AIFS Abroad Reviews

While clicking the "submit" button on my application to study abroad in Barcelona, I took a chance and had no idea that I was enabling myself to embark on the grandest adventure of my life. Looking back at my four months living in Barcelona, I see a whole new person from the beginning to the end. I knew I would grow as a person in my four months abroad, but I did not realize the capacities or mountains I would cross to get to where I am today. I cannot emphasize how important it is to study abroad while in college. Studying abroad provides a foundation for personal growth that nothing else can compare to. Living, traveling, and learning in another country is life changing in every way because of the simplicity of every day life. Learning from the locals, traveling, running into road bumps, getting lost, missing flights and exploring historical treasures are just a few of the everyday activities that help a person grow while abroad. The AIFS program is a huge part of what makes studying abroad in Barcelona so special. The on-site staff truly supported me and pushed me outside my comfort zone. Studying in Barcelona is unique because you have the privilege of experiencing the Mediterranean sea, the mountains, a lively city filled with passionate locals, unimaginable art and architecture, and a million stories of historic events. Take a chance and study abroad through AIFS in Barcelona, I promise it WILL be the best four months of your entire life.

Before going abroad, I was not only hesitant, but also nervous-excited. I was excited to experience something totally new, but worried at the same time. My experience was so incredibly unique because my program with AIFS and studying at VŠE was only 9 people. For some, this many seem like too intimate of a group, but for the 9 of us; we become life long friends. Because the Charles University group was over 50 people, we were able to constantly go out to dinners, explore Prague, and get to know each other very well. Also, the on-site staff was nothing short of amazing. Renata, Maike, Zdenek, Jenny and Karin, were some of the kindest and most caring people I've been fortunate enough to meet in my lifetime.
One aspect of AIFS that I would like future participants to know is to not be scared of going. It may be an intimidating factor, and worry your parents like crazy, but just to sign up, and go abroad. It became something more than just "going abroad" but rather, learning more about myself and gaining skills I would've never acquired had I not gone abroad. For instance, today I am a significantly more confident person and no longer find it strange to speak to strangers, I love getting lost and find unique nooks and crannies, and meeting new people and learning their stories has become a hobby.
My favorite memory in Prague would just be to walk around the city and take in its beauty. As cliché as it may sound, there is something magical about Prague that is indescribable until you visit it for yourself. It truly does look like a city outside a fairytale storybook!
A few tips I'd love to share is to not overpack! It may be tempting to bring all of your favorite clothes but you really won't wear them and will want to fit in as much as possible which means purchasing clothes once you get to Europe. Also, travel with a hiking backpack! It was so easy to throw everything into my huge backpack and travel to multiple cities all over Europe. Use it as a carry-on when leaving the states and then continue using it for weekend trips. You'll be walking around for hours and hours waiting for your AirBnB or hostel to open up your room so you'll need something easy to carry around while seeing the city and waiting.

AIFS provides the best location in London to study in. Just steps from Hyde Park, London's largest Royal Park and steps from Kensington Palace, home to William and Kate (and now Harry and Meghan!). Campus is also steps from two tube stations giving you the ability to be anywhere in London within a half hour. Also just steps away from Kensington High Street, filled with both high-end shops and a variety of restaurants you can find anything you need. The neighborhood is home to many celebrities including the Beckham family! When I was there some people actually ran into David on the Street. The Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is also the most expensive borough in all of London, I never felt unsafe while walking the streets.
Other than the location, the staff is absolutely wonderful, the two Resident Directors Nicki and Anderson were like family to me. They will help you with anything from homesickness to school.
My only complaint would be the food in the dining hall, but that made me go out and explore all the tastes London has to offer.

I was searching for an experience where I could learn something while i'm travelling and then I found Global experiences. They were very supportive right from the start. I got an internship in the field I wanted and learnt many new things about business and machine learning. I would love to do it again (if I were rich :P) The GE social events gave us a chance to interact with all the other interns and know about them and their experiences. The program advisors were very supportive and friendly. They made sure we were comfortable from the day we stepped in Dublin till the day we left. Carolina, our location coordinator planned small trips on weekends so that we don't have to be stressed about where to go and how. I would definitely recommend this to someone who is more interested in exploring their knowledge in their fields while travelling and want to know about different cultures. It's definitely a great opportunity. Yes, I had a wonderful experience and also lifetime friends.

This has been a great experience. Global experience has helped out a lot from beginning to the end. They have helped with resume build up, placement and interview tips. working with the libertarian party was new and very exciting. I have learned so much from the party about campaigning and local government politics. I have walked away from this opportunity with new knowledge and a new outlook on my goals and career. Also meeting the other girls from around the world was a great experience.

Interning with GE has provided me with a lasting experience that will last me a lifetime. I interned with Medland Metropolis, an engineering firm in London. I've gained not only invaluable working experience with my company but also tremendous personal growth. Being so far away from home can be scary at first but I've learned to absolutely love the feeling of independence and being able to do things yourself. Your experience is what you make of it and I've learned that some of the best experiences I've had has been due to my willingness to try new things.

Before you're able to intern in London, you need to obtain a work visa and London has one of the more complicated processes in doing it. However, GE has provided very thorough and detailed instructions in doing so to make the process as less painful as possible and I'm grateful for that.

Sarah, our location coordinator in London, has been excellent in helping us ease into London in the best way possible and keeping us from developing culture shock. I couldn't have had a better coordinator as she made sure to provide us interns with a very enjoyable time in the city.

Overall, I really enjoyed my time interning for GE. The program has given me so many wonderful opportunities and helped me expand my global network. I've made so many lasting friends while I was here and the enriching culture has provided me so much insight into the world as a whole. I definitely would recommend this type of program to anyone that's even remotely interested.

Interning in London was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Global Experiences is a wonder program that guides you throughout the whole process and is there to give support wherever needed. They work very hard to find an internship that fits you best and once they find you one, they help you to nail your interview and get the job. Once in London, you'll grow both professionally and individually throughout your experience. Plus, you get to do a bit of traveling if you wish. Who wouldn't love that?

My internship was at a young people's service that provided support for those that suffer from drug/alcohol problems. I learned so much from my colleagues, I got to apply my degree to real life situations, and make some great new connections. I am so thankful that I took a leap of faith and went to London.

This is definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity that you don't want to miss out on!

As an art history and museum fanatic I was absolutely enthralled when I found out I was accepted into Global Experiences London intern program. I had the opportunity to intern at a museum and it helped me determine exactly what I want out of my degree and future job. The staff was phenomenal and I made lasting friendships with my colleagues. As for London, the museum and cultural scene over here is fantastic, theres always a new off-the-beat and track farmers market or clothing market to attend on weekends. The museums are off the chart and they always have new exhibitions going on! The real prize though are your weekends, flying to other countries quickly became a priority of mine which I was so happy to experience. The workers at GE not only let you have your freedom, but they encourage it! It was a jam packed month full of work experience and real world experience too. I wouldn't have done it any other way.

The internship allowed me to make great connections, build confidence in my skill set and expand my knowledge of the global film market. I used all of my technical skills (shooting and editing) and was able to attend film festivals in Cork, Ireland and Sitges, Spain. Global Experiences set up awesome social events and day tours for the interns. I took the opportunity to travel to multiple cities in Spain, England and Ireland while living in Dublin. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything!

You will learn a lot about yourself in the internship you're assigned to and GE will help you A LOT along the way. You will be provided with two people to contact, check-ins, on-site visits, and if you ever have any questions or complaints, they are more than happy to listen. Also, Ireland has a very down-to-earth vibe so the people here are super friendly and your homesickness will be easily remedied here.