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An architecture internship is one of the best ways future job candidates can distinguish themselves when applying to positions in the field. Interning abroad offers students and recent graduates the chance to develop their skills while immersing themselves in cities renowned for their architectural heritage. Plus, you can learn how to effectively collaborate with partners and clients from diverse backgrounds—a valuable skill and an appealing bonus for future employers. AIFS Abroad offers a variety of architecture internship destinations across Europe and beyond—here are our top 5 picks for architecture career development.
Ready to take your resume to the next level? Explore AIFS Abroad’s top 5 cities for architecture internships!
1. Florence
Italy is home to some of the most iconic architecture in the world. As the birthplace of the Renaissance—arguably one of the most influential periods in the history of art and architecture—Florence holds a unique allure for aspiring architects and an unparalleled opportunity for architecture interns to immerse themselves in a city that has shaped architectural styles for centuries.
While in Florence, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this historic city and beyond—stationed in the center of Italy, you’ll be able to easily travel the gorgeous Italian countryside and visit other inspiring cities like Rome, Pisa, Venice, Milan, and more. At the heart of Italy’s history and landscape, you won’t regret an architecture internship in the artistically rich city of Florence.
2. Rome
If you’re looking for ancient architectural influences in a bustling metropolis, Rome is an unmatched destination. Renaissance architecture, revered worldwide and founded in Italy, is based on the theories, practices, and styles of classical Roman design. Furthermore, Roman architecture itself offers endless inspiration—landmarks like the Colosseum and the Pantheon stand as monumental icons in the architectural world and serve as archetypes of ancient Roman architecture. Interning here means immersing yourself in the romantic city where these historic marvels still stand, alongside countless other masterpieces.
For those seeking to study in an ancient imperial capital steeped in history and architectural significance, Rome is hard to beat. Plus, after a day of honing your craft at your architecture internship, you can say “When in Rome” and treat yourself to a plate of delicious cacio e pepe or authentic Italian pizza.
3. Granada
Granada’s history predates even the Roman Empire—the region surrounding the city has been populated for several thousand years (before the Bronze Age!). Both ancient ruins and stunning Spanish architectural icons like La Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral, the Cuarto Read de Santo Domingo, and the Royal Chapel of Granada stand in this storied city. With an architecture internship in Granada, you can study both ancient and modern architectural techniques at a local architecture firm and gain the hands-on experience you’ll need to propel your career.
Granada exemplifies a melting pot of cultures and historic influences, including Arab and Muslim cultures (via the Moors), Christianity and the Roman Empire, and traditional Spanish culture. In this city located at the roots of the Sierra Nevada mountains, you’ll find excellent cuisine, inspiring art, and a robust business and architectural environment, rife with opportunities for budding architecture professionals. For these reasons and more, Granada offers the cultural experiences of a lifetime and the bona fides that will catapult your architecture career toward success!
4. Dublin
Dublin has it all when it comes to architecture — Ireland’s capital is a modern city with ancient roots that showcases a blend of architectural influences from its Norman castles and 18th-century Georgian buildings to contemporary designs and skyscrapers. This business-driven city is also home to a wide range of small, mid-sized, and large companies in every field—making it a fantastic place to grow your professional network.
Dublin offers tons of extracurricular value in the form of exciting nightlife and a wealth of art and museums. Beyond the city’s borders, you can explore the idyllic Irish countryside and seek out sites like Irish castles or the stunning Cliffs of Moher. For architectural interns who want to blend historic and modern architectural influences while soaking in the unique Irish culture in an English-speaking international destination, you can’t go wrong with Dublin.
5. Milan
Milan is recognized around the world as a hub for fashion, design, and business. This bustling economic center is Italy’s second most populous city and a great option for architecture students and recent graduates looking to intern abroad. Milan is home to renowned architectural attractions like the gothic Duomo di Milano, Castello Sforzesco, and Santa Maria delle Grazie. This sophisticated city is rife with Baroque and Classical influences, along with prominent contemporary architectural designs and countless opportunities for architecture internships.
As an architecture intern in Milan, you can explore historic architectural influences while learning about cutting edge design and emerging architectural trends. Lay the groundwork for a successful architectural career by building a professional network in the global city of Milan.
Looking to attract future employers with an architecture internship based in one of these five cities? Connect with new cultures and develop your career simultaneously with AIFS Abroad!
An international architecture internship is the perfect way to gain hands-on experience relevant to your future career while experiencing diverse cultures across the globe. AIFS Abroad offers incredible architecture internships in the cities listed above (and beyond). With inclusions such as housing, insurance, excursions and activities, career readiness programming, on-site staff, and emergency support, you’ll have a stress-free global education and professional development experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to stand out in the competitive world of architecture with an internship in an architecturally significant city abroad.