AIFS Abroad

I chose to go abroad with AIFS Abroad because they had a specific program that I really wanted to do. This was the Cannes Extended Spring Semester Study Abroad & Internship program. While abroad, I had great support from AIFS Abroad staff, in particular my program director, Aude Romens, who made herself available to help myself and other students with whatever we needed help with. She worked hands-on with us to guide us through program excursions to local cities (and countries) such as Nice, Monaco, and Grasse, as well as taking us on longer trips to Paris and Florence, Italy. For housing, I had my own room and had the best view ever, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. I had the opportunity to have cool experiences in my classes, such as creating a short film for my film class and putting on a play, all in French! I made some of the greatest friends abroad, who I still talk to today. My program consisted of about 25 people, so the group became a very tight-knit group of people, which was great as we did all the activities and excursions together. This experience allowed me to grow my French language skills and also allowed me to participate in an internship during the Cannes Film Festival. I’d recommend AIFS Abroad to students who really want to make the most out of their experience abroad. They provide you with all the resources you need to not only survive but thrive abroad.

Truly I could not tell you what I would have changed about my experience with AIFS. The travel package was so nice, I can book a plane ticket easy peasy, but I was concerned about landing and trying to figure out the tube. They made it so I didn't have to worry about a thing. The accommodations were so nice, and well located. The first day they showed us the route to get from our accommodations to our classroom which I really appreciated. The staff were all so kind, helpful, and accommodating. The experiences they booked for us were so fun and a good balance of catered experiences and free time for you (and friends) to explore London on your own. The professor was amazing! He was incredibly knowledgeable and kind. I truly would not change a thing about my experience and I cannot recommend it enough! For this particular program, they took us to West End musicals, Oxford, Top Secret Comedy Club and out to a few dinners! During class we would walk around London to immerse ourselves in the city, we explored Kensington, the East End, Bond Street, Westminster, Big Ben, the Churchill War Rooms and more!

I decided to go abroad with AIFS because they made the idea of interning internationally feel possible and supported. I participated in the Spring Internship Program in Barcelona, Spain, and it ended up being one of the best experiences of my life. Being able to live abroad while gaining real work experience was something I’ll always be grateful for. The AIFS staff were incredible before, during, and even after the program. The Barcelona office was always there for us, whether we needed help or just reassurance, and the included cultural activities and trips were such a bonus. They made it so easy to explore the city and feel immersed in the culture. Through this program, I gained professional skills, confidence, and friendships that will last forever. It pushed me outside my comfort zone in the best way possible, and I truly grew so much as a person. I would recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking to grow personally and professionally while exploring the world.