In my Chemistry Master’s program, there are at least two mandatory internships to be completed. I spent the first two months internship in Florence, but for the second internship, I decided to apply for an Erasmus+ internship at the University of Bologna.

After having the opportunity to dive into the chemistry of cultural heritage in Florence a year prior, I sought out similar research groups and discovered that the subject is particularly prominent in Italy. Thus, I decided to pursue another Italian experience. During my search, I came across a rather unique project at the Alma Mater Studiorum, the University of Bologna: chemists work together with historians of science and linguists to interpret premodern alchemical recipes and practices. The role of the chemists in this project is primarily scientific consulting and the practical replication of the recipes.
The Erasmus program provided me with the opportunity to explore this unique subject and participate in truly interdisciplinary research. The chemistry professor associated with the project promptly replied to my inquiry, and we completed all the necessary bureaucratic processes in a timely manner. During the two-month internship, I found accommodation in the nearby city of Florence due to my previous connections there, and I preferred to live there to maintain my social life, which I had built earlier. However, I would recommend future students to look for an apartment in Bologna, as the trains are often inconsistent and expensive. That said, Bologna is a well-connected city with extensive public transport, and the city center is walkable. The old chemistry department is located in the university district in the historic center. This is where my research group was still situated; it is one of the last groups that has not moved to the new science campus in the northern periphery, which is also well connected but outside the old town.
The city is vibrant and full of students, including Erasmus students, who, together with the growing tourism, unfortunately contribute to the housing crisis in Bologna, making it very challenging to find accommodation. Bologna has historically had a very alternative reputation and was, for a long time, the main reference point for young cultural and political life. However, this is noticeably decreasing due to gentrification and other accompanying phenomena. Echoes of that legacy can still be found everywhere, making the experience unique compared to other Italian cities. There are plenty of Erasmus organizations that can facilitate your stay and help you find an Erasmus group, but they may only show you the superficial aspects of student life.
During my internship, I was able to connect with the entire research group, which had very flat hierarchies and common social moments. Furthermore, I was introduced to humanities professors and researchers and could immerse myself in a whole new discipline of the premodern history of chemistry. I attended multiple workshops and open seminars organized by the project members, which often invited foreign guest professors. Eventually, I was encouraged to give my own presentation in a group workshop about my findings from the chemical replica. This exposure to various topics seriously made me consider future collaborations. Overall, it was a welcoming and respectful environment, and I am grateful for my experiences.
My actual internship topic had to be changed after a few weeks because a new translation of a common ingredient from the recipe collection I began working on revealed that it was asbestos. Due to safety standards, we discontinued that work, a practice, which is apparently common in this field. Instead, I focused on a collection of recipes for ink and food stain removal from the Arabic Middle Ages.
Academically speaking, it was a wonderful experience that taught me many new concepts and practices that I would not have encountered otherwise. Since my social life was mainly based in Florence, I can only provide a limited perspective on the city of Bologna outside of the university. Regarding bureaucratic organization, the offices responsible for these matters were very helpful and assisted wherever they could, as did my supervisors. Overall, Bologna is understandably the most common Erasmus destination in Italy, but this has also created some challenges for the city and its inhabitants. It can even compromise the Erasmus experience itself because, as far as I have heard, many organizations are trying to profit from the Erasmus business, there are a lot of scammers, and the abundance of Erasmus students has led to the creation of a parallel student community that makes it difficult to connect with local students and engage in the authentic, more attentive student life. Instead, the Erasmus bubble can isolate you from the local culture.

Tips for other Interns

Preperation

Contact possible supervisors very early to make sure your desired timing of the internship can be satisfied.

Internship Search

Look out for individual research groups and their current projects, that might fit your interests.

Apartment Search

Search for people you might know in the city to help you with the flat search via contacts.

Insurance

The assurance of the DAAD is a reliable option.

Formalities on Site

Telephone-/Internet

You can continue using your German number, there are no additional costs.

Bank/Accountopening

Some banks have special conditions with zero fee on foreign money withdrawals, like the DKB.

Other

I reccomend to choose another, less crowded university/city for your Erasmus to not contribute to the housing crisis and have a more authentic experience.

Everyday activities

Going out options

The whole University district (Città universitaria) is full of bars, pubs and restaurants. Not far there are some social centers and clubs, that organize frequent parties.

Other

Having a good level of Italian certainly helps very much to come in contact with local students etc.