Program Reviews

I had an amazing experience in NYC with AIFS that helped me gain a new sense of independence and confidence within myself and my art. I learned so much about my self and what I want to do professionally. I was able to make connections in the music/art industry, made some money(not alot, but still some), and meaningful friendships. I was able to work with models, rappers, and creatives, and DJs. I did face alot of stress in beginning and Samia, my advisor helped me through everything and getting placed in a new environment where i flourished and was able to express my creativity and work with other creative minds.

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!

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.

I studied abroad at Maynooth University for an entire Spring semester. Maynooth grabbed my attention because it was the perfect mix of a big and small university. My home university in the US is extremely small so I wanted something a little bigger, and at Maynooth University you get the perfectly sized university in a lovely walkable town that's only 30 minutes from Dublin! Being able to walk down to town from my dorm within 5 or so minutes was extremely convenient and always a fun time with friends. The classes were also very well taught and class size could range from small to large. I really enjoyed the classes that I took at Maynooth, I noticed a lot of differences in terms of perspectives and information in comparison to what I have been taught at my home university. Their grading system is also a little different, so if you get a 60 on a paper, DONT PANIC! That actually is a very good score in their grading system.
In AIFS's program, it was required that we lived on campus in the dorming apartments. These apartments are shared between 5 people, everyone has their own room (with a lock) and a bathroom and a common area that is shared with a living room and kitchen. I absolutely loved this dorming style because I had my own space while also being able to go out and interact with all my roommates! While living on campus, I made friends that will easily last a life-time. Two of them were my roommates in our apartment, and the other one lived right down the strip of dorm buildings that we met while at a pub! It took me a minute to gain the courage to talk to new people, but once I realized how polite everyone was, I got settled in and forced myself out of my shell which made making friends a lot easier than I thought.
Another huge perk to going abroad is the amount of little weekend trips you can easily take to new areas in Ireland, and all around Europe. The trips I took ranged all over, I went to Italy, France, Scotland, England, Germany, and Spain. Having the ability to travel so easy like that started my love for traveling and my yearn to learn about new cultures. The fun outings and activities AIFS had set up for my program also helped me be absorbed into the rich culture Ireland has. When you get to Maynooth, you will have a university contact who will help you through the culture shock, adjustment of living in a new country, and will be there for any questions and concerns you have. They're there to help you feel comfortable!
Overall, studying at Maynooth made me gain a lot of independence in my day-to-day life. Because I was alone in a country I was not familiar with, it forced me to make decisions for myself and learn to live by myself. The experiences I had, the new perspectives I learned, and the variety of cultures I encountered opened my mind and educated me more about the world I live in. I fell in love with Ireland and I think it will always have a special place in my heart because of this semester I studied abroad and I would not go back and change anything. Some advice I would give anyone wanting to study abroad but is currently nervous and scared, its nowhere near as scary as your mind is making you think. At the end of the day, the journey of being abroad is what you make of it, your in control of how you want to spend your time while abroad! The opportunities are endless. And if you're debating on attending Maynooth for a semester, DO IT! It will be the best decision you will have ever made.

I had the absolute best time in Granada with AIFS. I decided on a homestay and was paired with another female student. She and I became very close friends and our host family was so amazing and included us in everything they did. The classes were dependent on the level you tested into, which made it very flexible to adapt to each student's learning. The AIFS program trips were so fun and they gave us lots of free time to explore. Granada is absolutely beautiful with so many fun things to do with friends!

This is such a great program because you really get out what you put into it. As a student who was studying German, I was able to take rigorous courses and improve my German language and grammar skills. I really enjoyed the professors and classmates I had from Humboldt and can really see an improvement in my German comprehension. I would recommend this program to anyone who is looking for a little less structure! I really appreciated the freedom to travel on my own and make my own plans, but also join in on the group events when I wanted to.