AIFS Abroad

As an intern in Barcelona, I had an amazing experience, thanks to the AIFS program and my incredible supervisor, who provided invaluable support and guidance. The program was well organized, from my welcoming homestay to thoughtfully planned activities. I only wish there had been more events that fit into my busy schedule so interns could participate more often and have more time to connect with other students.

Overall, it was a truly rewarding experience that I’ll always cherish. My supervisor played a huge role in my growth during the internship, pushing me to give my best at work and encouraging me to explore Barcelona more through her kind and thoughtful advice.

I completed an internship in Barcelona, Spain and I had the best experiences in my life. I was able to apply the internship as credits towards my degree, and AIFS has been such a wonderful and supportive program. The staff is amazing and personable, and with 30 something kids to look over, you can tell that our group really looked to them for support. Inma, my internship coordinator, placed me with an amazing company where I held a marketing position, and she was extremely supportive and a really well-rounded and wonderful person as well.

I was placed with a luxury fashion PR company for the program, and I learned so, so much from my experience here. As someone who had never worked in the industry before, I now feel confident to pursue my career in fashion PR further, and with the connections and experiences I've gained from this program, I've found a variety of solid job opportunities. The big-city environment also pushed me to become a lot more independent and sure of myself, so all around I've had incredible personal growth since starting this program.
The accommodations at St. George towers were absolutely fantastic and very safe, and I honestly had more room and was much more comfortable than I was initially expecting when joining the program. Weekly activities were planned, and since the internship can lead to a fairly busy schedule, Samia was very understanding if we were unable to attend. But, I would recommend going to as many as possible! They're a great opportunity to see things you might not otherwise have thought to explore.
Overall this experience is one I'm very glad I had, and thanks to my internship I feel much more on-track to achieve the career I'm aiming for.

I had an incredible experience with AIFS that not only helped me grow in my career but also taught me a lot about myself. Despite facing some hardships and dealing with homesickness, the support I received made all the difference. Samia was like a cool aunt—always positive, supportive, and fun. Her bright spirit helped me stay grounded when I felt overwhelmed by the chaos of moving to NYC, a city I had never been to and where I didn’t know anyone.

AIFS is an amazing program that truly sets you up for success. It gave me the foundation I needed to launch my career, and so many doors have opened for me since participating. I highly encourage anyone considering this program to take that leap of faith—it’s worth it!

My name is Sebastian Aguilar, and I’m currently studying at Texas A&M International University. In the summer of 2024, I had the privilege of joining the Hispanic Studies Program at Universidad de Nebrija in Madrid, Spain, through AIFS Abroad. Looking back, I can confidently say that partnering with AIFS was one of the best decisions I made.

From the beginning, AIFS supported me every step of the way, providing comprehensive guidance, opening doors to networking, and fostering connections that will undoubtedly shape my future career. Lucas Zugasti, the Madrid Student Services Advisor, went above and beyond in ensuring everything went smoothly—from helping with apartment check-ins to organizing events that immersed us in Spanish culture. His advice and insights into student life in Madrid made adjusting to a new environment much easier. Additionally, Barbara Franconi, AIFS’s Director for Buenos Aires and Madrid, played a crucial role by encouraging me to apply for the AIFS Ambassador Program. Through this role, I’ve expanded my network, developed professionally, and created lasting connections within the AIFS community.

Academically, the International Management course taught by Professor Omar Espana Arrieta was a highlight. Professor Espana Arrieta’s approach, blending innovative teaching methods with real-world business insights, allowed us to lead projects and presentations that deepened our understanding of global business practices. For anyone interested in international business, I highly recommend this course. It not only sharpened my skills but also allowed me to connect with like-minded students, making the experience richer and more impactful.

This experience was invaluable in helping me pursue my long-standing dream of launching an international business in commerce and logistics. Growing up between the U.S. and Mexico, I was naturally drawn to global commerce, and Spain’s strategic position as a gateway to Europe, Latin America, and Africa provided insights into international business opportunities and challenges. My ambition to build a business rooted in global markets feels much more attainable now that I’ve seen the possibilities up close.

Studying abroad truly broadens horizons, and for students where opportunities to study internationally may seem distant, I encourage you to take a leap of faith. Yes, the process requires determination and resourcefulness, but AIFS offers support at every turn. Personally, I worked in a federal work-study position, participated in affiliate marketing, and even sold homemade treats to raise funds. It was challenging, but the investment was absolutely worth it.

For those who are ready to embark on this journey, my advice is to start, even if everything isn’t perfect. AIFS, along with resources at your home institution, can help you navigate any obstacles. The experience will equip you with the tools to become more than just a student; it will shape you as a global leader, ready to engage with the world’s complexities and opportunities.