AIFS Abroad Reviews

I think AIFS was a great program to study abroad with! One of the best and most convenient things about the program was the fact that there was a flight package. This would include booking the flight ticket for you, picking you up from the airport, and dropping you off where you need to be.The program also included a two-week orientation in Cannes before you got to Paris which was beneficial in helping you make friends in the program. It was also a good way to freshen up your French.

When returning from this program, everyone asked me about it and I honestly told them it was the best month of my life and would not change this incredible experience for the world. As cliché as it sounds it’s particularly difficult to put my amazing trip into words. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to not only go abroad, but also experience five beautiful countries in a matter of one short month. This once in a lifetime “jaunt thorough Europe,” as my parents jokingly called it, made me acknowledge my love for traveling and experiencing new things.
There is not much that I would change about this program because I hardly have anything negative to say when looking back. Our professor and program coordinator, who both traveled with us, were so intelligent and exceptionally personable. I felt comfortable going to either of them with any problem or question I encountered. We had class a few times a week, along with scheduled group museum and gallery visits. Other than that we had the freedom to do as we pleased, which was awesome.
If this program interests you in the slightest, apply early. I was waitlisted for this program and only found out I was able to go at the end of my spring semester in April, just two short months before departing. I also took advantage of the flight package AIFS provided, which I highly recommend. It gives you the opportunity meet other students on your trip and its far less intimidating when landing in a foreign country, especially when you’re crazy jet-lagged. I would also recommend doing your research before leaving the United States and prioritize where you want to go and what you would like to see in each country. There are a few free days built into the program, but since you are only in countries for a couple of days it is way easier to know what you want beforehand.
Looking back on my journey makes me smile and I am confident I will feel that way for the rest of my life. The friends and memories I have made through this trip are unforgettable. You become so close to people in such a short period of time, experiencing foreign countries together as you gain friendships of a lifetime. This is an amazing trip for anyone who is contemplating going abroad for a shorter period of time or who cannot go for an entire semester due to extenuating circumstances.

Head to Australia if you're looking for adventure! I went during their summer and missed winter at home--I recommend doing this! I made a ton of friends and learned how to surf. The locals are super nice and would take me out. It's easy enough to immerse yourself in the culture and there is a ton of opportunity to travel around the country. There was always something to do no matter what your interests are. If you're looking for an unconventional study abroad experience and love the beach or wildlife, then definitely consider this!

I had a great time in Salzburg! I was one of a few that ha the opportunity to stay with a host family, and absolutely loved my host mom. I traveled most weekends but still felt that there wa adequate time to explore Salzburg. Salzburg is such a beautiful town with many friendly people. It's small enough to not feel pressure to stay the whole time but big enough to have things to do. I also think that the support from staff was great. At the beginning I felt overwhelmed and like I was alone, but a week later I grew my wings and flew, grateful for not having someone holding me back. Classes were okay, not very challenging, but a vast majority of the business classes were independent study courses entailing a weekly meeting and a 6,000 word paper at the end. I wasn't a fan of that, but enjoyed having four day weekends.

Although, cheese and baguettes were two of my favorite parts of my semester in Paris, I loved the chance to study abroad and discover so much more about the city and French culture! My classes were interesting and thought-provoking, but not time-consuming or too challenging. My French language skills improved SO much while I was abroad! I lived with another American student and a Mexican student in a French woman's home, right across the river from the Louvre--SO lucky! I loved being able to hop on the metro for wherever I needed to go, it is the height of convenience! I also found the AIFS support staff SUPER helpful and caring! They really want to make sure everyone has the best possible experience, and they offer great excursions that I highly recommend! The American AIFS staff also are very useful for making sure all of your documentation, etc. are in order before you travel abroad. I have nothing bad to say about AIFS! Vive la France!

While in Madrid for the weekend with the program, our tour guide told us of a tradition where local farmers push a herd of 2,000 sheep through the center of Madrid to their winter pastures. Our program director had us vote, and we left the hotel a bit earlier the next morning to catch the start of the procession before our bike tour. It was just an example of the random cultural experiences you're bound to find while studying abroad and I loved every second of it!

I participated in the 2-week intensive French Language program offered to AIFS students. I really enjoyed the program.

The classes were somewhat challenging at times, and those in the higher levels (like myself) were mixed with foreign students instead of just Americans - loved that!

The dorm we stayed in was very clean and was great to meet up with friends and plan trips. You could also meet in the campus cafe which was pretty cool too!

The location was AMAZING! You're right by the beach and not too far of a walk into the downtown area! Also you can take the train to lots of local cities like Grasse, St. Marguerite island, Antibes, Nice, Monaco and even Italy isn't very far! I took LOTS of day trips that way and did so cheaply!! It was such a great experience.

The cafeteria food was pretty good and always buffet style (with baguette of course!).

The teachers were helpful, friendly (for the French) but still professional. Very nice though.

There were 2 excursions offered for a small additional fee - worth it! The locations change each term based on prices and availability but we went to Aix-en-Provence for a day trip and it was very cool. They also sometimes offer Marseille.

I would definitely recommend this program and would have loved to have stayed longer.

The one down side would be it is a smaller town...therefore there's not a whole lot of things to do in January but the restaurants, beach, friendships and I'm sure the nightlife in the warmer seasons make up for it!

The three weeks we spent in Greece were amazing. We got to spend tons of time exploring the Greek capital on our own while dining, shopping, and drinking. The classes were very well taught and engaging. The campus had an amazing location with a great view that made the walk to class every morning worth it. Lastly the staff on campus and in the dorms were beyond helpful and fully introduced us to the Greek culture. Overall one of the best experiences of my life.

My study abroad experience was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. The staff for Richmond was fantastic and helped us ease into the culture. I loved experiencing the culture and being able to travel to so many different countries. I would have loved to spend more time there. I made so many friends that are the only ones that understand what the experience was really like. I couldnt have asked for anything more from the program or the living situation they provided me with. The best 5 months of my life!

The AIFS program at the University of Limerick was the best study abroad experience I could have asked for. The AIFS staff and the staff at the University were extremely welcoming and helpful in my adjustment to the country. The campus is beautiful and right on the banks of the River Shannon and it's about a fifteen minute bus ride from the city center, with two bus stops right on campus. It's also really easy to get around Ireland from Limerick and most bus routes stop right on campus. Limerick isn't as tourist-heavy of a city as say, Dublin, which made it much easier to really feel at home. It's a very student friendly location, and a lot of the restaurants and stores were very affordable for students on a budget. My favorite thing about Limerick was the Milk Market, an open-air farmers' market/craft fair that's open on the weekends. It was a great place to go to walk around and chat with the different vendors while stocking up on some of the best cheese I've ever eaten!
Without a doubt, I would study abroad on this program again if I could. The location was great for traveling around Ireland and the rest of Europe, and the staff at the University of Limerick were truly exceptional. I learned a lot both in my classes and by living in the culture. It was a very friendly atmosphere and I felt completely comfortable at the University and in the city. I'm so grateful to AIFS for taking care of the details like housing, meals, and flights, letting me really focus on enjoying my experience and making the most of my time abroad.