As a language student, I was given the option to choose between studying at an exchange university, work, or finding an internship during my year abroad. Even though studying is generally recommended, I chose to do an internship at a magazine in Florence, and despite the extra headaches the organisation of the year brought me, it is an option I would recommend exploring.
By doing an internship, I had a very different experience to most of my counterparts. I worked in an office with all Italian speakers, went to press conferences exclusively in Italian, interviewed locals, wrote all manner of articles, and found myself much more immersed in Florence’s culture than I think I would have been if I’d been in a lecture hall or revising for exams. My choice situated me firmly outside of the academic environment but taught me a range of different skills and put my Italian to the test from day one.
The decision to leave the university setting was certainly daunting and gave me quite different administrative requirements, both university-related and visa-related. At the time, I felt very in the dark about how to tackle the problems I encountered, but a break from studying and a chance to experience the world of work was worth the initial struggle.
As I wasn’t attending university or joining any student groups, it meant that I couldn’t rely on any immediately available networks when I arrived, which turned out to be a huge advantage. It pushed me to be more creative when it came to meeting people and making new friends. I explored new hobbies that I never would have considered before, and the circles of friends I joined were far more diverse in interests, age, and background than they otherwise would have been.
Illustration by Emily Luca (@mydoitillustration)
