AIFS Abroad: Study Abroad in Spain

I knew that studying abroad was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I wanted to make sure that my trip to Spain was a smooth transition there and that when I returned back to my campus in the spring I was still on track to graduate. AIFS did that and so much. I loved that I could play an active role in choosing courses that I was interested in. I was also thrilled that AIFS prepared me mentally with resources that made me feel at ease (packing list, SIM card options, etc.) While I was abroad, I had an experience like none other. Gaye and Julia treated me like family and when I needed them they were always there to make sure I had what I needed even on days when I was super super homesick. They let us have our freedom and experience around us but were still there to provide support. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about my time in Spain and how much this trip changed and impacted me. It is definitely the highlight of not just my college matriculation but my life. The professors were outstanding, the city was beautiful and rich with culture and history. On days that I was homesick one of my greatest memories was going to get frozen yogurt and just sitting outside in the plaza or roam around the city to explore an area I hadn't been. The apartment I stayed in was literally steps away from the plaza and I enjoyed having the option to cook for myself because I am very finicky about food. Of course nothing was perfect, but even on bad days, I wouldn't have traded this opportunity for anything. As an African-American studying abroad was a priority for me. I wanted to travel and engage with a different culture and see what the world was like for myself. I wrote several blogs about my time in Salamanca (head over to AIFS

Going abroad to Spain has been my dream since I first started studying Spanish in middle school. To be able to live out this dream literally, boosted my confidence in the fact that I know I can make my dreams a reality. While I was there, I realized my passion for the language grew so much stronger and that my dream of actually permanently moving abroad could be made true. This experience opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities and I did stuff I never thought I would do. My confidence was so much higher there than ever before. Coming back, I think about it every single day and as I get closer to having to job-search, I know I'm not going to limit myself to any particular location. I am a completely different person with a much more open mind than before going abroad and I think if anyone has even considered going abroad, then they should do everything in their power to make it happen. You absolutely cannot regret going to a foreign country while you're in college. The program far exceeded my expectations. They were there when I needed them, but we weren't required to do anything or stuck to any sort of schedule except for school. We were just given an abundance of options. Having everything included such as accommodation and food, really helped with budgeting.

Granada was the best place to study abroad! I lived with a host family, took all my courses in spanish, and immersed myself in the culture. The on-site resident directors with AIFS were AMAZING!!! They went with me to the doctor when I got sick, helped us with our schedules, and guided us on where we should shop and places we needed to eat at. The excursions they plan were very well planned and very fun! I knew nothing about Granada before heading over there and had never left the country before so I was very nervous to leave but I am so glad I chose AIFS in Granada. I felt completely supported and enjoyed every part of my experience! My host family was great and loving, my classes were not as hard as I was expecting, and the culture and life in Granada is rich! I would recommend Granada to everyone but especially to those who want to go to a spanish speaking country and come back speaking the language. Granada is an amazing place to learn the Spanish language.

My experience abroad completely changed my life. Many, if not all, students who have had the chance of studying away from the United States will say the same thing, but I truly feel like my experience was unique. From the moment I arrived in Salamanca, the AIFs staff made it their personal mission to make me the happiest gal in the world. Not only was I provided with a trip to London to kick off my semester abroad, but I was placed in a loving home stay with a host Mom who truly became my mom. AIFs choice of host families went above and beyond what I expected as my host mom made it her mission to include me and my roommate within Spanish culture as best as possible. In addition, AIFs made sure I recieved the best of Spanish experiences by organizing excursions throughout Spain and giving me the opportunity to take classes in an actual Spanish classroom. When my professors heard I was an aspiring journalist, they went out of their way to get me in contact with local journalists. I tagged along to protests and was able to live a very unique and important moment in Spain’s history, the Catalonia cry for independence. AIFs provided me with trips, memories, and the opportunity to really understand and decide whether this field was what I wanted and I could not recommend this program enough. It changed my life, it could potentially change yours.

