AIFS Abroad

There are not enough works to express how amazing this experience was for me because I ended up meeting my best friends during my last semester of college. We all signed up for different programs through AIFS, but since we lived in the same building, we were able to bond and dive deeper into the beauties of Barcelona together. We were able to travel to different countries and do fun excursions through AIFS like visit a winery, go hiking in Montserrat, take a cooking class and visit the city's landmarks. While we had to adapt to the cultural differences, living with other AIFS students and spending time with everyone in the program was truly a home away from home. These people were my foundation. We were able to be vulnerable with one another and discover not just a whole new culture together but learn things about ourselves that we never realized before. I will always remember when my friends and I wrote letters to one another to read on the flight home from Barcelona and I do not think I will ever cry as hard as I did than when I read those letters. We have gone from being just steps away from each other in our student residence to being separated by thousands of miles. Barcelona will always be our special place, and I am so thankful to AIFS for introducing me to my best friends.

I was able to intern abroad with AIFS in Prague in the summer of 2025. It was honestly one of the best experiences I have ever had. Renata and Jenny were our on the ground contacts and they were the best support system. They were always there when anyone had concerns or simple questions; they organized some of the best outings that helped interns and study abroad students connect as well. Being able to do this internship abroad opened up a lot of opportunities for me and I still find myself reminiscing about my time there. Prague is a beautiful city which offers so much culture and history. Likewise, Jenny and Renata gave many suggestions for apps and navigation tools that made it easier to navigate the city. It's an experience I treasure and one I won't soon forget!

I had an issue with placement. The “excellent” work opportunity was average at best. My host internship mentor was not even French and did not like for us to take lunch breaks. When I voiced my concerns, I was talked down to told I was only having differences because I was a young American and not used to the culture. Save your money and do not pay 10,000 dollars to do something you could do in America. If spending the money, I would advise for someone to take a study abroad course that is necessary for your major.