AIFS Abroad Reviews

One of the best experiences I had in college was studying abroad in Cannes. I went for my spring semester, which was perfect because we were there for the festival. Being a part of the AIFS group was wonderful - I loved that we came from different schools and different parts of the country. We all became friends, and some I became close enough with that I still name them as some of my best friends, and keep in touch with them today. The two AIFS representatives in Cannes with us were like older sisters - helpful, warm, and knowledgeable.

We also had a great time being in the Collège in Cannes - it gave a great opportunity to make friends with international students all over the world - from France to Brazil to Switzerland to Japan. Having mixed classes with different nationalities gave a much better perspective on learning the French language, and the classes were challenging but engaging. Living day-to-day at the Collège was great; I especially enjoyed living right next to the beach, where we would often spend our afternoons in the sun and evenings hanging out with friends, as well as my specific Art History and French Civilization classes. It was my first experience taking French classes that were subject-specific, as opposed to just general language classes, and it was a great way to learn that really interested me.

The trips - to London, Paris, and around Provence - were extremely well organized and I always enjoyed the activities we did, as well as appreciated the free time and choice we were given. It was a nice contrast from a trip I took in high school: although things are planned for you, you are given the freedom to come and go as you like. I usually chose to stay with the group as the things we saw, such as the ampitheatre in Nîmes, a winery in Provence, and a Cabaret in Paris, were always fun and great opportunities. It was perfect that these trips were included in the package and we didn't need to pay extra.

Staying in Cannes also had the benefit of the Film Festival in May, and we had unique opportunities through our program to go to film screenings, walk the red carpet, and help out at a gala event all through AIFS, and for free.

All in all it was a unique, well-organized, exciting experience that I will always cherish.

Prior to college I knew I wanted to study abroad. When it finally came the time I was bombarded with a list of different programs and unsure I which to go with. My main concerns included getting the most for my money, inclusive experiences, and meals. AIFS provided me with the best opportunity. During orientation, we were able to go on weekly trips throughout the area of Lido di Camaiore. Whether it was open markets, see the leaning tower of Pisa, I feel like I saw so much in just two short weeks. Once in Florence, AIFS ensured that we were educated on safety rules. They would even email us to remind us about important information. The school provided us with ample internet access and the program directed us to getting our own internet access at home if we wanted it. The meal plan was by far the greatest bonus of the program. I was worried about spending so much extra money on food, it was Italy after all. The meal plan AIFS provided us with was amazing. We were giving meal tickets each month that allowed us to not only explore traditional Italian cuisine but also provided us with an array of different restaurants and cafes. We had trips to Venice and Rome within the program and aside from the organization of the trip being so easy for me as a student. I was able to learn about these areas through the help of guiding staff but we were also given plenty of free time to explore and experience the cities. It has been almost 3 years since I visited Florence and to this day I feel like I was there just yesterday. I miss all the teachers and staff and hope to one day visit them again. Between holiday dinners and our good bye dinner, everyone in the program became this diverse family. I was able to make life long friends that I am able to visit and stay in close contact with. In the beginning the great difficulty I had was not knowing how to get around and missing my family. By the end of the semester, I felt like I knew Florence better than my hometown and I wished I could stay for one more semester.

I had the opportunity to study abroad with AIFS to Nanjing, China in Fall 2009. This experience truly has shaped who I am today. I learned what it meant to be cultured and independent. I made relationships with people that will last a lifetime as well as unbelievable memories. China was the first time I ever left the country and AIFS welcomed me and took me along for an amazing journey. I am so passionate about the experience I had in 2009 that I encouraged my sister to go to Prague this fall through AIFS. I know that she is in good hands and I am confident that she too will have a life changing experience.

Most who study abroad will tell you that it is hard to put the experience into words because it truly is an indescribable experience. It is a once in a life time opportunity to take a trip across Europe to see some of the best art and architecture in the world. It is set up and ran by great people. They take care of almost everything so you do not have to worry about a thing.

I hope you take the time to review all of AIFS programs and take advantage of the opportunity that is in front of you. It is a truly remarkable experience that you will never forget. My words and all the pictures in the world cannot do it justice. It is something you just have to experience for yourself.

I'm jealous of your opportunity and would love to do it all over again!

I have spoken to many of my friends who went abroad and no one has been able to top this program. The BEST part about this program are the meals. NO OTHER program utilizes the meal ticket system better. The restaurants are top notch and not touristy... they're authentic Italian cuisine. The staff was also very helpful. They offered numerous activities on a daily basis. I can not say enough about this program, simply the best. But don't take my word for it... GO! Overall I would say if you're looking to travel abroad, go to Italy. If you chose Italy go to Florence. If you chose Florence pick Richmond in Florence.

This was a once in a lifetime experience! I met so many new people from all over the world! The activites that Macquarie University puts on such as "Conception Day" are so much fun and it's important to get yourself involved to get the most from the trip! The school was very close to the housing so walking wasn't bad. Be ready to step outside your comfort zone in the housing department because you will be placed in a group where you aren't necessarily going to fit with them, but that's part of the experience! Also, you are so close to New Zealand so be sure to take a trip to meet some Kiwis! I would move there in a heartbeat!

The homestay experience in Fiji was wonderful! The family really makes you a part of their own and creates such a bond that you will cherish forever! Fijian people are beautiful inside and out and it's important to keep an open mind. This experience will change your perspective on life! Beachcomber Island was byfar the most gorgeous place in Fiji!

Take my word, this trip will change your life!!!!!! It was plenty of fun and it will create a sense of "No Worries" for all your problems!

I had the most amazing time studying Spanish and Tropical Ecology in Costa Rica last year. I went bungee jumping, zip lining through the cloud forest, surfing on two coasts...I can't begin to describe all of the amazing experiences. AIFS was a great program to study abroad with, I definitely recommend them. Very organized thorough, friendly...absolutely wonderful experience.

Austria is not usually the first country in Europe you think you want to study abroad in, but the Salzburg program is one of the best experiences for the money. The city itself, while small, is enchanting and full of pubs, cultural experiences, and natural wonder. I enjoyed the historic iron signs on every corner, learning how the city coped during the fascist regime, and hiking/biking/skiiing in the alps.
The size of the program is comfortable, at 40 you can find people with similiar interests and get to know them while still having alone time if you wish. The courses are fantastic. Two of my favorite Professors of my entire undergrad experience were from the AIFS program. Some chose to take it easy and did not try very hard and still passed, but if you take the time to ask questions you can learn so much. (My focus was the International Relations path). Taking the Austrian culture course was a highlight, both because of the professor and because of how it enhanced my experience. I knew only a little German and felt comfortable in the city. The German booster course helped a lot when we first arrived even though I was not excited about it initially.
Make sure you make the most of the travel excursions. I LOVED the places we went and was glad for some direction, but enough free time to see what I was interested in.

I had a great time studying abroad with AIFS. The first few days of our program, they took us around the city to help us get aquainted with our surroundings. Salzburg is a gorgeous city, and I hope to go back and visit someday. The program was really helpful - setting up housing for us, giving us a meal stipend each month, and even taking us on a couple weekend trips. I made a lot of friends while on the program, even though I didn't know anyone when I started. The program also gave us great tips on where to shop and how to get around. You should definitely check it out!

The AIFS Cannes, France program had everything: challenging courses for every level with great teachers, beautiful and exotic scenery, safe environment for everyone to enjoy themselves, opportunities to gain work or internship experience and travel throughout Europe and even Northern Africa at affordable prices, etc. It was definitely one of the greatest experiences in my life.