My experience was unique because I was the only person on my program who had a remote internship. I feel as though I got off on the wrong foot because I was the only person who had Italian experience, so I was in a different class than the rest of the people in my program. This was no one’s fault, but I wasn’t able to get to know them as we were all on different schedules. The on-site staff, Antonella and Amanda, were so helpful in making all of us feel included and planning great events for us.

I greatly enjoyed my time living and working in Florence! This was my first time in Florence, and I am so appreciative to have gotten to experience all the beauty, art, and history that the city offers. Through AIFS Abroad, I got to learn Italian language from an Italian instructor among other foreigners, take cooking classes and learn authentic Italian recipes, and venture to cities nearby Florence for day trips. The AIFS staff appropriately matched me to an internship with a company that provides marketing services for local Florentine businesses. While working there, I learned new skills in marketing and design, got to practice my freshly learned Italian, and developed an understanding of the business world in Italy. I had to return home abruptly due to unforeseen circumstances in the middle of my time as a program participant, but I am greatly appreciative that the company for whom I was interning allowed me to continue my internship remotely. I learned valuable skills while working in person and remotely which contributed to my understanding of how I want to proceed in my future career. I am grateful to AIFS for the opportunity to embark upon such a meaningful experience and for accommodating me when my circumstances changed.

I just completed interning in Florence, Italy with AIFS this past semester and I would do it all over again if I could! I loved my boss at my internship, however, I feel like the placement could have been slightly better to help me learn and develop professionally. The position would have been perfect for someone with a beginner level experience but I had previously done 2 very similar jobs so there wasn’t a lot of room for me to grow in the position. There were 10 of us total in the fall program and each of us had different placements that fit the different personalities so there are a lot of internship options and they do try to pick the best fit for every intern. If you’re wanting to go abroad and gain work experience I would absolutely recommend the program!

I decided to participate in the AIFS Florence Internship program as a recent college graduate. I wasn't quite ready to dive into the workforce and I wanted to travel, so this gave me the perfect opportunity to live abroad while still gaining professional experience. I definitely recommend this program to someone who is looking to experience living abroad but still wants to build their resume at the same time. However, it's important to expect that your main priority during this INTERNSHIP program should be showing up to work and not just prioritizing traveling/leisure, so be ready to work!!

During my undergrad I never had the chance to study abroad or do an internship in my field of study. AIFS allowed me to not only intern in my desired field, but also travel abroad to an amazing country. The process was incredibly simple, I was able to pay for the program out of pocket throughout the months leading up to it, and I even received scholarship as a post grad! This experience boosted my resume and prepared me for my new work life after college! I met the most amazing friends, and the program did an excellent job setting us up with roommates in the program.

I'm so disappointed that I must leave a bad review, but I must share my experience. AIFS has been so unorganized from the start. Because of their miscommunication and disorganization, I almost did not receive academic credit for my internship. Also, our emergency coordinator SUCKED; the two times we had emergencies (locked out of our apartment for hours at night and a hospitalized roommate), she tried to blame us! I would NOT recommend AIFS bc they've caused me trouble before, during, and after.

I met so many great people during this program. Not only were the other girls in the internship program amazing, but I also created some long-lasting connections with my employers. The AIFS staff were also very helpful and they planned some very fun day trips for the whole group such as wine tasting, biking around Lucca, and a cooking class! I will cherish this experience for the rest of my life as it allowed me to grow emotionally and professionally through all the connections i made with the staff, my peers, and my employers.

I loved the experiences, culture, staff and safety procedures. My one complaint would be that I was interning for someone in my field so they never had any advice or critiques for me. I think my favorite part was traveling to other places around the area, as well as the food and rich history of the location. The staff was so helpful and kind that they really helped and I’m so thankful. I would say this program helps the resume look better, but I didn’t learn a lot in terms of my field of study.