AIFS Abroad Avis 

I did the AIFS Shakespeare's Globe program for three weeks in London and had a great time overall. SUPER underrated program. The Globe is obviously a highly esteemed theatre company, but on top of that, the professors there are excellent, classes were informative and engaging, and have a lot to offer for theatre and literature people, though the program does mostly skew towards theatre classes.
The program is not well-advertised or explained on the AIFS website, and I felt that I did not really know what I was in for until I got there. If you are mostly an English lit person like I am, this program is basically a theatre camp, so if that is not your beat, be warned.
Also, the summer I did this program, 6 of the 9 people in my cohort were all from Hofstra University (apparently, this program is more well-advertised there), and they all knew each other. As a result, they were super clique-y and exclusionary towards the three people in the program that were not from Hofstra. In the future, I think that AIFS should put a cap on how many people can come from the same university, if possible, to avoid this. Or, possibly the easier solution, advertise this program more clearly and to more universities. It's really cool!!

I decided to go abroad alone to get the full experience. Quickly I realized I joined the wrong program. First, they have no accommodation of rides from the airport to the residential stay. For someone who is young and never been to London I took a taxi which costed $200 roughly out of pocket. Hindsight I should have took the tube but again first time to London alone I didn’t feel comfortable. Second, the residential was in the worst part of London. Very unsafe and high crime. I didn’t feel safe here but alas I was required to make the 40 minute tube ride to class every day which was ironically in the nicest part of town other side of the city. This meant waking up 2 hours before class and hoping I could make the trains correctly on my own. There is no program dinner and not many ways to meet other people beside orientation and plays the program will go to. I spent majority of the program alone because the clique system was very prominent. I do not recommend this program. The accommodations were not good and were too far from campus and in a terrible neighborhood known as White Chapel. I felt very unsafe coming in and out at night there as a young girl. If I knew now what I wish I known then I’d go to another program. My parents were not impressed and shocked that they had us in such a bad place.

I chose AIFS Abroad because of its strong reputation and the variety of programs it offered. For my semester in Paris at the American School of Business, the program provided the perfect mix of academics, cultural activities, and professional opportunities. From the very beginning, the AIFS staff made the process smooth, guiding me through pre-departure steps and answering every question I had.

Living in Paris was made easier thanks to the housing options AIFS arranged, and the excursions were some of the best parts of my time abroad. Beyond exploring new cities, the program created a supportive community where I built lasting friendships with people from across the world. The staff was always available—not just before I arrived, but also during the semester and even as I prepared to return home.

This experience pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me grow both personally and professionally. I gained independence, confidence, and skills that I know will benefit my career in international business. More importantly, I learned how to adapt, connect with others, and appreciate different cultures on a deeper level. I would recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking for a study abroad program that combines strong support, meaningful experiences, and lasting impact.

I had an incredible work abroad experience with AIFS Abroad. The program prioritized my company placement and ensured that it was the best match for me in terms of my goals and skills. Furthermore, AIFS played a huge role in cultural appreciation by scheduling cultural activities every week to explore different aspects of Spanish culture, such as dance, architecture, and gastronomy. AIFS definitely made my experience unique and something that I will always hold with me.

I was blown away with how much guidance I received before and during my study abroad. I was expected to have everything figured out solo but I truly had someone to ask questions about every step of the way. While I was there, my program had two directors that planned excursions (included an included one to a family-owned winery) and activities like the ballet, theater, and even coffee crawls throughout the history. They had contacts within Prague so I went to the Jewish Quarters in Prague and had a fantastic tour guide (his name was Z and he did all of the tours for my group and he was amazing!).
I was nervous based on my friends in other programs providers that if I went through a program, I wouldn't have as much free time, but everything was optional (but you will be silly not to go because they are free) and I was able to travel to 10 other countries.
Cannot recommend this program and this city enough and jealous of everyone that gets to go.

I chose to study abroad with AIFS because of their study + intern opportunity: studying in Cannes, France and interning at the Cannes Film Festival. There were also several excursions included in the program, which was extremely cool. One of my favorite trips was when we visited The Verdon Gorge et Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. It was so gorgeous!

Throughout the process of applying and actually being abroad, I felt very supported by the AIFS staff. I was thankful for my predeparture advisor who helped me with paperwork and registering for my visa. While in Cannes, I had the most amazing program coordinator who was on campus with us every day. She was incredibly supportive and keeps in touch with my cohort.

I still talk to the friends I made during my semester abroad, too. There was a true bond built with helping each other in class, exploring Cannes and travelling the world together. We also got to network with other creatives at the festival, making connections and learning more about the film industry. This was truly the most amazing experience of my life. I would recommend this program to anyone who is interested in immersing themselves in French culture and learning about how they could play a part in the world of film.

Everyone who helped me was wonderful! The portal to upload and check up on my progress for my study abroad trip was very easy and intuitive. From planning to flying, everything was a breeze and super simple!

Unforgettable Journey with AIFS
I chose AIFS Abroad because of their excellent reputation and the wide variety of program options. I studied abroad in London through their program, and it was one of the best decisions l've ever made. The application and pre-departure support were seamless, and the staff made the entire process less stressful and very approachable.
During the program, I felt supported every step of the way. The housing was convenient and comfortable, and I really appreciated the planned excursions and cultural activities, which gave me a deeper connection to the city and local culture. The staff in London were always available, friendly, and willing to help with both academic and personal needs.
What made the experience even more meaningful was the community I built -I met friends from around the world and formed connections that I know will last. Personally, I gained confidence, independence, and cross-cultural skills that will support me academically and professionally.

