From Student Life to a
Life-Changing Internship Abroad

Doing what is now called a Internship Experience was one of the most transformative experiences of my life, an adventure that didn’t just leave me with good memories, but truly helped me grow.

Two years ago, I was studying at university in Mexico. Everything looked fine from the outside, but deep down, I felt unfulfilled. I saw people around me following the typical path: study, work, settle down… and it just didn’t feel right for me. So I asked myself what I really wanted.

That’s when I made the decision: take a break, travel, explore, and disconnect from the routine. I wanted to see the world and rediscover myself.

Welcome to YellowSquare Rome:

That’s how I ended up at YellowSquare Rome in May 2024. Back then, the program was still called a “volunteer program,” but today it’s known as an Internship Experience (The concept is still the same, but even more engaging) and from the first day, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.

My daily tasks were diverse and meaningful, all centered on creating unforgettable experiences for hostel guests. One of my favorites activities was the Sunset Stroll we would take people to a beautiful viewpoint to watch the sunset. What seemed like just a walk turned into a space to connect share stories and enjoy the city together.

We also organized activities in the Yellow bar (the YellowSquare Bar) at night with music games and space for people to relax and have fun. Sometimes I hosted karaoke nights or helped at the reception to keep the good vibes flowing.

A International Family and a New Way of Life

What made the internship truly special was living with people from all over the world who shared the same mindset: to explore, grow, and enjoy life. I shared a dorms room with new friends from France, Germany, Latvia, Brazil, Canada… and even though we all came from different cultures, we created a strong bond and we built a beautiful second family.

We shared dinners, languages, music, jokes, and a strong support system. YellowSquare isn’t just a place to work—it’s a space that teaches you how to live in the moment and appreciate the little things.

From Guest to Team Member: Why I Stayed

Yellow Square has a unique energy that is hard to describe but easy to feel. It is a place that pulls you in. The people who work there truly enjoy what they do and you can feel it in the atmosphere.

At first, I extended my stay by a few days… then a few weeks… and now, I actually work at YellowSquare. I stayed because this place has a unique energy—it pulls you in and shows you the joy of being present. The team is passionate, the atmosphere is vibrant, and it genuinely feels like home.

And the friendships? They don’t end when the program does. When one of my fellow interns moved back to Paris, I visited her months later. We shared new memories, explored her hometown, and kept our connection alive.

Looking for a Travel Internship in Europe? Start Here.

If you’re searching for an internship abroad that helps you step out of your comfort zone, connect with people from around the world, learn languages, and live in a city like Rome in the most authentic way—an internship at YellowSquare is exactly what you need.

Here, you’re not just gaining experience. You’re discovering who you are.

3 Essential Tips:
Before Joining a Travel Exchange Program

1. Know What’s Included – Every Program Is Different
   Before committing, research exactly what you’ll receive and what’s expected of you. Not all exchange programs offer the same benefits. For example, YellowSquare was a great choice for me—it included two meals a day, accommodation, laundry, free non-alcoholic drinks, and other perks that truly made the difference.
2. Choose a Location and Role That Match Your Personality
   Your experience depends heavily on how well the place and volunteer duties align with your vibe. Rome was ideal for me because I’m outgoing, love meeting people, planning events, and enjoying the nightlife. But if you’re more laid-back or into art, culture, and chill vibes, YellowSquare Florence might be a better fit.
3. Enjoy the Ride, Make Connections & Have Fun
   One of the most valuable things I’ve learned in hospitality is that attitude often matters more than skills. Bring good energy, connect with others, and make the most of every moment. That positive spirit is what truly resonates with people.

That was my experience, I will share here the link for that program if you are interested, you can apply for Rome, Milan, Florence and now Athens.
Get to know better: www.yellowsquare.com/work-with-us/
This is the form to apply to their program: click here

Thanks!

Before it all, check our previous blogpost: YellowSquare’s Commitment to Women’s Safety Through the Punti Viola Initiative

It is a social activity where participants paint a canvas while enjoying a drink and snacks, guided by a creative artist.
SIP in English means to drink in small quantities or little by little.

Why did Paint and Sip become so popular?
It became popular because it is a moment to let go of inhibitions and enjoy the present in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a fun and creative way to socialise and create art with others, whether people are a novice or an experienced painter​.

