AIFS Abroad

Program Reviews

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Song
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

10 out of 10

Great program for those looking for experience to gain in desired field.

Every process was super clear. Staff was friendly and easy to reach out.

My host company was amazing. Supervisor was supportive and accommodating. A great learning experience for me to gain insight on what I wanted to do in the future.

Weekly events is a huge help to fill in the gap of being virtual. Mid-point checks are also helpful in terms of understanding job performance.

Above all, it is a 10/10. Will recommend.

What was your funniest moment?
Our intern team located in five different time zones around the world!
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Natalie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Smooth Process

The GE team made navigating the application and interview processes very smooth. I could easily set up meetings to talk, and everyone was enthusiastic about my questions and concerns. I was walked through the process very clearly so I always knew what to expect. That was helpful for me so I felt like I had a sense of control. I was also given a lot of options for when my program was transitioned from being in person in Italy to virtual. It was a pleasure working with the team to make the most of my internship.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
While my program was virtual, my advice for anyone would be that its okay to not know something during your internship. It is okay to ask questions and be unfamiliar with tasks. You are there to learn!
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Erika
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experience!

Awesome way to spend my summer! The program's biweekly instructions offered strong support and pointers about thriving in the professional world. I was placed with an NGO perfect for my interests and experience, and am grateful to have forged connections and built skills that I'll carry with me as I build my career in the future!

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Joseph
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great interactive learning

Great program selection and preparation, especially for those looking for an international opportunity. Meetings with representatives were informative and engaging. Focus on resume building, skill development, reflection , and concept to apply to work. Would highly recommend to any student, graduate, or young person to gain professional skills and experience. Very easily traversable in terms of application, status, and work. Documents provided aided in working for interviews, professional character, and how to be a good intern.

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Marcus Dzuong Thien
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

amazing experience

I had an amazing learning experience meeting new people. I had the opportunity to learn new skills. When I was in the class I learn about different cultures that people were from. Everyone was nice to welcome me into the zoom class. I got the help that I needed when I asked about anything. During my time there, I am proud to take this global experience virtual internship to help me with my career. Carmen always put us in these breakout rooms to get to know each other and I learned about the diversities that people were from. If my friends ask me about what internships they should apply for I would recommend this internship to anyone. If someone I do not know but is in the university I would also tell them to apply to this global experience virtual internship. I learned about connecting with more people on LinkedIn because I believe that you would be hired more if you have more connections. I would like to apply to where my dad works: the World Bank as a chief financial officer. I hope to get more experience applying to that job or My favorite soccer team financial team, Manchester United.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would have liked to find an experience who pays hourly
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Monica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

AIFS Study Abroad Semester in Florence

A kind of fun fact about my study abroad experience is that I knew absolutely nobody because I had to petition to my university's study abroad center so I would be able to do my particular program. I chose my particular program because I wanted to be able to have an experience that revolved around Italian Renaissance art, but wanted to be able to spend a whole semester in Italy as opposed to a few weeks during the summer. My program was perfect for an immersive experience, but the school itself was a bit rigorous with very limited absences permitted and lots of schoolwork. While the grades and schoolwork were a lot at times, I did feel like my art skills weren't pushed because I was one of the few art majors so instead of increasing my skillset in painting or drawing, I was treated as an example and didn't really improve. If I did have questions, my professor would do it for me which wasn't very helpful nor was having limited studio hours. I did enjoy having the ability to do still life drawings and paintings outside of class in the beauty of Florence, which was a unique experience I treasure to this day. Pros of this program were that our meal plan was "tickets" that acted as vouchers for a list of restaurants so we could properly try Italian food without breaking the bank, a range of activities to sign up for (like going to a vineyard to pick grapes or having appretivo with Italians), access to notable Italian locations (museums, architecture), three optional group trips within Italy (Siena, Venice, Rome) which also allowed time to explore the city, and great housing options that allowed one to feel like they were really living in the hub of Florence. I would do it all again in a heartbeat, mainly for the food and wine of course haha.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Florence is one of the most exciting cities to live in with its richness in culture and accessibility to other cities via the Santa Maria Novella train station. Really make Florence your own by becoming a regular at a cafe or restaurant so that they begin to recognize you, attending the different events the city has to offer (like the Gelato Festival or the Christmas Market at Santa Croce), hang out at Santo Spirito and meet the locals, and/or try to find what the city has to offer outside of the main hub (like olive oil tastings or going on a bus to get the best view of the city). Of course travel everywhere you possibly can go, but don't forget to take advantage of how you are essentially living in Florence and you get to make it your own.
Josh
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Good experience despite the pandemic

This was a good program over all. As for myself, I was a bit older than most also the pandemic has not been helping things like international internships. Despite this, I was able to make valuable connections with my company and have valuable experience that has also led to a career prospect (again, looking at the recovery from the global pandemic).

If your program is remote like mine was, you can still get a chance to encounter a different culture vis the online meetings. Also, remember to establish connections for the years after your program. They may come to a good help in job searches later, and can even just be good friends to meet up with.

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Hannah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Personal & Professional: Global Experiences helped me land my dream internship!

My internship was perfect! I knew I wanted to work at a university overseas and Global Experiences set me up with a perfect match: The Marino Institute of Education. In this role, I was able to connect with Irish students, professors, and alumni. I was able to think of new and innovative ways to promote the Educations Studies program.

The process of working with Global Experiences was easy and supportive! I loved meeting students from around the world and all of the professional development opportunities in the bi-weekly check-ins!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Really invest yourself into the program! Look for additional networking opportunities, attend presentations, ask someone if you can have an informational interview with them! This all helps enhance your experience!
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Steve
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Internship with Global Experiences

Getting an internship with Global Experience was an excellent opportunity! I got to work with Sprwt, a meal-prep company in New York City. Previously, I only had experience working with companies in the Washington, DC area. With the help of GE, I was able to broaden my horizons and learn about companies and leaders around the world. I also got to speak to other college students from countries places like Canada. Overall, I am very appreciative that I got a chance to be a part of Global Experiences.

What would you improve about this program?
Add more activities for the students to engage in.
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Gail
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A great experience!

I was really unsure of how much I would like this experience. In the end, the staff were what made this internship experience worth wild. Right after connecting with the company, they set up a variety of meetings for me to explain my interests and my goals for this internship. They actually listened and found me a great placement and remained supportive throughout the whole experience, constantly checking in and making sure I was getting the most out of it. I would 100% recommend this company. I was never left waiting or confused about next steps and was so pleased with the overall experience.

What was your funniest moment?
The bi-weekly check-ins were the most fun for me. We shared a lot of laughs over different experiences and it made me feel way more comfortable in my experiences.