AIFS Abroad

Program Reviews

Bridget
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life-changing London internship!

I'm glad I chose AIFS Abroad because of their strong reputation for international internships and the level of support they provide throughout the experience. They successfully helped me find a placement aligned with my career goals which was difficult to find with a traditional study abroad experience. I joined the London Internship Program in Spring 2025, drawn to the city’s vibrant culture, global connections, and professional opportunities in the theatre community. From start to finish, the AIFS team was incredibly supportive—answering questions before departure, guiding us during orientation, and checking in regularly while we were abroad. The housing was safe and well-located, and I loved the group excursions to Stonehenge and the Cotswold's which helped me to make friends with other study abroad students/interns in my program. My internship at a local theatre gave me real-world experience, improved my communication skills, and boosted my confidence in navigating a professional environment abroad. There was equal opportunity to enjoy the city to the fullest, spend time with friends and travel while also balancing the work experience my internship provided me. I’d recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking for a well-rounded, supportive, and life-changing internship experience!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
One of the most nerve-racking moments as an abroad intern was learning how to travel alone in the city and navigate public transportation. It's okay to take the wrong train or to not understand directions, but my best advice would be to expose yourself! It took me awhile to get a hang of transportation but I was always able to ask someone around me for help if needed or I was able to figure things out by practicing.
Pros
  • I made memories in the city with new friends that will last a lifetime.
  • I made connections through my internship placement that I will have for years to come.
  • Having international work experience is a rare and interesting resume builder.
Cons
  • Without budgeting correctly, financing can become difficult.
  • Sometimes the city is unsafe, so it is important to be safe and travel with others at times.
Sabi
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Perfect Program Through and Through

I decided to go with AIFS Abroad because I’d heard good things about their programs and I liked the mix of options they offered, especially in South Korea. The whole process felt really organized from the start. The staff were quick to answer questions and helped with everything from paperwork to preparing for the trip, which made it way less stressful.

Once I got there, the support didn’t stop. Housing was solid and in a good location, and the excursions were honestly one of the highlights because they gave me the chance to see more of the country than I would have on my own. The cultural activities were also a big plus since they made it easier to experience local traditions and connect with people outside of class. I also made some really good friends through the program, and that sense of community made a huge difference.

Overall, the experience gave me more confidence, pushed me to be more adaptable, and helped me think about how studying abroad fits into my future plans. I’d definitely recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone who wants a supportive program that balances academics, culture, and community.

What was your funniest moment?
My funniest moment was when my friends and I had to study for our Korean language class. We had to prepare a presentation for the whole class to see and hear and we absolutely sucked at it.
Pros
  • Meeting new friends
  • Learning new things
  • Amazing food
Cons
  • Need a Korean phone number for everything
  • Long process for ARC
  • Not a lot of american things like snacks.
Claire
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Dublin, Ireland | AIFS Review

I chose AIFS because I liked the amount of guidance they offered while abroad, compared to other companies my university partnered with. I chose the Dublin, Ireland program, and felt supported by staff when debating which internship would be the best fit for me. One of my favorite experiences was the Causey Farm trip, which was planned by AIFS. It was a great way to get close to my roommates (there were eight of us total), and it was a great way to experience Irish music, dance, food, and landscape. I became very close with my roommates after that trip, and am confident that I have made some lifelong friends in them. I'd recommend AIFS to anyone who wants to live or intern abroad, but is intimidated by the idea of doing it alone.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
I'd tell future travelers that this program is super amazing and fun, but that you are only get get as much out of it as you put in. So be outgoing, and don't be afraid to go and do things alone!
Pros
  • Amazing housing accommodations
  • Good excursions
  • Full time support
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Misunderstandings with homework
  • N/A
Autumn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Experience Ever!

I interned abroad in Galway, Ireland in the summer of 2024. AIFS provided me with lots of services and support, which is why I chose to go abroad with them. AIFS provided me with a lot of support during the interview process. They arranged my interviews for me. They also provided me with a service to learn about my top five strengths and how they can help me during my internship. During my program, AIFS provided me with a location coordinator. She was super helpful! She answered any questions and assisted me in any way she could. I also was not alone during my internship. I had about 20 interns in my program. Having other interns provided me with a great community and friendships. AIFS arranged my housing and provided lots of different excursions. AIFS was super helpful and made my experience great!

What was your funniest moment?
The funniest moment was the Irish dance class we took. This was one of the excursions AIFS provided us with. We took these lessons at the beginning of our program, so we were all still getting to know each other. These dance lessons certainly helped with that. We all danced with each other, laughing how bad we were. I'll always remember the amount of laughter echoing in the room. I didn't dance well, but I did have a blast trying.
Pros
  • Lots of support and services before and during the program
  • Creates a great community for their participants
  • Provides lots of excursions for participants
Elizabeth
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

AIFS abroad in Florence

I chose AIFS Abroad because of their strong reputation and the balance of academics, support, and cultural immersion they offered. I studied in Florence, Italy, and from the moment I applied, the staff were attentive and supportive, guiding me through every step before, during, and after my program. Housing was safe, comfortable, and centrally located, which made exploring the city easy. The included excursions and cultural activities, like trips to Venice and Tuscany, cooking classes, and walking tours, made the experience feel both educational and immersive.

