AIFS Study Abroad in Rome: Summer

Had an incredible time. Didn't know what to expect since this program was new to me, but I absolutely loved it and would totally recommend it to anyone looking to study abroad. Met amazing people and made friendships even though I knew no one going into this. Would 100% go through this program again.

I went on a 3 week trip to Rome with AIFS Abroad. From the beginning, we were partnered with amazing and caring chaperones, but it never felt over-bearing. My favorite thing about AIFS is how supported I felt, but also with so much freedom to go and explore Italy! We took weekend trips to different places throughout Italy. There were some planned out things, and also plenty of time to do your own exploring. I remember feeling so overwhelmed about which study abroad program to pick, because there are so many out there. I am SO grateful I picked AIFS and stuck through with it. They made everything leading up to the trip, during, and leaving, as seamless as possible.

I had such a great experience with AIFS in Rome, Italy! I met some of the best people, saw so many beautiful and amazing places, and learned a lot about Italian culture and the language. Marco, Rosanna, Chicca, and my professor, Michela, made this the most perfect experience.

I spent a month in Rome and loved it. The staff was so nice and helpful, and I loved the group of people I studied with. You can never run out of things to do in Rome! Me and my roommates were placed in a nice apartment in Trastevere, and we loved the neighborhood so much.

Men’s Mental health is very important to me because I struggle with bipolar disorder. Before the study abroad I was in a dark spot in my life and I was seriously contemplating suicide. After going abroad my perception changed on life and I learned to simply just exist and be nothing more then just a normal person. The friendships and influence from friends changed the way I write and read today. Nico Engvall showed me how different our American culture can be differing from state to state. So not only did I learn about European culture but I learned about American culture. I would like to become an Ambassador for AIFS, especially Rome, Italy. I will forever be grateful and my life will never be the same after that in all the amazing good ways. Outside the program I travelled everywhere, to countries like Spain, Greece, and Israel. I went to 8 different cities in Italy, Barcelona, Tel Aviv, and Mykonos. I figured out the meaning of what my life is really worth and the history of our world. I wish I had the chance to do it again but unfortunately finances are holding me back. If there is anyway I could go on a paid trip I would 100% do it and make a AIFS Europe documentary where I travel to each AIFS program in Europe and document everyone’s experience. The goal would be to make a documentary. Love the program and GOD Bless the program for helping me make life long friends.

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With the specific demands of my degree, I didn't think I would ever be able to study abroad. Luckily, AIFS offers a summer program that allowed me to visit Rome for a shorter period of time and fit within my class requirements. It was on this trip that I was able to immerse myself in the Italian culture, while being surrounded by new friends (since I had come alone). Unfortunately for my group, over half of us contracted COVID the first week we were there. The incredible AIFS employees went out of their way to make sure we had proper care and accommodations during a stressful time in our lives, and for that I am grateful. Once we got better, I was able to confidently continue with my hands on learning and living.

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I had so much fun on this trip and got to learn so many different things while abroad. The activities AIFS had planned out were my favorite part because I didn't have to worry about trying to make the most of my trip alone. Everything was easy to get done and was smooth.

I grew so much traveling abroad with AIFS. I was able to learn, explore, and experience all new things. AIFS did its best to provide us with a safe space and ensured we understood our environment. Very thankful!

I had an amazing time studying abroad with AIFS! The pre-arranged programs and activities for us were great and I felt very immersed in the culture and truly felt that I was living like "the Romans do". While it was an overall great experience, I did have a hard time adjusting to the temperature and lack of air conditioning which I was not expecting, but fans and cool clothing definitely came in handy. The excursion we took abroad were great, and they included interesting trips to museums and archaeological sites. The excursion that was my favorite was probably the excursion to Naples, Capri, and Pompeii because of all of the different sites we were able to see and experience. Venice was also amazing, but I wish we had more time there. I would highly recommend studying abroad to anyone who is thinking about it, because it was an experience that truly changed my life and I want to go back abroad as soon as possible.

It by far was the best summer experience I've ever had! It didn't feel like a traditional academic setting but you were learning something new or having some new experience everyday. My only regret is forgetting to keep a journal and not staying there longer.

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The weekend in Capri when we had free time to roam around and experience things on our own. I choose this program because Summer seemed like the perfect time to earn some extra credits. Unfortunately the classes were not as expected and I ended up dropping some before the first week was over. I live in an apartment with 5 other girls. Two bathroom and 3 bedroom with a living and dinning area. The apartment seems to be decent enough for a summer but would not want to be here long term. It has a great location, close to the school and the coliseum.

AIFS summer in Rome is a good program if you enjoy being constantly busy. I enjoyed the program and I am loving my time in Rome. There are difficulties with teachers whether its language barriers or just miss matching personalities. Another difficulty is not having an itinerary for the trips until the week of.