Volunteer Programs in Florence, Italy

The Doctors in Italy Pre-Vet Fellowship Program is a unique experience to appreciate the breadth of opportunities that a degree in Veterinary Medicine can offer while immersed in Italian culture and stunning natural landscapes. By shadowing veterinary professionals specializing in different disciplines, you will learn about animal welfare and behavior, basic clinical examination skills, animal nutrition, zoonotic diseases, the importance of human-animal interactions, and many other topics. You’ll spend time with cats, dogs, cows, sheep, horses, boars, rabbits, a spunky llama, and several other animals. From daily care and feeding to special needs, hand rearing, and veterinary checks ─ be in the midst of the action. You will assist veterinarians in clinical settings and during fieldwork in animal sanctuaries and wildlife rescue centers. You will be exposed to various species such as equids, large and small ruminants, wild and domestic pigs, rabbits, llamas, wildlife, birds, dogs, cats, and exotic animals—learning how to approach and care for them.

Spend a semester or academic year in the classic city of Florence with AIFS Abroad. Earn up to 13 credits each semester, with an international internship for three credits, studying at the AIFS Abroad Global Education Center with credit awarded by Fairfield University. No previous Italian language study is required. Select the Internship Program to begin or advance your Italian language, gain international work experience, and study relevant coursework to your internship placement. You’ll live in a fully furnished shared student apartment and receive ten vouchers per week (five breakfasts or lunches and five dinners, excluding excursions and school breaks, with a total value of $1,700). You’ll enjoy cultural and social activities, including: • Guided city walks • Visits to the many museums, churches, and cultural sites of Florence • Italian cooking classes • Opera and ballet performances • Italian cheese tastings • A gelato tour • Day trips to Pisa, Lucca, the Vespa Factory, and more The program also includes excursions outside Florence: 1 day in Siena, two days in Venice, and three days in Rome.

Italy is home to some of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, dating back to the second century BC! This is truly a unique program that will allow you to expand your knowledge and appreciation of wine. Interns can work in wine marketing and winemaking with brand ambassadors and organize wine-tasting events. Eligibility for this internship includes a background in Marketing, Wine Business Strategies or Biochemistry, or other related experience. Experience everything Italy has to offer, from friendly locals to world-class attractions.

Our Volunteer Abroad Quests in Italy encourage you to grow as a global citizen while discovering this European country of coastlines and mountains, robust art and deep history, charming cities and storybook villages. You have the choice among the northern, southern and central regions of Italy, in addition to working with local volunteers to help young children, the elderly, and to support the disabled and disadvantaged people. Project Areas Include: - Working with Children - Working with the Elderly - Family Support - Support for the Disabled The age requirement for most of the projects in Italy is over 18.