your appointment with us.
Application dates for internships are as follows:
Fall Internships: May 1-30
Spring Internships: October 1-30
Summer Internships: March 15 - April 15
The for-credit internship class awards 3 academic credits and is graded on a Pass/No Pass basis.
The credits may count as major electives or general electives. For Communications, Art History, and English Literature majors, they will be counted as general electives.
Please note that you can complete one for-credit internship during your academic career at JCU.
For questions on relevant academic issues, please refer to your advisor or Department Chair.
Please note that the For-Credit Internship Class counts toward your total semester credits. If you exceed the 17-credits that are covered by standard tuition during a semester, the for-credit class will have an extra cost.
For any tuition-related question, please contact the Business Office - Student Accounts, at [email protected].
Not-for-credit Internships allow you to explore the job market, build your resume, and grow your network, without enrolling in a class or receiving academic credit. These internships can be paid at the discretion of the employer, and you are welcome to do more than one during your time at JCU.
Not-for-credit internships have a flexible time duration and can be renewed by the employer. Usually, they last at least two months and for a maximum of 20 hours a week.
Although each employer has specific requirements, eligibility will always depend on:
Follow these steps to apply for not-for-credit internship opportunities:
Any questions? Write to us at [email protected] or book your appointment with us.
Please apply in accordance with the following calendar:
Spring Internships: October 1 - January 15
Summer Internships: February 1 - May 15
Fall Internships: May 1 - September 15
For full-time students, internships are part-time and designed to fit alongside your academic schedule.
The duration of your internship is variable, depending on whether it is for-credit or not-for-credit.
Your weekly schedule is flexible and will be arranged directly with the host organization. On average, internships require up to 20 hours per week. Some remote or on-call roles may involve fewer hours – as little as 10 hours weekly.
Important for non-EU students: you may not work more than 20 hours per week, in compliance with visa regulations.
If you have any questions, contact the Center for Career Services at [email protected].
Make the most of your time in Rome by gaining real-world experience alongside your studies. Doing an internship abroad is more than just adding a line to your resume – it’s a unique opportunity to gain professional skills while immersing yourself in a new culture.
Research by NACE, the National Association of Colleges and Employers, shows that:
Study abroad students are eligible for for-credit Internships, which include a mandatory 3-credit academic class.
The for-credit internship should be completed in person, and a maximum of 20% of the internship may be done online. Internship opportunities are available year-round, both during the academic year and in the summer.
To apply for a for-credit Internship, you must:
All students completing a for-credit Internship must enroll in a mandatory class. This is designed to help students reflect critically on their internship experience while gaining the cultural context necessary to fully appreciate working in an international setting.
The class also provides practical support in translating your internship into strong resume and LinkedIn content.
The internship and class take place during the same period.
Fall & Spring: The class begins in the third week of the semester.
Summer: The class begins in the first week of the session.
We make the process easy, match you with potential employers and take care of all the paperwork.
Any questions? Book your appointment with us.
Please apply for internships in accordance with the following calendar:
Fall Internships: May 1-30
Spring Internships: October 1-30
Summer Internships: March 15 - April 15
Apply early for the best chance at placement.
The Internship Class is worth 3 academic credits, graded Pass/No Pass.
Check with your home university to confirm if credits will transfer.
Please note that the for-credit Internship class counts toward your total semester credits. If your total exceeds the 17-credit limit included in standard tuition, you will be charged for any additional credits.
For any tuition-related question, please contact the Business Office - Student Accounts, at [email protected].
