AIFS Abroad Reviews

I am so grateful for my experience abroad. Interning in Florence gave me the most unique experience to fully submerge myself in a new culture and help me find myself a long the way. Its not until your so far away from everything that is familiar to you, that you begin to realize what your capable of. I encourage everyone to go abroad that has the chance. I promise it will change your life, if you let it.

Oh man, where do I begin with my experience? I went out on a limb with Global Experiences. I found their website by chance and decided to go for it. I'm so glad I did. Some of my family members weren't supportive of my decision to move to London for the summer. They thought it would be a waste of money, but I went anyway. Best decision ever. Global Experiences helped me with everything I needed. They gave me a step by step process of how to acquire my visa, provided housing, gave me a social life and of course -- my internship. They found an internship that fit with me perfectly. I grew as a journalist through this organization. I loved everyone I worked with. The housing was excellent and my flatmates were incredible. We bonded so much within those two months. I was really sad to leave. London became a home away from home -- all thanks to Global Experiences.

This was the best thing I've ever done, not only does it look great on my CV that I have worked abroad and in New York of all places but I also met amazing people, made great friends and had the best time ever. I did not want to come home.

This was a great program to use for my first time leaving the USA. Applying was very straightforward and AIFS sorted out my housing, flights, and provided me with a debit card for food. It was too easy! I got a good insight into Fijian culture because we got to stay with a family which I really enjoyed. In New Zealand, I was able to explore on my own, and attend trips that AIFS planned in advance. There was always something to look forward to. The only downside was the cost. If you can set up an exchange with your University and Victoria it would be much cheaper in the long run. It might take more time and more planning, but it will encourage you to be responsible and independent. Overall, AIFS was a great program and I would recommend it. I loved New Zealand so much, I actually moved back after finishing my degree in the states.

GO TO NEW ZEALAND!! It's the best!

Cheers,
Anna

I spent the summer of 2012 in London while the Olympics were there. Global Experiences placed me in an internship where I had the opportunity to design polo gear for international polo teams as well as help design an Olympic themed tshirt that was sold. The staff was extremely helpful and set up exciting activities/adventures for us to help us fully experience London during our time there. I have made amazing connections I still keep in touch with today.

In the beginning, I'd always dreamed of an intern abroad, and to my disappointment, I didn't get one, BUT I was not disappointed greatly with the DC decision. DC was a wonderful place and had many cool adventures, which I never had an opportunity to explore in my previous visits to DC. I would go out to run around the Reflecting Pool and enjoy the views every evening, and I would go to visit the museums on weekends. Also, it was the gigantic challenge for me to overcome because I am Deaf, but thanks to the wonderful people in the Global Experiences and their unconditional supports, I was able to overcome the challenge.

My time abroad with global experiences was amazing! My placement really fit with what I was studying and gave me insight into my career path. I was placed with a great group of people. One of the funnier times at my placement was the editing of my surveys with "proper English". The slight spelling difference, like color vs colour, I found entertaining and my coworkers were known to make sure I knew the difference in fun loving way. Being abroad was more than just work for me. I was able to travel and really experience a new adventure. I'm forever grateful of my experience and what Global Exepriences offered me.

After graduating from University, my biggest concern was finding a job in my field. I had many questions; How do I get places to network? Where can I show my skills? Will I continue to learn through watching shows? All of these (and more) were questions I needed to find answers to on my own.
Once I worked my way into Ovation Theatre Ltd. in London, I found myself meeting new people and working on projects for directors in the field; Racky Plews, American Idiot Director! I met her by helping design her wedding at Upstairs At The Gatehouse! She saw my drive and dedication and wanted to expose me to some West End culture!
Sitting in on a few rehearsals solidified my love for this craft. Hence leading my to offering any aid I could towards her show. Within days, I found myself backstage of a West End production, assisting the stage manager, props coorodinator, costumer and working as a quick changer for the male actors.
Although I worked with them for a little over two weeks, it absolutely changed my life. I wanted to be involved, and I was thrown into every opportunity possible because of my networking.
Yes, this is a long story, but the truth is is that this one moment has made me even more passionate about theatre and why I am invested in this crazy craft!
I've made life long connections with the people here and I know they feel the same about me. I've received letters of recommendation and I've been plugged in to other people back in the states!
Traveling abroad has cemented my idea that open mindedness is a key component in living fulfilled lives. I'd say, this adventure has made me more open minded and more fulfilled than I've ever felt, the feeling can only expand from this point on.

This summer I interned at a youth center that focuses on at-risk youth in the Ballyfermot area of Dublin. Coming into this internship I was really excited for the opportunity to work with young people in a different country who were used to a different lifestyle than myself. With that said, I was also really nervous because this kind of work was outside of my comfort zone. I found myself to be very successful at establishing relationships with the young people that I worked with throughout the summer. This not only brought me joy, but it also seemed to make them happy too. This made my working relationship with them much easier and more successful in the long run.
What I should also mention is that coming into this summer I was at a loss for what I want to do for the rest of my life. I've bounced from one idea to the next for the past three years I've been in college. This experience with Global Experiences and my internship has shown me exactly what my strengths are and how I can use them in the workplace. Plus, I now know that my heart lies in working with children at whatever age they may be and with whatever needs they may have.
Honestly, it would be an understatement to say that I had a good summer in Ireland. This two month internship and cultural immersion has changed my life for the better. I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to live and work here this summer!

During my summer in Ireland I have experienced many great things. One of my favorite memories from this summer will definitely have to be the road trip I took with my roommates through Ireland. We were able to see the country side in a completely different way and make stops whenever we saw something interesting. I know I will cherish those memories for a long time.