AIFS Abroad

Program Reviews

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Lizbeth
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Most amazing opportunity ever!

If you are currently an undergrad and are looking into traveling,I definitely recommend AIFS! AIFS had many options and locations I could choose from to travel to, but based on the experience I wanted, I chose to travel abroad during summer to Barcelona in Spain. I loved how well AIFS was partnered with my home institution and offered courses that applied to my degree plan. I got to connect with other students and interns from the program, which helped me build quality relationships. UAB was also a great campus to attend while abroad, my professors and other international students were great! The AIFS on-site staff was truly so sweet and helpful with any concerns I had about housing, the city, or anything personal. Everything in Barcelona was super simple to navigate and there was always something I could do on my free time like walk to the beach or meet up with friends. Overall 10/10 recommend AIFS and Barcelona, I loved it!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice to future travelers would be to be comfortable and ready to create new experiences and meet lots of people. I would advice future travelers to take full advantage of this opportunity and travel/visit other places if you can and have the time, but of course always be safe.
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Savannah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

best abroad experience!

I studied abroad this summer with AIFS in Paris, France. First of all, the AIFS Abroad team in Paris is absolutely incredible with setting up activities, tours, and so much more. They even helped me get a home doctor visit when I had food poisoning for a week and were so incredibly helpful with both scheduling and reimbursements in regards to the visit. Second, my french language class was so beneficial and helped me grow my french skills significantly. Coming in, I barely knew any french but at the end of the summer I could communicate and order food/ask questions completely in french! I was in a class with students from all over the world and got to understand a little bit more about life in other countries, which I would not have otherwise experienced. Finally, studying abroad with AIFS made me so passionate about the global experience and what life looks like across the globe. Through my experience abroad I cultivated lifelong skills and learned how to better communicate with people from different backgrounds. I can not recommend AIFS more and encourage anyone interested to start the conversation and study abroad if possible!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I grew up an extremely independent person, but never truly had the experience to back that knowledge up. I did not know how these traits would translate in a foreign country where I knew no one and nothing, so I chose to go abroad and learn more about myself and life globally. A few weeks into my abroad experience, I found myself extremely sick with food poisoning on the metro to get home from class. I was panicking because I did not know how I would get home and just wanted to be in a comfortable environment to heal. The AIFS team in Paris was extremely helpful by assisting me in setting up a home doctors visit and communicating with my professor that I could not make it to class (I could barely get out of bed!). This experience helped me truly see that I am capable of navigating hard situations and relying on others when necessary. It changed my view of myself and the AIFS team was a huge part of that.
Pros
  • Incredible support system and communication
  • Lots of history
  • Immersive situations and learning experiences
Cons
  • None! I truly had an incredible experience.
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Lauren
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Loved this program

I loved everything about this program and loved my internship. Cassidy was so helpful and kind through the entire program- I would definitely recommend. I was able to travel often and was placed with random roommates but got along with them great. Cassidy was very helpful for anything that I needed and my internship was fantastic at smart trip- my bosses could not have been nicer and I learned so much through this role. I loved this program and would recommend to anyone especially college students.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Go alone you will meet lots of ppl!
Pros
  • Great friends
  • Lots of travel
  • Loved my placement internship
Cons
  • Shared rooms
  • Varied internships
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Karina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Everyone must go abroad!! No regrets!

I was part of the 8-week Intern Abroad Summer Program in Barcelona, Spain this past summer and it was absolutely amazing. I had met so many cool people within the program and outside. I loved my internship and the people I was working with. They truly made me feel welcomed and we shared so many memories even outside of work. I think this whole experience was very impactful in my life. I was able to learn a lot about myself and the world. I made many great connections during my internship and I hope to keep them strong as I continue my career.
I would love to go back in time to do this again!

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Brooke
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Semester Ever!!

My semester abroad at Murdoch University through AIFS was by far my favorite semester of college. I took two exercise science courses and did a research internship. I loved the program and getting to live on campus, meet other international students, and explore Australia. AIFS really helped me every step of the way and I am so happy that I chose them as a program provider. I spent the semester going to classes, hanging out at the beach, exploring Perth, and traveling around the west coast. Overall this program was amazing and I can't recommend it enough!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
A group of friends and I decided to go skydiving over Rottnest Island. This was an amazing experience and a great way to bond with friends abroad.
Pros
  • Housing is close to campus
  • Living near amazing beaches
  • Planned group events every month
Cons
  • No onsite AIFS, but there was Murdoch University support
  • More expensive than some other programs
  • Campus is not centrally located to the city, you must take public transit
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Paige
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Irish experience

