AIFS Abroad Reviews

My semester in Limerick, Ireland was better than I could have ever imagined. I felt comfortable with no language barrier, but also was able to experience a culture completely different from my own. Throughout the semester, I learned so much about myself and how I handle situations different than ones that I have been in before. I learned a lot about my awareness (of my surroundings, culture, and myself) that I hope will make me a more valuable employee after my approaching graduation. Being a business major, I am setting myself apart when I say that I took economics and IT classes in Ireland. I wouldn't change my experience for anything and I wouldn't want to go through any other provider either. AIFS really seemed to value the idea of support when abroad. Whether that support be for me as a student, or for my family at home, who were so far away from me for the entire semester. I never felt alone and everyone question I had was answered with the help of the on-site director who was like our mom away from home. They also planned amazing excursions that helped us see more of the culture and helped us bond as a group. Living on campus with students was another huge plus for me on this program, since I do not know how comfortable I would be in a host family situation. I really did have an adventure of a lifetime!

I studied abroad in Florence, Italy for the spring semester of 2018, and I can confidently say it was the best decision I ever made! Florence is not only a culturally rich city, but the people are friendly, and the food is to die for! The city and the food were not the only reason I had a great time abroad, the program I chose to go with was the American Institute for Foreign Study and I truly believe they made my experience the best it could be. Here's why:

-Academics:
• Wide variety of classes available to choose from (I was a junior studying fashion when I went, and I was able to take all fashion related courses which kept me on track for graduation)
• Amazing Instructors (I LOVED all my professors and felt a personal connection to each one; it was obvious how much they cared for the students)
• Small class sizes (classes aren’t too large which made communicating with them when I needed extra help easy)

-Immersion:
• AIFS wants you to be immersed in the local culture!
• They set up dinners and lunches to allow students to mingle with locals their age
• Almost every day AIFS has different cultural activities students can participate in for free or at a low cost (ex: Gelato tours, discounted tickets to the opera, cooking classes, etc)
• AIFS allows students to have an “Italian Buddy” during their semester (A local who has volunteered to show students around the city, help students practice their Italian, and be their buddy!)
• Program also includes a 2-day stopover in London and a week in Rome

-Food and Safety:
• The best part of the program is the food plan! AIFS gives students meal tickets each month which work at tons of restaurants all over the city. It’s a great way to explore the city, try new things and save money!
• AIFS provides students with a number they can call at any time if they are ever in trouble (I never felt unsafe during my time in the city!)

Overall, I loved my time in Florence, and if I were to go back in time and do it again I would without question still choose AIFS!

Studying in Granada, Spain with AIFS was the best decision I could have made! From start to finish, I felt comfortable with the entire process. The application was straight forward and whenever I had questions, my admissions counselor was quick to respond and alleviate my confusion. While in Spain, the on staff was extremely friendly and they were available for any questions about the city or the adjustment process. When choosing my program for my semester abroad, the value of the AIFS program gave me the best option. This program was the least expensive, which was something I was looking for. Despite that, I was still given many opportunities in my study abroad. The program included excursions to Sevilla, Córdoba, Gibraltar, walking tours around Granada, and even Alpujarras. Going on these added so much more to my experience because I was able to see outside of the city and experience other pieces of Spain and its culture. AIFS even provided opportunities to blog or be a photographer for AIFS and even to volunteer while abroad. One of my favorite parts were the “intercambios” organized by our program directors where we were able to meet with native Spanish speakers to practice the language and make new friends. Upon return, AIFS allowed students to apply to be an Alumni Ambassador to promote study abroad on campus. AIFS does not leave students high and dry at the end of the program, but they create a family for the returning student, so they can know they are not alone. I could have gone to Granada with any program, but I will never regret going with AIFS.

My experience was very unique and surprising for me. I got to work for an organization assisting the lives of a disadvantaged ethnitcy I had no awareness of. The cultural experience was probably intensified for me because I got an insight on so much more history with my placement. Being immersed in a different culture was already enough to contribute to my professional and personal growth but being exposed to this type of internship allowed me to always think on my toes and assess my strengths and weaknesses. The social activities provided by GE was probably one of my greatest highlights however, from the scenery to the social events I felt like I made a new home in Dublin. The location coordinator was always there when and if I needed her and she always made the events fun and included some extras that pertained to our interests. I even considered living abroad for a longer period and she directed me to the ways how. I felt completely safe in this program but not like I had a baby sitter. Would definitely recommend this program to anyone and even considering it again for myself.

