AIFS Abroad

Program Reviews

Charli
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My AMAZING study abroad program in Cannes!

I really like AIFS Abroad for the support given to students and the range of programs available. In Cannes, France, the experience I gained exceeded all of my expectations. Beginning with the application process and continuing through the pre-departure process, the organization and support provided to me and my family were clear and confident, leaving us with no doubts at every step.

I was given caring and welcoming accommodation in France. I really enjoyed my classes at the Collège International de Cannes, and all the excursions I went on enhanced my education. Every staff member I encountered and the activities of my program were designed to facilitate the blending of participants with the culture and life of the locals. The friends I made were very special and will always have a place in my memory.

The experience provided me with the benefits of an education, and the growth I attained in every other dimension of my personality was remarkable. I will always have the new confidence, refined French, and other new personal assets that will accompany me to my future. In my opinion, AIFS Abroad will always be my top recommendation to anyone looking to study abroad, due to the support provided to students, the structure of every program, and the range of opportunities offered to every student to experience a new culture.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I got to walk the red carpet during the Cannes Film Festival and see a movie! The movie was awesome and I met a lot of like-minded people!
Pros
  • Amazing cultural immersion with excursions and events
  • Supportive and caring on-site staff
  • Safe housing and a welcoming community
Cons
  • Wi-Fi could be inconsistent in housing
  • The euro can be more expensive than the US dollar!
  • Wish the program had been longer
Caroyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

This is your sign to study abroad with AIFS

I studied abroad last spring with AIFS in Valencia, Spain. My friend encouraged me to go with her to Spain, and I absolutely loved it. The city, the food, the people, and my program director and assistant Janan and Ana made it an amazing experience. I was so lucky to have them lead our group. They helped so much with our apartment and planning group activities. I made lifelong friends through this program and future travel buddies. I was so afraid I would be missing out on the college experience being away from my friends in Pullman. But then I realized that I would have missed out on so much more if I had not gone. If you are on the fence about studying abroad, look into AIFS programs and you will be in good hands.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Learned how to surf on a paddleboard with my program. Also, drove an ATV through the Sahara Desert.
Pros
  • Friendships
  • International connections
  • Culture immersion
Cons
  • I had to leave
  • It's only 4 and a half months
  • Language barrier and cultural differences which broadened my perspective
Maggie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

How I fell in love with Paris!

Paris is often romanticized, and I wanted to study there to learn more about the language and culture! All of the rumors were true, and it is a city of love, cafes, and music! I really wanted to immerse myself in the life of a Parisian, so I thought a summer internship would be great, as I would work and then have my afternoons and weekends as if I were living there in my 30s. The internship itself was catered specifically to what I am studying in the US, psychology, giving me hands-on experience in a field that is hard to do so. This built up my resume immensely, but that was certainly not the highlight compared to all the museums, architecture, and food the city had to offer! I really got to be my own person there, form my own life, build good habits, and explore! If you're looking to be immersed in a culture, and truly feel what it is like to LIVE there, and not just visit (which is lovely too), then I would recommend this program for you. You were prepared for the program with lots of presentations and packets. Had a welcome weekend helping you figure out the city, the transportation, and your internship. With it all organized for you. I did not have to find my own apartment, buy my own tram pass, or find where I wanted to work. I got options, but having it sorted out by people who live in Paris made me have a very French experience.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would have wanted to stay for longer! I enjoyed my program in Paris so much that I am currently studying abroad through AIFS in Grenoble, and I wish that the first time I had also chosen an option where I could be there for three or four months rather than two.
Pros
  • Prepare you for culture shock, and helpful city guidance both before and during the program
  • Excursions and trips included in your plan
  • Day trips, and personal interest highlights
Cons
  • I wish the summer program was longer than two months
Nicole
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Interning abroad in Florence Review!

Interning abroad with AIFS in Florence, Italy was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I worked as a marketing intern with Feel Toscana, a local perfume company inspired by the beauty and traditions of Tuscany.

