AIFS Abroad Reviews

I was extremely nervous before leaving for my trip abroad. Although, soon after our arival I realized I had nothing to be worried about. My trip was full of adventure, laughs, and even tears(the good kind). The days were always very relaxed with 2-3 classes a day Monday through Thursday. A few nights a week i would go out on the town with my other program members, who I became every close with. There was always something to do and always something to see. It was an unforgettable journey.

I went to Rome last Summer and had the time of y life! The classes I took were both helpful and academically rich. I learned many great things and the professors were a great help with things like how to get around, places to et and see, and going advice on how to fit into the Rome culture. I traveled with a fiend and they put us in the same apartment, which was a wonderful place. The living conditions were clean and safe. The thing I really liked about this program was the opportunity to spend a few days in London on the way over and the excersions that were available. The school also had many activities we could choose to participate in while in Rome like cooking classes, wine tasting, a night at the theatre, and beach trips. The staff was wonderfully friendly and helpful. They were fun to be around and it was obvious they really wanted us to enjoy our time abroad. I highly recommend this program!

My experience abroad was amazing! If I could do it all again I would without a doubt do it through AIFS again. The program was great, welcoming and very helpful. The meal tickets and restaurants were amazing and definitely saved me a lot of money which came in use for traveling.

Before deciding to study abroad, I never had any intention of ever visiting South Africa. Like many other people I had the stereotypical view that the entire country was dangerous and poverty stricken. Don't get me wrong there are definitely some places that are, but after my semester in South Africa I have come to learn that the country is a richly diverse nation whose beauty is unsurpassed.
My experience abroad was more than I could have ever hoped for. I met so many new people from all over the world. I was able to try so many new things including surfing, paragliding, going on a safari, and staying in a traditional iXhosa village. The AIFS staff was wonderful and always there to help in every way possible. In that semester I learned so much about the culture and history of the country, but I also learned a lot about myself.
I would never trade my time in South Africa for anything and I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking for an adventurous study abroad.

I honestly could not rave enough about this study abroad. Not only is the company reputable, but our professor and guides were absolutely great. They were supportive and knowledgeable on the sites we visited and the cities we stayed in, but they still gave us enough freedom to explore ourselves. Hotels were great for the most part, with great balcony views and rooms. What probably made the trip for me, though, were the people. I was thrown out of our comfort zone with fifty other strangers, and yet, I made some of the best friends I have on this trip. The European cities we went to (London, Amsterdam, Paris, Lucerne, Venice, Florence, and Rome) should be on everyone's bucket list - we learned so much about each of these unique places through guided tours, museum visits, to-die-for food, night life, and just walking around on our own. Probably the highlight of my trip was when we were in Paris at the Eiffel Tower. It turned midnight on July 4th, and the tower started sparkling for a minute while we all laid on the grass. The trip was worth the cost just for that night!

I studied abroad in Prague in the summer of 2010. It was my real first, independent experience. I took two classes over there, Czech Art & Architecture and Eastern European Politics. I had classes 4 times a week. I would wake up, grab a pastry at a local shop or some fruit and yogurt in our cafeteria, and attend class. During my art class we visited many art museums, churches, castles and simply just walked through the city studying the artistic value. After class I would meet friends for lunch and usually explore the city some more, sometimes going to the river beach, the outdoor markets, the outdoor gardens, or exploring Old Town Square. In the evenings I had another night class and then usually would meet up with people to go out and enjoy the night life. The World Cup was going on during that time, and Old Town Square had a huge televised screening of the games! On weekends, we took trips to Moravia, Krakow and Vienna. I saw and learned so much while there. My study abroad in Prague was most definitely my most cherished college experience.

an incredible program, with some of the greatest and most unique characteristics of an abroad program, including:
- meal plans: use provided meal cards to dine at some of the greatest restaurants throughout italy. a great way to save money and get exposed to places and people you would not otherwise. restaurant staff look forward to having american students, give you GREAT deals on food because of AIFS' established connections with each restaurant. this opportunity cannot be missed!
- pre-organized trips: Venice, Milan, Rome, Cinque Terre and more!
-extra curriculars: cooking class, wine tastings, vineyard tours, pizza making class, arts and crafts, trips to various cities throughout italy, soccer games- pay with MEAL PLANS- SAVE SO MUCH MONEY THROUGH AIFS!
- housing is incredible!

The AIFS program I did in Grenoble was the best experience I have ever had, no question. In terms of academics, you take a placement test so what you're learning is achievable, but still challenging and helps to improve your french. My family was incredible - so fun and helpful, and were a great when I missed my own family from the US. My program director was so supportive and answered all of our questions. She truly went above and beyond, but at the same time, we have the freedom and independence to explore Grenoble, and learn a lot of things on our own. I couldn't have asked for a better study abroad experience.

MEAL PLAN MEAL PLAN MEAL PLAN! Restaurant vouchers for 20+ various and different restaurants all over the city where you eat off their special menu for Richmond students (2 or 3 courses, wine & dessert)or add up your food and pay the difference.

Apartments were nice, clean, safe located in unbelievable locations around the city.

Staff was extremely nice & helpful and always there if you had any issues/questions

Orientation was a huge success and really got you prepared for life in another country

Weekend/day trips around the country included in price (Rome, Pisa, Venice, Cinque Terre, day trips to vineyards, cooking lessons, pizza making, wine tastings)

Academics were very interesting, some challenging but well worth it! (Take renaissance art & History of the Mafia)

Attended for my first semester of college. I had lot of fun, I did not want to leave and even contemplated staying for the whole year. I now have friends from all over the world. London is seriously the best city to live in. Traveling is so easy. The museums and food are great. The nightlife was amazing! The academics are not too difficult or demanding which is perfect because it allows you to travel around europe and really experience everything the city has to offer. I really recommend taking an art class or london history class. Richmond Hill campus is on the outskirts of the city, Richmond can get boring but having the Tube and Bus is amazing. The dorms are a bit dated and the food in the cafeteria is questionable but it does not matter because you are in London!!!