AIFS Abroad

AIFS Abroad

Why choose AIFS Abroad?

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Scholarships

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AIFS Abroad Scholarships & Grants

We believe a study abroad experience is an essential component of well-rounded university education and we are committed to providing financial assistance to as many students as possible in support of their goal to study abroad. AIFS also offers internship and study abroad + internship blended programs to support the development of personal and professional skills.

Over 50% of students enrolled in an AIFS program are eligible for grants up to $2,500 for a semester or $1,500 for a summer, winter (J-term), or internship program.

Value
$500 - $10,000

Diversity & Inclusion 💙

At AIFS Abroad, we support all participants in their study or internship abroad journey — no matter their gender, race, religion, age, physical ability, or sexual orientation. Everyone’s identity is shaped by many different factors, and for some, faith, spirituality, and religion play an important role in choosing where to go.

We encourage you to think about what matters most to you as you explore your program options.
At AIFS Abroad, we’re here to support you throughout your study or intern abroad experience. We encourage you to connect with the culture around you—both where you’re from and where you’re going.

Each person brings their own background and perspective, and that matters when choosing a program and a destination. Taking time to reflect on your identity and learning about the experiences of others is a meaningful part of going abroad.

Everyone’s journey is different, and where you go can shape how included and comfortable you feel. As you explore your options, we hope the information below helps you find the program and location that feel right for you.
Everyone’s experience abroad is different. The study abroad or international internship program location you choose can affect how connected and supported you feel. As you review your options, we encourage you to use the information linked below to help find a program and place that’s the right fit for you.

Impact 🌎

In response to the overwhelming global climate crisis, AIFS Abroad is pleased to make sustainability a key priority when considering organizational, operational, and programming decisions. We understand that the only way to effectively combat this crisis and mitigate the effects of climate change is to drastically reduce our environmental impact. Therefore, AIFS Abroad has committed to reaching carbon neutrality. AIFS Abroad is proud to announce we have signed the CANIE Accord, becoming the first US provider to make this commitment.

Reviews

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Bliss
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

NYC photography internship

I had an amazing experience in NYC with AIFS that helped me gain a new sense of independence and confidence within myself and my art. I learned so much about my self and what I want to do professionally. I was able to make connections in the music/art industry, made some money(not alot, but still some), and meaningful friendships. I was able to work with models, rappers, and creatives, and DJs. I did face alot of stress in beginning and Samia, my advisor helped me through everything and getting placed in a new environment where i flourished and was able to express my creativity and work with other creative minds.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would go out more and go see the city more. It was pretty cold during my time here so it made it difficult to get around but I cannot stress this enough. GO OUT. GO EXPLORE. GO DO OUTSIDE. Get out of your dorm and hang out in study areas, go for walks around the dorms, if your of age theres endless places to go out and party. There is always something to do and always someone new to meet. AND do not feel scared to go up to someone and spark a conversation in the dorms if you need friends, theres a big chance they probably need friends too.
Pros
  • Never bored
  • public transportation
  • Artists/Creative minds everywhere
Cons
  • very expensive
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Iman
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Best Summer of My Life – Thanks to AIFS Abroad!

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What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The most surprising experience I had in Lisbon was our surf trip to Costa de Caparica with our program advisors, Sabrina and Monique. I had never surfed before, but that wasn’t what made it so surprising—it was the fact that I was surrounded by people who, just weeks before, were complete strangers, and yet I felt so comfortable, so at home, and so free to be myself.

My roommates, who had become my best friends, came along with the rest of the interns, and we spent the whole time laughing, wiping out, and cheering each other on. None of us really knew what we were doing, but that was the best part—there was no pressure, no judgment, just pure fun and excitement every time someone caught a wave (or completely ate it). The instructors were patient, the waves were perfect, and the energy was just unreal.

Afterward, Sabrina and Monique took us to this adorable Greek restaurant, where we all sat around a table, sharing food and stories about our lives. It was one of those moments where you just sit back, look around, and realize how special everything is. We talked about our internships, our experiences in Lisbon, and just bonded in a way that felt so natural, like we had all known each other forever.

This trip was the most surprising for me because it showed me how quickly connections can form when you’re open to new experiences. I wasn’t just learning how to surf—I was learning how to embrace the unknown, trust the people around me, and fully enjoy the moment. That day will always be one of my favorite memories from my summer in Lisbon.
Pros
  • Unmatched Support & Seamless Experience
  • Personal & Professional Growth
  • Lifelong Friendships & Adventures
Cons
  • Short Timeframe – Two months wasn’t enough!
  • Budgeting & Expenses
  • Not learning more Portuguese
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Yeidy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Intern in Barcelona, Spain

