AIFS AbroadReviews of aifsabroad.com

Studying abroad in Grenoble, France with AIFS is the best decision I have ever made! My host family was so kind and helpful, and I loved being surrounded by the mountains. My professors at the University really helped with my understanding of the language and building my fluency. The program director also had many fun excursions planned, so there was always something fun to do!

AIFS was there for every step! Before I went, they were very responsive and helpful. In Spain, the program directors were always willing to help out. Orientation made a lot of sense, right from the moment they picked me up in London. They were never too far out of reach, and they got to know a lot of us really well as people. They did just the right amount of planned activities for us, so that I could go travel on my own or go with the program if I so chose. They provided lots of options for us to practice our Spanish by volunteering or doing Intercambios. Seriously, no one had any excuse for not making friends from the university because we had so many outlets. And they have some awesomehost family connections! That was probably the best part for me. If it comes down to cost, I know some other programs may be cheaper than AIFS. But from what I've seen, AIFS is well worth the experience you will have with them. And other friends from my college have said the same about their travels in Dublin, Salzburg, Granada, etc.

I had a fantastic time in Granada with AIFS. My classes were challenging, but within my skill level and the opportunity for excursions to Córdoba, Sevilla, and Morocco greatly added to my experience. My host mom Luisa was also fantastic. I don’t eat meat, but I never felt like that was a problem while in Spain, largely because AIFS asks about dietary restrictions/choices and matches students with host families that are willing to accomodate them. I met so many fantastic new people, and most of my memories of the city are fond. The program directors Eduardo and Noelia were also awesome, and always very helpful when any of the students needed help. I couldn’t recommend the program enough.

Studying at my community college, I had a hard time finding outlets to express my unique interests. I was only there to obtain my Associate Degree, but with the thoughts of gaining a doctorate in Egyptology dancing in my head, I felt restricted and almost suffocated by my small town. When I saw a flyer for AIFS on a board in my community college, I looked into it and the Art in Context class in Florence, Italy called to me. The experiences I knew I would gain by seeing so many pieces art in one of the cultural epicenters of the world practically threw any doubts I had to the wind. I had traveled before, but not like this. I had reservations, as did my family, but from the moment I arrived, AIFS made me feel like I was a local Italian. They knew that many of us were first time travelers abroad, and did everything they could to ease any concerns as well as soothe any problems. My teacher was fun and made seeing the city's history entertaining. I rarely felt like I was in class. By the time my month in Italy was over, I had walked away with more than a better grasp of art history, but a confidence as a traveler. I can now say that Italy opened the world to me, for I have caught the bug. That first trip made me realize that sitting in a small town not only constricts my heart, but my mind. I met life-long friends and learned forever lessons about the world and who I am as a person; all because I looked up a study abroad website from a flyer. Now, I am a graduate student in Egyptology and have been to several other countries since Italy, making a point of seeing a new place every year. But, I always have a funny, wonderful story to tell about my time in Italy, thanks to AIFS.

Studying abroad with AIFS was one of the best experiences of my college years. It’s been 2 years since I went abroad and I miss it every day! I recommend everyone study abroad!! It’s such a great way to meet new people and see so many parts of the world!

I was able to study abroad in Dublin, Ireland for a total of 3 weeks. In these 3 short weeks I saw the most beautiful scenes and made so many unforgettable friendships.

I had the best time studying abroad. I learned so much about culture, my studies, and myself. It was an amazing experience I would recommend to everyone. The people I worked with through AIFS made my experience as smooth and memorable as possible.

Best choice I’ve ever made