AIFS Abroad Reviews

I did experience some difficulties living abroad, but they mostly related to picking up and moving half-way across the world. It was both terrifying and exciting but turned out to be one of the best decisions I've ever made.

My goal in studying abroad was to really improve my ability with the language. Living and learning in such a beautiful place with a number of people who could only speak French was ideal. Additionally, I ended up taking all of my classes (including non-language classes) in French even though the idea made me nervous at first.

Sandrine, the program coordinator, said that she'd be more than happy to help me with difficulties, advice I took advantage of on several occasions. By the time I came back to the US, I was comfortable speaking casually even though I knew my speaking wasn't perfect.

I'm returning to France this summer and am completely excited! I hope I haven't forgotten too much!

I highly recommend this program. I had the best experience a student could ask for. I learned a lot about myself, the people of london and made many local friends in the process of it all.

The best thing about studying abroad with AIFS is the cultural experience that you get to absorb. AIFS Prague staff are your gateway to the entire city as well as the surrounding areas. All inclusive weekend trips, free theatre tickets to ballets, plays, and all that the theatrical world of Prague has to offer, as well as walking tours only begin to describe this experience. And that is just the AIFS part of the trip. Forget the fact that you will be in one of the most stunning cities in the entire world. You are surrounded by history, culture, a great night scene, and overall a fantastic experience. And AIFS does everything and more to give you a home away from home. People seem to always be waiting for their life to begin. My life felt like it was given soul in Prague. It began to breathe in Prague. Plus, the beer is pretty darn good..

I studied abroad multiple times and the AIFS program I participated in was by far the most well-run. The company did a great job with communication for flights, choosing courses, housing and trips throughout the semester. Their staff actually had an office on campus so you always knew where to find them, which is rare compared with other programs. Overall, I thought they struck a nice balance between involvement and also allowing space to explore the country on your own. I have discussed with many other students who studied abroad and I know the services AIFS offered made my situation much less stressful than possible alternatives. They also had a few cool features, such as saving some of your money and issuing it out on a monthly basis via a credit card program.

Studying abroad in London was an incredible and life-changing experience. It was such a wonderful opportunity to study and live in London for six weeks. The AIFS summer program was located right in Kensington - the most perfect location in a safe neighborhood with easy access to various bus lines and the Tube. The classes I took were interesting and different from anything I had taken before, and the professors were great about applying the city to our studies, making the courses relevant and comprehensive to include our day to day experiences. If you're wondering where to study abroad, I highly recommend London highly recommend AIFS!

I decided to go to Russia for several reasons.
1. I know how much studying abroad will enhance my resume
2. I love Russian history.
3. I am a history major.
4. I love traveling.

I didn't know a lick of Russian before I left and I wasn't going to let that stop me. No other provider my college has a program to Russia so I was extremely thankful for AIFS.

1. The mini trip to London is a lot of fun and you get so much within the tours that are provided. I have never been to London and felt like I was there for days.

2. Not knowing the language was not a problem. The class that was offered helped out a lot. All of my friends/roommates knew Russian and helped. It is true when they say that learning a language in another country is easier.

3. I never realized how much of a difference and impact it made to actually see historical buildings, sites, and museums would have on my learning. The classes were fun and took you on trips.

4. AIFS provides you with a transportation card to get anywhere which was TOTALLY convenient. We were constantly out and about. When you are are abroad you have no time for the computer and to stay in. It is so amazing to explore a foreign area.

5. Russia is so exotic compared to other European cities. It's really interesting to see the dynamic between Saint Petersburg and Moscow.

6. AIFS provides you with SO many fun cultural excursions to theater performances and museums. Plus they help you get around the first few days. If you ever need a suggestion of where to go or how to get the there staff is right on your side.

7. I met some of the best friends I ever had on this trip and wouldn't take back any of my experiences for the world.

My experience in Granada with AIFS was simply perfect. The housing situation living in the student residence was a great mix of other AIFS students as well as Spanish college students. The women who worked at the residencia were pleasant and always helpful.

The AIFS staff in Granada treated all of us as if we were their own children. I could tell that they genuinely cared about our well-being and were always there to answer any questions or address concerns.

The Spanish program at the University of Granada was fun and challenging. I would have enjoyed having classes with other international students, but all of my classes were only with other American students studying abroad. Still, it was a great experience. I enjoyed the professors and the course content.

I must also point out that this program was FAR above the program that I chose the previous summer through CEA. Unlike the staff at CEA, I always knew that I could go to the AIFS staff with anything and they would help me. I also knew that I could talk with any of my roommates or fellow students. The students in Granada were not there just to party, unlike the students I encountered in Barcelona.

Overall, it was an awesome experience that I will always cherish! I would recommend an AIFS experience to anyone interested in studying abroad.