Going abroad was the best decision I’ve ever made. Dublin offers so much to explore: efficient and affordable transportation lets you easily reach the beach, farms, or charming new towns. The local area is vibrant with endless activities, and the locals are incredibly friendly. I’ve never felt safer walking at night than I do here. The group trips were fantastic, and our advisor Sharon was always available to assist with any issues or offer great recommendations. Every day brings a new adventure in this amazing city.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I’ve sampled various foods abroad, but Irish Chinese spice bags quickly became my favorite. These takeaways feature a mix of potatoes, chicken, and vegetables, all seasoned with Chinese five spice. It’s a delicious combination that I quickly became addicted to.
Pros
  • Food
  • Atmosphere
  • Views
Cons
  • Weather
  • Isolation from home
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Annie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Galloping In Galway

Interning in Galway was the best thing I ever chose to do! As a social work major I never thought I would have the opportunity to work abroad because social issues are different based on countries and regions. However, AIFS was able to guarantee a position for me in a Domestic Abuse Service through COPE Galway where I was able to use my knowledge from the U.S to help those in need in Ireland. There was not a social worker in the service, so I was able to bring a different perspective that worked really well in the environment. Even though our two countries have differences I was able to use those to my advantage and gain a wonderful experience working abroad that I can take with me in my future practice. If you are thinking about Interning but not sure that it will work with your major, don't worry! The staff is willing to work with you and find a program that fits you best, but if Galway is on your mind they have SO many options and I know you will find your fit.

Best of luck!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I would say the most surprising thing I saw while in Ireland was when my group and I went to the Cliffs of Mor for the day. Before I had left, I would always see videos of puffins in Ireland around the coastline and I wanted to spot one so bad while I was there. Well, I did! It wasn't that close, but a puffin flew right in front of me and my friends while were looking over the edge and was amazing to see one out in the wild because they are so cute! If you ever get the chance, try and make your way to the Cliffs for some puffin sightings, you will not regret it.
Pros
  • Beautiful City
  • Cultural Festivals
  • Easy to navigate
Cons
  • Rocky transportation (make sure to leave early because the bus is almost never on time)
  • Galway is the rainiest city in Ireland (not bad just be prepared)
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Jaden
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Experience of a Lifetime!

AIFS did such a great job with making it an experience to remember! I met wonderful people in my placement and gained valuable insight into my field all while being in an incredible location and getting to experience the French culture in Paris! Mira was super helpful with preparing me for my internship and I had a great time on the excursions set up throughout the program. We visited grand landscapes and tasted the cheese and wines of France. All in all, I would absolutely recommend doing an internship abroad with AIFS!

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Natasha
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

10/10 BEST EXPERIENCE EVER!

I recently completed an internship abroad with AIFS at Time and Leisure Magazine in London, and it was the most exceptional experience! The accommodation was great, with spacious rooms, plenty of storage, and excellent amenities. I especially enjoyed my room, my roommates, and the well-maintained kitchen and bathrooms.

AIFS organized some enjoyable group events; including a memorable trip to Stonehenge and Bath, and a farewell event at a bowling alley with karaoke. The support from AIFS was so helpful, especially from Gregg, who was always kind and even helped me through a health scare while 4,000 miles away from home.

My internship at Time and Leisure Magazine was more than I could have ever asked for! I developed skills in research, CMS content management, news writing, project management, critical thinking, international relations, image editing, social media advertising, and graphic design. I wrote nearly 15 pieces, including articles and listicles, and will have a feature on fall fashion in the magazine!

Overall, this experience was life-changing, and I highly recommend taking the leap if you are interested! As someone who was wary and nervous up until arrival, TRUST ME it’s worth it! I would do it a million more times if I could.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
The best advice I got from an AIFS alumni prior to my internship was: be prepared for inconveniences to happen. You will be tested, but remember that growth will also feel like a breaking point. The internship abroad learning curve can be difficult to navigate, but keep positive and stay grateful because the experience flies by!
Pros
  • Work experience and resume booster
  • Outstanding support
  • International relationships and experiences
Cons
  • Iffy living conditions (missing door handles, a little mold in shower)
  • Security was not always available in the accommodation.
  • Your Oyster card, which is your public transportation card, is a large monthly expense that you can’t avoid.
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Brianna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best semester ever

I would 100% recommend this program to anyone. Being able to do any study abroad is a once in a life time opportunity. Being able to do this one specifically is even more special because of sooo many things it has to offer. Including having Hestea, the on-site director who accompanies you on most of the programs field trips/outings. She made my first study abroad experience so much more easier because she was ALWAYS there if you needed her. This program also has a lot of outings and a great selection of courses. I also have a travel Instagram with pictures and updates from my trip if anyone is interested its @traveling_bribod

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Well, a sheep's eye was the weirdest thing I ate, but the most unfamiliar was ostrich. It is now my favorite type of meat, so if you get the chance and like meat, please try it! I tried it when I was in the Garden Route at the first hostel. They served it as sausage and steak, and both were delicious!
Pros
  • The outings through this program
  • The people you meet from all around the world
  • The many many many memories you will make
Cons
  • Cape town isn't super safe so if you go there make sure you are with someone and be cautious