Study Abroad in London, England with AIFS Abroad

My name is Kabba and I studied abroad in London, England during the Fall 2025 semester! I chose to study abroad because I wanted to explore an opportunity to grow by doing something out of my comfort zone. AIFS helped make my experience an unforgettable one by ensuring I was prepared before departure and providing me with support during my time abroad. I would recommend studying abroad with AIFS to anyone who is willing to expand their horizon!

I decided to study abroad with AIFS and it truly was the best decision of my life. The AIFS Abroad team was so incredibly helpful--jumping onto phone calls to answer every one of my many questions. I had never lived abroad before but AIFS walked me through each step. My university required that I book my flights through AIFS' travel package, which I found to be so incredibly helpful. I did not have to worry about how I was getting to the airport or what flight to get. AIFS did it for me. From making sure I knew how to use the Tube to immersing me in the culture from the first moment I got off the plane, AIFS Abroad welcomed me with open arms. I loved going to class in a different part of the city as well. Kensington is GORGEOUS and getting to experience the life of a Londoner who travels back and forth from home is an experience I'll never forget. From traveling to Europe to visiting so many museums, from seeing theatre productions to meeting new people, London opened my world up. AIFS Abroad encouraged me to try new things and to spend as much time as I could out and about in the culture of England--while also making sure I got my schoolwork done! I even met my partner while there. I kept a digital journal through Instagram of my travels called "Lost In London"(@katharinegutkoski & @ontherecord._). I truly cannot thank AIFS Abroad for everything. Going to England changed my life and I would choose AIFS Abroad again and again and again.

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Though my time in London was short, every moment felt so special. London will forever hold a piece of my heart and I can't thank AIFS enough for such a life changing experience. I am so grateful for all that I learned and experienced.

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If I could use one word to describe AIFS England it would be spectacular. I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to spend a semester in my dream city. I think about the relationships I made with friends, professors, and staff every day and wish I could live it all over again. I wouldn’t change my experience for anything and think about it all the time! Go study abroad, it will change your life just like it did mine.

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Truly I could not tell you what I would have changed about my experience with AIFS. The travel package was so nice, I can book a plane ticket easy peasy, but I was concerned about landing and trying to figure out the tube. They made it so I didn't have to worry about a thing. The accommodations were so nice, and well located. The first day they showed us the route to get from our accommodations to our classroom which I really appreciated. The staff were all so kind, helpful, and accommodating. The experiences they booked for us were so fun and a good balance of catered experiences and free time for you (and friends) to explore London on your own. The professor was amazing! He was incredibly knowledgeable and kind. I truly would not change a thing about my experience and I cannot recommend it enough! For this particular program, they took us to West End musicals, Oxford, Top Secret Comedy Club and out to a few dinners! During class we would walk around London to immerse ourselves in the city, we explored Kensington, the East End, Bond Street, Westminster, Big Ben, the Churchill War Rooms and more!

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I chose AIFS Abroad because I wanted a program that combined strong academic support with cultural experiences. I joined the London program, and it exceeded my expectations in every way. The pre-departure team guided me through each step, answering questions quickly and making me feel prepared before leaving. In London, the staff were welcoming and approachable, always checking in to make sure we were doing well. The housing was safe and well-located, which made daily life so much easier. I especially loved the excursions and cultural activities—they helped me explore London and other parts of the UK in ways I wouldn’t have managed on my own. What stood out most was the community I built. I met people who became close friends, and the experience gave me more independence and confidence. Professionally, I gained skills in adaptability and communication that I know will help me in the future. I’d recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking for a program that balances academics, culture, and support in a truly meaningful way.

