AIFS Abroad: Study Abroad in Italy

Why did you choose this program?

Choosing to study and intern with AIFS in Rome during the spring of 2024 was a decision driven by a deep desire for personal growth, cultural immersion, and academic enrichment. Rome has always been a city rich in history, art, and culture, and I saw it as the perfect backdrop to expand my worldview while also advancing my academic and professional goals in counseling and family therapy. I was eager to experience life in a new environment, connect with diverse people, and gain insights that would broaden my understanding of the world and help me grow as an individual.

AIFS offered a unique combination of academic rigor and practical experience, allowing me to not only study but also intern in a global setting. This opportunity was invaluable to me, as it provided a hands-on experience that would directly benefit my future career in counseling. Working with people from different backgrounds in a city as vibrant as Rome allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of human behavior, relationships, and communication across cultures. The internships and classes I engaged in challenged me to think critically and adapt to new situations, which are essential skills in the field of family therapy.

Additionally, AIFS’s program structure, which included organized excursions and cultural experiences, was a key factor in my decision. I wanted a study abroad experience that went beyond the classroom, and AIFS delivered that with opportunities to travel across Italy and to other European countries. These experiences were not only enriching on a personal level but also helped me build a global perspective that I believe is crucial in today’s interconnected world. Ultimately, choosing to study and intern with AIFS in Rome was about stepping out of my comfort zone, embracing new challenges, and preparing myself for a future where I can make a meaningful impact.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

The University of Arkansas played a crucial role in assisting me with my study and internship experience in Rome through AIFS. The study abroad office guided me through the application process, ensuring that I understood academic requirements, credit transfers, and how my coursework in Rome would fit into my counseling and family therapy degree plan. They also provided essential information about scholarships and financial aid, helping make the experience more affordable. My academic advisors were incredibly supportive, helping me choose the right courses and encouraging me to maximize the unique learning opportunities available through AIFS.

Despite this support, there were several key aspects that I organized on my own. I took charge of my flight itinerary and travel logistics, making sure that all my plans aligned with my academic and internship commitments. Additionally, I was responsible for coordinating the details of my internship, from setting up initial meetings to managing my schedule while in Rome. Navigating these challenges independently helped me grow in confidence and adaptability, equipping me with skills that will serve me well in my future career.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

One piece of advice I would give to someone going on my program is to embrace flexibility and be prepared for the unexpected. Whether it’s adjusting to a new academic system, navigating a different culture, or dealing with travel logistics, things may not always go as planned—and that’s okay. I wish I had known just how important it would be to let go of the need for everything to be perfect and instead focus on making the most of every experience, even the challenges. I always tell my friends who are thinking about studying abroad to be open-minded, stay curious, and not be afraid to step outside their comfort zone, because that’s where the most growth happens.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

As a participant in the AIFS Study + Intern program in Rome, an average day or week is a dynamic blend of academics, professional experience, and cultural exploration. Typically, your weekdays are divided between attending classes and completing your internship. Mornings might start with Italian language courses or other academic classes, followed by an afternoon spent at your internship site, where you gain hands-on experience in your field. This allows you to apply what you’re learning in class to a real-world setting.

In the evenings, you might find yourself exploring the city’s historic streets, trying new Italian dishes, or meeting up with fellow students at a local café. The weekends are usually your time to explore even more of Rome or travel to nearby cities like Florence, Venice, or even neighboring countries. AIFS also organizes excursions and cultural activities throughout the semester, such as guided tours, cooking classes, or day trips, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Italian culture.

Throughout the week, there’s a balance between structured academic and professional responsibilities, along with the freedom to explore, learn, and grow at your own pace. The program offers a comprehensive experience where every day brings new opportunities to engage with the rich history, culture, and vibrancy of Rome.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

Going into my experience abroad, my biggest fear was feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of living in a foreign country—especially balancing my studies, internship, and adapting to a new culture. I worried about navigating unfamiliar systems, from public transportation to academic expectations, and whether I would be able to handle everything on my own. The thought of being far from home and outside my comfort zone added to that anxiety.

However, once I arrived in Rome, I realized that the key to overcoming this fear was to embrace the uncertainty and trust in my ability to adapt. The support from AIFS and the friendships I formed with other students helped ease the transition. I also found that approaching each challenge with an open mind and a willingness to learn made everything more manageable. Over time, my fear turned into confidence as I successfully navigated the daily demands of living abroad. My view on the issue changed from seeing challenges as obstacles to viewing them as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. This experience taught me that stepping into the unknown can lead to some of the most rewarding and transformative moments in life.

What was the most unexpected lesson you learned during your time abroad, and how has it shaped your outlook on life and future travels?

One of the most unexpected lessons I learned during my time abroad was the value of slowing down and being present in the moment. In Rome, I quickly noticed that the pace of life was different from what I was used to—meals were leisurely, conversations were deep and unhurried, and people took time to appreciate the simple pleasures of daily life. At first, I struggled with this slower pace, especially coming from a culture that often values productivity and efficiency above all else. But as I spent more time in Rome, I began to embrace this way of living.

This shift in perspective has shaped my outlook on life and future travels. I've learned to prioritize quality experiences over rushing through a checklist of tasks. I now approach each day with more mindfulness, taking the time to savor moments and fully immerse myself in whatever I’m doing. Whether it’s exploring a new city or simply enjoying a cup of coffee, I try to be present and appreciate the experience. If I could do anything differently, I’d tell my pre-Rome self to let go of the need to plan every detail and instead allow space for spontaneity and unexpected discoveries.

When thinking of my favorite travel memories, an array of breathtaking new sights, laughter, stepping out of my comfort zone, and spending time with unforgettable people flashes through my mind. One memory that combines all four aspects was during my time interning abroad in Florence, Italy.

My roommates and I took a day trip to visit Cinque Terre, the string of centuries-old villages on the Italian Riviera coastline. After exploring Riomaggiore (picture the famous shot of colorful houses on a seaside cliff), the beach town of Monterosso al Mare was next on our list. The furthest villages away from each other, there were two options for methods of transportation: the train, or a strenuous 7.5 mile hike that could take up to 5 hours. While most of the group opted for the train, my roommate from Amsterdam was feeling adventurous and asked me to join her in the hike.

Together, we braved through climbing, descending, narrow passages, and steep, uneven stone steps. Though it was exhausting, the trek was well worth it as we discovered incredible views of the coast, lush olive groves, and exotic plants and flowers.

My favorite part was coming across a quaint stand selling limoncello during one of the descents, manned by a sweet old Italian man. While I may have regretted thinking that taking a limoncello shot in the middle of a 5-hour hike would be refreshing, I’ll never regret that I said yes to a new adventure that would turn into a cherished memory.

I started working at Global Experiences fresh out of college, eager to learn and take on responsibilities. While I've gained technical skills such as learning how to code and Photoshop, I've also learned valuable soft skills that I'll have with me for the years to come. I've gained organizational skills and become more confident in my decision making. Through being welcomed to give new ideas and input, my creativity has also been able to grow.