AIFS Abroad Reviews

Interning in Florence is great because the city has so much going on, but yet still has that small town comfort and charm to it. It doesn't take long to feel right at home in Florence, and everything I needed (grocery store, gym, internship office, bars etc.) was no further than a 15 minute walk from my apartment. It's so easy to explore different parts of Italy from Florence also, it's a very central city. My internship taught me a lot about flexibility, communication, independence and self-confidence and I know I'm returning to home to Canada with a more profound mindset that has both personal and professional benefits.

This was one of the most memorable and exciting experiences of my life. Global Experience placed me in the perfect internship. I really had the opportunity to become immersed in the Florence lifestyle. I had so much fun exploring not only the city, but was given the opportunity to travel all of Europe. The staff was extremely caring and was there for me whenever I needed them. I also could not have been happier with my housing situation, which was accommodating and cozy. I made so many lifelong friends and went on so many new adventures. I would not trade this opportunity for anything.

There's no better way to achieve growth personally and professionally than working abroad. I'm so grateful for the opportunities Global Experiences has given me. They were incredibly helpful and supportive, from helping me select my location, to finding an internship, and overall allowing me get the most out of my experience here. Travelling and working in another country came with serious challenges and incredible adventures. I know I'm a better person because of both. My housing was always clean and comfortable, the group excursions were fun, and I made wonderful friends. I can't recommend this program and this city enough!

This was easily the greatest decision I️ have made in all 23 years of my life. Through this program I️ have made the greatest friends and discovered the most beautiful city in the world. My internship with the film company was so enjoyable and educational, I️t granted me with the opportunity to come back and help shoot a film in the spring which has always been my dream. I️ was never sure that working in film was all I️ wanted to do until this internship and know I️ know I️t is perfect for me. Global experiences not only have me an experience for a lifetime but I️t has also helped guide me in figuring out exactly what I️ want to do with my life. I️ wouldn’t trade this experience for anything !

My overall program experience with Global Experiences has been truly amazing. This program has not only given me the ability to gain work exposure in a field of my interest but has also allowed me to see and live in Europe. My advisor here in Barcelona helped me obtain an internship that was the perfect fit for me and was in a field of great interest. But GE is so much more than an internship, GE went above and beyond than what was expected. From the very beginning the amount that was offered by this program amazed me. For instance, before I even got my internship a group of professionals were helping me with strengths tests, resumes, cover letters, and interview prep. The people at GE truly go out of their way to make sure you get the most out of your experience.

Once arriving to Barcelona the location staff was great! I am happy to say that our GE advisor here was more like a friend/mom than just your average advisor. She took us under her wing showing us how the city works and what we needed to know to exceed and have an amazing time during our stay. Furthermore, during our stay she took us on countless social events that were included in the program such as day trips up the coast of Spain, tours, cooking classes, and dinners. When we had a problem and or an issue that was out of our hands GE was there to help. I recommend GE to anyone that is considering an internship abroad. Global Experiences will not fail to exceed your expectations and like me you will walk out with an amazing experience and the best kind of work exposure you can find.

Spending a year at the University of Limerick through AIFS was the best year in college that I have experienced. Within the program I had my housing and flights arranged for me as well as transportation arranged to take me to and from the airports. That alone allowed for less stress upon arrive to Ireland. AIFS offered weekend excursions and activities all throughout the semester. They ranged from going to Belfast to learning how to make Irish Coffee. The classes offered at the University of Limerick range anywhere from Irish studies to Chemistry. With AIFS we lived in Plassey Village a University housing village. We lived eight to a house and with each house having two bathrooms and a shared kitchen. In Limerick City there are lots of shops and museums to go to. As well as Kings John Castle and the Milk Market there are always plenty to do. The university is a 15 minute bus ride from the city with deals on students tickets on public transportation.

