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!
What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The most surprising experience I had in Lisbon was our surf trip to Costa de Caparica with our program advisors, Sabrina and Monique. I had never surfed before, but that wasn’t what made it so surprising—it was the fact that I was surrounded by people who, just weeks before, were complete strangers, and yet I felt so comfortable, so at home, and so free to be myself.
My roommates, who had become my best friends, came along with the rest of the interns, and we spent the whole time laughing, wiping out, and cheering each other on. None of us really knew what we were doing, but that was the best part—there was no pressure, no judgment, just pure fun and excitement every time someone caught a wave (or completely ate it). The instructors were patient, the waves were perfect, and the energy was just unreal.
Afterward, Sabrina and Monique took us to this adorable Greek restaurant, where we all sat around a table, sharing food and stories about our lives. It was one of those moments where you just sit back, look around, and realize how special everything is. We talked about our internships, our experiences in Lisbon, and just bonded in a way that felt so natural, like we had all known each other forever.
This trip was the most surprising for me because it showed me how quickly connections can form when you’re open to new experiences. I wasn’t just learning how to surf—I was learning how to embrace the unknown, trust the people around me, and fully enjoy the moment. That day will always be one of my favorite memories from my summer in Lisbon.
