AIFS Abroad Reviews

Richmond in Rome with AIFS is hands down the best study abroad program in the eternal city. Since meal plans, accommodations, and excursions are included you really do get the most for your money. For me, the program was the perfect size (about 75 students and 15 staff members) which was intimate enough for engaging classes, and large enough to meet new faces throughout the semester. The school itself was located in an amazing location, allowing me to explore the city between classes, and to enjoy the scenery on my walk to school every morning. In fact, I chose the home-stay option, and my apartment was just a block from the Vatican! That placed me right in the historical center of Rome, and coincidentally during one of the most epic moments in history-the resignation of Pope Benedetto XVI, and the election of Pope Francesco! Now of course, not everyone will be so fortunate to be there in such heightened times, however, this is just to illustrate the point that Rome is an incredibly busy city, with some of the worlds richest and growing history. This study abroad program helped me be a part of that.

Many of my classes were taught onsite by knowledgeable and passionate professors. The excursions were very well organized. Each of them had a balance between faculty-led activities and free time for exploring on your own. The accommodations in Venezia, Napoli, and Firenze were cozy and centrally located. Excursions were a great way to bond with other students in my program. In addition to the excursions, the cultural events such as wine tastings, cooking classes, museum and villa trips helped expose us students to the culture and become closer with one another at the same time.

Another plus for this program when comparing it to others, is that it comes with meal vouchers! Eating in Rome as one would imagine can become pretty expensive, however these costs can be greatly reduced with these vouchers. Because they were accepted in many restaurants and grocery stores in all of Italy, I was able to better budget my expenses so that I could travel more.

If I every had a question or concern, or was in need of a simple suggestion, a staff member was just a phone call or email away with a quick response. Any student on my program will tell you how amazing the Richmond staff was: Rosanna, Marco, Chicca, instructors and interns put forth great efforts to give us an unforgettable experience and they succeeded. They were also just very caring and approachable people that many of us students, including myself still keep in touch with.

Undoubtedly, my favorite part of my study abroad experience was my Italian host family. My host family and I became very close. They showed me Rome from the eyes of Romans, and taught me a lot about their culture and way of life in a way that I wouldn't have been able to learn on my own. My months in Rome have forged a relationship with them and my Italian friends that will last a lifetime, and that's something you can't put a price tag on. I cannot wait to go back!

I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this program. Salzburg is an incredible city and the program that AIFS provides for students there is of the utmost quality. I went abroad for the sole purpose of traveling - not studying - but after my experience, I am so happy I chose to study as well. The courses that AIFS provided enhanced my experience in the city and gave me more opportunities to see and do things I wouldn't have been able to otherwise. There are also more travel opportunities and excursions that AIFS organizes for you and that are included in the price. Additionally, AIFS provides such great support for you in your transition abroad. Salzburg isn't typically a city many students end up studying in, but it should be. While it may be a smaller city compared to many study abroad destination, there are still more than enough fun things to do and see. Austria is also in the heart of Europe, so there are many other travel opportunities only a short train ride or flight away. In the month that I spent there I got to visit London, Vienna, Munich, Nuremburg, and Venice. I loved every second of my time here and spent it with some of the most amazing people I've ever met. Easily one of the best experiences of my life.

My time in South Africa meant so much to me. It may not be easy to tell from an outsiders view, but I have changed in so many ways. I went through a very emotional time and came out a whole new, better person. I learned to live in the moment and although I did this before, I now appreciate things so much more. I would wake up every morning with a smile on my face after looking out my window and seeing the fantastic mountains. I felt so blessed to be in such a beautiful place; never have I ever felt so calm and happy, just being. It felt like home just as much as my home in the States does, if not more. I have already convinced my mom through photographs that when I graduate in a year we are moving back there. I loved my time there and I know it will never be the same because half of it was the people who made it what it was. But in general, the people there are just so much more friendly. I still feel like calling South Africa home even though I am no longer there and I can't wait to come back.

Salamanca is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. I loved walking around the city to explore. My favorite place was Plaza Mayor. My friends and I would go hang out there and people watch. I could not have asked for a better place to spend 4 and a half months.

AIFS' St. Petersburg program was a language intensive program, which I really liked. Before I came into Russia, I did not know a shred of Russian but when I was paired with my host mom, who pushed for me to buy an English-Russian Dictionary and sat with me every night as we drank tea and spoke in Russian, it was the best experience of my life! I remember the first time we have a lengthy conversation - it was about 4 hours - but of course my Russian was not grammatically correct, but she encouraged me to speak and corrected my mistakes. The staff were very helpful, especially when I needed to go to the doctor. They even went out of their way to help set us up with volunteer opportunities and conversation partners to enhance our Russian. The teachers were also great. The classes were taught in English, besides our Russian class. Learning from a different point of view is definitely something that helped expand my point of view.

This program is incredible. Salamanca is an incredible city, small enough to be able to know the city in a semester but big enough to never get bored. I recommend it to everyone. And the AIFS program was great. All the trips were so much fun and Gaye and Julua, the program directors, are incredibly helpful!

