AIFS Abroad

Spending a summer interning in Lisbon with AIFS Abroad was easily one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From start to finish, AIFS handled everything—securing my internship, setting up housing, preparing me for the experience with career readiness resources, and providing ongoing support while I was there. Even after the program ended, they continued to offer guidance and connections that made a lasting impact on my career. They made the entire process so seamless that all I had to do was show up, learn, and enjoy every second of it.

I interned as a Marketing Coordinator at PowerX Gym, where I got hands-on experience in content creation, event planning, and website development. I collaborated with an international team, adapted marketing strategies for different audiences, and strengthened my leadership and creativity. This experience confirmed my passion for marketing and management, and it also gave me something even more valuable—lifelong friendships. I still text and call my coworkers, and I even got to go back over Thanksgiving to visit!

But what made this experience truly unforgettable was Lisbon itself. The city is vibrant, colorful, and full of life, with historic trams, stunning viewpoints, and the best food you’ll ever have (seriously, I’m still dreaming about the pastéis de nata). Every day felt like an adventure, and AIFS made sure we experienced it to the fullest. Their on-site staff, who are Lisbon locals (in my opinion they are the most supportive, cool, and fun people), gave us the BEST recommendations on where to eat, what to see, and even local events we wouldn’t have found on our own.

One of my absolute favorite parts of the program was the weekly Sunday field trips. AIFS took us on incredible excursions to Sintra’s fairytale castles, the stunning beaches of Cascais, and even a group surf trip! These weren’t just sightseeing trips—they were bonding experiences with the other interns, making every weekend an adventure. Having these built into the program meant I got to experience so much more of Portugal beyond just Lisbon, without the stress of planning everything on my own.

For future participants: Say yes to everything! Take advantage of the incredible support from AIFS, be proactive in your internship, and immerse yourself in Lisbon’s culture. Try new foods, explore new neighborhoods, and step outside your comfort zone. This experience will change the way you see the world, and I can’t recommend it enough.

If you're looking for an internship abroad that combines career growth, cultural immersion, and a city that will steal your heart, AIFS Abroad in Lisbon is the perfect choice!

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!