Internship abroad
Thinking About a Floristry Internship Abroad? Here’s What You Need to Know
Are you in your third or fourth year of floristry education and suddenly presented with the chance to do an internship abroad? It might sound exciting, maybe even a little scary—and that’s completely normal!
Whether the idea fills you with wanderlust or worry, the thought of leaving your comfort zone, speaking a new language, or living far from your friends can feel overwhelming. Maybe you've never flown before or never travelled outside your home country. You're not alone. Many floristry students have faced the same doubts.
Since 2016, FunkyBird Floral Studio has been a certified floristry training company, welcoming and mentoring international interns from various vocational schools. And guess what? Almost everyone felt nervous at the beginning—but by the end of their internship, they all said the same thing:
“I wish I could stay longer!”
Why Consider an International Floristry Internship?
Doing your floristry internship abroad is not just about arranging flowers in a different country. It’s about:
Gaining hands-on experience in a real floral design studio
Immersing yourself in a new culture and language
Building confidence and independence
Creating an international network in the floral industry
It’s not always easy—you’ll have to cook, do your laundry, navigate a new city, and be responsible for yourself. But that’s exactly what makes it such a valuable and transformative experience.
Support Every Step of the Way
At FunkyBird, we understand how overwhelming it can feel to start this adventure. That’s why we’ve created this blog post to walk you through everything you need to know—from how to apply and what to expect, to what daily life during your floristry internship in Italy might look like.
Ready to Blossom Abroad?
If you're considering doing your vocational internship in floristry outside your home country, this could be the perfect opportunity to grow—both creatively and personally.
Who are we?
Meet the Founder of FunkyBird Floral Studio
Hi, I’m Sonja de Graaf, the founder and creative force behind FunkyBird Floral Studio—a boutique company based in Florence, Italy, specializing in luxury wedding flowers and bespoke floral design for destination weddings.
I launched FunkyBird in 2010, and since then, we’ve flourished—now creating floral arrangements and wedding decorations for 25/30 weddings per year across Tuscany and beyond.
At FunkyBird, we believe in the power of collaboration. I work closely with a trusted team of independent florists I’ve partnered with for many years. But our most cherished and long-standing creative partnerships are with:
Roos from Tuscany Loves Weddings, an expert wedding planner in Tuscany
Milos from FunkyBird Photography, our go-to destination wedding photographer
Together, we are passionate about creating unforgettable wedding experiences for our couples—bringing beauty, creativity, and heartfelt detail to every celebration.
Who do we need?
We're Looking for Passionate Floristry Students – Is That You?
Are you a floristry student at MBO level 3 or 4 and at least 18 years old? Do you have a deep passion for flowers, especially bridal floristry and wedding design? Are you ready to take on an exciting challenge and gain international experience in a creative, supportive environment?
At FunkyBird Floral Studio, we’re always looking for motivated, enthusiastic interns to join our team in Florence, Italy. Our studio offers a dynamic and hands-on learning experience for students eager to grow their skills in floral design for destination weddings.
We Are an Inclusive Workplace
We believe that creativity thrives through diversity and inclusion. At FunkyBird, we welcome students from all backgrounds and experiences. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of mentoring interns who are:
Neurodivergent (including those with ADD, ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and dyscalculia)
LGBTQ+, non-binary, and from a range of gender identities
From various cultures, languages, and life experiences
Our goal is to create a safe and empowering space where every student feels valued and supported.
What We’re Looking For
We work in the fast-paced world of luxury weddings, which means:
Working days can be long and irregular, especially during peak season
You’ll need to be in good physical condition to handle the physical nature of floral work
Most importantly, we expect you to be flexible, open-minded, and able to communicate your boundaries and needs
Above all, we value team spirit, respect, and a shared love for flowers and beauty.
What will you do?
Everything! At FunkyBird Floral Studio, we believe that the best way to learn is by doing. That’s why our floristry internships in Italy are designed to give you hands-on experience in every part of the floral design process—from start to finish.
As an intern, you’ll be actively involved in all aspects of wedding floral design and event styling. While you’ll regularly need to clean vases or dethorn roses (yes, the basics matter!), you’ll also take part in much more exciting and creative tasks.