I had never been outside the country before going to Costa Rica with AIFS and they made the process so easy. If you have ever thought about going abroad but have any kind of doubt or fear, think about going with AIFS. Everything is truly taken care of, from the flight to housing and meals. Costa Rica is a beautiful country and by going abroad for a semester, you have the opportunity to see all of the little known travel spots and get to know local culture. AIFS has set up excursions you do within the country and to neighboring Nicaragua and Panama. The classes were great and my Spanish improved tremendously. All these elements made my trip wonderful, but the best part by far was my home stay experience. My "mama tica" welcomed me with open arms and she truly changed my life. To all those thinking about studying abroad, do it. People often wait for a time where they are more ready, financially stable, or less scared. Sadly, if you wait for the perfect time it may never come. Studying abroad is a great experience and the AIFS Costa Rica program was the perfect fit for me.

After all the paper work was done and my semester at my home school was over, I was terrified. I really started to second guess whether or not I could live away from my family and friends for 5 whole months! January 4th came way too soon, and the moment I got on the plane, I was regretting my decision. Landing in Spain and getting accustomed to my apartment ( I chose the apartments instead of the homestay) was very difficult, I’d had never been so homesick in my life. I remember the landlord of the apartment caught my roommate and I crying and said, “ This time is going to fly, and they day you leave Granada, you’ll be crying a lot harder.” It took about 3 weeks for me to really get used to the idea that Granada would be my home for the next 5 months. Slowly but surely, I began to fall in love. The city, the sights, the traveling, the food, the people, all of it; you not only get to discover a new gorgeous city, but you feel as though the world is at your feet, and that’s because for those couple of months, it really is. You learn to seize every moment, and seek out all new opportunities, and for 5 months you get enjoy life to absolute fullest.
AIFS does an amazing job at accommodating your every need. The resident director of Granada, Paula Messina, is an absolute sweetheart. She along with AIFS provide you with the best possible experience imaginable, and tend to your every need. I got sick while I was in Granada, and I e-mailed her around 4am and she got back to me later that morning and pulled me out of class for my appointment with the doctor. I never once felt like I was alone in the city there was always someone there to talk to about anything.
As far as academics the CLM, ( Centro de Lenguas Modernas) provides you with a very unique experience. The university and the curriculum are designed in a way that is challenging, but still incorporates your experience abroad. The professors at the CLM were probably some of the best I have ever had. Their style of teaching is very different to what we are accustomed to, but that’s what makes the experience so memorable.
May 24th came way too soon. The best memories of my life were made in Granada. Everything from the lively city to AIFS, makes you fall in love over and over again. The day I left my apartment, I said bye to the staff members, and told the landlord how right she had been, and then she hugged me and told me to come back soon. Going abroad was the scariest thing I have ever done, but looking back now, the thought of not having gone abroad, is absolutely terrifying.
If I can leave you with any words of advice, seize the moment. Don't take your time out there for granted! Travel a lot, study a lot, eat a lot, discover a lot, dance a lot, just do it all, and then do more.

I LOVED studying with AIFS in Salzburg. I chose to live in a homestay which was a really scary decision. I went through some culture shock at first, but the Resident Director Ingrid was so supportive and helped me adjust. In the end, I am so thankful I stayed with a host family, which I would recommend to everyone! My host family had me eat with them almost every day and even had me join family excursions like a ski trip and school programs. I grew to care about them like my own family, and two of my four host siblings will (hopefully - fingers crossed) be coming to visit me in the U.S. next summer! Even living with family, however, I had a lot of freedom. I had the same independence as the students living in the dorms, but also got to enjoy a good home-cooked meal and make lifelong friendships with native Austrians. Win-win!

Salzburg is kind of a random place to study abroad, but that made it so much more fun! There's some great nightlife, and all sorts of unique attractions like a historic fortress built in the 1200s, a Redbulls professional soccer team, or the Stiegl Brewery. The city is surrounded by these gorgeous mountains so there are lots of hiking opportunities, too. If you're into skiing, GO TO SALZBURG! Incredible slopes and the snow is honestly powder.

Because Austria is located pretty centrally,it's easy to travel throughout Europe. During my semester stay I was able to visit Zagreb (Croatia), Stockholm, Hamburg, Munich, Prague, and other cities in Austria as well as the 3-day layover in London at the beginning. I didn't go there,but Venice is only about 4 hours away by train.

Don't be worried too much about the language barrier. I'd encourage you to learn German because it's a very eye-opening experience that you'll grow from, but the Austrians speak very great English. You'll be fine!

I'm so happy I chose Salzburg over larger or better known cities because it was easier to settle in and the culture was so unique. The Christmas Markets are beautiful with all sorts of snacks, sweets and crafts for sale. The atmosphere is so charming that I'd go walk around the markets just because! You won't find the krampuslaufs anywhere else (google it. it's crazy). Also the food is incredible.

AIFS is really affordable. For example, they give you a food stipend and a rebate on a monthly bus pass which is really helpful for budgeting.

Overall, studying abroad was the best decision I ever made. I met some of my closest friends, gained a new perspective on issues and the world, became much more independent, experienced a new culture, learned a lot about myself, and most of all -- had FUN! I could write another 10,000 words about how much I loved it.

Obviously, Paris is amazing. But it would have been less amazing without the support of AIFS. They set me up in an amazing homestay in the 14eme, helped me register for all of my classes, planned opportunities to fully expose us to Paris, and overall added to the amazing time I had in Europe and ultimately, abroad.