AIFS Abroad in London, England (GEC): Summer

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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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.

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.

While I knew that I wanted to study abroad since before I started college, I was held back by several anxieties and worry. I don't do well with major changes. I can be rigid when it comes to my schedule. I have anxieties over crowds, public transportation, and directions. Despite these worries, I knew in my heart that London was the place for me to study abroad. The cultural, historical, and literary locations drew me in, and I wanted to explore and live in this fascinating city. When I finally committed to study abroad in the summer of 2019, I knew that I needed a program that would meet my needs. AIFS was the perfect program provider. They provided support throughout the entire journey. While preparing to study abroad, I had information and staff available to help, and the day before I left, they personally called me to see if I had any concerns. After that call, I knew I had made the right choice. The AIFS staff in London were helpful, and they provided several cultural excursions and opportunities to explore London with the staff and other students. The all-inclusive aspect of AIFS made housing and meals less of a stressor. The academic classes were fun and interesting. I highly recommend studying abroad with AIFS. They will be with you every step throughout the way and do their best to make your experience as life-changing as possible.

I spent a 3-week session taking a photography class in London, summer of 2013. My time abroad was amazing and I attribute the credit to AIFS for organizing a fantastic program. My friends and I were able to score a triple room in Ambassador House and the living arrangements were better than expected. Our dorm was conveniently located near the Tube station and a short walk from Kensington Park! My class was taught by a knowledge and experienced photographer who integrated "field trips" into learning. Because of our photography excursions, I was also able to see parts of the city I probably wouldn't have visited otherwise. AIFS also does a fantastic job at offering and planning trips and events that also helped me experience the culture and try new things. I was able to ride the London Eye, see a play at the Globe Theater, go on a ghost tour, and take a day trip to Bath! This also made it easier to meet other students on the program and build friendships. The AIFS staff on site was also helpful in providing tips and advice that helped us make the most of our short time in London, and I knew they'd be there if we had any problems or concerns. I'm confident that my experience abroad would have been different if I had not chosen AIFS to travel with. I highly recommend this program!!