AIFS AbroadReviews of aifsabroad.com

Unbeknownst to me at the time, The path toward embracing the fullness of life began for me the very moment I eagerly clicked the "Apply Now" button on the American Institute for Foreign Exchange website. In that decisive moment, I embarked on what would undoubtedly become one of the most remarkable journeys of my life: the opportunity to study abroad in Stellenbosch, South Africa. This remarkable decision ignited a spark within me, filled with anticipation, curiosity, and a thirst for new experiences. It marked the beginning of an adventure that would open doors to personal growth, cultural immersion, and the discovery of a world far beyond my own. With each passing day, I grew more excited about the possibilities that awaited me in this enchanting land. Little did I know at the time that this act of courage would become the foundation for everything I would come to know, that it would become a feeling that deeply comforted me and that it would teach me the most fundamental lesson anyone can ever learn: that if we go into new experiences in life with as much excitement and enthusiasm as we can figure out, in the end, it is the only way we know that we have led a full life. It is through embracing the unknown with a sense of curiosity and eagerness that we can truly appreciate the depth and richness of our journey.This lesson marked the beginning of my journey towards wisdom. I embraced the challenge of studying abroad and the richness of South African culture. The connections I forged with fellow students from around the globe became a testament to the transformative power of community. It was through these experiences that I learned to appreciate the depth and beauty of our shared humanity. Under the mentorship of Hestea, a remarkable woman whom I deeply admire, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and introspection. Her guidance taught me to approach the world with a curious mind, to challenge preconceived notions, and to nurture meaningful connections. She showed me the transformative power of embracing life's simple pleasures, living where my feet were, and cultivating joy and gratitude as I grow towards the light. In South Africa, every moment became an opportunity for growth and self-reflection. Through the laughter and tears of joy, I realized that life is meant to be lived to the fullest. It awakened a fire within me, propelling me to seize every opportunity, forge meaningful connections, and contribute to the world around me. Reflecting upon that initial act of courage and the mentorship I received, I am grateful for the path I have chosen. It has taught me to seek beauty in the ordinary, to appreciate the power of connection, and to live each day with passion and purpose. South Africa has become a part of me—a tapestry of memories, enduring friendships, and a commitment to cultivating an extraordinary life. To those reading this review, I encourage you to take a courageous leap and embark on your own magnificent journey to Stellenbosch, South Africa. Trust life, embrace the unknown, and let this experience inspire you to ask questions, challenge the world, and orient yourself towards greater love, joy, empathy, and peace. Fill and explore every inch of your being, stay curious, say yes to the things that help you live, and align yourself with the beauty that surrounds you. As I move forward, I carry with me the richness of my experiences in South Africa—the cherished moments with Hestea, the captivating coastlines, and the profound friendships I cultivated and who remain the greatest loves of my heart till this day. With a heart overflowing with gratitude, I extend my appreciation to those who made this journey possible—The American Institute for Foreign Exchange, my South African mother Hestea, and all the remarkable individuals who crossed my path along the way. My time in South Africa was a testament to a life well-lived, filled with unforgettable moments and meaningful connections. Cheers to you, the reader of this review! May you revel in the exhilaration of freedom and embrace the boundless possibilities that await you in Stellenbosch, South Africa. I raise a glass to you and to the way you will feel in freedom and to the transformative journey that lies ahead.

I studied with AIFS in Stellenbosch South Africa and it was the best experience of my life! Stellenbosch is the perfect student town and makes it so easy to meet others. There are also so many great restaurants, wine farms, beaches, hikes, and nightlife in the town. The professors and classes were great and the university in general was amazing! Hestea the program manger was amazing and made the adjustment to South African life so easy! 10/10 recommend!

Our advisor, Cliodnha helped make me feel at home in Ireland in a way that I never could've felt had I gone without AIFS.

Whether you are looking into study abroad programs to find one that is the right fit, or already accepted and curious about others’ experience, I hope my story may provide some insight into my experience with AIFS Abroad. I was a student in the Spring 2023 program in London, United Kingdom. Ever since I was little, I wanted the opportunity to go on a study abroad trip. At the study abroad fair at my university, AIFS stood apart from the other trips for the variety of courses offered in several countries and the reasonable price for the length of time traveling. Another wonderful quality is the program’s willingness to make the program accessible through financial aid assistance and scholarships. The customer service through the pre-acceptance to pre-travel was helpful to navigate and preparing for this big moment. A few months later, I arrived in London with an open heart and curiosity. Some of my hopes to take away from the trip was to connect with people who had similar interests in traveling and exploring the city as a local rather than a tourist. My program was for all American students, though we had the ability to explore extracurriculars with a local university. I attended a fencing lesson, which was something unique to try! My all-time favorite experience though was my time in classes and the interactions with the professors. I value academic professionals who inspire their students to be their best versions of themselves and have the willingness to connect and support them through this part of their journey. All of the academic staff in London were some of the most wonderful people I have interacted with in this field. I had some personal concerns coming into the program, and they were more than willing to help me create a plan to navigate the semester successfully. If you are able to ask for help, they will be happy to assist. If you have the extra financial means, there are several inexpensive excursions and day trips offered through the program. For example, I was able to see SIX: The Musical perform for only $15! I took five classes and found time to travel to some other countries during my long weekends. There are a lot of opportunities available if you put yourself out there and do a little research. During my time in London, I felt that I was able to find connections through trying new things. I previously had an interest in wanting to move abroad. This intrigue fostered my ambition to explore what ‘living like a local’ would be. I found my favorite moments to be exploring theatre, bookstores, libraries, and museums in classes such as Bibliotherapy: The Art of Reading, British Theatre: Shakespeare to Modern Day, and London’s Museums and Galleries. If I could give just one piece of advice to you, I would recommend taking to leap (across the Pond) and living in the moment of the experience. Probably like me, this experience is something you have dreamed of and now you have an opportunity to go for it. I hope that you will find an abundance of your favorite moments just like I did with my time in AIFS Abroad’s program.

I felt very supported by AIFS during my time there. It was nice to have a group of people all living in the same apartments who I could see easily, and I felt really safe knowing that if anything went wrong I could reach out to the program director and she would make sure the problem was fixed. The size of the programs, both AIFS and FU BEST, made it easy to make friends and be social despite the often anxiety inducing situation of being in a foreign country.

I loved the staff

The experience I have had in Rome, Italy thus far has been nothing less than exceptional, and AIFS has played a significant role in it. Prior to leaving the United States and traveling to Italy, I was overwhelmed and nervous, to say the least, but after meeting the AIFS staff, my worries were eased by the never-ending kindness and support that has been shown to me on a daily basis. I have been successful in creating meaningful friendships with the other students in the program that I see to be long-lasting even after the program ends. AIFS helps students connect by offering fun social and cultural activities that students can participate in, which is where I met my core friend group here. AIFS also provides a school environment where students can flourish, with staff who work hard to ensure their student's success! The cultural psychology course I am enrolled in is by far one of my favorite courses I have ever taken and the instructor for my course is outstanding! All in all, I have a once in a life time experience abroad and I know none of it would have been possible without AIFS.

The study abroad program I participated in through AIFS included a variety of trips and activities that encouraged participants to explore the city, country, and even one of the bordering countries! AIFS packed manu activities into the semester-long program, which was run by dedicated, responsive, and helpful staff. Although the application process was a bit rocky in my case, the trip was more than worth it.