A Wonderful Summer Abroad

I chose their 7 week summer program and had a fantastic time. The staff is wonderful, extremely helpful, and accommodating. The program includes meal vouchers which was a great way to explore restaurants around the city and try new things. My classes fit well into my degree plan. I feel like this trip has given me more insight into what I'd like to pursue with my degree than my home university! The three week class was fast paced, understandably so, but I still gained a lot from it. Be prepared to study when you can, get started on your essays early, and try to rest! Classes start the Monday after you arrive.

My apartment building was filled with other AIFS students, so by the end of our stay we all knew each other well. Each apartment had its own charm, utilities were included, we even had air conditioning! It seemed like some roommates weren't well matched, either by the lack of other students or trying to group interns with interns. However, it worked out in the end. Honestly, part of the experience is learning to handle hard situations and deal with different people.

The excursions were fun and completely worth the time and money going on. The trips to Venice and Rome were extremely worth it for the price paid. They handle all the transportation, accommodations, and tickets to sightseeing places. Breakfast is included but lunch and dinner were not. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and what you learn is more than what a normal guide would give. The trips you can sign up for on the side were almost always £20 and also worth going on.

Overall, it was an amazing experience! Florence is beautiful and the program was great. I'd love to do it again in a heartbeat. If you're like me, don't let the price intimidate you! It's well worth the cost and what you gain in experience.