I had the opportunity to study abroad in London, England Summer of 2023 for the June session. I cannot possibly recommend this program enough. I had an incredible time, not only did I have so much fun but I learned so much. With AIFS you are not just traveling to another country, you are emerging yourself in the culture. They offered so many opportunities to be a part of life there. My personal favorite example was having the opportunity to attend a Cricket match with others from my program. I had never seen anything like it in my life and it was so much fun. Not to mention the class that I took, British Life and Culture was one of my favorite classes I have ever taken because it not only taught us about the history of England but also how it shapes modern society. We learned so much about the difference in our cultures and how there are many different perspectives on life. I will also never forget the lifelong friends I made through this experience. Getting to explore this incredible city with the most incredible people who are all there to have the same experience was truly something that changed my life forever and I am so grateful.

In the summer of 2022, I had the incredible opportunity to visit London through AIFS's three-week program, and it turned out to be the adventure of a lifetime. The program's well-thought-out structure not only provided enriching classroom experiences but also allowed ample room for exploration. I was able to see other parts of the country, not just the London area. I visited historical sites such as the Roman baths, Stonehenge, and Hampton Court Palace. Immersing myself in the local culture became a highlight, thanks to the program's exciting excursions. One memorable instance was attending a performance of "The Lion King" at the West End theater alongside my classmates. This was a truly unforgettable experience that has left a lasting impression on me. Overall, I had an amazing time in London and would recommend this program to anyone interested in studying abroad!

As part of AIFS Abroad in London, my classmates and I got to explore numerous parts of London, learn about luxury branding and British culture, and travel to major cultural landmarks. Our class was informative as well as engaging. We got personal tours of iconic British luxury hotels (ie. The Dorchester, The Waldorf), as well as went to the Burlington Arcade. AIFS also made sure to plan activities to bring the students together and give us a memorable experience. I greatly enjoyed seeing Stonehenge and going to an English Country Dance class. I'll never forgot what I learned in the classroom or my experiences with my classmates exploring London!

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My summer abroad truly changed my life. As exaggerated as it sounds, it really is true. I never thought that I would be able to step outside my comfort zone as much as I did this summer. Going to another country by yourself for the first time is extremely intimidating but AIFS made it as smooth and breezy as possible. The whole process of applying as well as the preparation with flights and transportation. My mind was immediately put at ease. Furthermore the program provided so many opportunities to immerse ourselves into the culture and experience new things. We went to a cricket game, we saw The Play That Goes Wrong, we went on tours of Greenwich and Oxford, and so much more. They also provided us with ample safety information as well as assistance with directions and guidance on how to ensure that we were comfortable and confident to explore and live our best lives while in the beautiful city of London. The class I took, British Life and Culture was an incredibly enriching class where we got to see London and it's history through the eyes of a local. I learned so much and enjoyed every second.

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My favorite thing about this program was how the classes were structured. The classes often included field trips and going into the city to explore. It was such an effective way to learn and I really appreciated doing so much field work. Steve Bentel and Brian Ridgers were some of my favorite instructors I have ever had the pleasure to learn from. Dr. Bentel’s class Diversity in London was a particularly enjoyable class. One of our classes was spent doing a hostile architecture tour through London. This tour inspired my senior capstone project and sparked a passion of mine that I am still pursuing. Overall, the class structure at AIFS was one of my favorite things about the program.

My time in London through the AIFS program was life changing. The program staff was always there for support, especially when I had a time where I was feeling down on myself. They assured me they were always there to talk, and it never felt awkward or uncomfortable talking to program staff about my personal life. They made it so easy to get things off my chest and were great confidants. I left London more independent than I had arrived. The program pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. I could not stop crying when I had to leave because studying abroad through AIFS was the best time of my life and I didn’t want to leave the program or the amazing people I met in the program.