What You Can Expect to Learn and Do:
Build ceremony structures and help with setups
Style floral arches, dinner tables, and ceremony seating layouts
Create a wide range of floral arrangements, including:
Bridal bouquets and boutonnieres
Wrist corsages and flower crowns
Centerpieces, aisle flowers, and ceremony backdrops
Candle styling and wedding decor accessories
Assist with mood boards, wedding timelines, and design planning
If you have specific assignments from your floristry school, we’ll collaborate to incorporate them into real wedding projects whenever possible—so you can meet your school requirements while gaining relevant, practical experience in a beautiful, high-end setting.
When can you come?
When Can You Do Your Floristry Internship?
Our wedding season in Tuscany typically runs from late April to mid-October, with a short summer break in August. To give as many students as possible the chance to gain real-world experience at our certified floristry training company, we’ve divided the season into three internship blocks.
Internship Periods at FunkyBird Floral Studio:
Block 1: End of April / Early May – Mid-June
Block 2: Mid-June – Late July / Early August
Block 3: End of August / Early September – Mid-October
We accept a maximum of two students per block, ensuring you receive personal guidance and plenty of hands-on experience during your time with us.
Flexible Dates, Real Weddings
Exact dates depend on:
Our wedding calendar
The duration of your internship
Your school’s availability and requirements
The minimum internship duration is 6 weeks, and unfortunately, we cannot host students during the winter months, as there are no weddings during that time.
If you're studying floristry and dreaming of a meaningful internship in the heart of Italy’s wedding industry, this is your opportunity to learn in a real, professional floral studio while contributing to unforgettable celebrations.
Tips
Essential Tips for a Successful Floristry Internship in Florence
To make the most of your floristry internship abroad, preparation is key! Here’s a checklist of must-bring items and practical advice to help you thrive during your time with us at FunkyBird Floral Studio in Florence, Italy:
What to Bring:
Anti-mosquito spray – Those Italian summers can bring pesky insects!
Sunscreen – Protect your skin while working outdoors
Cap or hat – Stay cool and shielded from the sun
Comfortable work shoes – You’ll be on your feet a lot, so good shoes are essential
Long pants or trousers – For safety and comfort while working
Reusable water bottle – Staying hydrated is critical in the warm Tuscan climate
Earplugs – Helpful for noisy environments or when you need rest
Laptop or computer – For mood boards, research, and school assignments
Helpful Tips:
Learn a few basic Italian phrases to greet colleagues, suppliers, and locals. It goes a long way in building relationships and easing communication.
Remember to eat and drink enough during busy days. Weddings are intense, and it’s easy to forget to take breaks.
Hydration is crucial—especially in Italy’s summer heat. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Be honest about your limits. If the heat or physical work becomes too much, communicate clearly.
Disclose any physical or medical conditions upfront. This is vital for us to support you properly and ensure a safe internship experience.
Where to Stay
We’re located in Florence South, Via Erbosa 117. We strongly recommend renting a room nearby to avoid long commutes—especially since wedding events often end late. We can connect you with local homeowners offering accommodation in the area.
Public transport is available (Bus 23 to the city center), but many interns enjoy exploring Florence on a Mobike electric scooter—check out RideMovi for a fun and eco-friendly way to get around on your days off.
Experiences
Loes: Everything went very well for me. Also with the help for the apartment and that we could always reach you. That was really great!
Eva: If only I could go back !!! The work with you was always so cool!
Lisanne: I want to thank you again for a very cool adventure! Many beautiful weddings and so much learned !!! Thank you again. An adventure never to forget
Lisa: It was an experience to remember!
Kim: Had a really great time, would like to do it again like that and really still miss it.
Leonie: I passed my final exams two weeks ago! I just had a great party at home and wanted to thank you again for the great time in Italy !! What a time :)
Britt: I still think back every day to an unforgettable time and I still talk a lot about it with Kim.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re excited to join our team and start your floristry internship in Florence, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Email me directly at funkybirdfirenze@gmail.com with your questions or to apply. I’m here to help you every step of the way.
We can’t wait to welcome you to FunkyBird and help you blossom as a floral artist!