AIFS Abroad Reviews

This has been an experience of a lifetime, and something I will never forget. It helped me grow in all aspects in just three months and for that I am forever thankful.

I feel deeply changed and I’m so excited and motivated to continue living life the way that this program has taught me.

Can’t recommend Global experiences enough’

I started out by just wanting to know more information about interning abroad - I just didn’t feel like studying abroad was my thing.

I had a couple of options and after receiving that first phone call from Global experiences I bailed on the rest of my options because GE was so welcoming and warm and I just couldn’t say no to them!

They helped me instantly and there was 100% support from day one and it was great!!

The program all together was lovely, and it made everything easy!

Going to a different country is intimidating but GE made it so exciting and I felt safe and guarded

This is the best decision I’ve ever made in my life!

Coming here was one of the biggest and best decisions of my life. I wasn't sure what to expect at first and had a lot of questions and concerns. The GE team made sure I was 100% cared for and answered any and all of the questions I had! My biggest concern when applying is that I wouldn't be able to get an internship specifically in the field of Human Resources as it wasn't one of the placements offered on the site for Barcelona. After communicating with them exactly what I was looking for and seeing what options I had, they found the absolute perfect placement in HR for me in my first-choice location!
I truly felt like they went the extra mile to make sure that I was happy from start to finish (and beyond) with this program. Our program Director, Inma, is so positive, fun and always ready to help! Absolutely anything we needed, she was on top of it. The group excursions with her were always stellar and I feel super lucky to have had her as our Director. Shoutout to Katherine and Chrissie as well for being amazing with staying in contact, checking in, and being so helpful, especially at the early stages of this program! The GE staff is so great!!
I can't even begin to explain how much this program and internship has postitively impacted my life. Not only did I get the wonderful opportunity to explore a whole new world and experience a beautiful culture and make tons of new friends from all around Europe, but now I have impressive job experience under my belt that already has and will continue to help me in my future career endeavors.

As a recent graduate, Global Experiences was a great program to utilize as I am still determining what type of career I'm interested in pursuing and was interested in traveling before settling down. Based off of our conversations throughout the application process, my internship placement was spot on. Although I didn't feel entirely passionate about the work I was assigned, it was an excellent opportunity to learn more about what direction I would actually like to move towards in my future positions. I couldn't have asked for better employers. As I don't speak Spanish, they were always open to helping me throughout any obstacles I encountered, gave me a ton of tips about Barcelona, and were always available to answer any questions I had.

I believe being abroad in general after graduating is a unique and special opportunity. The challenges of traveling most weekends have made me feel more independent than ever before and I believe I'm more adaptable because of this experience. Being away from what I know and am comfortable with has given me the chance to really tune in to what I want out of my future.

To all future participants, definitely take advantage of every moment you have in your city. If you're like me, you'll travel most weekends. Don't let that affect what you experience here in Barcelona or whatever host city you may choose. Even if you're tired after a long day of work, drink that extra shot of espresso, and get out and explore.

I decided to study abroad spring of my sophomore year of college. I had always wanted to, and it was something I considered when looking at colleges. My sophomore year was incredibly challenging. I had a heavy class schedule and was involved all over campus. I began to lose myself in all of it. I needed a break. So I decided to study abroad to get away, explore a new place, and most importantly, find myself again. I knew I wanted to go to Italy, since that's where my family originates from. I met with the study abroad office on campus, picked my program and made it happen. I fully believe it was the best decision I've ever made, to study abroad. I met so many new friends, traveled to some beautiful places and was able to do some soul searching. I had never been to Europe before so I definitely took advantage of that, traveling to six new countries. I was ahead of required course at my home university so I took class in Italy that allowed me to indulge in the culture of my new home. Being away from home and my friends at school allowed me to focus on myself and focus on what I needed. It allowed me to appreciate the connections I did have at home, and give attention to the areas that may have needed growth. I allowed myself to be selfish that semester. I did not only what I needed to do, but what I wanted to do. I had been so caught up in the pressures of work and school at home that I had forgotten how to enjoy myself. I can remember my trip to Cinque Terre. When I stepped off the train into the sunlight, could smell the ocean, I was so overwhelmed with so much happiness, I actually teared up a little. I couldn't remember the last time I was that happy. Studying abroad really allowed me to come full circle and fall in love with school and life again.

This experience was so meaningful for me and my peers. The people of South Africa are very heart-warming and caring folks. I felt connected to many of the people I met while abroad. I was in the service-learning course, where my peers and I became more immersed to one of the many cultures South Africa is home to. This experience was eye-opening and it challenged me to grow. I enjoyed being with the primary kids and learning more about where they come from.

