AIFS Abroad

I was definitely nervous before going abroad, but AIFS made the whole process so easy. They set you up with everything you need beforehand, and continue to support you throughout your entire time abroad. On my first day in Prague, I met our two program leaders, who are both locals and somehow knew everything about the city. They gave me so many great recommendations throughout my time there, helped me whenever I had questions about navigating life in Prague, and constantly checked in to see how my internship was going and if I needed anything. One of my favorite parts of the experience was getting to explore Prague and other nearby countries with the other students in the program. We became so close and made so many memories together. AIFS also planned activities throughout the summer that I never would have thought to do on my own, including pottery painting, a jazz concert, a theatre performance, group dinners, water activities, and even a weekend trip to a town in the Czech countryside. These experiences were such a huge part of what made the summer so special. I felt like I was actually living in Prague rather than just visiting as a tourist. Our program leaders showed us the local spots, introduced us to different parts of Czech culture, and helped us experience the city in a way we probably never would have been able to on our own. Professionally, I was also really happy with my internship placement as a marketing intern. It was a great fit for the skills I wanted to strengthen and the goals I had going into the summer. I learned what it’s like to work in a different country, communicate across cultures, adapt to different workplace norms, and build professional relationships outside of my immediate team. Between making lifelong friendships, connecting with people at my internship, exploring Prague and surrounding countries, and constantly trying new things, this summer pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the best way. I came home more confident, independent, adaptable, and grateful for all of the people and experiences that made this summer so unforgettable. I would choose this experience a million times over. ❤️

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.

My experience with AIFS Abroad was incredible! From start to finish, I felt supported every step of the way. Samia was absolutely amazing—she was so patient, kind, and always willing to help me navigate life in NYC. She truly made the experience unforgettable. My internship at Workville was equally fantastic, with an incredibly supportive team that helped me grow both personally and professionally. I couldn’t have asked for a better study abroad experience and would highly recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone considering studying abroad!

After being ghosted multiple times by the employer I was originally matched with, I was placed with C.R.E.T.A Rome, a ceramics studio and artist residency studio. I am a graphic design major and was tasked with designing two catalogues for the upcoming shows of one of the studio's owners, a magnificent ceramicist. I worked in person 20 hours a week and 10-15 hours remote per week and this has been a very rewarding experience. The placement was perfect and I'm very grateful.

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.

I recommend everyone study abroad! AIFS made the process seamless and easy. The experiences I had here exceeded my highest hopes. Greece was the perfect place for me and had many supports there. I’ll spend forever reminiscing on this incredible experience!

I am very lucky to have been a part of AIFS Spring Semester Abroad. I had a wonderful experience meeting new people, trying to food and exploring new places! Jenny and Renata are such charismatic people and they will do everything in their power to make sure you have a comfortable transition. They also are great mentors and all in all, a great time to be around. Prague was an amazing city and I really appreciated everything the program had to offer. I definitely recommend!

Everything about AIFS is organized so well! I loved all the planned trips and classes, sports, and volunteering you could do within the program. I think my favorite part about this program was the meal plan and my friends I met and became so close with. I also learned a lot about Italy and got to explore a lot of my interests in my classes. My only one issue was with the absence policy. I get that 3 absences is generous, but I didn't like how you couldn't get an excused absence with a doctor's note. Unfortunately I got sick a lot during the program because students would come to school sick as they had no other choice. This caused sickness to spread rapidly among students in the program. It was disappointing that when I was sick I couldn't rest even if I had gone to the doctor and provided a doctor's note. I feel like maybe it would even make sense to change it to 2 or 1 absence as long as students can get their absences excused with a doctor's note.

I was so worried about living abroad and my program was literally on the other side of the world. Somehow, someway, my company made me feel like I had been on the team the entire time. I was in office every day I could. The camaraderie between not just myself and my coworkers, but my boss as well. I don’t even think they were trying that hard. They are just fantastic people. Not to mention my company had regular events centered around interactions with each other. What a phenomenal group of people!

I always wanted to go back to France and truly understand the meaning of life in another country. The only time traveling to France is to visit family on my mother’s side. So being able to visit the country on my own, in a part of France I have never visited, was an eye opening experience. Living by myself encouraged me to learn how to cook many different platters that I wouldn’t normally have, and pushed me to go out and explore the city. I had great support from the AIFS and CUEF team. Miranda Rea was amazing and helped me through some difficult times. She was encouraging and supportive and without her I believe I’d have a difficult time crossing the finish line. Class was difficult yet fun. I’ve learned so many different grammar rules and learned that even though you make some mistakes, “just know everyone makes mistakes in French. Even the French!”, Professor Kristof would say that to me when I’d make a common mistake that most francophone people do. However, I did catch on pretty quickly since I’m bilingual in French and English. In all, I had a wonderful experience and would recommend this organization to whoever is looking for an exciting learning experience in a different country!

I wish I was there longer to explore more of Italy and Europe, but my program doesn't allow semesters abroad. Information regarding departure and arrival is informative, had a great apartment that was local. Fun opportunities for class trips and to be involved in with cooking classes and wine tastings. We traveled to Siena, and Milan which was an extra charge but not that expensive and a lot of fun. 2 week art class was good but long hours and busy. Very fulfilling trip.

I really enjoyed my 7 weeks abroad with AIFs. I made lifelong friends, navigated being in a medical emergency in a foreign country, and learned some amazing things about Italian history and culture. I took the Wine Marketing in Italy and Museum Art History courses. During the Wine Marketing course we went to Pollenzo which was amazing. The program did a wonderful job of creating excursions for us to participate in. All the staff are very kind and helpful.

