So, you’re a Master’s student somewhere in the world, scrolling through internship listings, and most of them look… fine. Decent, even. But then you stumble upon something that actually sounds like it could change things for you — the CREDO Internship Programme at the University of Siena, Italy.
And suddenly you’re thinking: Wait, is this real? Can I actually do this?
Yes. You can. And I’m going to walk you through everything.
What Even Is CREDO?
Before we get into the how-to, let’s talk about the what.
CREDO — based at the Università di Siena in Tuscany, Italy — is a centre focused on international cultural relations and public diplomacy. It’s the kind of place where researchers, practitioners, and policymakers actually talk to each other, which, honestly, is rarer than it should be.
The internship programme is now in its eighth cycle, which tells you something important: this isn’t a shiny new experiment. It’s a tried, tested, and refined experience that has shaped the careers of students across disciplines — not just those studying diplomacy, but economists, communications students, social scientists, and more.
Think of it less as “doing an internship” and more as “becoming part of something.”
Why This One Is Different (And I Mean That)
Here’s the thing about most internships — you show up, you make coffee (metaphorically), you sit in on meetings where nobody asks your opinion, and you leave with a line on your CV and not much else.
CREDO is built differently.
From day one, you’re embedded in the core team. You’re in the meetings. You’re contributing to decisions. You’re not the intern in the corner — you’re the intern who is actually doing the work. There’s a real difference, and it matters enormously for your professional growth.
The programme covers a genuinely diverse set of areas:
- Research and analysis — supporting CREDO’s active research agenda
- Partnership building — connecting with organisations locally and globally
- Project management and evaluation — seeing projects from idea to outcome
- Communication and dissemination — getting your words and ideas out into the world
And beyond your assigned tasks? You’re encouraged to pursue your own projects, your own research interests, your own creative collaborations. That’s not lip service — it’s built into the programme’s philosophy.
What You’ll Actually Be Doing Day-to-Day
Let’s get specific, because vague internship descriptions are the worst.
Research & Information Work
- Helping organise seminars, conferences, and events
- Researching and establishing partnerships with relevant organisations
- Coordinating and publishing blog posts from researchers and partners
- Supporting interdepartmental cooperation groups and co-creational jam sessions
- Contributing to cultural practice and engagement seminars
Communication & Outreach
- Managing and updating CREDO’s website
- Meeting with students, researchers, and practitioners to discuss CREDO’s work
- Maintaining active contact with individuals and organisations in CREDO’s network
- Managing social media content across Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X using tools like Canva
- Disseminating partner news through newsletters and digital channels
Team Participation
- Joining weekly management meetings — and actually contributing
- Liaising with the Senior Project Manager and Project Coordinator
- Writing blog posts and updates tied to advisory board conversations
The Requirements — Are You Eligible?
Here’s the honest checklist. You need to:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic level | Currently enrolled in a Master’s degree programme |
| Language | Excellent written and spoken professional English |
| Location | Predominantly based in Siena, Italy for the internship |
| Skills | Strong organisational skills, autonomy, and teamwork |
| Tech comfort | Willingness to use CREDO’s website management platform |
| Mailing tools | Familiarity with mailing list tools |
| Italian | Helpful, but not required |
One thing worth flagging: the requirement to be predominantly based in Siena is real. This isn’t a remote internship (though a hybrid model may evolve in future cycles). The in-person dimension is what makes the experience so immersive — Siena isn’t just a backdrop, it’s part of the whole thing.
What’s In It For You? (Beyond the Obvious)
Let me be real — this is where it gets genuinely exciting.
3 ECTS Credits — Yes, this counts toward your degree. If your university recognises curricular internships (and most do), this is academic credit for professional experience. That’s a rare and valuable combination.
A flexible working environment — CREDO values work-life balance. You’re not expected to burn out in a basement somewhere.
An international professional network — You’ll be working alongside international experts, scholars, and practitioners. The connections you make here? They don’t disappear when the internship ends.
Hands-on experience in cultural diplomacy and project management — Not simulated. Not hypothetical. Real projects, real stakeholders, real outcomes.
The Application: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s talk logistics. Here’s how to apply — cleanly and correctly.
Step 1: Prepare your documents
- An updated CV (make it tight, make it relevant)
- A short letter of motivation (more on this below)
Step 2: Write your email carefully Send your application to: credo@unisi.it
Subject line — and this matters, don’t freestyle it: Application: CREDO Internship + [Your Full Name]
Step 3: Hit send before the deadline The deadline for the 2025 cycle (Eighth Cycle) was 25 August 2025.
If you missed this cycle, don’t panic. The next call is expected in early 2026. Mark your calendar now — seriously, do it right now.
How to Write a Motivation Letter That Actually Works
Your motivation letter is not a formality. It’s your first real communication with the CREDO team, and it sets the tone for everything.
A few things that actually help:
Be specific. Don’t say “I am passionate about cultural diplomacy.” Say why you care, and connect it to something real in your experience or research.
Show you understand CREDO. You’ve read this article — great start. But go deeper. Check out their website, read their blog posts, understand their current projects. Reference something real.
Demonstrate your skills without a list. Instead of writing “I have strong communication skills,” show it through how you write the letter itself.
Keep it short. CREDO said short for a reason. One page. Maybe a bit more. Definitely not a dissertation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CREDO internship paid? The programme offers 3 ECTS credits rather than a financial stipend. It’s an academic, curricular internship — which means the value comes in the form of credits, experience, and professional networks rather than a salary.
Is the CREDO internship fully funded? No travel or accommodation costs are covered by CREDO. You’ll need to arrange your own housing in Siena and fund your own travel.
Can international (non-EU) students apply? Yes — the programme is explicitly open to students from around the world, inside and outside the field of cultural diplomacy.
How long does the internship last? The eighth cycle runs from the second half of September 2025 to the end of December 2025 — roughly three to three and a half months.
Do I need to speak Italian? No. Italian is listed as an asset, not a requirement. English fluency is what matters most.
Is there a remote or hybrid option? The internship requires you to be predominantly based in Siena. In-person presence is a central part of how CREDO operates.
When does the next cycle open? The ninth cycle is expected to open for applications in early 2026. Keep an eye on the CREDO website at credo.unisi.it.
Is the CREDO Internship Right for You?
Let me put it plainly.
If you’re a Master’s student who wants to understand how international cultural relations actually function — not from a textbook, but from the inside — this programme is worth serious consideration.
If you’re someone who gets restless doing passive tasks and wants to be in the room where decisions happen, CREDO was designed with you in mind.
And if you’re at a point in your studies where theory is starting to feel a little… theoretical… this is the kind of experience that gives it all context.
It’s Siena, it’s Italy, it’s real diplomacy work, it’s an international team, and it counts toward your degree. There are genuinely worse ways to spend a semester.
Final Thoughts — Don’t Sleep On This
The CREDO Internship Programme isn’t the loudest opportunity out there. It doesn’t have a massive PR budget or celebrity alumni shouting about it on LinkedIn. What it has is substance — eight cycles of careful, values-driven internship experience built around the idea that Master’s students have real things to contribute.
If the 2025 deadline has passed for you, use this time well. Research CREDO thoroughly. Draft your motivation letter early. Get your CV in order. When the 2026 call opens, you’ll be ready — not scrambling.
Questions? Reach out directly to the CREDO team at credo@unisi.it — they’re responsive and genuinely helpful.
And if this article helped you figure out your next move, share it with a friend who’s also navigating the post-Masters “what now?” spiral. We’ve all been there.
For the latest updates on CREDO internship applications, deadlines, and new cycles, visit the official page at credo.unisi.it.