What surprised me most was how quickly Florence felt like home. Within weeks I was confidently navigating the streets, discovering favorite cafés, and even practicing Italian with locals. AIFS created a strong community that made it easy to form lasting friendships with other students, and the on-site staff were always there to help. Personally, I gained confidence and independence, and professionally I grew in my cultural awareness and adaptability, skills that will stay with me long after the program.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The most surprising thing I experienced was how quickly Florence began to feel like home. I expected to feel like a visitor the whole time, but within weeks I was navigating the streets with ease, finding favorite cafés, and even chatting with locals. What surprised me most was the mix of everyday life with history.
Pros
  • Supportive and responsive staff before, during, and after the program.
  • Well-organized housing and excursions that made exploring easy and safe.
  • Built-in community of students that made it easy to form lasting friendships.
Cons
  • Busy schedule at times.
  • Limited flexibility in housing or course options.
  • Cultural adjustment can feel overwhelming at first.
Aya
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Supportive & Inspiring London Experience

I decided to study abroad with AIFS Abroad because of their strong reputation and the range of programs they offer. I joined the London program, and from the start, I felt confident in my choice. The staff were very responsive and made the pre-departure process clear and stress-free, which was a huge relief as I prepared to go abroad.

Once in London, I was impressed with the balance between academics, housing, and cultural immersion. The accommodation was in a great location, and the program included excursions that allowed us to explore beyond the classroom. The cultural activities organized by AIFS made it easy to experience London’s history and lifestyle in ways I might not have done on my own.

The best part of the experience was the community—I met incredible people from different backgrounds and built lifelong friendships. Personally, I grew more independent and confident, and professionally, I gained valuable skills that I know will help me in my future career. I would highly recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking for a study abroad program that combines academic quality with strong support and amazing opportunities for personal growth.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would chooses a longer semester for sure. 2 months were not enough to me. LOL!
Pros
  • Supportive staff before, during, and after the program
  • Great housing in a convenient location and great view!
  • Wonderful field trips with AIFS!
Cons
  • N/A
  • N/A
  • N/A
Makayla
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fun program and great staff

What drew me to AIFS was how thoughtfully their programs are built and the strong support network they offer. Studying abroad in Barcelona through AIFS was an incredible experience. The staff was always there to assist and made sure we had everything we needed. The cultural immersion was a big highlight; we weren't just visiting the city, we were truly living in it.

I opted for the apartment housing, and it turned out to be both comfortable and ideally located. Close to the school and many of Barcelona’s must-see spots. One of the most rewarding aspects was the connections I made with people from all over, which wouldn't have happened without this program. I’m truly thankful to AIFS and their amazing team for making this experience so memorable. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to be part of a supportive, engaging academic environment while exploring a new culture.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
The most unfamiliar thing I ate the most while abroad was calçots, aka spring onions. My program took us on a trip to where the first calçots were harvested, Tarragona, Spain. There, we participated in a Calçotada, which is a feast centered around the barbecued onion and other meats. It was a fun experience and I would 100% do it again.
Perwa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

AIFS study abroad

My experience with AIFS Abroad during my internship in New York City was nothing short of incredible. From start to finish, the program was well-organized, professionally run, and filled with meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth. But what truly made the experience unforgettable was the incredible support I received from Samia.

Samia went above and beyond at every step of the journey. Whether it was answering late-night questions, helping me navigate the city, or just checking in to make sure everything was going well, she was always there. I especially want to highlight how much she helped me when my return flight was unexpectedly canceled, in a moment of stress and uncertainty, Samia stepped in and helped me find emergency accommodations. That kind of care and responsiveness made all the difference, and I’ll always be grateful for her kindness, quick thinking, and genuine warmth.

I wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone looking to intern in New York City. Not only will you gain invaluable experience, but you’ll also be supported by people like Samia who truly care

Sophie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Dream experience

My internship with AIFS has been a phenomenal experience. I have grown so much in these last two months, and I only wish I could stay longer! I had an internship in the Garment District, so I got to spend my weekdays working in Times Square, which has been my dream since I was a little girl. I was exposed to what it would be like to run a shop, which is something I hope to do with my business in the future. I plan to transition from the sewing machine to the tattoo machine. I strengthened my social, technology and professional skills, along with building upon my top five Clifton strengths: empathy, ideation, individualization, developer and intellection.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I never would have expected to testify at city hall when I signed up for an internship with a glove shop. I had the incredible opportunity to go to City Hall alongside supporters of the garment district to testify in front of city council members, highlighting the issues with the MSMX plan. The MSMX plan aims to rezone the garment district to make space for housing and developments. It felt good to speak on behalf of the local makers and artisans because it felt like I was making an authentic contribution towards preserving the garment district.
Pros
  • Professional development
  • Exposure to city life
  • Long lasting connections
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Hot weather
  • Immature peers
Lilly
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I love New York

My internship was in New York! I had a great time and met so many people that I know I will be friends with for a long time. I really enjoyed the experience I got, and besides a few issues I had with my managers my experience was amazing overall. I would love to live in New York again and work somewhere else. I’m very grateful for the experience I had! The housing location was great, living in Brooklyn was beautiful and taking the train to Manhattan everyday was so fun! I truly enjoyed my time here and I’m sad it has to end.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
If I did this over again the only thing I would change is where I was placed for my internship. I made really good friends while at my placement company, but the work environment was not very positive to me and I often dreaded heading into the city because I didn’t like the work I was doing.
Pros
  • Location
  • People
  • Food
Cons
  • placement company
  • the subway (too hot)
  • my work hours