Watch the Pre-Departure Meeting with Rome Staff
Teamwork - dynamic environment - great experience to enhance one's language skills
If you are interested in beginning a conversation about our Internship Program before your arrival in Rome, feel free to contact us:
Elena Fossà - elena.fossa@trincoll.edu
Flavia Alfano - flavia.alfano@trincoll.edu
Please note: Prof. Fossà will assign the school position depending on the compatibility of the Interns’ own class schedule with that of the Institution considered.
SCUOLE ELEMENTARI ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS (6-10 years of age)
SCUOLE MEDIE MIDDLE SCHOOLS (11-13 years of age)
LICEI HIGH SCHOOLS (14 - 18 years of age)
Interns will serve as “experts in English language” at these public elementary and middle schools near Trinity College Rome Campus. They will make a substantial contribution to the teacher’s program by participating in regular classes and by organizing conversation groups that they will lead independently. Class preparation is considered part of the time commitment of this internship. Candidates should be responsible, engaging, proactive and creative.
Proactive and positive attitude;
Basic computer skills;
Good social skills;
Teamwork skills;
Creativity
"My internship took place within the dynamic setting of an Italian elementary school. Stepping into the institution each day felt like entering a world brimming with youthful enthusiasm and the hum of curiosity.
In my role as assistant, I found myself engaged in a variety of tasks aimed at supporting both students and teachers alike. From assisting with pronunciation drills, to aiding in lesson planning, my days were filled with opportunities to contribute to the learning environment. Through dialogue, I was able to clarify expectations and ensure that my contribution aligned with the needs of the school.
For future interns, I offer the advice to approach each day with a spirit of adaptability and openness. Embrace the unique challenges and opportunities to grow and learn. Ensure mutually beneficial experience for all involved. Interns can glean valuable insights into both the educational system and the culture of the community they serve, enriching both their personal and professional development along the way."
(J. P., Spring 2024)
"Do you want to improve your Italian, communication skills, and your overall experience in Rome? Take part in the teaching internship! Scuola Media Mazzini is a middle school directly next to the colosseum; One short metro stop from Trinity’s campus in Rome. [...]
During my time at Scuola Media Mazzini, I taught classes of around 20 students about English and American culture. They learned how to use language do describe their emotions, their daily routines, and how to talk about possessions.
On top of that, they also learned about the American life, American schools, sports in America, food and drink habits, etc. Each week, when I taught the classes, the students didn’t only learn from me, but I also learned from them. They taught me so much about Italian culture and tried their best to give me advice, so I didn’t seem like a tourist. I learned more Italian vocabulary and I also observed mannerisms that Italian’s use that I don’t think I otherwise would have learned.
I would communicate with my advisor via WhatsApp every weekend before classes to plan what I would be teaching that week. She was extremely helpful and there for me as much as she could be.
One piece of advice I would give is that you should really be ready to go with the flow! While this internship is very structured, it is still a class of kids. Sometimes, unexpected things happen, and you will have to improvise! It can be a little stressful at times but don’t be afraid to ask questions!"
(K. B., Spring 2023)
"For my internship in Rome I chose to work at an elementary school to assist in teaching English to Italian children. The school itself was large in size but had very few classes and students in comparison. Each classroom had a main teacher and usually 1-3 more teacher aids there as well. I worked with kids ranging in ages from 7 to 11 years old. The average class size at the elementary school was 15 to 20 students per class. [...]
On Tuesdays I worked with Maestra Angela who was an English teacher that visited 5 classes in one day. [...] Maestra Angela would encourage her students to ask me questions about English and life in the United States. On Tuesdays I worked in one classroom with Maestra Maria, who was the main teacher for that classroom. This class was very proficient in English, so it was easy for me to communicate and have fun with them. [...]
To optimize my experience I spent most of my time listening to what was going on around me. I believe this helped me learn Italian better because I was immersed in the language.
Also, the students liked talking to me, so listening to them helped me build a better bond with them. [...]
My advice for future interns is to establish early on what you have to do for the classes because the teachers are often vague. Also, during your free time during the internship it helps to walk around and talk to the students to show that you care and are interested in them."
(L. C-D., Spring 2023)