Program Reviews

This experience has been really great. I loved the first two weeks of the Italian language crash course. I wish we had more classes. My internship took some getting used to but that was a given. Once I settled in more, I became more comfortable in the workplace and with my coworkers. Our Location Coordinators were absolutely wonderful. They gave us so much advice and made the group events a blast. They made the experience so enjoyable and made the whole process of coming to Milan and finding our way much easier.

I am so glad I chose to participate in this experience. I was able to immerse myself in a new culture while learning more about the field I'm studying and also making a ton of new friends. I feel like I have also grown personally and I have shown myself what I can be capable of. My program supervisors, Amanda and Antonella, were so helpful to me and all of the other interns. They were always there to answer our questions no matter how big or small. They dealt with our serious concerns but also became our friends - giving us their genuine advice on how to have the best time possible here in Milan. I will be so sad to leave all the people I met during this experience.

My time with AIFS spread over the entire academic year of 2022-2023. I studied abroad in London, and I had a life-changing experience. I will be forever thankful to AIFS for the experiences I was a part of, the people I met, and the wonderful places that I travelled to. I learned more than I ever could have in a classroom in the US during my time abroad, and this was because of the wonderful program and especially the excellent staff associated with AIFS. The professors genuinely care about their incredible education curriculum but always put student experience and learning first. I feel changed by this experience and would recommend it to anyone that wanted to study abroad.

The support that I have received throughout my experience has been amazing for my personal and professional development! Special shout out to my on-site advisor, Andrea Hays for being such an encouraging pillar throughout my internship abroad in Sydney, Australia! The process of figuring out how to go abroad can be overwhelming but GE and its process makes it so much easier. Just pick your program, submit all of your documentation, and you'll have a foundation to curate your own experience. A going abroad experience is what you make it and this program sets you up so that you have more time for getting the most out of your time there!

While I was on the Spring 2023 London program with AIFS, I had the opportunity to take Bibliotherapy: The Art of Reading with Professor Moody. I can’t recommend this program and this class enough! Bibliotherapy focuses on how reading can provide well-being. This course was personalized to allow us to explore what we were interested in reading and find ways to promote self-care and healing. I found this class to be one of my favorites as we explored bookstores and libraries. (And we even got to picked out two books to be paid for by the class for our enjoyment!) Another class I want to recommend if you are looking into this program is British Drama with Professor Brian. This class was wonderful to explore the development of theatre in London and how modern theatre is today with viewings of performances as class trips or watching recorded versions. Both of these professors were excellent at engaging students and creating wonderful connections from both the material to beyond the classroom. Overall, my time with the AIFS program was wonderful to explore London as I completed some extra credits towards my degree. All the staff was lovely. If you have any concerns financially, there is helpful assistance with financial aid and scholarships. If you get the opportunity to go, I highly recommend it!

London is a great program to get outside of your comfort zone, especially if you aren't from a city. It's really easy to navigate and there are lots of hidden gems for a fun time. Working there will make you realize a whole new world of career possibilities outside of your home town. I had a great time working for a museum, and seeing other parts of London through this job. Even as someone from a warm place, I was able to really enjoy myself (after I bought a new jacket). I also got to travel to Greece, Sweden, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands before I went home! I would recommend this trip to anyone, and especially people who speak English and want to visit a new place without having a language barrier.

My trip to Florence with Global Experiences is something I’ll always remember. I met so many amazing people, tried so many new things, and visited some of the most historic sites in the world. I also developed more professional skills and matured on a personal level. Being in Florence allowed for so many new and amazing opportunities and I’d go back in a second if I had the chance to do it all over again. Global Experiences is a great program and I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a unique abroad experience.

I don't have enough good things to say about studying abroad with AIFS in Costa Rica. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and AIFS was hands down one of the best parts of the experience. Not only does AIFS have an office building near the university (and none of the other programs do!), but Karla (resident director), Jessenia and Pablo (assistant resident directors) go out of their way to make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable. AIFS was by far the most organized, professional, and kind program that I saw and would 1000% choose them again to study abroad. The classes weren't hard and there was a really good balance of academics while also being able to explore the country. If you're deciding which company to choose to study abroad: GO WITH AIFS. You won't regret it.

Interning abroad is one of the best decisions I have ever made! Global Experience's Florence program was the perfect opportunity for me to leave home and fully immerse myself in a new culture, as well as make me go outside of my comfort zone. I not only grew personally, but I also grew professionally.

As my degree is in hospitality, I was very fortunate to be placed working on a rooftop bar and restaurant learning from such passionate employees who are very good at what they do. I learned so much from my boss and she learned from me as well; these types of internships are extremely eye opening as you are going in with an outsider perspective. I was able to present different ideas I had, assist in writing business emails and event proposals myself, as well as create menus, seating charts and brochures for different events being hosted. They gave me these tasks and believed in me even in times that I did not feel very confident. However, because of this, I had little to no edits by the time I left. My boss's goals of having me do things on my own was only accomplished because she pushed me to do everything, even when I didn't think I could. I know that I will benefit from this internship through out my whole career.

On the weekends, GE set up excursions for all of us interns to get together again and do something fun. We had a cooking and fresca painting class and were taken on a wine tours bike ride, and several day trips! These were great for everyone to bond and get to know each other even more, which created a sense of community between us all.

Overall I would recommend this program to anyone who wants to test themselves. You will be faced with challenges and difficulties, but it is worth it. While you are supported along the way, this program will teach you to be independent and strong for yourself.

Even though this whole thing may seem scary at first, it truly is the best thing you can do! The people I have met and the places I have seen made sure of that. I have made lifelong friends and have gained a sense of confidence when it comes to travel that I never had before. I cannot stress this enough...if you are even considering doing this program, do it!! You will not regret it.

I loved my time in London! Our internship manager worked so hard to find us a right fit job placement and I loved the company that I worked for. My placement fit with my interests and philosophies, and I now have some amazing connections. Going to work was something that I really loved and has helped me explore new job opportunities.

Our trips on the weekend were also amazingly fun as we saw a wide range of English culture. There was something for everyone and our location manager was always listening to our interests and catered to them. From exploring London's vintage flea markets to seeing some amazing historical sites, there was always something fun to do and learn. We also had time to explore on our own and really find the parts of London that spoke to us. For example, I loved going to West End theatre performances and I went to a different part of the city every weekend to explore. This freedom helped me grow as a person and as a traveler!

I never thought I could live in a big city but with the program's support and by pushing myself, I found that I really loved it. This experience has changed my life and I am so grateful for this opportunity!