I chose AIFS because I liked the amount of guidance they offered while abroad, compared to other companies my university partnered with. I chose the Dublin, Ireland program, and felt supported by staff when debating which internship would be the best fit for me. One of my favorite experiences was the Causey Farm trip, which was planned by AIFS. It was a great way to get close to my roommates (there were eight of us total), and it was a great way to experience Irish music, dance, food, and landscape. I became very close with my roommates after that trip, and am confident that I have made some lifelong friends in them. I'd recommend AIFS to anyone who wants to live or intern abroad, but is intimidated by the idea of doing it alone.

I interned in Galway, Ireland in the summer of 2024. AIFS made my experience great! Before and during my program, they provided me with so much support and many different services. Through my program, I got great work experience and created amazing friendships. I had the best summer ever thanks to AIFS!

Der AIFS Büro war super und sehr nützlich.

I chose AIFS because of its program structure and the support provided to its students. I studied abroad in Barcelona, and the staff were so helpful and resourceful. We were immersed in the culture of Barcelona in this program. I chose the apartment housing option and was pleasantly surprised by how nice and close the apartment was to my school and different attractions.
This program helped me meet people that I would have never met otherwise, and I am extremely thankful to AIFS for this study abroad program in Barcelona and its staff. I recommend AIFS to anyone who wants to feel included in their education and not just another student in a sea of many.

I studied abroad in Sydney, Australia. I took one outdoor education class, which was really great. We took different trips to parks, including a 3 day, 2 night camping trip in the Blue Mountains. My program advisor, Andrea was super great and I enjoyed all of the people in my program. AIFS made this easy!

AIFS made this a great experience! Our advisor, Andrea, was great and helped us with anything we needed. I also felt my internship placement was perfect for me which made the experience a 10/10.

Going so far away from home can be scary and intimidating, but the AIFS staff made process smooth and easy whether it was online or in person. Sydney was such a memorable time and I learned so much about myself along the way. This was my 2nd time using this program to go overseas and I would highly recommend anyone to study abroad/do an internship through AIFS.

AIFS Sydney Internship is a great experience. The process leading up to it was simple and they walked you through it every step of the way. Once you get here you meet your program leader Andrea who killed it in every aspect. She’s a great leader and helper through your entire time in Sydney. The internship is amazing, you learn so much along the way. From learning how to make it on your own in a job in a big city. To learning so much about the field you choose. 10/10 experience.

AIFS made my study abroad experience absolutely incredible; they were well organized and had a great team both during the application process and on site. I thought the excursions were well organized and scheduled thoughtfully to help us see and do the most, and everything ran smoothly. I loved having the office just down the street from the school, and I knew someone would be there for anything I needed. They made the entire process feel so much less stressful and I was really able to just relax and soak it all in because of how well they took care of everything. I would recommend AIFS for anyone planning to study abroad!

I did a marketing internship through AIFS a year ago and still have nightmares about the company they matched me with. I was given zero instruction and yelled at about the smallest mistake. ALSO AIFS would not let me back out of it without paying an absurd amount of money. I seriously do not recommend their internship in Italy most of my friends had horror stories as well.

I loved my experience with AIFS! I stayed in Granada Spain in the Spring semester. The group was pretty small (10 students in early start, around 30 for the entire semester) so it was organized and personalized compared to other programs that might have 100+ students. I did the early start, intensive learning because I was nervous about the Andalusian accent and I hadn't spoke Spanish since high school in 2 years. Turns out I had nothing to worry about (Spanish is helpful but not needed) but I still recommend the early start to get more adjusted to the program! I would do it again. I was nervous about Granada having no nightlife compared to Barcelona or Madrid yet at night the streets were alive at midnight with everyone sitting outside enjoying (FREE) tapas. Granada is STUNNING! It has mountains a quick bus away to ski, beaches a short bus to tan, cool islamic architecture, and the Spanish culture is dominant and not lot like international cities. I did the homestay which was only an older woman, and found my host to be very kind and understanding in terms of modern day mindsets. She gave us 3 meals a day (great for saving money) and did our laundry! She was well traveled across Europe and gave us the best advice. If you really want to learn the language, homestay is the way to do it! I thought 20 weeks would be too much but turns out it wasn't enough as I didn't want to leave! After the first 4 weeks, I traveled practically every weekend with students I met in AIFS. But your classes have students from other American schools too so many opportunities for friends! Prepare for the best semester of your life. I did it coming in with zero friends from my home University but left with so many friends. Turns out anything I was worrying about, did not turn out to be an issue. One thing I wish I knew: INTERCAMBIOS! As uncomfortable as they are, making international friends is the BEST part of studying abroad. I wish I met more international friends instead of staying in my comfort zone with Americans. JUST DO IT! Any location you cant really go wrong!

I had a wonderful experience living and interning in Lisbon, Portugal with the help of AIFS Abroad. They made my whole experience feel seamless and provided me constant support before, during, and after going abroad. My AIFS Program Advisors helped me set up interviews with Portuguese companies to intern with and helped me land my job! I met some of my best friends because of AIFS as well as gaining instrumental global work experience in my preferred career field. I would highly recommend AIFS to any student looking for a comprehensive program because they provide around the clock care with wonderful recommendations!