I chose to go abroad with AIFS Abroad because they had a unique program that I wanted to do: Cannes Extended Spring Semester Study Abroad & Internship. I had great support from staff, in particular my program director, Aude Romens, who made herself available to help and led excursions to local cities as well as taking us on longer trips to Paris and Florence, Italy. My housing experience was pretty great. I had my own room and had the best view overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. I had the opportunity to have cool experiences in my classes, such as creating a short film for my film class and putting on a play, all in French! I made some of the greatest friends abroad, who I still talk to today. This experience allowed me to grow my French language skills and also allowed me to participate in an internship during the Cannes Film Festival. I’d recommend AIFS Abroad to students who really want to make the most out of their experience abroad!

Paris is often romanticized, and I wanted to study there to learn more about the language and culture! All of the rumors were true, and it is a city of love, cafes, and music! I really wanted to immerse myself in the life of a Parisian, so I thought a summer internship would be great, as I would work and then have my afternoons and weekends as if I were living there in my 30s. The internship itself was catered specifically to what I am studying in the US, psychology, giving me hands-on experience in a field that is hard to do so. This built up my resume immensely, but that was certainly not the highlight compared to all the museums, architecture, and food the city had to offer! I really got to be my own person there, form my own life, build good habits, and explore! If you're looking to be immersed in a culture, and truly feel what it is like to LIVE there, and not just visit (which is lovely too), then I would recommend this program for you. You were prepared for the program with lots of presentations and packets. Had a welcome weekend helping you figure out the city, the transportation, and your internship. With it all organized for you. I did not have to find my own apartment, buy my own tram pass, or find where I wanted to work. I got options, but having it sorted out by people who live in Paris made me have a very French experience.

This past spring, I studied abroad with AIFS because of their study & intern opportunity in Cannes, France and interning at the Cannes Film Festival. There were also several excursions included in the program, which was extremely cool. One of my favorite trips was when we went to Paris for four days. We had various activities planned like Garnier Palace, and also a lot of free time so we got to explore the city ourselves too!

Throughout the process of applying and actually being abroad, I felt very supported by the AIFS staff. I was thankful for my predeparture advisor who helped me with paperwork and registering for my visa. While in Cannes, I had the most amazing program coordinator who was on campus with us every day. She was incredibly supportive and we know she is always there for us if we need anything.

I still keep in touch with the friends I made during my semester abroad, too! There was a true bond built with helping each other in class, exploring Cannes and travelling the world together. We also got to network with other creatives at the festival, making connections and learning more about the film industry. I had the most amazing experience during these four months. I would recommend this program to anyone who is interested in immersing themselves in French culture and learning about how they could play a part in the world of film.

AIFS did such a great job with making it an experience to remember! I met wonderful people in my placement and gained valuable insight into my field all while being in an incredible location and getting to experience the French culture in Paris! Mira was super helpful with preparing me for my internship and I had a great time on the excursions set up throughout the program. We visited grand landscapes and tasted the cheese and wines of France. All in all, I would absolutely recommend doing an internship abroad with AIFS!

My time is Paris was such an amazing personal growing experience for me. I met some amazing people and made some of the best experiences that I will cherish for the rest of my life. My internship gave me a better idea of what specific field I want to venture into within my major. It also helped to improve my communication skills with people from different countries, as we regularly had customers from everywhere around the world. There are some minor things that I would change about the program, but overall it was an amazing experience and my program manager was a huge help in preparing me for the time abroad. This program is an excellent conversation starter and really builds up your resume to make it more interesting to employers. Highly recommend.

At my internship this summer with Kilometre Paris I have learned so much and have made new life long friends. I have learned the business of Fashion from a start-up company perspective and have learned about the amount of synergy that is required to make a company function. While here in Paris I was able to travel to London, Amsterdam, Milan, Santorini, Morrocco, and Athens all places as a first-generation student I thought would never be possible. As a student in fashion, it is vital to explore and learn about different cultures around you I have fully submerged myself into a foreign environment and learned things about myself and about what I want for my future. I cannot wait to bring what I have learned back home to become better in my field of work!

Thank you Global Experiences

My overall experience interning with a start-up fashion brand was beyond what I expected! With the help from the Global Experience staff, I was easily able to transition into the French culture and the working environment. I have learned a tremendous amount of skills from working at a French fashion brand in Paris. The level of responsibility I was given on a daily basis has truly pushed me to be my best self! I could not have found this internship contact if it was not for the Global Experiences program and its attentive team members! The Global Experiences team helped from everything to onsite issues, to internship placements, to scheduling local groups events! The were endless opportunities to stay involved and immerse yourself in the French culture. My favorite group activity was the Seine River Sunset cruise because it was a magical moment seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle while in our little boat, cruising along the river! This internship experience is one that I will cherish forever!

I am so thankful to GE for their help in placing me with my internship this summer!
I could tell that the people at GE really cared about getting me in a position that would help me grow personally and professionally.
I've formed some incredible relationships with others in the program, and I loved going on the excursions that GE planned for us on evenings and weekends.
They checked some boxes on my personal travel list that I didn't even know I wanted to experience.
The accomodation in La Défense was perfect for young professionals, and a convenient distance from the center of the city without being on top of the chaos.
If you're looking to get the best of both worlds with work experience and international travel, GE is a great place to find exactly that!