AIFS Abroad: Study Abroad in England

I knew that I wanted to study abroad, but I had anxieties. As someone who has trouble with change and adaptation, I knew that studying abroad would be a huge leap out of my comfort zone. AIFS eased my anxieties every step along the way. They provided support before, during, and after the process, including calling me the day before departure.

While studying abroad, my classes were enriching and stimulating with enhancing academic field trips. The AIFS staff continued to enhance the cultural experience by offering cultural excursions. I was able to explore all over London, and by the end of my program, I was a much more confident and independent individual.

This place is honestly the best because of the location and the people! The university is so small it forces you to be friends with those around you and there is no better experience than Richmond The American International University in London! Like seriously I wish I could go back to my time in London because how amazing the teachers and daily life was. I got to go to 5 arsenal matches because of roommate had season tickets! Like seriously everyone you meet is a superstar and the tight net community makes the experience 10x better!

My experience was the best thing in my life. I found myself while in London. I have always been a social butterfly, but having the opportunity to connect with people from other countries and cultures was amazing. The courses allowed me to travel around the city and explore. This hands-on experience was the best way for me to learn. I also met lifelong friends in London. I loved the culture and city so much that I went back for another summer to study abroad. In total, I had spent 15 weeks in London over the past two years studying abroad. It still wasn't enough time for me. Every day I want to go back because it truly feels like home.

There is always something to do in London - all you have to do is go and discover it! Many social events to attend and meet new people. The city has many different markets and landmarks that are worth discovering and admiring. Just go out and have fun! London has become unforgettable for me because it was a city that always surprised me with something and always kept me engaged. I love London!
The city also carries with it a great amount of history. There are museums of a multitude of topics and landmarks that have seen history in the making. The diversity of the city brings out the opportunity to experience different cultures and meet people from all around the world. It is a fast-paced and busy city, but it doesn't keep you from slowing down and taking in the beauty.

Though I'm from a small town.. I have always wanted to live in a bigger city. That's the number one reason why I decided to study abroad in London, UK. AIFS was the first pick in terms of providers because they did a great job of organizing everything. As someone who didn't have a lot of family support along the way, it was important that I had support from my provider. AIFS allowed me to feel comfortable, while still giving me freedom to explore the city. It was like my home institution almost.

During my time in London I made a special effort to branch out and experience the city on my own. I heavily used social media and hashtags to find different things to do around the city like new restaurants, fashion week, museums, concerts, etc. If you are social media savvy I highly recommend using it as a resource!

When I was choosing a study abroad program, I wanted to make sure that I felt like I had a support system while I was abroad. Since it was my first time leaving the country and I was doing it alone, I knew that I wasn't going to be as sure of myself as I usually am. The on sight support through AIFS is unimaginable and from the beginning until the end, I felt like I always had someone on my side. I felt safe to really explore and have the time of my life while also feeling like I was getting a school experience. It was an amazing experience. The faculty is well educated and also well versed in all of their perspective areas of study. Housing was very near central London, so you truly got the city experience. Traveling was easy and mostly inexpensive. Since everything with AIFS is all inclusive, you truly had the chance to use extra funds for school and things you wanted to do. I would recommend this program over and over again! Even after being home for a few months, I still feel so connected to AIFS and professionally prepared to graduate and talk about my study abroad experience to potential jobs.

Studying abroad with AIFS in London was the best decision I have ever made. Studying abroad in London was such a good choice for me, as it was my first time outside of the US. Where London provided the perfect home-base as it is a well balance of not being too foreign yet being a new world to culturally immerse yourself in. Regarding why AIFS in London is perfect is due to it's location and program specifications.

With AIFS, (for most students) you are placed in an American style dorm housing in the greatest neighborhood in the world! Kensington is home to so many amazing things to do, while remaining fairly quiet, and being a 5 minute tube ride into your favorite parts of central London. The dorms of Atlantic House and Ambassador Hall just a few minutes away from all that Kensington has to offer from Hyde Park, to South Kensington Museums, and all the shops High Street Kensington has to offer. The location is truly the best that I know of compared to any of the other programs that my friends have been a part of and I am beyond grateful that I had the opportunity to spend 4 months of my life living in Kensington.

The specifications of the program including the academics, on site staff, cultural experiences offered, and all the other details were so great. The study part of study abroad was a great environment to learn, with students and professors from all around the world are present in the classroom, resulting in not just a typical learning environment but a great lesson in learning about different perspectives of the world. The on site staff are some of the best people out there, as they are so helpful with everything you need or have questions about. And the cultural experiences are very fun activities such as going to plays, the London eye, day trips that are very well planned, and so much more.

Overall, this is the best program if you're studying abroad in London!

So let me give you a little context, I've had NEVER left the country before and I don't speak another language. So I already had those two fears when I thought about studying abroad. I stumbled upon this amazing program where I was able to study abroad for 3 weeks to get a taste of what studying abroad is like, a lot of people think oh that's not enough time. Trust me, it was. We were always going on field trips or exploring the city. Those three weeks are a lot but it's the best time of your life! The staff are amazing like everyone who works there is so freakin friendly and so nice! Rebecca Rankin who was my admission officer was on it from payments, to before I left and what to expect. She made sure I felt comfortable before I arrived in a new country. Residence Director was amazing as well. This was the perfect first trip for anyone who has never left the country before or might be nervous to study abroad for the first time because now it makes me wanna come back and do it again!