Travel to Vatican City to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work, or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

Backpacking or traveling in Vatican City?

• Backpacking in the smallest independent state in the world may sound like a joke, but Vatican City is a must-see. With only 44 hectares, you can explore this tiny country in a day!
• Activities to spot: climb the dome of St. Peter's Basilica; explore the Vatican Museums; book a tour of the beautiful gardens; reserve for the Papal Audience; visit the tombs of the necropolis beneath the basilica; admire the obelisk in St. Peter's Square.

Studying in Vatican City?

• Theology and church history are of course number one here. Many priests, bishops and even lay people study at institutions such as the Pontifical Gregorian University (technically in Rome, but with Vatican connections).
• Study cities: you are actually studying in Rome.
• Language: Latin, Italian, English.

Internship in Vatican City?

• Very limited, but perhaps you can do something with church research or Vatican media.
• Competencies: professional knowledge of church history and culture, skills in research and archive management, creating a very unique network.

Volunteering in Vatican City?

• Volunteering is usually related to Catholic missions or events such as World Youth Day. However, expect more opportunities outside Vatican City, in Rome, where religious organizations are very active.

Working in Vatican City?

• Well, if you really want to work here, you should apply for a church position. There are also opportunities in journalism, restoration, administration and education, but it won't be easy.
• Formal, hierarchical and religious in nature. Patience and respect for traditions are essential.

Working as a digital nomad in Vatican City?

• Ah, the dream: walking through the colonnades of St. Peter's Square with your laptop under your arm and an espresso in your hand. Sounds good, right? Well, let's temper your digital nomad aspirations for a moment. Vatican City is literally so small that you can walk across the country in one Zoom meeting. Coworking spaces? None. Cafes with fast wifi? Nope. You have a better chance of getting the Pope to personally approve your PowerPoint than you do of finding an internet-friendly workspace here.

Living in Vatican City?

• Living in Vatican City is strictly reserved for members of the clergy, the Swiss Guard, and other Vatican employees.
• Safety: With the Swiss Guard and strict access, Vatican City is perhaps the safest place in the world.
• Health insurance: The Vatican offers basic healthcare to its residents, but for anything more specialized, you’ll have to rely on hospitals in Rome. So make sure you have your own comprehensive health insurance.