AIFS Abroad

AIFS Abroad

Why choose AIFS Abroad?

AIFS Abroad is a leading provider of study abroad programs. Since 1964, more than 1.5 million students have traveled abroad with AIFS Abroad. Comprehensive program fees make it convenient for students to study abroad and intern abroad to experience all that the world has to offer.

With over half a century in the industry, AIFS Abroad has the resources and experience to provide what students want and need in a study or internship abroad program combined with the institutional strength to safeguard their welfare around the globe. Unlike many other study or internship abroad programs or independent study options, AIFS Abroad program fees are guaranteed in U.S. dollars.

AIFS Abroad offers a wide range of unique programs in Asia, Australia, Europe, South Africa and the Americas. AIFS Abroad campuses typically offer courses in English and/or in foreign languages from beginner to advanced levels, so you don’t even need to know a foreign language to have the opportunity to go abroad.

Scholarships

AIFS Study Abroad Scholarships

AIFS Study Abroad Scholarships, Grants & Financial Support

We believe a study abroad experience is an essential component of well-rounded university education and we are committed to providing financial assistance to as many students as possible in support of their goal to study abroad. AIFS also offers internship and study abroad + internship blended programs to support the development of personal and professional skills.

Value
$500 - $5,000

Reviews

Default avatar
Emily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best time ever

This has been the best time for my friends & I. We all came in not knowing eachother at all and being from different places but have become such close friends. It is normal to be scared or nervous!!! Don’t let that hold you back & this experience is more than worth it. I have made friends in the past 4 months that I can’t imagine I used to not know. There’s plenty of amazing trips here in Australia (imagine snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef!!!) and you get to do it all with the best friends you make here.

Pros
  • Friends
  • Food
  • Beach/nature
Cons
  • Far
Default avatar
Maeghan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

AIFS study abroad

I absolutely love AIFS! I chose to study abroad in Florence during the fall of my senior year. The program is very intimate, and the class sizes are just perfect, so you can really get to know your classmates and professor. AIFS feels like a family, not just a school program. Each of the faculty genuinely cares about you as a student, and is so welcoming every day. The weekend excursions within the program are so fun to get to explore new cities and all the history!
Definitely choose to go AIFS

Pros
  • weekend trips included
  • monthly activities
  • intimate classes and field trips
Cons
  • no Italian students
Default avatar
Hannah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad!

I have thoroughly enjoyed my study abroad experience so far. I was very nervous to travel to a new country and start life in a new city as I came into this program not knowing anyone and never traveling outside of the US prior. The AIFS staff has made me and all of my peers feel so welcome into this community and has guided us to discover our place here in Florence and push us to reach success! I feel so grateful to have such a great support system and to have made so many amazing friends since coming here. There is so much to learn and experience while studying abroad and AIFS helps expose us to the culture and lifestyle. We are provided so many opportunities to step out of our comfort zone and try new things through AIFS!

Pros
  • Independence
  • New experiences
  • Worldly knowledge
Default avatar
Alexa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

AIFS

AIFS provides really interesting and fun classes outside of major specific classes which is really nice. I appreciate how AIFS goes out of their way to incorporate different events for students to be engaged in the community and learn more about florence. I love all of the events like cooking classes, tours, and numerous activities to meet more people and have a good time. AIFS staff is very welcoming and approachable and truly wants the best for the students. I would highly recommend studying in Florence through AIFS!

Pros
  • Meeting new people
  • Learn a new language
  • Traveling and exploring!
Default avatar
Lauren
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

AIFS Abroad in Florence

Choosing to study abroad with AIFS Abroad in Florence was one of the best decisions I could have made. Through this program, I was able to really immerse in rich and authentic Italian food and culture. Additionally, I was given the opportunity to travel so ten different countries which has been one of my big goals in life. Not to mention, I got to establish a close relationship with my professors and made so many new friends. Studying abroad was something I really wanted to do during my college experience and I am so glad that I got to do it through AIFS Florence. :)

Pros
  • Ability to Travel
  • Small Program that is Great for Academics
  • Amazing Activities Included in the Program
Cons
  • Housing Is Hit or Miss
  • Meal Plan Sometimes Doesn’t Work for People with Allergies
  • Some Activities You Have to Pay For

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose AIFS because of the incredible resources and great pricing. With the all-inclusive pricing model, I knew what I could expect to spend prior to going abroad.