Studying in Granada, Spain with AIFS was the best decision I could have made! From start to finish, I felt comfortable with the entire process. The application was straight forward and whenever I had questions, my admissions counselor was quick to respond and alleviate my confusion. While in Spain, the on staff was extremely friendly and they were available for any questions about the city or the adjustment process. When choosing my program for my semester abroad, the value of the AIFS program gave me the best option. This program was the least expensive, which was something I was looking for. Despite that, I was still given many opportunities in my study abroad. The program included excursions to Sevilla, Córdoba, Gibraltar, walking tours around Granada, and even Alpujarras. Going on these added so much more to my experience because I was able to see outside of the city and experience other pieces of Spain and its culture. AIFS even provided opportunities to blog or be a photographer for AIFS and even to volunteer while abroad. One of my favorite parts were the “intercambios” organized by our program directors where we were able to meet with native Spanish speakers to practice the language and make new friends. Upon return, AIFS allowed students to apply to be an Alumni Ambassador to promote study abroad on campus. AIFS does not leave students high and dry at the end of the program, but they create a family for the returning student, so they can know they are not alone. I could have gone to Granada with any program, but I will never regret going with AIFS.

AIFS in Barcelona is a fantastic opportunity. It is all-inclusive, providing the perfect option for staying in budget, while offering the luxuries of such a beautiful city. I studied to 12 countries while studying abroad and volunteered to teach english with Terral. AIFS helped me set this up and was so great in the process. While I was in Spain, the AIFS staff were there every step of the way. They were extremely supportive and constantly there to help me when I needed it the most. Living in another country can bring nerves and AIFS was there to comfort those. In addition, I changed my career path in Barcelona. Seeing the way that businesses work in another part of the world ignited a passion in me. I am now majoring in international business and hope to work abroad some day.

I decided to study abroad with AIFS spring 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. Prior to going I had not done much research on study abroad programs but decided to take a shot in the dark and go with AIFS. This ended up being an amazing decision for me because the program offers everything you could ever want at an affordable price. I had never been out of the country before studying abroad so I was extremely nervous but AIFS provided me with support and guidance from start to finish and I never felt lost or alone. My favorite things about the program is the support from the staff and the included weekend trips. With the program price, AIFS offers several weekend and day trip excursions that were so much fun and a great way to meet other students in the program. Overall I don't think there is a program out there that can top this one and I am so glad I made the choice to study abroad with AIFS.

Coming from a small school where you are secluded to your small campus and community, need to have a car to get around, have limited options for adventures and food, I was inspired to go abroad for the opportunity to create a new day every day. I studied abroad in High School with AIFS in Granada, Spain and they made my transition and experience seamless and life-changing. I was eager to go abroad with them again because of how positive my past experience was and they had the best program for me. I wanted to go to Barcelona, Spain, be immersed into Spanish language and culture, and stay on track with my liberal arts studies and AIFS UPF Program met all of those needs and beyond. On top of all my requirements for my study abroad experience, AIFS hosted cultural events, lead us on day and weekend trips, and provided support when needed.

When I arrived in Barcelona, AIFS was there to orient me with the city, peers, and UPF campus. Our homestay and classes were chosen for us so little work was required on our end which made the transition easy and comfortable. During my second semester, I lived in a residencia, Residencia Onix, with other AIFS students and international students and that experience was amazing. I lived with a Spanish roommate and we learned so much from each other. Throughout my year abroad, I had an amazing time getting to know the staff at AIFS in Barcelona through events and trips. They are caring, generous, and intelligent people who were always willing to listen and help. They felt like family that brought about a sense of comfortability while in a foreign country.

Furthermore, I really enjoyed my classes offered at UPF: Intermediate and Advanced Spanish Language, Social Movements in the XXI Century to Globalization, Understanding Globalization, Pictures of Spain in Contemporary Cinema, Spanish Literature, and Contemporary Spanish Art. These classes allowed me to immerse myself in Spanish and European Studies while getting credit towards my majors. All of these classes that I took at UPF were very challenging because of the grading system and having tests count towards the majority of your grade but I learned a lot. The teachers were engaged and advocated for your success.

In regards to location - Barcelona is the best place to go abroad. It is such a large city with a fascinating history, beautiful landscape, amazing beaches, inspiring architecture, diverse and energizing Catalan and Spanish culture. The city gave me the opportunity to do something different every day and easy access to traveling around Europe.