The culture in South Africa is rich and diverse. It was incredible to learn so much with each passing day, most days were full of opportunities to learn more about other perspectives and yourself.

I studied abroad in Salzburg during the Fall 2017 semester and can proudly say that I highly recommend this program with AIFS. Immersing oneself into the city of Salzburg not only makes you feel like you're stepping into a fairytale city, but causes you to realize how much the world has to offer. With AIFS, this immersion was seamless.

The courses I took with AIFS and the University of Salzburg were intensive, but not overwhelming. Many courses integrated the city itself as well, with trips to various museums and historic sites throughout the Altstadt. One course I took especially had a great effect on how I view the world surrounding me and the future of my academic career. It has inspired me to pursue a Master's degree, which I also plan to do overseas.

The housing options offered by AIFS were incredibly diverse, allowing for each student to have their preference of accommodation style. All accommodations offered were similar, however, in that they were clean, comfortable, and affordable and allowed for a unique opportunity to live in an international environment. In these ways, the lifestyles that these accommodations offered allowed for easy integration into the Salzburg and university communities.

Upon arrival, orientation was very comprehensive and answered any and all questions that may have surfaced. The Resident Team in Salzburg was very welcoming, leading to a sense that they truly were our caretakers and leaders. The excursions that they took us on were very well planned and were some of my favorite memories I left my time abroad with.

Overall, my experience with AIFS in Salzburg was truly an unforgettable one. I can proudly say that it gave me a new sense of emotional intelligence regarding myself, my future, and my place in the world. I would highly recommend this program to any interested students.

Last fall I had a fantastic opportunity to study abroad in Berlin, Germany with AIFS. The experience that I had with AIFS is incredible. The program that I was doing in Berlin had all-inclusive with several field trips and excursions. I was able to attend multiple soccer games in Olympiastadion Berlin and even visit the Baltic Sea. I would recommend studying abroad with AIFS. AIFS makes it easy for students to access a lot of resources inside the country.

Study abroad was something I never thought I could do as a 1st generation, low income, Latina student. It has always been my dream to travel and thanks to AIFS Study abroad and my university, The University of Rhode Island with all their support I was able to go. AIFS Alumni ambassadors helped me budget on how to save for study abroad and my universities international office works closely with AIFS so that students like myself, who are on scholarships, can transfer over those scholarships to their school abroad with the AIFS study abroad program! My experience over all was life changing, going to different countries every weekend, to attending a Fashion show at Paris Fashion week and shopping in Barcelona. Don't get me started on going to Milan for the weekend for MOUTH WATERING CANNOLIS, GELATO and shopping! On top of experiencing the culture of Spain and Europe, I came back a different person. In more ways than I can explain. I encourage all who dream of traveling or even if you feel like it is out of your comfort zone, like I felt. I say 'GO FOR IT, you only live once". Enjoy this once in a lifetime opportunity in college.

I really enjoyed my time in London over the summer. The internship I had was almost exactly what I imagined it would be, and I improved a lot of my technical skills because of it. I made great friends while over there and would do it all over again. The only problem that I had was the housing. Though the location was great, being right next to a tube station, the building itself had some problems that seemed to not be fixed in the two months that we were there. Other than that, this was definitely a summer that I will remember.

Ciao! My name is Amie and I studied abroad in Rome, Italy in the Spring of 2018. I went through the program AIFS and was not disappointed! From the pre-departure process to my arrival back in the US, I felt that I was constantly helped with each new experience. As for the location, Rome is an amazing city. Everywhere you go, you are surrounded by art. Also, while observing the Colosseum or the Vatican you are surrounded by a cultural mix to people who are Italian and foreign.
While in Rome, I spent the semester living in Prati which is one of the safest parts of Rome. I lived in an apartment with five other students. I enjoyed the apartment, but I also heard awesome reviews about living in homestays. I attended classes Monday through Thursday at Richmond in Rome. The study center was small, but coming from a smaller university at home, it was comforting. Richmond in Rome was in a very central location, surrounded by restaurants and back to back with the famous Piazza Navona. Grabbing a cornetto (croissant) at the local breakfast place before a photography class will forever be one of my favorite past times. Besides taking classes AIFS also had given me the opportunity to volunteer at a primary school. There I taught English to third graders. All in all, AIFS added a lot of positivity to my study abroad experience. As for Rome, it will eternally be a place I call home, where beauty lurks on every corner and friendships, will last a lifetime.