Great Internship, Mediocre Support

I needed an internship in a short amount of time (6 weeks), which is what I found with AIFS. They were able to connect me with an employer in an industry I really wanted, and even pulled some connections to make it happen.

There was an orientation scheduled for me, but I found I was a little lost in a mix of many backpackers participating in other AIFS programs. The staff seemed overwhelmed, and I feel some details were missed. The worst was I thought they would help me source housing, but instead provided me with websites of how to find my own accommodations and/or roommates. I had to live in a hostel a week longer than expected in order to find decent housing on my own.

They had scheduled activities and mixers which was nice, and a centrally located office with internet access and staff for assistance, but I never really used it.

Overall, it was a decent program, but I'm independent and laid-back and I took a lot of matters into my own hands. For those who are new to travel or are particular about some details, it might not be the best program.