AIFS Abroad

Program Reviews

Ela
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Summer Internship in Madrid

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

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Work hard! Remember that your first priority is to work in Madrid, don’t loose out on this amazing learning opportunity.
Pros
  • Amazing program director and amazing internship supervisor
  • Very very close group of people
  • Such a cool place to live and study
Cons
  • Europe doesn’t have air conditioning!
  • Make sure you are ready to live on your own
  • Make sure you have a fan with you- Madrid summer is hot
Sara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best decision!

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!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking moment was the first few days arriving in New York City. There was a lot of adjusting to do as far as the new living situation, and just nerves leading up to the first day of the internship. However, after the first week of being here, I felt super comfortable and way more confident in navigating the city and knowing what to expect at my internship company.
Pros
  • AIFS support
  • Work experience and professional development
  • Memories that will last a lifetime!
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Nerves
Nadia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

New York!!

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!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
I would definitely save and learn how to budget! I would bring cooking supplies to the housing because eating out gets expensive!
Pros
  • Networking
  • Cool events/opportunities
  • Supportive Staff
Cons
  • Expensive
Samson
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An amazing opportunity

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.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The first day at my internship was definitely my most nerve-racking moment. But after getting over the hump, I felt like I was really apart of a team that is looking out for my best interests.
Pros
  • Great for resume building
  • You make so many connections
  • You get a taste of the city life
Cons
  • You will be nervous for the first week
  • It will be hard to adjust to the big city
  • You will be challenged in your work and your day-to-day life
Nathan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Once in a lifetime opportunity!

AIFS does such an amazing job at what they do! From the internship placement, to preparing you for the work force, to providing events for you to take advantage of, it is truly such a good choice for your future. I’ve made so many great connections and picked up many new skills along the way that will be extremely beneficial towards my career out of college. I have made so many new lifelong friends and connections with my employers that will serve me so well in the future. Not to mention the memories made along the way!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Don’t let the stress be overbearing and take advantage of the city. Soak in as much culture and inspiration as you possibly can while here. It’s everywhere!
Pros
  • Connections
  • Work skills
  • Great memories
Cons
  • Can be stressful on occasion
JayciLynn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The BEST Summer of My Life!

Where do I even begin?! Galway is, hands down, my favorite place ever! The city isn't crazy & chaotic, like Dublin & London, but still exciting, beautiful & lively. People are performing music all over the streets all hours of the day, which adds a perfectly authentic vibe. The pubs are so much fun and the shops are cute to shop around in. The Tiny Traders Village on the weekends was also great if you're like me & enjoy buying from local crafters! The nightlife is great! There's not many clubs, but the pubs are amazing and so much fun anyway, so I didn't mind missing out on clubs. Additionally, the locals are some of the kindest & most welcoming people ever! I never had a single bad interaction with anyone!

Galway's location advisor, Karen, is also amazing! She is so fun to hang out with, and so helpful all of the time. There's nothing you can't talk to her about. She is so welcoming & loving, which really helped with my homesickness.

I was also able to do traveling on the weekends around the day trips Karen planned for us (Aran Islands & Connemara)! I was able to solo travel to London & the Cliffs of Moher, as well as going on group trips to Edinburgh, Scotland & Nantes, France. While the distance to a nearby airport isn't the best, it really isn't that big of a deal & honestly adds to the experience.

I would recommend Galway to absolutely anyone. If you want a TRUE Irish experience, choose Galway! I had the best summer of my life here, and I'm so sad it went by so fast! However, I fully intend to come back upon finishing my degree to turn Galway into my permanent home. :)

PS - when you come here, go to Salthill beach & jump off the diving board!! So much fun!

Pros
  • Lively streets with music & cute shops & pubs
  • Great nightlife
  • Gorgeous city
Cons
  • Public transit isn't always the best (not terrible, but not perfect)
Harley
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Stunning Sydney!

My experience was amazing and was placed in an internship that matched my career path and skill set! I was able to be placed in career that was perfect for me and aligned with my values and where I see myself in the future. The planned trips through AIFS was phenomenal with my personal highlight of a beautiful Blue Mountains hike! There was also a winery tour in the Hunter Valley as well as a Taronga Zoo visit! Throughout the trip our AIFS supervisor was available to ask for advice as well as offered to tour us around popular sightseeing areas.

Pros
  • Career growth
  • Academic growth
  • International experience
Cons
  • Housing
  • Away from friends
Nathan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

2024 summer full time internship

The AIFS full time summer internship was a phenomenal study abroad program. It started out with a two week Italian class to allow students time to acclimate to the environment as well as learn the basics of Italian and give ample time to explore the city. Following the class we were placed in a 6 week internship, which personally was exactly aligned with my future career goals and I was given meaningful and impactful assignments. The team in charge of the Rome AIFS office are amazing people who are nothing but helpful and extremely friendly. The minute you walk in you will feel at home and safe with them supporting you. The program provided many activities to explore the city and even travel to other cities in Rome. I could not have asked for a better program to spend my summer with. Highly recommend applying for the program, you will not regret it.

Jenna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

AIFS Sydney, Australia Internship Program

Getting to be a part of the AIFS Sydney, Australia internship program was an amazing experience. The onsite coordinator was excellent as well as the various events planned by AIFS which helped us explore the sites even more. I got to meet many new people and even got credit hours from this experience. I also figured out a lot about my chosen field in the process and what my future career may look like. If I could give any advice to anyone who wants to do an internship in Australia it would be to explore the city, or even outside of the city, as much as possible during your time here because the weeks go by fast.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I was able to try kangaroo rump at one point during the internship. It was essentially a more chewy steak which was definitely unexpected but welcome.
Pros
  • I learned a lot about my chosen career field.
  • I got to explore the sights and do many fun activities.
Cons
  • Not enough time to explore/socialize. Especially if you have to travel far to get to work and/or are getting credits for the program.
Matthew
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Summer in Florence

I had a really good and fun time while getting to live and work here in Florence. I was really pleased with my living arrangements and my job placement. My job placement was better then I expected, I feel like I was pushed in my job and given responsibility which I was really satisfied with. With that being said I got to meet a lot of cool people in and out of the program and I got to travel a lot with the friends I made here and I was really grateful for those experiences. The staff at AIFS in my opinion was very helpful and easy to communicate with if anything came up. I think ultimately the experience is what you make it so if you make the most of it and put yourself out there you and take advantage of what Italy has to offer then you will have the time of your life and your experience will be positive.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
I would say definitely take advantage of everything that Florence and Italy has to offer. I would definitely recommend you make and effort to travel to different places or attractions and to make the best of the Italian culture and experience
Pros
  • Great food
  • Had really good job placement
  • Made good friends
Cons
  • Super hot
  • A language barrier depending on where you go