AIFS AbroadReviews of aifsabroad.com

I loved the staff

Kind people, good class, offered good activities and excursions AIFS website was very easy to use when searching for a program. It was very detailed. Resources before and during the program were very useful. Meal vouchers were great and helped me spend less money. I wish there were more options though. Housing was fine. My apartment was too small and I think the apartments of the students should be closer in distance. I think we should have had more activities and bonding experiences with the entire group.

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.

Everything was perfect save for two things 1. It took me over 6 (SIX!) months to get my transcript sent to my school and over 10 emails to Cherita 2. My host mom gossiped about me to the other student I stayed with.

I chose AIFS because I wanted to be in the center of London and have flexibility over my time abroad. Those were the most important things to me, and AIFS delivered that. Leading up to the program, I thought communication was clear most of the time, and I knew what I needed to be doing to get ready, but information about housing and classes did feel like it came last minute. The student services staff and most other faculty members were always helpful and encouraging, which was important when alone in a foreign country. I lost my wallet, and they were there to assist me and help me get everything reset. I formed personal relationships with some teachers that truly enriched my time away, but everything is what you make it. The program allows you to have long weekends for travel, and there are weekly events hosted by AIFS that allow for unique experiences while on a student's budget. My semester abroad fulfilled my hopes, but it was not perfect. The living situation was far from ideal. I expected small spaces, but the building was quite dirty and was physically as small as possible for two people. Staying fed and properly cared for physically was difficult in these conditions since there was no meal plan. Another area that wasn't ideal with AIFS was the organization of academics. The teachers usually did not know how to use the online platforms the program wanted (such as Canvas), which made most assignment expectations and deadlines unclear, and grading was up in the air until the last minute. In fact, I only received any grades for one class before the term ended. There were things I loved about this program and things that need improvement, but I am so glad I did my term abroad with AIFS, because I could get everything I wanted out of my time in London.

This was the best decision I ever made!! Global Experiences made sure I got a cultural experience while in Galway by visiting by Aran Islands, going on a walking tour, getting afternoon tea, seeing castles, and so much more. I was able to see what it was like living in another country first hand as GE guided my time!

Everything is planned very well and there is a lot of assistance that is available to you if you may need it at any time. Traveling to Australia was one of the best experiences in my life and AIFS made that possible. The group of people that I was able to spend my first weeks in Australia with was definitely a plus as well.