Imagine for a moment you're favorite vacation or Spring Break surrounded by friends - relaxing at the beach, taking a road trip, partying it up at Night with locals, or finding new and exciting places to learn about, eat at, or explore. My Semester in Granada through AIFS was that and more.

Sure during the weekdays I attended the University of Granada, taking all of my classes (Politics of Spain, Cultures of Latin America, Business, and Spanish writing and conversation) in Spanish and I Learned a lot about Spain through these classes, but there is so much more to learn outside the classroom on and AIFS trip. I got involved with the University water polo team which turned out to be a great way to get excercise, make local friends, and practice spanish. Our AIFS class also participated in intramural volleyball and soccer.

Weeknights were anxiously anticipated by our class because they brought with them the chance to go out for (free) tapas and a variety of great local atmospheres. We enjoyed the culinary intricacies of each plate, just as we did the micro cultures of the bars we ate them in. And after a few plates and many laughs we would inevitably head out to some of the great night attractions in the city. Be it a relaxing low key night at a tea restaurant or hookah lounge, or a lively night at one of the discoteccas, there is definitely plenty of opportunities to meet other young students and locals.

Of course weekends were also anxiously awaited as AIFS often planned exciting trips and activities for us to attend. We explored the city from every aspect, taking walking tours through the near by mountains and villages like Sacramonte, and through historic places like the breathtaking Alhambra. Of course we didn't just stay in town either. The program offered trip throughout the country (Madrid, Toledo, Seville, and Gibraltar to name a few)lead by professional guides, and always stopping to get a taste of the local foods. I never had to worry about planning out my travel, accommodations, or anything else on these trips, although we were given some free time to explore on our own if we desired.

That being said, I was able to also book a trip with friends I had made through the program to Lisbon and a road trip to other cities in Spain, as well as a meet up with friends from high school who were abroad in Vienna. Once you are in Europe, make the most of it and travel to other cities and countries!

My homestay was another great way to immerse myself in the Spanish culture. I only used Spanish to communicate with my Senora (house mom), which gave me great practice with the language. She also made me three meals a day of traditional spanish foods. I do have to say that the Spanish aren't known for eating breakfast, so I was glad to have a few bakeries and a dunkin doughnuts near by. And while lunches like paella and Spanish chorizo with eggs were to die for, some dinners were a little lacking as we often were just given a sandwich or some type of vegetable based ensalada. If you do plan to do a homestay, know that you are a temporary son or daughter to a Senora (and possibly her family) for a short period of time sou you must be respectful at all times. Also In Spain most people do not have air conditioning in their homes, dryers for laundry (which is washed hand dried and folded for you by your Senora), or guests over. But you can easily adapt to the changes after about two weeks.

From Bull fights to flamenco dancing, from local festivals, to historic tours of amazing places, I am so thankful to have found such a great program. I made some great friends, and unforgettable memories. I had an amazing adventure with AIFS Granada and would do it again in a heartbeat. The key to a great study abroad experience is to go with an open mind and not only be willing to do whatever comes your way, but to seize opportunities and seek them out. Don't let this opportunity with AIFS Granada pass you by.

Here is a short video of the places I went when abroad. Most of these pictures were taken on excursions planned with AIFS to cities in England, Spain, and Morocco. (The AIFS Study abroad counted towards my Rollins College INB Major) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNLjuNtlqiI

Also here is a blog I created while abroad with pictures and descriptions of places I went and things I did:
http://colbeast.wordpress.com/

I studied abroad in Granada in the Summer of 2010 and to this day I still remember certain moments of that trip like it were last week. For example, walking to and from class with my roommate who I had not known before hand. The long morning and afternoon walks with my roommate brought us together as more than just roommates, as friends. My señora was a mother through and through she was so adoring, caring and thoughtful. Her paella was out-of-this-world!
I still keep in touch with most of the friends I made on that trip. The experiences we went through together, the places we went and the things we learned brought us all together more than I could ever imagine.
The teachers at the Universidad de Granada were motivating, patient and welcoming. Our program leaders were not just that, they were teachers, tour guides, counselors, nurses, and friends.

I'd do it all again in a heartbeat!

Studying in Prague was an experience of a lifetime. The memories I made will last forever. Being able to immerse yourself in a culture completely different from your own and succeeding is one of the greatest feelings you can have. Everything from the language to the people to the culture to the food was amazing. I now know that I love beef goulash! Spending nights walking through Old Town square are memories I will be telling my own grandchildren about. If given the chance to study abroad, I highly recommend going through AIFS and heading to Prague because the staff are always there to help you with whatever question you may have, and Prague is beautiful. I loved it so much I plan on working in Prague as soon as I graduate!