Through this internship, I gained hands-on experience in international marketing—helping with social media strategy, branding projects, and learning how to connect artisanal products with a global audience. It was the perfect mix of creativity and cultural discovery, and I loved seeing how storytelling in marketing takes on new meaning in a different country.

AIFS made the transition to living and working abroad seamless, and Florence quickly felt like home. Between professional growth, cultural immersion, and weekend travels, this experience gave me valuable skills, lifelong friendships, and unforgettable memories.

I highly recommend AIFS to anyone considering studying or interning abroad!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Say yes to new experiences. Whether it’s trying local food, joining a cultural event, or exploring a nearby town, you’ll never regret stepping outside your comfort zone.
Pros
  • Improved professional skills
  • Resume Booster
  • New Experience
Cons
  • Time Commitment
  • Language Barriers
  • Work
Ketina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

AIFS Salamanca

I chose AIFS Salamanca, Spain because they had courses that worked well with my major and the price point was super reasonable. I also really liked that the city wasn’t too touristy, so I had the chance to dive into the culture and language. The staff was amazing! They answered every question I had from start to finish. Someone even went to the consulate on my behalf to help get my visa, which was so helpful. My AIFS advisor abroad was super helpful with any problem I had. She was a great resource and really knowledgeable about all things Salamanca and study abroad. At the end of the program, the staff also helped me figure out what to expect when coming home and how my transcript would be handled.
I LOVED my housing situation. I did a homestay, which was the best way to connect with the culture linguistically, socially, and food-wise. I got to travel to nearby cities, Portugal, and Basque Country, and do fun activities like visiting the cathedral, taking a cooking class, and wine tasting. I made real connections in the community too. I made friends at a local coffee shop, volunteered at an English school, and even joined a choir (I'm a music ed major so that was huge for me). This experience helped me grow a lot. It really showed me how capable I am and how to adapt when things don’t go as planned. I’d recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone who wants to improve their language skills (no matter your level), experience something totally new, and build connections.

Angelyna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Seoul Felt Like a Second Home Thanks to AIFS

Studying abroad in Seoul through AIFS was more than just an academic experience; it was a turning point in my life. I joined the Spring 2025 program at Sogang University, led by faculty from my home college, which gave me a sense of comfort while stepping into a completely new culture. From the moment I arrived, the AIFS staff made everything feel seamless. They were warm, responsive, and truly invested in our well-being, helping us navigate both the logistics and the emotional journey of living abroad.

My housing was ideal: a private dorm room with a kitchenette and bathroom, offering the perfect balance of independence and peace. Excursions like Namsan Tower and our unforgettable trip to Busan were moments of connection, reflection, and joy. I built deep friendships within our small cohort and found mentorship in professors who reignited my love for learning. More than anything, I came back with a stronger sense of self: confident, independent, and ready to take on the world.

If you’re considering studying abroad, AIFS will give you the structure, support, and freedom to make it your own. Don’t worry about doing everything! Just be present, and the rest will follow. I’d recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking for a meaningful, empowering, and truly unforgettable experience.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
One of the most unexpected but meaningful parts of my time abroad was befriending the owner of a small local bakery near campus. I’d stop by often, and over time, we practiced Korean together—me with my beginner phrases, and him with endless patience and kindness. He even gifted me free bread on occasion, just because. It was such a simple gesture, but it reminded me that humanity and connection exist everywhere, even in the quiet corners of a busy city. That friendship became one of my favorite memories from Seoul.
Pros
  • Exceptional Support Staff
  • Comfortable, Private Housing
  • Meaningful Excursions & Cultural Immersion
Cons
  • Time went by so fast! I wish that the program was longer.
Samuel James
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Love it

I chose AIFS Abroad because of their strong reputation and the variety of program options they offered. I studied abroad in Paris through the American School of Business program, and from the very beginning, the support I received made the experience seamless. The staff were helpful at every stage—before departure, while abroad, and even after returning—which gave me confidence and peace of mind throughout the process.

The housing was comfortable and well-located, and AIFS provided opportunities to explore through excursions and cultural activities that went beyond what I could have planned on my own. Academically, the program gave me valuable global business perspectives, while outside the classroom, I was able to experience the city in an authentic way. One of the most meaningful parts of the program was the friendships I built with students from around the world, which made Paris feel like a community rather than just a destination.

