Gaining international work experience as part of your University degree is much easier than you think!
Work-integrated learning opportunities in Italy are on offer to all Griffith students: you can live in Italy with a family, or with other students, and take on the role of English language assistants in a number of Italian schools and organisations, right across the country. The schools will provide board and accommodation cost-free.
The course 3192LHS Italian In-Country Independent Study prepares you for this experience with a pre-departure workshop and online support during your stay, and encourages you to reflect on your Italian work and life experience by sharing blogs and vlogs with the other students and staff.
Current opportunities include placements principally in specialised Italian schools as well as a renowned Italian Contemporary Ceramic Museum, Museo Carlo Zauli, in the Northeast of Italy for students interested in museum curatorship and the visual arts.
Luisa Randall travelled to Genoa and found living with an Italian family was the perfect environment to practice her Italian in both casual and formal contexts.
‘I undertook this opportunity to enhance my Italian language skills within a cultural context. Coupled with my time as a language assistant in a high school, I noticed an improvement in my adaptability, flexible thinking and ability to think in Italian on the spot in different situations.’
This opportunity is not just for those studying languages or completinga major in Italian Studies.
Queensland Conservatorium voice student, Dakotah Love, who is currently in Cagliari, Sardinia, says that language studies are incredibly important for classical vocalists as they often sing in Italian.
‘This is such a privilege and wonderful opportunity to be immersed in Italian language and culture. I am really enjoying being surrounded by Italian speakers, improving my Italian and building new relationships”, she writes from Cagliari.
Psychology student, Michaela Waite, is also keen to jump out of her comfort zone with the Italian study and travel.
“I’m really looking forward to learning and seeing more of the world, and meeting people I never would have met otherwise,” she said.
For more information, please contact the Italian Studies Coordinator Sara Visocnik [email protected] in the School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science.