How is the new activity Paint and Sip at the YellowSquare Rome?

In Rome, participating in a Paint and Sip is different!
After getting inspired by all the beauty of the eternal city, it is almost impossible to not want to have a glass of wine to relax from the long walks and transcend all the inspiration around.

At the YellowSquare the new activity is held by the amazing and unusual creative artist: Julio Ballarezzo! He is ready to conduct the experience in 3 languages: English, Italian and Spanish! Understands portuguese too =)
The class starts at 07:30pm till 09:30pm with all the necessary art supplies provided. What do you paint at a Paint and Sip? Whatever you love painting!
The event includes wine (Pinot Grigio or Chianti) and snacks, making it a very unique moment for both beginners and experienced painters. It’s an excellent way to release stress, meet new people, and unleash your creativity.

See the YellowSquare Paint and Sip official page and get 20% discount with the promo code “yellowtour”!

Scheduled classes
-07:30PM – 09:30pm
-from 2 to 30 participants
Book Now

Private group sessions
—> Check availability sending an email to events@yellowsquare.it

What’s included

• 3 rounds of Wine: Pinot Grigio or Chianti
• Snacks and Appetizers to keep you going while you paint
• A super talented artist to guide you
• Aprons (because, you know, paint happens)
• High-quality inks and brushes
• All the other art supply you’ll need
  

What’s NOT included

• Transportation
• Additional Drinks
• Meals
• Accommodation

Meeting Point:
Kitchen of Mamma – Via Palestro 62, Rome – Italy

HOW TO BOOK?
Book Now

Check our next blogpost: What is a Hostel?

Porta Venezia è considerata la zona LGBT+ di Milano, infatti troviamo la gay street Via Lecco, una via piena di locali tra cui il MONO primo locale ad aver aperto dando il via all’apertura di una serie di gay bars, come Red Café, LeccoMilano, Eppol e tanti altri.

Porta Venezia è anche considerata la zona veg di Milano, infatti si concentrano tanti locali veg tra cui Flower Burger, Brolo Milano e tanti altri.

Troviamo anche la shopping street, Corso Buenos Aires che con i suoi circa 1500 metri e più di 350 negozi è una delle shopping street più lunga d’Europa.

Sempre in zona troviamo i Giardini Indro Montanelli, uno dei parchi più belli di Milano, sede del planetario cittadino, del museo di storia naturale e della galleria d’arte moderna. L’attuale Porta Venezia venne costruita nel 1827, era una delle porta cittadine. Con il tempo perse ogni forma difensiva portando la ristrutturazione e quindi alla concezione di monumento.

Come arrivare:

Il percorso più comodo per raggiungere Porta Venezia è in Metro, la linea M1 (Rossa) ma anche dalla linea S1, S2, S5, S6, S13 dei treni urbani e l’autobus notturno NM1.

Curiosità:

La fermata della Metro gode dei colori della bandiera LGBT+ allestiti in occasione del Pride 2018. In Villa Invernizzi, vicino i Giardini Pubblici, puoi ammirare dall’esterno dei splendidi fenicotteri rosa. Antonietta Fagnani Arese è una delle donne che amò Foscolo, abitava in Corso Venezia 8, oggi demolito ad eccezione di una balcone e si dice che il suo fantasma di sporge ancora quando la luna è abbastanza visibile.

A Itália é um paraíso pra quem gosta de vinho! Inúmeras opções, para todos os gostos e bolsos.

É ótimo, mas também pode confundir na hora da escolha. Por isso aqui vão algumas dicas simples de como escolher um bom vinho!

1) Aposte no vinho regional.

Por exemplo, se estiver em Firenze pegue um Chianti DOC. Se estiver em Roma, prefira um da região do Lazio, Frascati DOC. Em Milão, procure pelos vinhos regionais do Piemonte, barolos e barbarescos.

2) Defina o quanto quer pagar, assim vai afunilando as opções. 

Mas não se apegue tanto ao preço. O mais caro nem sempre significa que é o melhor e nem o mais barato vai ser o pior. Depende muito do seu gosto.

