
Engaged Learning
Sure, we have a beautiful campus, but you can only get the full Roman experience by also engaging with the city, its people, and its needs. We call this "engaged learning," which happens through our Service Learning courses and our Internship course.
All LUC undergraduate students are required to complete at least one Engaged Learning course prior to graduation: at the JFRC you can do this directly in Rome!
Internships
JFRC internships abroad are transformative experiences for students personally, professionally and academically. By turning the city of Rome into their classroom, students can gain practical, real-world work experience to enhance an academic course offering.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience is especially valuable if you wish to work abroad in the future or diversify your professional profile. Internships are offered only during the fall and spring semesters. There is a course fee attached to cover the mandatory insurance costs required by Italian law.
Placements are available in international and Italian private companies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and museums, to name just a few. These internships may focus on a variety of majors (International Studies, Political Science, International Business, Communication Studies, Finance, Journalism, Film and Digital Media, Accounting and more).
Complete the online application.
Application Dates | |
---|---|
Fall Semester | April 22-May 22 |
Spring Semester | October 15-November 15 |
What materials are required to apply for an internship?
The following materials are required for submission along with your online application:
- Current résume
- Statement of interest and goals: no longer than one page double spaced (300 words), this statement should explain your goals and objectives for the internship placement.
- Professional letter of reference: submit a letter of reference from a previous employer or supervisor (if not available you may ask a former professor).
Once you have been interviewed by the prospective placement and they have confirmed their availability to host the intern (about one month after the application deadline), you'll receive an official confirmation, which you will sign and return within the indicated date.
Each accepted student will need to request an Italian fiscal code, which is required to activate insurance for internship students. For this process, students need to refer to an Italian Consulate wbesite:
The fiscal code may be requested by foreign citizens based on which Italian Consulate serves your area.
To request the Italian Tax ID (“Codice Fiscale”) you need to provide the following documents
- the form attached (filled following the instruction provided)
- a copy of your passport
- a copy of your birth certificate
You may submit your request by coming personally to the Consular Office, by email to commerciale.chicago@esteri.it,
How many classes do I have to enroll in besides the internship?
For a semester internship, you should enroll in 4 additional classes. When your internship is confirmed, this will give you a total of 5 classes (15 credits).
How important is it to learn Italian for my internship?
Knowledge of Italian will increase the possibility of placement in certain institutions, but no previous Italian experience is required. All students, regardless of whether they do an internship, must take Italian language classes while they are in Rome if they have no prior knowledge of the language.
How many hours must I commit to and for how long?
Twelve hours a week, for a minimum of 100/120 hours total (plus 15 hours in class meetings), not including your commute time.
Although the vast majority of placements are in the center of Rome, it is reasonable to consider an average of 40 minutes commuting. The regional train (the nearest station is about a 15-minute walk from campus) is the fastest and most convenient way of transportation from the Rome Center.
I am a not Loyola student. Will I get credit for the internship?
The internship class should count, at least, as elective credit for all students regardless of their home university. Elective credit means that students should receive 3 course credits counted toward their overall credit count.
If you would like to know if the internship course will satisfy a core curriculum or major requirement at your home university, you will need to confirm this directly with your study abroad office and advisor at your home institution.
Will enrolling in the internship class still allow me to travel during the weekends?
Apart from any exceptional special events or projects that may take place on weekends, the internship follow the same class calendar as any other class; that is, you will work between Monday and Thursday.
Do I need previous internship experience?
No, previous experience is not a requirement although it could be useful to you on a personal level, in order to reflect on the cultural differences between Italy and the U.S.
Should I plan to bring professional clothing?
No, most workplaces in Italy are more informal than in the US. You will be informed of any exceptions related to your internship.
Will the internship interfere with my other classes?
The internship schedule is arranged between the intern and the host agency, therefore no conflict should occur. You'll want to discuss this during the interview with the prospective placement in order to prepare a meaningful schedule, which includes your academic commitments.
What assignments related to my internship will be required?
As part of the course that complements the internship, students are required to complete some assignments including a Blog, a 2-page Engaged Learning paper and create a Learning Portfolio as final project to be presented at the end of the semester.
Service Learning
Social justice is a core tenet within the Jesuit philosophy of faith and service. The John Felice Rome Center takes up the call to encounter and assist those in need through opportunities that bring you into direct contact with key social justice concerns of the day.
The JFRC offers various Service Learning courses in which students are invited to learn through community engagement, understanding the needs of various marginalized populations. Some recent Service Learning projects have included: language teaching to refugees, creating moments of celebration with people that have intellectual disabilities, and engaging with an inclusive green start-up. Through Service Learning, students also get to know city agencies and organizations that foster social inclusion, advocate for human rights, and promote community belonging. Partnering sites have included Sant'Egidio, One World Kitchen, and the Joel Nafuma Refugee Center.
The JFRC Service Learning courses currently are:
- ROST 382
- ITAL 250
- ITAL 251
- THEO 266
Each course requires students to complete a minimum of 20 hours of Service Learning.
Ready to make a change – and be transformed? Consider taking one of the various Service Learning courses offered at the JFRC!
Sure, we have a beautiful campus, but you can only get the full Roman experience by also engaging with the city, its people, and its needs. We call this "engaged learning," which happens through our Service Learning courses and our Internship course.
All LUC undergraduate students are required to complete at least one Engaged Learning course prior to graduation: at the JFRC you can do this directly in Rome!
Internships
JFRC internships abroad are transformative experiences for students personally, professionally and academically. By turning the city of Rome into their classroom, students can gain practical, real-world work experience to enhance an academic course offering.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience is especially valuable if you wish to work abroad in the future or diversify your professional profile. Internships are offered only during the fall and spring semesters. There is a course fee attached to cover the mandatory insurance costs required by Italian law.
Placements are available in international and Italian private companies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and museums, to name just a few. These internships may focus on a variety of majors (International Studies, Political Science, International Business, Communication Studies, Finance, Journalism, Film and Digital Media, Accounting and more).
Complete the online application.
Application Dates | |
---|---|
Fall Semester | April 22-May 22 |
Spring Semester | October 15-November 15 |
Service Learning
Social justice is a core tenet within the Jesuit philosophy of faith and service. The John Felice Rome Center takes up the call to encounter and assist those in need through opportunities that bring you into direct contact with key social justice concerns of the day.
The JFRC offers various Service Learning courses in which students are invited to learn through community engagement, understanding the needs of various marginalized populations. Some recent Service Learning projects have included: language teaching to refugees, creating moments of celebration with people that have intellectual disabilities, and engaging with an inclusive green start-up. Through Service Learning, students also get to know city agencies and organizations that foster social inclusion, advocate for human rights, and promote community belonging. Partnering sites have included Sant'Egidio, One World Kitchen, and the Joel Nafuma Refugee Center.
The JFRC Service Learning courses currently are:
- ROST 382
- ITAL 250
- ITAL 251
- THEO 266
Each course requires students to complete a minimum of 20 hours of Service Learning.