My study abroad experience was truly amazing. I felt safe, fully immersed in the culture, and it was honestly one of the best times of my life. One of my favorite parts was how the school made me feel excited to go to class and genuinely connected to what I was learning. All the staff members were extremely kind and helpful. My favorite classes were Italian Food Studies with Mario Bracci and Wine Marketing with Dario Parenti. The content in both courses was engaging, and the professors were hands down the best I have ever experienced in my academic career. Professor Bracci exceeded expectations by giving us extensive food recommendations and taking us to various places for different food experiences, which made the class incredibly memorable. Professor Parenti also went above and beyond by taking us to different locations to try Tuscan wines and even allowing us to experience wines he helped create. His expertise clearly translated into the way he led his class and engaged with students. Overall, I had an incredible experience. The program-led trips to Venice and Rome were very well organized and a lot of fun, adding even more to an unforgettable semester.

AIFS made sure I had the best experience abroad while keeping me safe and supporting me through each step. The meal plan and housing options were unmatched as you are living in the city eating at local restaurants every day! AIFS really supported my traveling ventures on the weekends and did not restrict me from having independence with that. The trips they took us on to Rome and Venice were all included at amazing hotels and the tours through the city were priceless. Also the weekly activities they offered such as wine tours, pasta classes, picnics, and more were so amazing! The classes personally were not challenging enough but the professors really cared about our learning.

I had an incredible time studying abroad and doing an internship with AIFS in Prague during the autumn 2025 semester. The program directors are incredibly helpful and set up countless activities for students to take part in. Museums, jazz clubs, parks, city tours, and more. The internship AIFS set me up with (a media/journalism related internship) was an incredible experience, and I am still doing some freelance work for them, despite being back in the U.S. The professors and courses at Charles are interesting and engaging, but the workload is not too difficult, so you still have time to enjoy Prague. And, of course, the friendships I made will last a lifetime. Prague is truly one of the best cities in Europe. I yearn to return. Take a chance and study abroad in Prague with AIFS!

I was always on the fence of studying abroad until I started doing my research and found a program that actually interested me. As soon as I landed in Florence I knew it was the best decision I could have made for myself. The experience and friendships I made are something I will never forget. I was the only person from my state there and I thought I would be so nervous since everyone else knew each other, but it was so easy talking to everyone and making those connections.

I had a wonderful time on this trip! The opportunity to experience so many new cultures through art was great! Being in foreign countries with new people also created the perfect opportunity to create new friendships, especially since you're all in the same boat! Travel is a great way to build bonds. We also had plenty of time to explore on our own and enjoy the cities we were in!

Interning abroad in Paris was an unforgettable experience that I will never forget. The culture is filled with so much art, history, and romance. I will miss the simple things like getting a croissant on my way to work from a boulangerie, which is "bakery" in French. After work I would walk to the Canal Saint-Martin and meet up with my roommates to explore boutiques and cafes. At night, the city of Paris was so alive. Watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle on the hour once it got dark was so magical. I learned so much about international business and cultural etiquette. Paris is the perfect place to gain real-world experience while being fully immersed in yourself through a unique way of life. Paris was my dream come true!

I went abroad alone, which was very intimidating at first, considering I've never even been to Europe before! However The AIFS staff and students met me exactly where I was. I was immediately surrounded by new friends and an apartment that felt like home. This experience was the best thing I had ever done for myself. I was immersed into a entirely new culture that created the industry I want to pursue a career in. Physically exploring Italy forged a special connection between my personal experience and Italian history, that a textbook simply couldn't replicate. This semester showed my ability to explore, learn, be scared, take risks, and prove to myself that I can tackle the growing pains that come with adulting. I leave this experience with a gift too big for words!!!!!

I really enjoyed Prague. The city is amazing and has so many diverse experiences to offer. There is a vast selection of things to see including arts, good food, history, sports, nightlife, and nature. I felt that AIFS was really helpful and available with all the questions I had. I really liked the AIFS staff in Prague too (Jenny and Renata), they were both super fun to talk to and had lots of great insight to share. Prague is just genuinely one of the coolest cities I have been to. I also traveled a lot during my study abroad, and still found Prague to be my favorite or one of my favorite cities. Across all the different aspects of a city, it is just so consistent and have so much to see. I really enjoyed the AIFS group trip to Moravia as well. Some drawbacks I experienced now. There were many AIFS events to attend (which is a huge plus) but I found it pretty difficult to plan so far ahead with these and declare attendance. I understand it is difficult for AIFS to handle this issue but the restrictiveness was difficult as well because when you study abroad you are just trying to sort out your mind. It's very overwhelming to figure out the subset of things you actually want to allot your time towards, since there is just so much to do. The other thing I didn't love was how the dorms didn't provide food other than super simple breakfasts. And you don't really have any space for groceries and it seems like a waste of money to buy kitchen items (tools, spices, etc) for one semester. While it is fun to eat out and explore, it was pretty inconvenient to always have to do it. Lastly, integration w/ Charles University wasn't really there. I found that I made great friends with the other AIFS and other study abroad students staying at the dorms, but it was hard to have good experiences with local students or have a proper "campus life". Overall, I would still highly recommend Prague w/ AIFS. My study abroad semester was something I'll never forget, and I don't really have any regrets related to it.