For many Erasmus+ students, Italy isn’t just a destination, it’s a dream! Warm people, delicious food and a culture built around community and passion. Now imagine living that dream as part of your intership. That’s exactly what Lucia, a 19-year-old hospitality student from Portugal, is experiencing while on her Erasmus+ internship in Rome.
Her placement? A cosy family-run restaurant in the heart of Trastevere, where every day there is a new lesson, not only in cooking but in confidence, teamwork and joy. Here’s a typical day for Lucia!
7:30 AM — The Morning Rush Begins
Lucia starts her day early, walking through narrow cobblestone streets still quiet from the night before. The air smells of coffee and fresh bread from nearby bakeries.
At 8:00 sharp, she arrives at Trattoria del Cuore, where the chef greets her with a smile and a cheerful “Buongiorno!” Her first task is to help prepare the mise en place — slicing vegetables, setting tables and checking on deliveries.
“At first, I was nervous about making mistakes,” Lucia admits. “But my mentor showed me everything with so much patience. Now I feel part of the team.”
10:30 AM — Learning Through Action
As the lunch rush approaches, Lucia helps the kitchen staff prepare classic dishes such as carbonara, cacio e pepe and fresh bruschetta al pomodoro. Every task is hands-on. Lucia learns how to balance speed and quality, follow Italian kitchen etiquette and communicate across languages — part English, part Italian. There’s also plenty of smiles !
“Working here taught me that hospitality is a universal language,” she laughs.
1:00 PM — The Energy of the Lunch Service
The restaurant fills with locals, tourists, and the lively buzz of Italian conversation. Lucia assists the waiters, serves dishes and checks in with guests.
It’s busy, yes, but it’s also the most exciting part of her day. She gets to interact with people from around the world, practice customer service and see how teamwork keeps the restaurant running smoothly.
“You don’t just serve food, you serve experiences,” her supervisor often reminds her.
3:00 PM — Lunch Break and Reflection
After service, the team sits together for a quick meal. It’s a moment of rest, laughter and cultural exchange. Lucia tries out new Italian words while her colleagues ask about Portuguese food. This informal mentoring, shared meals and stories become some of the most valuable parts of her Erasmus+ experience.
5:00 PM — Exploring the City After Work
When the restaurant closes for the afternoon, Lucia walks home past the Tiber River. Some days she visits a museum, other days she meets other Erasmus+ students for a walk or gelato in Piazza Navona.
“Rome teaches you to slow down and enjoy the small things,” she says. “Every day feels like a postcard.”
Erasmus+ Experience FAQs
Q: What type of tasks do students usually have during a restaurant internship?
A: They help with food preparation, customer service, table setup and assist kitchen or serving staff always under supervision.
Q: Do students need to speak Italian fluently?
A: Not at all. Basic English and a few Italian phrases are enough to start. Most mentors are patient and supportive.
Q: What do students gain from an Erasmus+ placement like this?
A: Professional experience, teamwork skills, cultural awareness and above all, independence and confidence.
To Sum Up
An Erasmus+ internship isn’t just about professional growth, it’s about discovering new ways of living, working, and connecting. Lucia’s story is one of thousands that prove how mobility changes lives. In every kitchen, classroom, or office abroad, students gain something priceless: a stronger version of themselves.
Ready to give your students their own story abroad? [Contact TravelEdventures today] — we’ll help you design unforgettable Erasmus+ experiences across Europe.
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