AIFS Abroad

Program Reviews

Rachel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

University of Sydney Extensive Program

I studied abroad in Sydney at the University of Sydney for 7 weeks, taking a 3 week extensive course called Outdoor Education. The class was super informational as well as enjoyable, allowing us to explore Sydney within the context of the class. We went on a camping trip in the Blue Mountains and a day trip to Royal National Park. The University of Sydney also offers some weekend activities, such as a surf camp, which I highly recommend going to! They also give discounts on snorkeling at Manly and some other events.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Sign up for the Outdoor Education class with Professor Sam!
Elise
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

NYC Summer Program 2025

I absolutely loved my experience with this program. Everyone I met was incredibly friendly and my site advisor Samia was absolutely welcoming. I learned how much I love NYC from this program and found a viable place for me to live in the future. I love my internship experience at Towers & Associates P.C. They welcomed my fellow intern and I with respect, kindness, and professionalism. We were both thrilled with the wide range of experiences we had during our tasks. We learned how to deal with a fast paced and emotional environment that happens frequently in family law. I could not recommend this program more if you’re looking for an initial professional experience in which you’re treated with independence and care.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I was surprised how friendly New Yorkers are! I was told by so many people (including my program advisors) that everyone in NYC is more short and distant than midwesterners. I disagree, they are down to the point for sure, but they will always answer questions and give help with directions when you need it!
Pros
  • Gain professional experience
  • Meet new people
  • Freedom and independence
Cons
  • Traveling to and from work in a big city
  • Dealing with stressful situations during internship and learning how to manage those challenges with efficiency and professionalism
Abbegail
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Sydney Internship

I had a great time during my internship in Sydney, Australia! I felt the AIFS staff helped me be well prepared for the program. Our advisor, Andrea, was also great and helped us throughout our whole stay here while also planning fun activities for us. During my internship I was able to learn a lot about my future career and I believe the company I worked for was a perfect fit. It was very apparent that the AIFS staff put in effort to ensure our placements fit us well. Sydney was also a great place to stay because there is so much to see and do. We never had a day where we didn't know what to do. Overall, this program helped me grow in a professional setting while allowing me to have fun exploring a new country!

What was your funniest moment?
I got pooped on by a bat while walking home one night. I had to laugh so I didn't cry lol.
Pros
  • Central housing location
  • Great advisor
  • Easy to make friends
Cons
  • Bats
Raegan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Extended my 3-month internship into 6 months!

I originally had a 3-month internship from February to April, but I enjoyed it so much that I decided to extend it for another 3 months! Sydney is an incredible location—there’s so much to do here, and honestly, 3 months just isn’t enough time to take it all in.

My internship has been amazing. I love the work environment I’m in, and living at Scape has made the experience even better. The housing is centrally located with easy access to everything I need. Scape also hosts fun activities for residents, which made it easy to meet other exchange students. I had so much fun attending these events—and they’re either free or super affordable!

The people in Australia are incredibly kind and welcoming. I highly recommend studying or interning abroad here—it’s been one of the best experiences of my life!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
One of my favorite parts of living in Sydney was having so many beautiful beaches just a short trip away and watching the city light up at night. Sydney is such a stunning city, full of energy, with so much to see and do. Every day felt like a new adventure.
Pros
  • Close beaches
  • Such much to do
  • Nice people
Cons
  • Crowed city
  • Lots of walking (not really a con but if you don't like walking)
  • Traffic
Bliss
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

NYC photography internship

I had an amazing experience in NYC with AIFS that helped me gain a new sense of independence and confidence within myself and my art. I learned so much about my self and what I want to do professionally. I was able to make connections in the music/art industry, made some money(not alot, but still some), and meaningful friendships. I was able to work with models, rappers, and creatives, and DJs. I did face alot of stress in beginning and Samia, my advisor helped me through everything and getting placed in a new environment where i flourished and was able to express my creativity and work with other creative minds.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would go out more and go see the city more. It was pretty cold during my time here so it made it difficult to get around but I cannot stress this enough. GO OUT. GO EXPLORE. GO DO OUTSIDE. Get out of your dorm and hang out in study areas, go for walks around the dorms, if your of age theres endless places to go out and party. There is always something to do and always someone new to meet. AND do not feel scared to go up to someone and spark a conversation in the dorms if you need friends, theres a big chance they probably need friends too.
Pros
  • Never bored
  • public transportation
  • Artists/Creative minds everywhere
Cons
  • very expensive
Iman
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Best Summer of My Life – Thanks to AIFS Abroad!

