AIFS AbroadReviews of aifsabroad.com

AIFS could not have been better, enough said. From accommodations to classes, they’ve been top tier when it came to giving students the best experience abroad. They went above and beyond, planning trips for us on weekends and planning events for us, including but not limited to cooking classes, apertivo, and excursions. When recommending institutions to people going abroad, AIFS will always be my first pick.

I chose AIFS Abroad because I wanted a program that offered a wide range of activities and ways to experience the city — and Berlin did not disappoint. From the very beginning, the process of going abroad was smooth and straightforward. The application portal was easy to navigate, and the staff were always quick to respond. My enrollment manager, who had firsthand experience living in Berlin and knew the apartments I would stay in, provided advice that felt genuinely personal and tailored to my situation. They were easy to reach by phone or email and always made sure I felt supported throughout the process. Once I arrived, the program manager immediately made me feel welcome. They were friendly, approachable, and full of energy, creating a really fun and inclusive atmosphere. We participated in local activities and group meetings that gave us insight into Berlin’s culture and social life, from exploring neighborhoods to trying new experiences together. Even after the program ended, my program manager reached out with a thoughtful message encouraging me to apply for a post-AIFS internship, which was an unexpected but incredibly meaningful gesture. Housing was another highlight of the program. I stayed in an AIFS-owned apartment in the heart of Charlottenburg, on the 7th floor with a balcony that offered a beautiful view of the city. The neighborhood was lively and convenient, with shops, restaurants, and local businesses right at my doorstep. AIFS also organized group trips around Berlin and its surroundings, offering a deeper understanding of the city’s history and culture. On top of that, we were provided with public transportation tickets for the entire semester, which made getting around the city effortless. One of the most rewarding aspects of my experience was the friendships I made. We met during the first few days through AIFS activities and quickly became a tight-knit group, traveling and exploring together throughout the semester. Even now, we stay in touch, and I’ve been lucky enough to visit some of them at their home universities. What I loved most was how each of us had unique takeaways from Berlin — we were able to blend our interests and passions into a one-of-a-kind experience that I could never have had anywhere else. Being abroad also gave me a chance to grow personally. I got involved in local pickup soccer games, explored Berlin’s art and museums, improved my German, and navigated the city independently. Living in a new environment pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way, allowing me to discover more about myself while immersing in a vibrant culture. Overall, I can’t recommend AIFS Abroad enough. If you’re ready to explore a new city, meet amazing people, and challenge yourself while doing what you love, this program offers an experience you won’t forget.

I studied abroad in Valencia Spain at the Universidad Católica de Valencia last spring semester. I loved being able to live in a new country and experience a new culture. Valencia was the perfect mix of beach town and rich historic areas. My program director and her assistant organized activities for our group that was included in the program fee. We got to make paella, go paddleboarding, take dance lessons, watch a flamenco show, get a wine tour, and even go to Madrid for a weekend. I recommend studying abroad to anyone that wants to see the world and experience what it's like to live in a new city overseas.

I did an internship in Florence, Italy in the summer of 2025 through AIFS Abroad, and it was an amazing experience. The staff supported me every step of the way, from applying to adjusting abroad, and always made sure I felt prepared and comfortable. The housing, excursions, and cultural activities gave me the chance to truly experience Italy, and I made great friendships through the program. This internship helped me grow in confidence and adaptability, and I gained skills that will benefit me in my career. I would recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking for a supportive and unforgettable international experience.

I interned at Romeing Magazine through AIFS in Rome, Italy, during the summer of 2025. I chose this program specifically because the internship aligned with my future career goals and because the reviews were highly positive. The staff beforehand was incredibly organized and made me feel calm and not overwhelmed. The on-site staff were accommodating and responsive. I still keep in touch with the program leaders on LinkedIn. I made some lifelong friends that I am planning trips with in the near future. I genuinely believe this experience changed my life, and I am very grateful to AIFS for its role in my journey. I also think professionally, AIFS is a place I would enjoy working for after I graduate. I will never forget riding on the back of a Vespa scooter through the city of Rome. Moments like these are ones I will remember when I am old and gray.

I studied in Florence, Italy during Fall 2024. I chose AIFS Abroad for a number of reasons. Having face to face interactions with AIFS staff during the application process made the steps to getting abroad much more manageable. Having the opportunity to take courses that not only worked toward my graduation goals, but also sparked interest in new areas was a huge asset to my time abroad. Through my courses, and connections at AIFS, I was able to build lifelong connections, friendships, and met with professionals who are continuing to help me achieve my goals. Beyond the academics, the accommodations and opportunities presented through AIFS positively contributed to my time abroad. Living around the corner from the Duomo, and crossing the Ponte Vecchio everyday to get to class was a unique cultural experience. AIFS provided field trips to better immerse students in Florentine culture, and excursions outside of Florence to see beyond common tourist attractions. As a student through AIFS, we had a meal plan to use at local restaurants, access to cooking classes, museum tours, and many other opportunities at our finger tips to embrace our time abroad. Moving across the world can be daunting, however, the friendships and connections I built through AIFS are ones I will cherish for the rest of my life. Those who share abroad experiences together with have a unique type of bond. I had the opportunity to live with five other girls who were also studying through AIFS. I never could have imagined the experienced we had together. But, now I cannot imagine living a life without them by my side. I truly feel indebted to AIFS for introducing me to my lifelong best friends. The AIFS community is one-of-a-kind and one that I knew undoubtedly would support me through my time abroad, and continues to show up for me even a year after! Thinking back to who I was a year ago when I was leaving the US to go abroad, compared to who I am now, is inspiring. I had no clue how much I would grow as an individual. I became more confident, outspoken, independent, and driven than I could have ever imagined. The experiences I had abroad shaped me into the person I am today. I recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking for a unique abroad experience. Fueled by individuals who are eager to see you succeed, and will be there to support you every step of the way.

I was an intern in Paris through this program, and it was not only a great experience for my resume, but it also boosted my French skills and immersed me in a new culture! I felt prepared going into the program because there were many presentations and packets beforehand. But my highlight was a trip to Normandy included in my packaged experience! The beaches were much bigger than I ever would have thought, and I learned so much about the region's history at museums and historic sites! Overall, my internship brought me great friends, not only from France but from Australia and Ireland too! I got to live in an apartment, become a regular at a boulangerie, and listen to live music almost everywhere I went! I would recommend this program for anyone who truly wants to feel immersed in a culture and is willing to try new experiences!

I chose AIFS Salamanca, Spain because they had courses that worked well with my major and the price point was super reasonable. I also really liked that the city wasn’t too touristy, so I had the chance to dive into the culture and language. The staff was amazing! They answered every question I had from start to finish. Someone even went to the consulate on my behalf to help get my visa, which was so helpful. My AIFS advisor abroad was super helpful with any problem I had. She was a great resource and really knowledgeable about all things Salamanca and study abroad. At the end of the program, the staff also helped me figure out what to expect when coming home and how my transcript would be handled. I LOVED my housing situation. I did a homestay, which was the best way to connect with the culture linguistically, socially, and food-wise. I got to travel to nearby cities, Portugal, and Basque Country, and do fun activities like visiting the cathedral, taking a cooking class, and wine tasting. I made real connections in the community too. I made friends at a local coffee shop, volunteered at an English school, and even joined a choir (I'm a music ed major so that was huge for me). This experience helped me grow a lot. It really showed me how capable I am and how to adapt when things don’t go as planned. I’d recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone who wants to improve their language skills (no matter your level), experience something totally new, and build connections.