I also knew that I would have a resident director in Hungary for all of my needs and that made both myself and my parents feel confident in the choice of AIFS. AIFS is also one of the few programs offering courses in Hungary and I knew I wanted to study there.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

My program provider organized housing, weekend excursions, class options, transportation to Hungary, a meal plan and on-site assistance. You had to register for your classes, plan additional excursions, and manage your finances above the allowance they gave you. With the pricing in Hungary, you could manage pretty well with the meal plan provided.

The excursions were the best I went on offering unique and informative visits by locals in each place we visited. The housing was also very safe and conveniently located.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Have an open mind.

I was a picky eater and very frugal and still am, but when I was abroad, I told myself that I needed to make the purchase and try the weird food because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. You will never regret trying all of the tapas, the herring, etc., even if it is disgusting and you never want to eat it again it will be a story.

When people tell you later something was great and you know you intentionally missed out on it, you will regret it. My goal going abroad was to have no regrets and I succeeded and if I did it all over again I wouldn't change a thing.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

The average day/week varied from participant to participant.

Students had anywhere from 2-5 days of classes per week. Some students traveled every weekend, some once a month and some only on program excursions (2-3 times the semester).

Classes were really interesting and a large variety were offered. All of my classes were business-related taught by people with real-life experience. I also was required to take a Hungarian class, which made getting around the city so much more fun, though English is very frequently spoken in Hungary.

Other people in my program took walking tours of Hungary, the history of Hungary, and the film of Hungary. All of these were great because they were learning about the place they were living in, which makes it so much better to learn about as you can see where things happened.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was safety. In order to combat this, I made sure to be extra safe when traveling alone.

As a solo female traveler, I knew I was going to be a target. I made sure to stay in safe areas of cities, not be out late at night and when I was out, to stay in heavily populated areas.

As I got more into my time abroad, I realized that eastern Europe is very safe. I never felt in danger of walking home from school from my night class or walking home from dinner with friends. People really left you alone if you kept to yourself and weren't very obviously a loud and obnoxious person. Now I feel much more confident in my ability to avoid trouble, but I also know that I can never ignore my safety and must always prioritize it.

Is there any other advice for prospective travelers?

Make the most of your experience.

It seems obvious but there is never a time in your life when you will have fewer responsibilities, more flexibility and more time to do this. Studying abroad was the greatest experience of my life and I would do it again in a heartbeat. If you have the opportunity to study abroad, grab it and don't let go. Make the most of your college experience and enhance it with this incredible way to go outside your comfort zone.

You will never regret it.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

What position do you hold at AIFS and what has been your career path?

I am the AIFS RD at Stellenbosch University, South Africa. I studied at Stellenbosch University and received both a BA (Hons) degree in Psychology and a Post Graduate diploma in Education. I taught English at an all-girls school in Stellenbosch for five years.

In addition, I had my own bookshop called Anchorage Book Gallery in Stellenbosch. I then turned my attention toward sports traveling to Europe from 1992 – 1995 every few months playing field hockey. In January of 2003 I started my position at AIFS.

Do you think study abroad will change?

I think that there will be a fundamental shift in thinking how study abroad realizes its educational potential. It may to find other ways of internationalizing the way Americans think which does not necessary means the mobilization of them across the waters. There has been huge growth in Service Providers, but it would be interesting to see where the participation lies.

To me, the student who currently studies abroad is the same student who studied abroad 20 years ago. We just have more of “’them”’ in the States! The fundamental shift will have to be to go back to the basics of what it means to interact across difference and how this achieves learning outcome.

Why is language learning and cultural immersion important to you?

I am passionate about the complexity of our cultures. Living in my country the last 40 years with 11 official languages, where at any given time, almost everybody can speak 2 or 3 languages fluently makes me passionate about the possibility in successful interactions across huge dimensions and differences. I want my students to experience this…but they must be willing to work hard and bring themselves to the table.

Describe a time when you felt especially proud to be part of the AIFS team.

A proud moment was when Alumni from years 2003 – 2011 organized an event in New York where we could all celebrate the amazing shared experiences they were all part of during their times with AIFS in South Africa. This initiative showed me how they really felt about being here.

What does your home-country's culture value that is taught in your program?

Because of our complex political history and all the mistakes we have made through generations and generations, the people of our country have a unique way of dealing with our past. Setting up a Truth and Reconciliation committee is one such example where a value of “’take responsibility for your actions”; has been engrained in our nation. American Study abroad students are often silent when they are challenged to always take responsibility for their actions, to always own their actions and to move forward and grow. They are challenged until they actually own it, even if it takes months.

Professional Associations

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