Spending a summer interning in Lisbon with AIFS Abroad was easily one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From start to finish, AIFS handled everything—securing my internship, setting up housing, preparing me for the experience with career readiness resources, and providing ongoing support while I was there. Even after the program ended, they continued to offer guidance and connections that made a lasting impact on my career. They made the entire process so seamless that all I had to do was show up, learn, and enjoy every second of it.

I interned as a Marketing Coordinator at PowerX Gym, where I got hands-on experience in content creation, event planning, and website development. I collaborated with an international team, adapted marketing strategies for different audiences, and strengthened my leadership and creativity. This experience confirmed my passion for marketing and management, and it also gave me something even more valuable—lifelong friendships. I still text and call my coworkers, and I even got to go back over Thanksgiving to visit!

But what made this experience truly unforgettable was Lisbon itself. The city is vibrant, colorful, and full of life, with historic trams, stunning viewpoints, and the best food you’ll ever have (seriously, I’m still dreaming about the pastéis de nata). Every day felt like an adventure, and AIFS made sure we experienced it to the fullest. Their on-site staff, who are Lisbon locals (in my opinion they are the most supportive, cool, and fun people), gave us the BEST recommendations on where to eat, what to see, and even local events we wouldn’t have found on our own.

One of my absolute favorite parts of the program was the weekly Sunday field trips. AIFS took us on incredible excursions to Sintra’s fairytale castles, the stunning beaches of Cascais, and even a group surf trip! These weren’t just sightseeing trips—they were bonding experiences with the other interns, making every weekend an adventure. Having these built into the program meant I got to experience so much more of Portugal beyond just Lisbon, without the stress of planning everything on my own.

For future participants: Say yes to everything! Take advantage of the incredible support from AIFS, be proactive in your internship, and immerse yourself in Lisbon’s culture. Try new foods, explore new neighborhoods, and step outside your comfort zone. This experience will change the way you see the world, and I can’t recommend it enough.

If you're looking for an internship abroad that combines career growth, cultural immersion, and a city that will steal your heart, AIFS Abroad in Lisbon is the perfect choice!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The most surprising experience I had in Lisbon was our surf trip to Costa de Caparica with our program advisors, Sabrina and Monique. I had never surfed before, but that wasn’t what made it so surprising—it was the fact that I was surrounded by people who, just weeks before, were complete strangers, and yet I felt so comfortable, so at home, and so free to be myself.

My roommates, who had become my best friends, came along with the rest of the interns, and we spent the whole time laughing, wiping out, and cheering each other on. None of us really knew what we were doing, but that was the best part—there was no pressure, no judgment, just pure fun and excitement every time someone caught a wave (or completely ate it). The instructors were patient, the waves were perfect, and the energy was just unreal.

Afterward, Sabrina and Monique took us to this adorable Greek restaurant, where we all sat around a table, sharing food and stories about our lives. It was one of those moments where you just sit back, look around, and realize how special everything is. We talked about our internships, our experiences in Lisbon, and just bonded in a way that felt so natural, like we had all known each other forever.

This trip was the most surprising for me because it showed me how quickly connections can form when you’re open to new experiences. I wasn’t just learning how to surf—I was learning how to embrace the unknown, trust the people around me, and fully enjoy the moment. That day will always be one of my favorite memories from my summer in Lisbon.
Pros
  • Unmatched Support & Seamless Experience
  • Personal & Professional Growth
  • Lifelong Friendships & Adventures
Cons
  • Short Timeframe – Two months wasn’t enough!
  • Budgeting & Expenses
  • Not learning more Portuguese
Yeidy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Intern in Barcelona, Spain

As an intern in Barcelona, I had an amazing experience, thanks to the AIFS program and my incredible supervisor, who provided invaluable support and guidance. The program was well organized, from my welcoming homestay to thoughtfully planned activities. I only wish there had been more events that fit into my busy schedule so interns could participate more often and have more time to connect with other students.

