Dreaming of spending a semester abroad but don’t want to fall behind in school? Good news: you can have both! Through the Rome Abroad program, you can travel the world, immerse yourself in another culture, and still earn internship credit that counts toward your degree. It’s the perfect blend of adventure and academic progress—without the hefty price tag.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about earning internship credit through our program, how it works with your school, and why it just might be the smartest move you make during your college years.

Why Combine Travel and Internship Credit?

Studying abroad is a life-changing experience. You learn a new culture, make friends from around the world, and gain a broader understanding of the world—and yourself. But when you combine that with an internship, the impact multiplies. You’re not just traveling—you’re growing professionally.

Whether you’re majoring in education, communications, international relations, or something else entirely, adding internship credit through a global program makes your resume stand out. Employers love real-world experience, especially when it comes with a side of adaptability and cultural fluency.

Chat With Your Academic Counselor

Before booking your flight or packing your bags, start where it matters most—your college counselor’s office. Every university has its own process and rules when it comes to granting internship credit. Your counselor can guide you on what’s needed, whether it’s a specific number of hours, academic writing assignments, or supervisor evaluations.

This conversation helps lay the groundwork for your experience abroad. Once you understand your school’s internship expectations, you can align them with our program and plan accordingly. Remember: the earlier you start this conversation, the smoother things will go.

Know What Your Internship Needs to Include

After getting the general idea from your school, make a detailed list of internship requirements. Some colleges require a minimum number of work hours, while others expect a final reflection paper, weekly journals, or formal evaluations.

Write everything down and organize it by priority—this will help us help you. With Rome Abroad, we’re flexible and happy to work with your school’s framework to ensure your international experience counts. But clarity is key, so having everything outlined up front is a major advantage.

Customize Your Program With Rome Abroad’s Director

Once you’ve got your school’s criteria in hand, it’s time to connect with our program director. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal—we’ll work together to tailor the experience to your school’s internship requirements, your personal goals, and your availability.

Some students need more hours for credit, while others are looking for professional development in child education, intercultural communication, or global awareness. Whatever your focus, we’ll help structure the day-to-day in a way that meets your university’s standards while keeping your international experience enriching and balanced.

Experience True Cultural Immersion

One of the best parts about doing an internship through Rome Abroad? You don’t just visit another country—you live there. Whether you’re placed with a family in Italy, Spain, or another stunning location, you’ll get a genuine taste of local life. This means home-cooked meals, new traditions, and the kind of personal growth you can’t get in a classroom.

Weekdays are for fulfilling your responsibilities and gaining valuable work experience, while weekends are for exploring new cities, hiking scenic trails, trying local dishes, and checking off your travel bucket list. You’ll return home with a deeper understanding of the world—and of yourself.

Enjoy the Perks (and Savings) of a Thoughtfully Priced Program

Let’s talk money, because we know cost is a huge factor in choosing any internship or study abroad program. The good news? Rome Abroad offers a seriously budget-friendly experience compared to traditional study abroad programs.

Program fees vary by country but typically range between $425 and $650 USD. That covers your meals, a private room, full support, guaranteed weekly pay, cultural training, and access to a network of other young travelers. Flights aren’t included, but even after factoring in airfare, the total cost is a fraction of what you’d spend on most university-led study abroad programs.

For comparison, many U.S. university study abroad programs cost:

• University of Utah Asia Campus – $16,000 per term

• University of Texas at Austin – $14,000 per semester

• UCLA – $23,000 plus housing and living expenses

• University of Central Florida – $3,000 plus tuition, flights, and meals

With Rome Abroad, not only are you saving thousands, you’re also earning money weekly during your placement. That’s a rare combo.

Get Evaluated and Receive Your College Credit

At the end of your program, we’ll provide all the documentation your school needs to grant credit. This usually includes performance evaluations, a log of your hours, and any supervisor notes. You’ll return home with a complete internship experience, real-world skills, and all the paperwork to prove it.

Students often find that they’re more confident, independent, and globally aware after their time abroad. On top of that, having international internship experience on your resume sets you apart in the job market—whether you’re applying for grad school, fellowships, or your first job out of college.

Final Thoughts

Earning internship credit while living abroad is completely doable—and incredibly rewarding—when you go through a trusted, flexible program like Rome Abroad. By starting early, knowing your school’s requirements, and working closely with our team, you’ll set yourself up for an experience that’s both educational and unforgettable.

If you’re ready to start planning the semester of a lifetime, reach out to us! We’re here to make sure your journey abroad doesn’t just fulfill your school’s requirements—it changes your life.