Program Reviews

Studying abroad had always been a dream of mine and I feel incredibly blessed to have done so at the AIFS Global Education Center in Rome. The staff and professors are incredible and were invaluable resources for both myself and my classmates throughout the duration of the program. I would recommend this program to anyone else looking to study abroad in Rome and look back on this programs as one of the best periods of my life. The application and pre-departure processes were very informative and helpful as well

I would definitely recommend this program if you are a history major or just love history altogether. You get to see so many ancient Roman ruins and artifacts as well as Renaissance art. So, there’s something for everyone. I also like how engaged and supportive the staff are in process from applying to actually participating in the program. Would definitely recommend if you want study abroad for a whole semester but are not comfortable on your own or have never travelled internationally alone. Totally recommend.

Overall I really enjoyed my experience. The on site staff really made me comfortable and confident in myself to go and try new things. I would highly recommend for anyone to study abroad and if possible an internship, with this opportunity I was able to learn more about myself that I wouldn’t have without this experience. Samia had great events set up for us every weekend, which was so nice because each to g I wouldn’t have thought to do and was so nice to enjoy her presence. With the small talks every week checking in us helped me get through this with more of a clear mind and I truly felt supported.

I studied abroad in the spring of 2023 and it was the best three months of my life! I absolutely loved my apartment and the location of it. I felt right at home whether I was at school, going to different restaurants that the program gave us meal slips for, at my apartment, or just roaming the streets. I met so many other students in my program that I am now best friends with. The classes that AIFS offered were so unique and allowed me to get a better understanding of what Rome and its history is all about. My architecture class was my favorite as we got to go on several field trips to different cities and areas around Italy, the food class was also very food as we got to go taste testing different gelatos and foods around Rome! My favorite part of the semester was the trips that Marco, Rosanna and Chicca took us on. It was great spending time in different cities in Italy with my classmates and friends. I truly felt at home as they welcomed us with open arms and were there for us if we ever needed any help or guidance along the way.

I loved my time in Florence, and I feel like I grew so much as a person. I would do this semester again in a heartbeat. Cassidy Fickes and AIFS made it easy from start to finish and were always so helpful. I made so many friends and memories this semester. My internship was fun, but I wish I would have been a bit busier and that it would have been more applicable to my career that I want to have in the future, but it was still a valuable experience. I would recommend this program to anyone, and I will never forget my time abroad.

Embarking on the AIFS Florence Study Abroad Program was one of the most transformative experiences of my academic journey. From the breathtaking landscapes to the rich cultural heritage, Florence served as an unparalleled backdrop for an unforgettable adventure.

One of the most commendable aspects of the program was its seamless integration of academics and cultural immersion. The curriculum, designed offered a diverse range of courses taught by knowledgeable professors who were passionate about their subjects. My personal favorite course was Marketing of Italian luxury fashion. Whether delving into Italian fashion or mastering the nuances of the Italian language, each class was an opportunity for intellectual growth and exploration.

Beyond the classroom, AIFS provided a plethora of experiential learning opportunities that allowed students to engage directly with Italian culture. From guided tours of renowned museums to cooking classes led by local chefs, every activity was thoughtfully curated to deepen our understanding of Italian traditions and customs.

Living in Florence for a semester provided a unique opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Immersing myself in the vibrant local community allowed me to develop many intercultural skills and forge lifelong friendships with fellow students from around the world. Overall, AIFS provides students with an amazing program,an ideal housing situation, and engaging courses and excursions that will contribute to lifelong memories.

I really enjoyed my internship and this program! I had an amazing internship experience and got to meet life long friends along the way. I would definitely recommend this program to someone who want to have a work experience and study abroad! Especially, to someone who wants to build their resume. I know that’s what attracted me to this program. The housing accommodation was great good size rooms, kitchen and living room. Amazing support by advisors Amanda and Antonella. You are able to reach them at any point during experience and they will get back to you as soon as they can. Overall, I had a great experience and will cherish this period of my life forever.

Hi! I was apart of the Spring 2024 intern abroad program in Florence. I had the best time ever! I will be honest though, the experience is not easy. As an intern abroad you have to balance time very well with social life and work life. I worked 40 hours weeks most weeks and traveled on the weekends. It is exhausting. Luckily I had a great group of girls I was living with and we really bonded over our experience in the program and helped each other vent and get through the hard parts. The placement I had was the perfect type of internship, which is great because I needed the experience. Although, working in a different countries does have some hardships. I am a pretty personable person and the language barrier made it very hard for me to make connections with the people in the office with me, a lot of the time they would speak in Italian and I knew very little. It felt a little lonely and I have never been in a work environment where I wasn’t friends with those who I was working with. It definitely became a really tiresome feeling and I dreaded going to the internship towards the end. I also did not need credit and was doing this for experience so working as much as I did burnt me out kind of fast. I had hoped there was a part time position or option but that was not possible. But in all I had a really great time, the experience was once in a lifetime and I would definitely recommend!

I had a great experience while interning abroad in Milan, Italy. I felt very supported while abroad by both AISF advisors, Amanda and Antonella. They went above and beyond to make my stay as comfortable as possible and catered to our needs. My internship placement was fantastic, I was often tasked with projects that can be used in my portfolio and I was fortunate enough to experience Milan Fashion Week and attend some of the events. Overall, I definitely enjoyed my experience and I will continue to remember this trip for years to come.

Overall, I had a great experience in Milan and am very grateful for the support and guidance offered by our program advisors. Although my internship was not the professional experience I had hoped for, living abroad and immersing myself in a new culture made the program worth it. If there had been clearer expectations about my role as an intern I think this could have helped me have a more valuable work experience. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking for the opportunity to live abroad in a major city.