Overall, it was a truly rewarding experience that I’ll always cherish. My supervisor played a huge role in my growth during the internship, pushing me to give my best at work and encouraging me to explore Barcelona more through her kind and thoughtful advice.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice is to enjoy every second and be open to new experiences, especially when it comes to trying the amazing local food. Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, including practicing the language of the place you’re staying. It’s not only a great way to connect with people and culture but also an invaluable skill to have as a second language is so important in today’s world.
Pros
  • Enjoying every moment ensures you create lasting memories of your time abroad.
  • The language and culture helps you build meaningful relationships.
Cons
  • Trying new foods or adapting to unfamiliar customs may take time and effort.
  • Being open to everything could lead to overcommitting or feeling drained.
Sicily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Internship Experience in Barcelona

I completed an internship in Barcelona, Spain and I had the best experiences in my life. I was able to apply the internship as credits towards my degree, and AIFS has been such a wonderful and supportive program. The staff is amazing and personable, and with 30 something kids to look over, you can tell that our group really looked to them for support. Inma, my internship coordinator, placed me with an amazing company where I held a marketing position, and she was extremely supportive and a really well-rounded and wonderful person as well.

Teghan
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fashion PR Internship

I was placed with a luxury fashion PR company for the program, and I learned so, so much from my experience here. As someone who had never worked in the industry before, I now feel confident to pursue my career in fashion PR further, and with the connections and experiences I've gained from this program, I've found a variety of solid job opportunities. The big-city environment also pushed me to become a lot more independent and sure of myself, so all around I've had incredible personal growth since starting this program.
The accommodations at St. George towers were absolutely fantastic and very safe, and I honestly had more room and was much more comfortable than I was initially expecting when joining the program. Weekly activities were planned, and since the internship can lead to a fairly busy schedule, Samia was very understanding if we were unable to attend. But, I would recommend going to as many as possible! They're a great opportunity to see things you might not otherwise have thought to explore.
Overall this experience is one I'm very glad I had, and thanks to my internship I feel much more on-track to achieve the career I'm aiming for.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
- The city is safe as long as you stay aware of your surroundings and are not out too late in sketchy areas. Just take the proper precautions to keep yourself safe and out of trouble and you should be fine.
- If you do run into trouble, though, whether it be with the internship or the city, Samia (the NYC program advisor) is always there to help with any issues you might have, so you never feel without a support system. Even if you just need someone to talk to about the little things, she's very sympathetic and gives great advice!
- You definitely need to budget more than you think for groceries, transportation, and general activities in your free time. If you are placed with an internship that does not cover commute costs, expect to be spending at least $34 per week just to get around. If you want to really experience the city and explore without financial stress, make sure you budget well and check the costs of activities you'd like to do on your own before starting your internship.
Pros
  • Gained independence and self sufficiency
  • Built a strong foundation for my career and made valuable connections
  • Got to know the city and fell in love with it, I'll be moving here very soon!
Cons
  • Financial stress can hit hard if you don't budget well
Amanda
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Film Internship

I had an incredible experience with AIFS that not only helped me grow in my career but also taught me a lot about myself. Despite facing some hardships and dealing with homesickness, the support I received made all the difference. Samia was like a cool aunt—always positive, supportive, and fun. Her bright spirit helped me stay grounded when I felt overwhelmed by the chaos of moving to NYC, a city I had never been to and where I didn’t know anyone.

AIFS is an amazing program that truly sets you up for success. It gave me the foundation I needed to launch my career, and so many doors have opened for me since participating. I highly encourage anyone considering this program to take that leap of faith—it’s worth it!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Comedian Amy Schumer and Dunkirk actor Finn Whitehead at the subway station. Both reading scripts on the train of course.
Pros
  • New experiences everyday, NYC is never boring EVER
  • Pushing your self and growing through discomfort and nerves
  • Networking all the time
Cons
  • Homesickness
  • Public Transportation can sometimes be confusing and have delays (a lot actually)
  • There's no time for a part time job.