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.

Study abroad was something I never thought I could do as a 1st generation, low income, Latina student. It has always been my dream to travel and thanks to AIFS Study abroad and my university, The University of Rhode Island with all their support I was able to go. AIFS Alumni ambassadors helped me budget on how to save for study abroad and my universities international office works closely with AIFS so that students like myself, who are on scholarships, can transfer over those scholarships to their school abroad with the AIFS study abroad program! My experience over all was life changing, going to different countries every weekend, to attending a Fashion show at Paris Fashion week and shopping in Barcelona. Don't get me started on going to Milan for the weekend for MOUTH WATERING CANNOLIS, GELATO and shopping! On top of experiencing the culture of Spain and Europe, I came back a different person. In more ways than I can explain. I encourage all who dream of traveling or even if you feel like it is out of your comfort zone, like I felt. I say 'GO FOR IT, you only live once". Enjoy this once in a lifetime opportunity in college.

Wow. What an amazing summer. When I signed up for this program I had no idea it was going to be so life changing. I have loved every minute since stepping out of the plane to this beautiful city. Inma, Saskia and all the other interns made the time here worth every single penny. All the social events, the traveling, and just the overall memories have shaped me into a better global citizen and I will be forever grateful for my time here. It's amazing how immersed we get into this whole different culture and I can't help but fall more and more in love with Barcelona. It's gonna be hard leaving, but I know for a fact that I will be back!

My time here in Barcelona has been irreplaceable. The amount of care and input put into the internship placements and events really integrates you well into the friendly city, and allows you to quickly start to embrace Catalan culture. The Global Experience team is extremely nice, as well as the work environment in Barcelona. Much more than expected, people from all over the world are happy to socialize and chat. You will definitely make a lot of friends from all over the world, and valuable professional connections and skills throughout your time here. Barcelona is a city which allows you to enjoy your work in a professional environment, and have a nice time exploring the rich architecture, culture, and foods of the diverse city. It is an experience like non other. Highly recommended and worth every penny.
Tips for when you come here: Don't be afraid to explore just outside Barcelona, or other countries as well. I had an amazing trip to Morocco, and many others went to Portugal, France, Croatia, and the Netherlands (Amsterdam). Europe and other close countries are in your grasp. Go for it - you can't regret it.

Like many students today, I knew I wanted to study abroad, but was somewhat nervous about taking the first step. When I was browsing options and programs online, AIFS caught my eye due to their easy to navigate website, awesome photos and descriptions of their programs, and hearing great reviews from my peers. When I sent my initial email to the program coordinator, I had nothing but exceptional support throughout the entire process, via phone and email. Whenever I had an issue, my resident director was there to provide support, regardless of the situation. Purchasing the AIFS flight plan made my travel details even easier, because transportation was already determined, meaning I was less afraid about leaving the country by myself. Overall, I would rate my experience a 10/10.

My experiences with AIFS in Salamanca were amazing and unforgettable. Before I left, I received advising every step of the way from the adviser for Spain. When I got to Spain the on site AIFS staff showed everyone in our program around Salamanca, took us to dinner, engaged us in cultural activities, and introduced us to our host families. After the first two weeks I knew that I would miss Spain more than anything because of the incredible experiences that AIFS provided to me. I was practiced Spanish all the time, I took cooking classes, I went on excursions throughout Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, and I engaged in all of my classes. I wish that I would have stayed for a full year rather than only a semester.