Italian
Summer Jobs, Internships, and Fellowships
Christie's
Location: London, UK
Position: 19th Century European Art Assistant
Description: Was responsible for gallery preparations, provenance research, and condition reports in the departments of; 19th Century European Art, Orientalist Art and, Victorian, Pre-Raphaelite and British Art
Language Requirement: French and Italian
Language Use: I needed French and Italian to conduct research regarding the provenance of the artworks being evaluated and to communicate with the heavily international work environment
Impact on Language Skills: I had the chance to improve my speaking skills as well as reading, which was something I did not have much opportunity for in my day-to-day life in Turkey
Opportunity Found Through: found the opportunity themselves
Paid: No; travel expenses and lunch provided
Application Process: Proof of authorization to work in the UK, CV, cover letter
Contact Information: Derin Akdurak (derin_akdurak@brown.edu)
Barbera and Partners
Location: Palermo, Sicily, Italy
Position: Director of Outreach
Description: I was responsible for researching various marketing companies in Italy and abroad and reaching out to them to collaborate with Barbera & Partner’s projects.
Language Requirement: Italian and French
Language Use: My knowledge of 7 languages (English, Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Hindi, and Urdu) helped me to contact companies from across the world. I connected particularly to French company ambassadors, and speaking French fluently was essential in making a good impression on behalf of Barbera & Partners and communicating effectively.
Impact on Language Skills: I practiced my foreign language skills, especially French, on the phone and learned to understand and respond more readily as well as use proper words to establish rapport.
Opportunity Found Through: found the opportunity themselves
Paid: No
Application Process: Resume and evaluation language skills
Contact Information: Giordana Serretta Fiorentino (giordana_serretta_fiorentino@brown.edu)
Italian Embassy in Panama
Location: Panamá, Panamá
Position: Media Manager
Description: Answer calls and emails and directing people to particular sectors of the Italian embassy in Panama depending on what they needed help with.
Language Requirement: Italian
Language Use: Communicating with citizens of Panama with Italian roots as well as Italian residents in Panama.
Impact on Language Skills: I practiced conversational Spanish and learned to understand different accents as well as use government-related terms.
Opportunity Found Through: found the opportunity themselves
Paid: No
Application Process: Essay questions regarding my résumé and schedule, my language skills, an interview process about my previous internship experiences and knowledge of Spanish, Italian, and English.
Contact Information: Giordana Serretta Fiorentino (giordana_serretta_fiorentino@brown.edu)