Service Learning

The Service Learning component of our academics is intended to promote, create, and contribute to the cultural integration of our students in the city of Florence through experiences that place them in professional contexts. Whether within our institution, at Florentine/Italian organizations throughout the city, or in community environments, students will be able to gain life experiences in challenging, socially and professionally engaging situations.

Palazzi member institutions share a centralized, dedicated office and staff that oversees all student internships, volunteer and community service opportunities for the five member institutions. By means of this centralized office, a wide variety of placements are available to interested, qualified and motivated students. In addition, each placed student will have a supervisor to whom they will report and discuss their progress and any issues that they may have. All students will receive an evaluation of their work at the end of the placement.

Many academic and professional certificate programs offered through member institutions have apprenticeships, internships and volunteer positions as a required part of the experience. Students should note that positions and possibilities vary from year to year and are ultimately regulated by Italian / European Union health, safety and labor laws and standards. In addition some placements may require a good command of the Italian language prior to starting, thus preparatory Italian courses must be arranged for.

PALAZZI members institutions are able to offer a wide range of service learning positions. Detailed information is available from the institutional registrar.
• Hospitality, Service and Management: Reception, Front of the House, Dining Service, Wine and Bar Service.
• Culinary Arts.
• Restaurant Management.
• Wine Industry.
• Special Event Management.
• Teaching Assistantship.
• International Education Program Management: Marketing and Student Life and Services.
• Fashion and Accessories Studies and Technology: Fashion Design and Technology, Fashion Communication and Publishing, Jewelry Design.
• Fine Arts: Plastic and Visual Arts.
• Digital Imaging and Visual Arts: Digital media, eco-sustainable design, interior and industrial design, photography, product design, video production, visual                      communication.
• Communication and Publishing: Public Relations and Communication Intern for GANZO (cultural and gastronomic association), AssistantEditor/Proofreader/Contributing Writer for Blending (Student monthly newspaper and semesterly magazine), Ingorda Publishing House Intern/Apprenticeship, Teaching Assistant.
• Performing Arts: Special Event Management, volunteer and intern with local theatrical companies and musical groups. (Maggio Musicale, Teatro Comunale)

BASIC REGULATIONS REGARDING ALL POSITIONS
All positions are non-paid, all participants must have a student visa (unless otherwise exempt) valid for the period of the position, participants are limited to a maximum “schedule” of 20 hours per week as per Italian labor law. In addition, students must meet on a regular basis with their advisor and complete any and all follow up as per the requirements of their placement

INTERNSHIP
3 Semester credits (150  hours)
An internship is a planned and closely supervised “hands-on” learning experience that provides the student with a wide range of activities and opportunities to shadow or observe operations in a professional work environment. The objective of the internship is to give the student a formative work experience in addition to the theoretical knowledge acquired in class. Students will meet with their academic advisor to discuss future goals and desires as they plan for the internship. Students will also be introduced to an Italian working environment using a technical vocabulary and improving their language.

TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIP
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours - 45 studio hours)
This internship course is suggested to students who have already successfully completed a semester. Students can meet with the academic prerequisites laid down for the Teaching Assistant Program for which they are applying. To be eligible they must produce proof of having successfully completed at their home institution the preliminary courses necessary and at the levels stipulated. Further guidelines on admission are available on request.

COMMUNITY SERVICE
PS CS LS 300
Learn and Serve
3 semester credits (15 lecture hours – 80 service hours)
This community service project provides the opportunity to connect with the local culture through placement in local NGOs, cultural and social associations. Students will begin the term with structured class meetings before beginning their service project. Participants are placed with  host organization based upon their area of interest, expertise and if required, command of the Italian language.

VOLUNTEER
This unique project provides the opportunity of a non paid part time volunteer project with local non-for profit organizations or other community associations and institutions. Students will be supervised and have regular meetings with their Volunteer Coordinator during the period of the project. Students must complete a journal and reflection paper on their experience.
PS VP VP 200 Volunteer Project 1 semester credit (50 volunteer hours)
PS VP VP 201 Volunteer Project 2 semester credit (100 volunteer hours)
PS VP VP 202 Volunteer Project 3 semester credit (150 volunteer hours)

SPECIAL INTENSIVE ITALIAN AND INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
This unique program provides the opportunity to combine language study and acquire professional experience through an internship, volunteer or community service project in Florence. All students must complete sessions of language study before starting their internship. Each program is made to measure, based on the number of sessions and length of time the student would like to intern or volunteer.

SUMMER 10 WEEK CERTIFICATES FOR POST GRADUATE APPRENTICESHIPS
The overall program is divided into 4 concentrations. All classes and labs will take place at “GANZO” the non-profit cultural association and restaurant-club operated by Apicius students.
• Concentration 1: Food And Beverage Service Management
• Concentration 2: Food Preparation
• Concentration 3: Culinary Management
• Concentration 4: Special Event Management and Catering

For detailed information please contact:
umberto@squolafirenze.it - cristiana@apicius.it