Rome Sustainable Food Project

Overview

The Rome Sustainable Food Project is a production and teaching kitchen at the American Academy in Rome where interns live and train for five-and-a-half months. Interns learn to cook for the Academy community alongside American and Italian kitchen staff, gaining extensive knowledge in Roman and Italian culinary practices through hands-on training, seasonal produce preparation, and practical experience cooking for large groups. Interns come from diverse backgrounds—from professional cooks to culinary school students to food-interested individuals—and are committed to sustainability practices.

How It Works

• Train on average forty hours per week with two full days off
• Schedules vary to allow training in both morning (7:00am–4:30pm) and evening (12:30pm–10:00pm) shifts; shift times vary based on workload
• Responsibilities include cooking, cleaning, composting, recycling kitchen waste, and organizing inventory
• First two weeks are a transition period to learn basics, local ingredients, kitchen systems, and workday rhythm
• Regular check-in meetings with Head Chef to review progress and define internship goals

Program Structure

Twice daily menu meetings are an essential part of the internship education, where interns receive assignments and learn the history and preparation of dishes from start to finish. As interns gain experience, they take full responsibility for dishes from prep to plate. Interns may be asked to arrive and/or depart on alternative dates to accommodate a smooth transition.

Internship Benefits

The RSFP internship position is paid with a small benefit. For some internship slots, room and board are also provided. Interns living with spouses or partners must live offsite; the Academy cannot provide living stipends for offsite housing.

Important Considerations

Working in a professional kitchen is fast-paced and physically and mentally challenging. Interns should allow time to settle into the Academy and are encouraged to learn Italian before arrival. Extensive travel throughout Italy and Europe is generally discouraged during the internship period. Allowing oneself to be fully immersed in the RSFP, the Academy, and Rome's culture is hugely beneficial. The Academy is situated on the Janiculum Hill in the Monteverde neighborhood, directly adjacent to historic Trastevere.

How to Apply

Two internship periods are available every academic year. Internships are usually five-and-a-half months.

Required Documentation

• Personal statement describing why you would be suited for the internship
• Résumé or CV
• Medical note from your primary physician showing you are physically and psychologically able to undertake an internship in a professional kitchen abroad
• Copy of last diploma/degree/certificate/any other study or course qualification
• Clear, legible copy of the photo identification page of your passport (include full name, passport number, date of birth, and expiration date; scanned PDF preferred)
• Two letters of recommendation from current or past employers or teachers