I’d always wanted to go abroad, and studying abroad seemed like a great option for me to do that while I was still in college. Get college credit and spend 3 weeks in one of my dream cities — yes, please! I was very daunted by this task, but luckily AIFS made it very easy. I had no trouble traveling by myself, and the system that they have down was very easy and accessible for me to navigate. All of the extra experiences they offered really made this trip truly special in my heart, and I left feeling like there was nothing I hadn’t seen or done yet. The only critique I really had was the accommodation for housing — the place we stayed at was very comfortable, but the location was pretty far from where the classes were which didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me. However, I really loved everything about this trip. I met so many people from all over the United States going on the same trip, and made some great friends who I would probably invite to my wedding. The professor that I had was somebody who I still look up to and admire to this day, and it’s a bonus that she is very much accomplished and has many connections that I know I could reach out to her for. I truly felt immersed in the culture while still having the resources of AIFS to guide me when I was lost; it was a great balance. Truly, to this day, I think about this trip every day and have a hunger to go back to London. I would do this program again in a heartbeat.

This program was amazing. I went alone and met so many friends from other schools around the country. I got to explore London, and all of Europe during the best semester of my life. I would recommend this program to anyone who asked I wish I could go back.

I think one of the best parts of this program was how involved the academics were in relation to the city of London. Every one of my classes insisted that we go out and explore the city, while learning and living like Londoners. The instruction provided by the school really encouraged learning through experiences.

I had the best time ever! London had so much to offer and I loved exploring it. AIFS definitely helped foster this process, with the affordable day trips as well. I loved every minute of it! Have recommended the program to multiple people back in the states.

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I loved my experience studying abroad in London. I honestly wish I studied abroad earlier in college so I could do it more during university! It was a great time, and I made tons of lifelong friends I would not have made otherwise.

Studying abroad in London during Fall 2022 was an unmatched experience. Our cohort arrived the day Queen Elizabeth passed away, marking a unique time in London's culture. Losing a Monarch made history, and I felt more immersed in the fabric of London life during the weeks following; the royal funeral, the reminiscing, and the chatter of an upcoming coronation. And this was just the beginning. AIFS accommodations had me living in the heart of Chelsea, with a bus stop outside and Gail's bakery across the street, there was nothing we couldn't handle. I immersed myself in Imperial College of London's "societies" or clubs as we know them in the US. I joined the fashion & design club, the yoga club, the art club, and a few others. Here, I made friends from all over the world, mesmerized by how they switched language mid-sentence so fluidly. "This is what I came here for," I remember thinking. I connected with my professors outside of class, taking advantage of unique opportunities like workshops and speakers. I was often the only student at these functions, and it even provided me the opportunity to honor Indonesian Culture and walk in the "Indonesia NOW: Fashion and Culture" fashion show! Here, I made incredible friends and connections. Not to mention, it was a dream come true to get my foot in the door of the London fashion world. I chose London for sustainable fashion and made it a reality I dream of still. Other highlights for me include attending London Fashion Week, a thrift "crawl," sewing classes, and weekly life drawing charcoal classes. I couldn't have wished for a better experience. Although I sought out my unique opportunities AIFS opened the doors. I chose to study in London last minute, I didn't know what to expect, but now I can say I saw a glimpse of my dreams becoming reality. I could go on and on about how this experience changed me for the better but am comforted by the reminder that we make our own fate. You can't go wrong studying abroad with AIFS.

I really enjoyed the courses I was enrolled in at AIFS London. I felt that the instructors and the program coordinators helped immerse us students in the city and the UK culture by taking us to different parts of the city in our classes and having planned trips to iconic locations throughout the UK. My transition into living in London for three months went as smoothly as it could have and I am very grateful to everyone who was understanding and helped make this a great and unforgettable experience for me and all of the other students enrolled in the program.

My time with AIFS spread over the entire academic year of 2022-2023. I studied abroad in London, and I had a life-changing experience. I will be forever thankful to AIFS for the experiences I was a part of, the people I met, and the wonderful places that I travelled to. I learned more than I ever could have in a classroom in the US during my time abroad, and this was because of the wonderful program and especially the excellent staff associated with AIFS. The professors genuinely care about their incredible education curriculum but always put student experience and learning first. I feel changed by this experience and would recommend it to anyone that wanted to study abroad.