Program Reviews

I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the AIFS Study + Intern Program during the Spring semester of 2024, and I can't say enough good things about it! This program was everything I hoped for and more, making my time in Rome unforgettable.

One of the highlights of my experience was my internship with UP Factory. The work was interesting and engaging, giving me hands-on experience in a dynamic field that aligned perfectly with my academic and career goals. The team at UP Factory was incredibly supportive, providing me with meaningful tasks and guidance that made my internship not only educational but also genuinely fun.

Rome itself was a dream. The city is rich with history, culture, and endless things to do. Traveling around Rome was surprisingly easy, whether I was navigating the metro, hopping on a bus, or simply walking through the beautiful streets. Every corner of the city had something new to explore, and the accessibility made it easy to fit in as much sightseeing as possible.

The AIFS staff were exceptional—friendly, approachable, and always eager to help. From pre-departure questions to on-the-ground support, they were there every step of the way. I felt well taken care of, which made adjusting to life in a new country so much smoother.

What made the experience even better was the amazing group of students I met. Everyone was so open, making it easy to form friendships that I know will last long after the program ends. We shared so many incredible moments together, from weekend trips to local hangouts, and those memories will stay with me forever.

If you're considering studying abroad, especially in Rome, I highly recommend the AIFS Study + Intern Program. It's an experience that blends education, work, and adventure perfectly, giving you the chance to grow both personally and professionally. It was truly a semester to remember!

Studying abroad in Budapest was such an incredible experience! The program size was perfect; we had 18 people which wasn't too small, but still small enough that you knew everyone in the program and we became a close knit community. It was so cool to get to meet students from all across the United States and Europe; AIFS has students at schools all over the US, and our accomodations are in an apartment building that is almost entirely student housing, which is a great way to meet people! Budapest itself was wonderful; it was such a hidden gem with lots to do, all while having great public transportation that is covered in the program fees. I loved getting to run by the Parliament at night, climb up Gellert Hill to see a panoramic view of the city, and explore different cafes all throughout Budapest. There were also so many opportunities to travel, including trips with AIFS to Vienna, Lake Balaton, and an optional excursion to Prague! The trips through AIFS were lots of fun, plus they were all planned for us so there was no stress over what we would do when we were in the cities.
While the adjustment to being abroad was a bit of a challenge, it was such an opportunity for growth and coming out this program my confidence has grown so much. I would recommend this program to anyone looking for a unique study abroad experience!

I interned in Florence for two months and it was the best job I could have been placed at! This internship was perfect for me and I felt that I really learned a lot while at work. On the weekends, you get the time to travel and explore. There are so many things to do in Italy from the food, to the excursions, you can never be bored! It is also so easy to take day trips from Florence which is so great to ensure you make the most of your time abroad. I would recommend this trip to someone interested in living in a new city and looking to be immersed in a new culture.

This summer, I participated in AIFS 8-week summer intern program in Barcelona, Spain. As a communications, marketing, and business relationships intern for Siel Bleu, I gained incredible professional experience and improved my Spanish tremendously as a direct result of this. Outside of the work I was doing for my internship, I got to experience so much of Barcelona’s culture, including cuisine, historical landmarks, and other popular venues. When I wasn't in Barcelona, I was able to travel around many parts of Europe, and even Africa, for a relatively fair price.

The internship program I joined was organized, ensuring that I was placed in a position that aligned with my academic background and career. My internship onboarding was focused on my learning, where I learned about the company culture, my roles, and expectations. This initial guidance helped me quickly acclimate to the new work environment. Living abroad independently is a significant step towards personal development. This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me invaluable life skills. From managing finances in a different currency to navigating public transportation in a foreign language, every day presented new challenges and learning opportunities.

AIFS presents an incredible chance for students seeking internships and job experience in New York City. The program offers extensive support, and AIFS Samia does an outstanding job as both a host and event coordinator as she organizes many fun and amazing events, that allow you to connect with other students and even your employers. Adjusting to life in a bustling city like NYC was a significant change, but it led to immense personal growth, especially as someone who has never moved out before. My internship not only helped me develop as a young professional but also provided valuable experience in my field as it helped me figure out what I want in the future. It clarified my career aspirations and allowed me to build many meaningful connections. AIFS Abroad is truly a unique opportunity that paves the way for a successful future. Highly recommend if you get the chance to do this!

This experience also allowed me to make so many new friends and I am forever grateful for this opportunity.
I can’t stress enough how much I recommend the NYC internship experience.

I loved loved loved my program. I am studying fashion psychology and my supervisor Edith was amazing. I learned so much! Our location supervisor Lourdes was so kind, caring, and amazing. I highly recommend this program for every student. I was worried about going and feeling comfortable but immediately when I got there I felt at home and safe. There are so many sites to visit in Madrid; museums, restaurants, flamenco shows. I loved every minute of my program. Make sure to visit lots of places. <3

AIFS provided me with such an amazing experience! Interning in New York City was a great opportunity, not only for professional development but also for personal growth. Navigating and living in a brand new city on your own seems so scary, but it allowed me to grow so much as an individual. I really enjoyed spending my summer here. My internship helped me mature as a young professional and gave me a better understanding of my desires for my future. I learned so many valuable skills throughout the course of my internship and formed important connections. AIFS offers endless support throughout our stay and the group events were so much fun thanks to Samia! She did a wonderful job hosting us this summer! I highly recommend this program - AIFS does not disappoint!

I really had a great time here. Getting the chance to work out here and see what it’d be like to live here has helped me decide that I definitely want to come back after graduating college. Samia was really wonderful with everything and helped all of us with networking events and other activities to explore NYC. This program definitely helped with my professionalism and I would recommend it to others! I also had the chance to have some of my work shown in Greenpoint Gallery, which will be great to add on my portfolio!

This program provided me with an amazing NYC experience. From the placement and housing, to the networking events and weekly check-ins, everything has been tailored to make you feel as productive as possible. When you first get to NYC you will feel out of place and at times uncomfortable, but being uncomfortable is something you are going to have to get used to if you want to see success in your career path. If you want to set yourself up for a successful future, this program is where you should start.