Overall, studying abroad with AIFS Abroad helped me grow personally and professionally—I developed confidence, adaptability, and skills that will carry into my career. I’d recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking for not just an academic program, but a complete experience that combines education, culture, and personal growth.

Lore
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

5 Stars! Would go again

I attended the Summer Session I in London with AIFS, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. The staff provided great support from start to finish, and I always felt like I had someone to turn to if I needed help.

The housing was incredible—we lived on the 36th floor with stunning views of the city. I also loved the excursions that were included in the program, especially the trip to Bath, which was such a unique cultural experience.

What stood out most was the community. I met people from all over the world and made friendships that have lasted beyond the program. Spending my birthday abroad was a highlight and something I’ll never forget. The program gave me more confidence in navigating new places and broadened my perspective of the world. I’d recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone who wants to grow personally and academically while having an unforgettable time overseas.

What was your funniest moment?
I think my funniest moment had to be towards the end of program, I was registered in the Galleries & Museums Class and we moving locations as a class on the bus. In the UK, it is very common for public buses to have 2 floors. When it was close to time to get off we started to line up and down the stairs the only thing was I was still moving when the bus driver stopped abruptly for a red light and I went flying half way down the stairs before another student was able to grab me just in time from tumbling down the rest. It was funnier because just about the whole bus seen it top and bottom and had to try to keep straight faces or look away.
Addison
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing for students who want a program's guidance but don't want to only tied to the program

I chose AIFS because of their unique program that allowed me to take Business classes at a university in a large city. I was nervous going into a program that I wouldn't be able to do my own thing and explore as much as I wanted but I knew I needed guidance, being the only one in my family who has studied abroad. I was so happy to have the structure of my classes (3 days a week) and have built-in activities and trips where I just had to show up, in addition to the freedom to travel. I am also so pleased with the customer service and having staff helping me pre-application, pre-departure, and the AMAZING staff and their connections throughout the country once I landed. Because of them, we had tour guides and historians explaining and showing us Prague and assisting us on our travels with AIFS.

I’d recommend AIFS Abroad for students looking for a program that provides help and assistance without sacrificing one’s own independence and adventures.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be open to new experiences! I have never been to a classical concert before but my program had tickets for free so I just went. It was such a fun way to dress up and see all of these people coming to listen to classical music in the exact theater where Mozart inaugurated symphonies. I went to more experimental performances that I didn't enjoy as much but I am so thankful I went because it showed me what the local arts scene is like.
Pros
  • Able to make friends from different countries
  • Excursions (trip to wine-country and did a wine-tasting and daytrips to Pilsen and other small towns)
  • SO easy to travel to other places (went to over 10 other countries, including Morocco, Italy, and daytrips to Slovakia and Germany)
Cons
  • I was the only one at VSE (all others at Charles) so some times I was more isolated than I realized
Auriel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Experience in Cannes, France with AIFS

This past spring, I studied abroad with AIFS because of their study & intern opportunity in Cannes, France and interning at the Cannes Film Festival. There were also several excursions included in the program, which was extremely cool. One of my favorite trips was when we went to Paris for four days. We had various activities planned like Garnier Palace, and also a lot of free time so we got to explore the city ourselves too!

Throughout the process of applying and actually being abroad, I felt very supported by the AIFS staff. I was thankful for my predeparture advisor who helped me with paperwork and registering for my visa. While in Cannes, I had the most amazing program coordinator who was on campus with us every day. She was incredibly supportive and we know she is always there for us if we need anything.

I still keep in touch with the friends I made during my semester abroad, too! There was a true bond built with helping each other in class, exploring Cannes and travelling the world together. We also got to network with other creatives at the festival, making connections and learning more about the film industry. I had the most amazing experience during these four months. I would recommend this program to anyone who is interested in immersing themselves in French culture and learning about how they could play a part in the world of film.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Say yes to opportunities that may seem foreign to you. There is so much value in trying new things, and studying abroad is a great time to do so!
Pros