3) Escolhendo em supermercados é interessante ficar de olho em promoções. O Conad ou Coop costumam tem bons valores e boas opções.

4) Em lojas menores, com menos opções, prefira vinhos jovens. Escolher um de no máximo o ano anterior. Costuma ser mais certeiro, principalmente se estiver escolhendo entre os mais baratos.

5) Se você gosta dos vinhos mais doces, os suaves, fique atento ao rótulo. A maioria dos vinhos por aqui é seco, os suaves são “exceção” e estarão indicados no rótulo.

O que importa é escolher um vinho que te agrade, e isso eu garanto que é muito possível na Itália!

Saúde!

Saiba mais dicas e infos sobre vinhos. Segue la: www.instagram.com/vinissima_

I arrived in Rome almost on a whim.

It was my job, actually, that brought me to the Eternal City. Or rather, the pursuit of freedom.

I am a freelance writer, free to accept and decline all the projects offered to me. After residing in Paris and London – two cities that rarely paint sunny delights in the sky, the act of transposing my body and mind to such a bright city was a huge but necessary one.

I first stepped foot at Yellowsquare back in February 2020, and a mere four months proved more than enough to fall in love with Rome. I made friends that also became work partners. I made a friend that became my soul mate. Some left my melancholic soul behind to move on to new ventures. Some still listen to me recite paragraphs when I am unsure what my texts are supposed to mean.

As a writer, I firmly believe that you need to be in what I call “the Zone” to craft your best sentences. My usual zone would typically include a teapot and a candle whose presence echoes that of some background noise. I don’t know why I need the background noise so much, but I do. Fortunately, I have found my spot in some of the cutest little coffee shops in Rome, and the music of cups tingling on tables has helped me focus better on more than one troubled day.

Art evolves, and so do the ways of bringing it to life.

When I first arrived here, I would skim Google in search of cozy caffè where I could work in peace. I found what I was looking for in several areas of Rome, all more stunning than the next. Trecaffè, via Leone IV, hosted the first articles I have ever written in the sunbathed city. There, I would devour the famous Italian cornetti filled with buttercream or pistachio cream and would wash it all down with a steaming cup of caffè latte. 

Then, I moved on to greener pastures. Many times, I set my computer down on the tables of Bottiglieria Pigneto, in the super trendy Via del Pigneto, where one can admire countless street art pieces on the walls. That coffee shop fed my morning pastry cravings and my imagination. I have to admit that it also greatly relieved my stomach come lunchtime.

You cannot force writing.

When inspiration and motivation knock on your door – finally, it crushes all that you have inside and leaves you ready to collapse on the bed at 7 pm. As time passed, I realized my need for art to encircle me as I am writing. Only then would I feel my brain filled with inspiration as oxygen.

That is when I made it a priority to infuse more visits to the countless museums of Rome into my everyday life. Not only that, but as travelers who first land in the city are dumbfounded to see, Rome is an open-air museum like no other. 

Inspiration is everywhere.

It surrounds you with the Madonne engraved on the side of discolored buildings that carry all the charm of the past. It enfolds you when you tread the heavily-paved streets, and when you snap some shots of the street art that floods the Trastevere area. It surrounds you with the taste of cherries and cream that you can find in the zeppola pastries at Caffè Trastevere.

Sometimes, to overcome the famously dreaded writer’s block, I will get out of town, and in just an hour and €1.50, I will be getting golden-skinned at the Ostia beach and eating a gelato at Time Out. Or, I will go hiking just outside of Rome in places that you could not possibly imagine even if you tried. I will sit down on a bench in the heart of the tiniest cities like Roccantica, Casperia, or visit monumental ancient landmarks like the necropolis of Cerveteri. There, inspiration caresses you gently.

To center oneself in art, one requires to see the beauty of discipline.

Between the doors of the city, the sight of the sublime statues scattered all over Villa Borghese triggers handfuls of ideas for my writing sessions. If you ever come across the Quattro Fontane right in the heart of the city, you will understand how inspiring the structure of Rome can be to a soul that craves possibilities. Some statues might be cream-colored from yesterday’s renovations, but the faded colors of the city are what really strikes your heart.

Four months in, and it seems like the city will never lose its glory, and my pen will never run out of Rome’s magic.

Sam The Writer