AIFS Abroad: Study Abroad in France

I studied abroad this summer with AIFS in Paris, France. First of all, the AIFS Abroad team in Paris is absolutely incredible with setting up activities, tours, and so much more. They even helped me get a home doctor visit when I had food poisoning for a week and were so incredibly helpful with both scheduling and reimbursements in regards to the visit. Second, my french language class was so beneficial and helped me grow my french skills significantly. Coming in, I barely knew any french but at the end of the summer I could communicate and order food/ask questions completely in french! I was in a class with students from all over the world and got to understand a little bit more about life in other countries, which I would not have otherwise experienced. Finally, studying abroad with AIFS made me so passionate about the global experience and what life looks like across the globe. Through my experience abroad I cultivated lifelong skills and learned how to better communicate with people from different backgrounds. I can not recommend AIFS more and encourage anyone interested to start the conversation and study abroad if possible!

I arrived in Paris not knowing if I made the right choice, however that instantly changed my mind once I realized the endless memories I was making. The AIFS staff was there to help 24/7 no matter the time in day. My professor was amazing! We got to explore more of the city and discover the rich history of Paris. The locals were amazing in assisting my classmates and myself whenever we needed directions or extra guidance. My homestay was close to my school and to the AIFS office. Within a short walk, I was able to get things done whether it was to go to the market, Downtown Paris, or just wonder around.

I'm forever thankful that I chose Grenoble as the city I would call my second home! This city was the perfect mix of history, culture, and individuality - there is undoubtedly something for everyone here. The number one recommendation I have for anyone who wants to leave their time abroad feeling immersed and connected, instead of traveling every weekend, make an effort to take part in many of the cultural experiences the city has to offer all year long. I made some of my favorite memories attending operas, visiting museums, and hiking the French Alps with my host family!

I have wanted to study abroad for years and studying abroad with AIFS in Grenoble, France in Spring 2020 exceeded my every expectation! The AIFS staff was incredible in supporting me from the moment I began the application process to the end of my program. The on-site Resident Director, Miranda, went above and beyond to make Grenoble feel like home the moment I arrived. The French Language and Culture Program ensured that my academic goals were met while having fun in all the cultural activities and excursions AIFS offered. Some of my best memories were making crepes with the friends I made there and snowshoeing in the French Alps (the views can't be beat!). My program was unfortunately cut short due to COVID-19 but I am grateful to AIFS for navigating the pandemic with students' health and safety as their top priority. I was able to finish my courses at home to still receive my credits and Zoom reunions with friends have been a must to relive those amazing few months. I wouldn't trade my experience with AIFS for anything!

My time in Grenoble, France was the best decision I have ever made for myself. Everything from the views, to my host family, to my new friends, was AMAZING. My time abroad is something that I will cherish forever, and I want everybody to experience what I did. Through AIFS, I was able to do so many things that I would have never gotten to do. We went snowshoeing in the mountains, tried authentic French cheese, made crepes, and so much more. Not only was I able to explore Grenoble, but I was fortunate enough to go to several other countries. These experiences are once in a lifetime and I hope one day to return to all of the places I visited. I am so thankful that I took the leap to study abroad. If you are on the fence, just do it! You most likely won't get an opportunity like this outside of college.

This experience was one of the best ones in my entire life. This program met all of my study abroad expectations. The location itself was perfect, Cannes is absolutely amazing. The campus provided dorms for its students with all accommodations needed. The campus is located right next to the beach, which was a huge plus. The campus is an international campus, meaning there are students from all over the world staying there. One of the best parts of the program was the residential director, Sandrine. She helped us adjust to life in France, and provided us with many unique opportunities. We went on several amazing excursions that allowed us to practice our French with French natives. These excursions also allowed us to enrich our knowledge of French culture. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone looking to study abroad in France.

This was such an incredible and enriching learning experience. Everyone in the program was by my side helping me succeed in my academics, as well as helping me learn about and see the world. I loved my teachers; the staff; our director, Sandrine; the school; the locals; everyone that I came into contact with. I feel very grateful that I was able to enroll in this program because it allowed me to see more of France through the different excursions, while still being able to have my own travel and keep up with my studies.

I knew I wanted to study abroad after meeting foreign exchange students from high school. It was not until Fall 2018 that I got the opportunity to study abroad in Grenoble, France with AIFS. I recommend AIFS to anyone who is looking for a study abroad provider for many reasons. AIFS helps students through the whole study abroad process from obtaining a visa to booking the flight. The resident director in Grenoble, Miranda, is wonderful. She helps students with pretty much everything and always there when the students needed. She really does care about all the students and want each and every one of them to get the best out of their experience abroad. Going to a new country that has a different culture and language from the ones I know was nerve-wracking, however, thanks to AIFS I was able to overcome my fear and had such an amazing experience abroad.