My semester abroad was one of the most positive experiences of my life. I went during the Spring semester of my junior year, which is a time that I highly recommend to go. I think it is important to have a few semesters of college under your belt before you go abroad because I think it will make you feel better prepared to enter into a completely new environment. Also, when you return to your home institution, you have time to go abroad again. AIFS made the entire experience so positive and memorable for a number of reasons. One of the things that has stuck with me the most is how supported I felt by the local AIFS staff while I was away. They were willing to help with anything, whether it was a recommendation for dinner or taking me to the doctor when I was sick. After speaking with prospective students at California Lutheran University, I often hear that they are most concerned about the cost of going abroad and their living situation while they are there. AIFS is affordable and able to work with students no matter what their financial situation is. The program offers clean, safe, and modern accommodations close to the university campuses in Barcelona and the social scene. Overall, I cannot say enough great things about AIFS and I highly encourage you to check out the numerous programs they offer. Even if you do not go through AIFS, I strongly feel that everyone should study abroad if they have the opportunity. It is an amazing experience that you will carry with you throughout the rest of your life.

Studying abroad in Australia was the best decision I ever made and I am glad I went through AIFS. AIFS was very receptive when it came to pre-departure information and class registration. I loved having an AIFS representative right on campus, who was super knowledgeable and friendly. She scheduled a few activities during the semester for us, which was included in the program. My favorite was the Brazilian Barbeque.

Perth is the perfect city for college students. It is small, yet has loads of eateries and nightlife options. King’s Park offers is nature retreat that gives a spectacular view of the city. I will never forget my first time there and seeing breathtaking Perth. Public transportation is clean, cheap and easy, especially when you register through a university to get a student discount. Perth is very close to the beach as well, so there are things to enjoy for all types of people. Although it is the most remote capital city in the world, I never felt at a loss of things to do.

Studying abroad is a must. If you are feeling skeptical, check out AIFS and see the programs they have to offer. I do not think you will be disappointed.

Freshman year of college, my roommate and I were lying on our dorm floor with at least 20 different study abroad catalogs spread between the two of us. We had highlighted, bookmarked, and put sticky notes all over these catalogs. Both of us knew we were going to work towards studying abroad and finding the right program was important to us. I chose AIFS not only due to the fact that it was incredibly cost- effective, provided three different travel opportunities included in the cost of the program, and gave us the option of a homestay, but also because of the interactions I had with the AIFS staff as they helped me through the process of applying for, and going, on this adventure to Costa Rica. Before, during, and after I was abroad, AIFS provided support, encouragement, and resources to make the entire process as easy as possible.

And what about Costa Rica? It is truly one of the most special places in the world. With the Pura Vida attitude, the incredible natural wonders, and the kindness and compassion shown by the Costa Rican people, it will always hold a special spot in my heart. I can not say enough good things about the time I had there through the travel and also in my classes. I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to experience all that Costa Rica has to offer!

I was born and raised in NYC, and by staying in the city for college I never really experienced living in any place other than New York. Prior to coming to London, I expected there to be little differences in living in London than living in NYC. While I do think it was an easy transition, one difference you'll notice is that stores in London close much earlier than those in NYC, so if you're coming from a big city don't expect frequent late-night dining, especially on Sundays!

Overall, I loved London. Compared to New York's MTA, London's public transportation was faster and, in my opinion, more straight-forward, than that of NYC's, so don't worry about getting lost on the train or bus! Did I mention it's a lot cleaner, as well? While you'll have endless opportunities to try English food, London is a multicultural city so you will be able to eat different types of food, as well, such as Indian, Thai, Italian, and Caribbean to name a few. London is big on free museums, so be sure to check out the British Museum, Natural History Museum and the Tate Modern Museum (those were my favorite). Whether you're a fan of hanging out with friends in a big park, pub crawls, doing all the tourist-y things imaginable (who doesn't love a great view from the London eye?) or a combination of all of the above while finding time to explore the equally as interesting cities outside of London, London is a great place to study abroad!