In Spring 2026, for the first time, four JCU students interned with Rome-based publisher AG Book Publishing. The students contributed to three translation projects and one original play, all of which were later published.
The translation interns worked closely with published authors to bring Italian children's books to English-speaking audiences (Sugar Rain, The Secret of the Garden, and With My Voice). Meanwhile, the playwright intern collaborated with an author-mentor to create an original work inspired by Greek mythology, titled Threading Doomed Souls.
The published works were presented at the Spring 2026 Career Fair at JCU. The four students were joined by the authors and AG Book Publishing representatives to discuss their contributions and reflect on the creative process in front of families, friends, and professors.
The Career Services team spoke with two of the translation interns, Francesca Hritcan and Giulia Tulli, both English Language and Literature majors, about their experience.
What projects did you work on during your internship?
Francesca: I worked as a translator from Italian to English on a children’s book project titled Pioggia di Zucchero (Sugar Rain) by Maria Franzè.
Giulia: My role was to translate a children’s book titled Il Segreto del Giardino (The Secret of the Garden) by Ginevra Diletta Tonini Masella from Italian to English. I worked on one chapter per week, while trying to preserve the original tone, rhythm, and emotional resonance for a younger audience. This required not only linguistic accuracy but also creativity, since I often had to adapt expressions, dialogue, and cultural references in a way that felt natural and engaging in English.
What did you learn through this experience?
Francesca: Translating a book is far from simple, even when it is intended for children, because it requires immersing oneself in the author’s thoughts and faithfully conveying their meaning without imposing one’s own perspective.
Throughout this experience, I developed strong time management and organizational skills, learning how to meet deadlines and manage my workload effectively. I improved my translation abilities, especially in adapting meaning rather than translating word-for-word, and gained a deeper understanding of linguistic nuance. I also learned the importance of patience, flexibility, and open communication. This experience pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and helped me realize that I can handle responsibility and overcome initial uncertainty, strengthening my confidence in my abilities.
Giulia: This experience allowed me to develop a range of valuable skills, especially considering that I would like to pursue this path as a future career. I strengthened my translation techniques, improved my attention to detail, and gained a deeper understanding of how language can be adapted for different audiences. On a personal level, I also discovered how much I enjoy working at the intersection of language and storytelling, and how rewarding it is to help bring a story to life for new readers.
What was the most rewarding part of the internship?
Francesca: Definitely the opportunity to engage directly with the author during our weekly meetings. Being able to express my doubts and receive feedback was incredibly valuable, and an opportunity that not all aspiring translators have.
Giulia: It felt great to see the first chapter laid out and ready for printing, and not as a Word document anymore. It was incredibly satisfying to see my work as part of a polished, publishable text and to know that my contribution would help make the story accessible to a wider audience.
