AIFS Abroad Internships in Paris, France

My internship experience was super specific to me and my career goals. Prior to my internship, the AIFS team asked me questions and specifics about my educational and travel goals! The specificity in work and activities I wanted to do made this experience so special to me! Not only boosting my resume but making life-long friends and being able to travel back to Paris, knowing it like my hometown! I grew so much through this program- finding my independent and outgoing side. I tried so many new things, like escargot (which was delicious and is now a favorite of mine) and jazz clubs! What made the experience super unique compared to other programs, it had planned vacations and day trips, along with cultural activities. I was able to have a true vacation planned out for me and already paid for when I got there. I was able to see things like Monet's garden and chateaux without the stress of planning travel and budgeting. While there were many planned activities on weekends, during the week, I got to do whatever I wanted, like a true Parisian. My day would start with a slow morning, some coffee from my favorite local cafe, and a short walk to my internship. I would work until about 3-4 pm, and then choose what to explore that day- Notre Dame, the Louvre. I had lots of freedom in deciding to see and do what I wanted to, but also enjoyed the planned trips, going to places I had never heard of, like Saint-Malo! I would recommend this for anyone willing to try new things and who wants to really integrate into the culture and life of France!

AIFS did such a great job with making it an experience to remember! I met wonderful people in my placement and gained valuable insight into my field all while being in an incredible location and getting to experience the French culture in Paris! Mira was super helpful with preparing me for my internship and I had a great time on the excursions set up throughout the program. We visited grand landscapes and tasted the cheese and wines of France. All in all, I would absolutely recommend doing an internship abroad with AIFS!

Anticipating my internship abroad, I was consistently assured that this experience would be life-altering. While I acknowledged these sentiments, the adventure that awaited me surpassed all expectations. As someone armed with a decent amount of previous travel experience, I entered the program with confidence in my ability to navigate rapid cultural shifts. However, it wasn’t before long, my expectations were traded for the adventure of a lifetime: one that dismantled any preconceived notions, replacing them with the exhilaration of the unknown and the joy of embracing spontaneity. AIFS Abroad not only connected me with a diverse group of friends hailing from every corner of the world, but also fostered bonds so strong that even six months later, we continue to talk every day. Sharing a residence building with fellow interns, who quickly became like family, created an instant community with unbreakable bonds. As fellow interns, we did not only join in the fun excursions together which turned mundane days into unforgettable experiences, but we also supported each other through the challenges abroad, whether it be homesickness or tough days at work. Similarly, my internship placement introduced me to an equally remarkable community of peers and friends, solidifying a loving and supporting friend group that transformed each day into a new and thrilling journey. With AIFS Abroad, I can confidently say that I lived every moment to the fullest. AIFS skillfully carved a little corner of paradise in a foreign world and made it feel like home. With the unwavering support of the AIFS team and the community they seamlessly created, I completed a journey that not only affirmed my passion for adventure but also provided valuable insights into my chosen career path. The only problem is I miss it every day!