The CALS Global Fellows program offers virtual opportunities with some of our partners. Please reference the placement listings for the number of available placements and the modality of participation. Please note, the CALS Global Fellows program may not fill all available spots for each opportunity. The CALS Global Fellows program has a limited number of total placements we can fill for each summer term. 

The CALS Global Fellows Program supports CALS undergraduate students from any major in pursuit of challenging, professionally-focused summer internships and research placements that enhance and complement their career goals and academic progress, while enriching their undergraduate experience with diverse cultural and international immersion. Through key partnerships, the Global Fellows Program provides a platform for students to make positive and definable contributions to global organizations and communities.

Acceptance to the program is competitive and a limited number of students are selected each year. Selected Fellows receive a stipend to offset major expenses.

The program includes three required parts: a pre-engagement portfolio (completed in Canvas), a continuous 7–8-week internship or research placement in an international setting, and a 1-credit post-engagement course in the first 7-weeks of the Fall 2023 semester (ALS/GDEV 3105).

Suggested majors and/or professional interests: Global Development.

Information Session:

No information sessions at this time. 

Placements Opportunities:

Placements: 3-5 (in-person)

CALS in partnership with Castello Sonnino International Education Center, will support selected Fellows in the Spring semester to finalize their placement at the Castello Sonnino working farm - producing wine, olive oil and antique grains, in the farm-to-table restaurant, or within the agrotourismo business development and operations unit. Students can alternatively elect to work on social and economic development projects in the village of Montespertoli (within walking distance from the Castle with approximately 14,000 inhabitants), or intern at the bi-weekly farmers market, local shops, restaurants or family farms. The placement process includes an interview with our partner and if applicable with the company/organization's supervisor (if not working onsite at Costello Sonnino). It is key then, that students are flexible around placement finalization, clearly articulate their personal and professional objectives throughout the application process, and if selected as a Fellow, contribute meaningfully to the matching phase.

Desired qualifications: Some Italian language skills are desirable but not required. Students should also be open to non-traditional learning experiences. 

About Italy

Italy is a beautiful country with the Alps in the North, the Apennine Mountains running from the North to the South of the country and beautiful coastlines. It is surrounded by sea and the islands of Sardinia and Sicily are also a part of Italy. Castello Sonnino sits on 150 hectares, in the heart of Montespertoli, just 20 kilometers south of Florence, Italy.