Study Abroad in Rome, Italy with AIFS Abroad

I chose AIFS because it was the perfect combination of location, academics, affordability, and experiences! AIFS is a partner with my university so I was able to transfer credits back to fulfill my degree requirements. I went abroad to Rome, Italy for the winter J-term and I was able to accomplish so much during such a short amount of time. I chose the travel package through AIFS so I had transportation to and from the Rome airport and had staff with me until I got to the program meet up location. My Rome support staff were awesome and all had very unique backgrounds. They even taught a wine tasting class in house! There were a bunch of excursions offered through the program like an opera visit, tours of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, a cooking class, and trips to Florence and Assisi. My class focused on Italian Culture and we had regular field trips to places like an olive oil tasting class, grocery markets, and the fashion district near the Spanish Steps. While I did go in with friends from my university, I became friends with other people from other schools and with people from my home university that I didn't know prior to going abroad. I gained a lot of experience learning how to shop for myself in a different country, navigating a language barrier, and learning how to manage fun and academics. I actually switched the focus of my second major because I loved the concept of Slow Food that I learned while abroad. I really would recommend AIFS for anyone that wants to learn authentically and experience things firsthand, rather than sitting in a classroom all day.

The AIFS Rome program was an incredible experience. The staff were all very friendly, helpful, and easy to reach out to. The program's meal plan was amazing and allowed for students to visit several great restaurants. The many day trips and weekend excursions were unique to the program and were some of my favorite parts of the semester. I felt like I explored not only Rome but several parts of Italy through the program's many opportunities it offered. Some of my favorite activities offered by AIFS throughout the semester included a Roma football match, cooking classes, wine classes, guided walking tours, opera night, and museum visits. The activities made it easy to meet friends within the program and familiarize myself with the city and culture of Italy. I only wish the program was longer than 13 weeks, but with all the included activities and excursions, it was very worth its price. The academics were for the most part amazing. One of my professors is one of my favorites I've ever had and class was never boring or unmanageable. Many class sessions included field trips. As an Art History student, I thought that the program's classes for my major were incredible. The semester was so much fun. Between AIFS's classes and all of their activities, I can't think of a single day where I felt like I'd wasted my time. I would highly recommend this program!

Studying abroad had always been a dream of mine and I feel incredibly blessed to have done so at the AIFS Global Education Center in Rome. The staff and professors are incredible and were invaluable resources for both myself and my classmates throughout the duration of the program. I would recommend this program to anyone else looking to study abroad in Rome and look back on this programs as one of the best periods of my life. The application and pre-departure processes were very informative and helpful as well

I would definitely recommend this program if you are a history major or just love history altogether. You get to see so many ancient Roman ruins and artifacts as well as Renaissance art. So, there’s something for everyone. I also like how engaged and supportive the staff are in process from applying to actually participating in the program. Would definitely recommend if you want study abroad for a whole semester but are not comfortable on your own or have never travelled internationally alone. Totally recommend.

I studied abroad in the spring of 2023 and it was the best three months of my life! I absolutely loved my apartment and the location of it. I felt right at home whether I was at school, going to different restaurants that the program gave us meal slips for, at my apartment, or just roaming the streets. I met so many other students in my program that I am now best friends with. The classes that AIFS offered were so unique and allowed me to get a better understanding of what Rome and its history is all about. My architecture class was my favorite as we got to go on several field trips to different cities and areas around Italy, the food class was also very food as we got to go taste testing different gelatos and foods around Rome! My favorite part of the semester was the trips that Marco, Rosanna and Chicca took us on. It was great spending time in different cities in Italy with my classmates and friends. I truly felt at home as they welcomed us with open arms and were there for us if we ever needed any help or guidance along the way.

My colleague and I have had the pleasure of accompanying 21 amazing students on a 3 month journey that will most certainly change them for the rest of their lives. Thank you to AIFS for sharing Rome with us and attending to every detail that made this an experience that will live with us eternally. The AIFS Rome center staff were excellent in providing impactful excursions, extra-curricular courses, and ensuring that all of us were well informed and provided for in every part of our journey. I only wish it was a year-long program.

Studying abroad with AIFS was one of the best decisions I have ever made. From the unmatched support from on-site staff to some of my favorite classes I have ever taken to the weekend trips of a lifetime, this study abroad program changed my life for the better. My favorite class I took with this program was a communications course: Luxury Fashion in Rome. At least once a week in each of my courses, we would have on site class and would travel around Rome seeing in person examples of what we were learning about. Thus class was my favorite because one of the on site trips we took was to Via Condotti which is the designer store strip in the center of Rome. Our professor brought us to some of the most popular designer stores in the world and learned and admired them in person! I also got to live in an apartment with 2 other girls in my program which was extremely immersive and amazing to see what it was like to live among local Roman people. I lived in Trastevere which was a 15 minute walk from school. Our school building was in the center of Rome and within walking distance of the Pantheon, Colosseum, The Trevi Fountain and more. The social and culture aspect of the program was above and beyond anything that I expected as well. There were always activities planned for us during the week including art tours, cooking classes and wine tastings. My favorite trip I took with the program leaders was a weekend trip to Krakow, Poland. I would 100% recommend this program to anyone looking for a A+ study abroad experience in Rome. I learned independence and discovered parts of myself I never would have without AIFS.

The best semester with the best company. AIFS gave me the support I needed from day one to day ninety-nine. I will never be able to repay them for the love and kindness they shared toward me. The program in Rome was safe, supportive, and so much fun! There was always something to do and I will never forget the memories made. My apartment was perfecta and we made friends with the barista underneath us! The school provided us with professors that were so kind, they really wanted us to succeed. It was so easy to travel.