Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I get paid for my internship?
2. What is the best time to visit Florence?
3. Does my electrical equipment work in Italy?
4. Can I withdraw money in Italy?
5. Do I have to get international health insurance for the duration of my stay?
6. What to do in case I get sick?
7. How do I get to Florence?
8. How much are the cost of living in Florence?
9. Can I take the bus to get to work?
10. What choice of leisure activities do I have in Florence?
1. Do I get paid for my internship?
In general the offered internships in Florence are not paid. There are only very rare exceptions to that rule. Do not count on those exceptions and plan your budget accordingly.
2. When should I visit Florence?
Florence is always worth a visit. There is a lot to do outside from May to October. In winter, on the other hand, there are not as many tourists and you have more time for e.g. museums.
3. Does my electrical equipment work in Italy?
Voltage in Italy is 20/230 Volt. However, there are two different types of sockets. You will need an adaptor for appliances with safety plugs.
4. Can I withdraw money in Italy?
You can withdraw money at ATMs in Italy if you are using a debit card that is accepted internationally (Eurocard, Cirrus, Plus, Maestro). You can also get cash at the Bancomat using Mastercard or Visa credit cards. Please ask your bank about their international fees. Traveler's checks and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
5. Do I need to get international health insurance?
You need to get international health insurance for the duration of your stay in Italy. Please also check whether your health insurance covers stays abroad and for what you are covered.
6. What to do in case of sickness?
First-aid treatment in the emergency room of a hospital is free of charge for everyone in need. Our partners can provide a doctor whenever you are in need of a consultation or medical care. In every city you will find 24-hour pharmacies. Don't forget to bring, if necessary, your own medical prescriptions.
7. How do I get to Florence?
Travelling by air: You can either fly directly to the international airport in Florence, the Firenze „Amerigo Vespucci“ (FLR), or to Pisa's airport„ Galileo Galilei“ (PSA). The latter is only an hour by train or bus away from Florence.
Travelling by train: There are several night-and-day Eurocity-connections with Italy. Young people under 26 years may receive special discounts. Reservations for a sleeping car or couchettes should be made as early as possible.
Travelling by car: In the old city centers using and parking a car is normally not allowed. In all other districts parking is free of charge except for specially marked short/long term parking zones.
8. How much are the average cost of living?
Of course, costs of living highly depend on your individual lifestyle. Florence is a touristic centre, so prices can be rather high at certain places and attractions. If you shop at big supermarket chains like Lidl or Penny you can save a lot of money. Average cost of living is about 800.00 € a month.
9. Can I take the bus to get to work?
Public transport in Florence is very good. In general you can take buses everywhere in town. You will also easily catch a taxi.
10. What leisure activities are there in Florence?
Florence and its surroundings offer an almost indefinite choice of leisure activities. Impressive churches and buildings as well as numerous museums with masterpieces of artists like Botticelli, Michelangelo und Leonardo da Vinci draw in many tourists every year. Florence is a lively town with elegant shops, a busy cultural life, good restaurants and cozy cafes. In addition, there are a variety of sports opportunities and a winery is always worth a visit. And do not forget the neighboring cities like Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa or Lucca. Daytrips there are always worthwhile.