This has been one of the best experiences of my life. The amount of valuable job experience I gained from my host company is more than I would have ever imagined. The company that I was matched with was exactly what I was looking for. My co-workers were great and I was given real responsibility within the company not just typical "intern tasks". I enjoyed going to work each day and then getting to explore the most amazing places every weekend. Ireland is full of beautiful scenery and living in Dublin was ideal as we were close to great restaurants, bars, and shopping. We received just the right amount of support from GE as I always felt supported but never babysat. They also did an incredible job on roommate matching! my roommate and I were always together and had a blast the whole time. This has seriously been the opportunity and adventure of a lifetime and I would recommend it to anybody and everybody!

This was quite honestly one of the best experiences of my life. As a novice traveler, I was nervous to get out of my comfort zone and travel in a way that I was not used to. I feel that I have gained so much in learning how to navigate a large city such as NYC. There were a lot of social events to attend so people who have a hard time getting out of their comfort zone can be pushed, but there was also plenty of time to do some independent traveling too. Global Experiences gives a good balance of letting you be your own person while also giving you support in case you start feeling homesick or uncomfortable. My internship placement could not have been more perfect and I really enjoyed my time both working at my internship and going out with other interns after. Be ready to make lasting relationships both professionally and socially. I would certainly recommend this program!

AIFS in Barcelona is a fantastic opportunity. It is all-inclusive, providing the perfect option for staying in budget, while offering the luxuries of such a beautiful city. I studied to 12 countries while studying abroad and volunteered to teach english with Terral. AIFS helped me set this up and was so great in the process. While I was in Spain, the AIFS staff were there every step of the way. They were extremely supportive and constantly there to help me when I needed it the most. Living in another country can bring nerves and AIFS was there to comfort those. In addition, I changed my career path in Barcelona. Seeing the way that businesses work in another part of the world ignited a passion in me. I am now majoring in international business and hope to work abroad some day.

As a student with a STEM major, I was only able to do a summer study abroad program, and it was not long enough. The AIFS Public Health Program in Stellenbosch, South Africa was applicable to my field of study, as well as during the ideal time of year and within the continent of my choice. This program was truly the perfect option for the opportunity of a lifetime.

During my stay, I was able to live in the dorms with other students from all over the US and the rest of the world, and was even lucky enough to room with a South Africa, who knew all of the local places to go and see, and all of the activities to do. The first of two classes I was able to take were an introduction to the political history of the country, which was taught in the most engaging, and memorable method of instruction I've experienced in my college career. The second, which related to my career, was the public health program, where I was able to learn about the local health care system and health problems that plague the country in a personal and eye-opening manner.

Throughout this time, classes were balanced by experiencing the beautiful country, nearby cities, culture, and tasting all of the amazing food that South Africa had to offer, all with the best company a person could ask for. As a whole, the organization of courses and excursions that AIFS offered for this program made my study abroad the best I could have possibly asked for. It's the best thing I've done for my studies and for myself, and I wish only that it could've lasted longer.

This program was the perfect way for me to go abroad after I graduated. I knew I wanted to travel but also use my degree, and GE found me a great internship that strengthened my skills and had me develop skills I only would've gotten from working abroad. The housing was set up very nicely and I always felt safe and answered to when there were any questions or concerned. They offer you free outside activities as well like bike tours, cooking classes and much more to help you experience Italian culture and do things you wouldn't have thought of doing yourself. If you are on the fence about whether this is a good idea for you, you have to go for it! It will push you out of your comfort zone and challenge you to be independent but you will be so thankful for everything you've accomplished thereafter and will come back with lifelong friends and memories and GE made this happen!

I had the most amazing experience in Europe through the Global Experiences program! They found me the most AMAZING internship that I learned SO MUCH from. I loved my placement so much, I made so many lifelong friends and so many connections in the fashion industry. The program definitely will help to excel me in my future career. My resume looks so diverse now and my employer in Milan offered to write me an amazing letter of recommendation. My employer even took me to Paris Fashion Week! I had so much responsibility at my internship. I gained so many skills and learned so much about the fashion world abroad, which I never would have been able to do without the help of Global Experiences. My apartment was conveniently located and we had a grocery store right next to our place. Global Experiences was there to help whenever I had any issues, whether it be with my job or with my life in Milan. They planned a few amazing day trips to different parts off Italy. Overall I had an amazing experience and would definitely reccomend.