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What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice is to enjoy every second and be open to new experiences, especially when it comes to trying the amazing local food. Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, including practicing the language of the place you’re staying. It’s not only a great way to connect with people and culture but also an invaluable skill to have as a second language is so important in today’s world.
Pros
  • Enjoying every moment ensures you create lasting memories of your time abroad.
  • The language and culture helps you build meaningful relationships.
Cons
  • Trying new foods or adapting to unfamiliar customs may take time and effort.
  • Being open to everything could lead to overcommitting or feeling drained.
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Sicily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Internship Experience in Barcelona

I completed an internship in Barcelona, Spain and I had the best experiences in my life. I was able to apply the internship as credits towards my degree, and AIFS has been such a wonderful and supportive program. The staff is amazing and personable, and with 30 something kids to look over, you can tell that our group really looked to them for support. Inma, my internship coordinator, placed me with an amazing company where I held a marketing position, and she was extremely supportive and a really well-rounded and wonderful person as well.

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Teghan
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fashion PR Internship

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What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
- The city is safe as long as you stay aware of your surroundings and are not out too late in sketchy areas. Just take the proper precautions to keep yourself safe and out of trouble and you should be fine.
- If you do run into trouble, though, whether it be with the internship or the city, Samia (the NYC program advisor) is always there to help with any issues you might have, so you never feel without a support system. Even if you just need someone to talk to about the little things, she's very sympathetic and gives great advice!
- You definitely need to budget more than you think for groceries, transportation, and general activities in your free time. If you are placed with an internship that does not cover commute costs, expect to be spending at least $34 per week just to get around. If you want to really experience the city and explore without financial stress, make sure you budget well and check the costs of activities you'd like to do on your own before starting your internship.
Pros
  • Gained independence and self sufficiency
  • Built a strong foundation for my career and made valuable connections
  • Got to know the city and fell in love with it, I'll be moving here very soon!
Cons
  • Financial stress can hit hard if you don't budget well

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Yeidy Nicole Fortier

Yeidy

Why did you choose this program?

I joined this program to explore my digital media career while traveling the world. The organization went above and beyond by matching me with the ideal company to support my growth. This journey has been an incredible opportunity for both personal and professional development, and I’m truly grateful.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

My homestay was incredible; after returning from my internship each day, everything was clean, and I didn’t have to worry about preparing meals. It made life so much easier and allowed me to fully enjoy my time abroad. Living in a homestay is far better than being on your own because it helps you connect with the culture and truly feel at home in the place you’re staying.

The organization did an excellent job pairing me with the right company for my internship and finding the perfect homestay for me. I absolutely loved the experience and felt so grateful for the thoughtful arrangements that made my stay unforgettable.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

I cherished every moment because time passed so quickly. Speaking the language allowed me to connect with locals and gave me a deeper sense of belonging, which made me want to return. I even made a friend who taught me so much. Though I was initially hesitant to open up, it turned into an incredible experience. I grew not only as a person but also professionally, discovering new perspectives and strengthening my confidence. The connections I made and the lessons I learned will stay with me forever, shaping my future in ways I never expected.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

My experience was unique because I was interning Monday to Friday while also taking an online class, so weekends were mostly for homework. However, I made sure to balance my time by spending weekends with friends and exploring the beautiful city of Barcelona, making the most of both work and leisure.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

I was afraid of being alone and not finding friends, but this program helped me connect with so many people. I was also nervous about exploring the city solo, but by the end, I enjoyed visiting cafes, restaurants, and brunch spots on my own, gaining independence and embracing the experience, of somethimes enjoying the time by yourself in a place you don't know well.

I absolutely loved my experience studying abroad as an intern. It helped me grow in so many ways, both artistically and mentally. I especially enjoyed meeting amazing people who supported me throughout the journey and being able to contribute to the company I worked with.

One of the most incredible parts of the experience was working in a real office, observing the company’s helping the models, making videos around Barcelona, and seeing how everything operated behind the scenes. It gave me a deeper understanding of the industry and inspired me in ways I never imagined.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Lydia Theologus

Lydia spent her senior year of college interning abroad in Florence, Italy for a Tuscan Wine Touring company. After graduating, she wanted to help other young professionals have the same life-changing experiences. At GE, Lydia's favorite job tasks are showcasing their interns' amazing experiences abroad on their platforms.
Lydia Theologus

What is your favorite travel memory?

When thinking of my favorite travel memories, an array of breathtaking new sights, laughter, stepping out of my comfort zone, and spending time with unforgettable people flashes through my mind. One memory that combines all four aspects was during my time interning abroad in Florence, Italy.

My roommates and I took a day trip to visit Cinque Terre, the string of centuries-old villages on the Italian Riviera coastline. After exploring Riomaggiore (picture the famous shot of colorful houses on a seaside cliff), the beach town of Monterosso al Mare was next on our list. The furthest villages away from each other, there were two options for methods of transportation: the train, or a strenuous 7.5 mile hike that could take up to 5 hours. While most of the group opted for the train, my roommate from Amsterdam was feeling adventurous and asked me to join her in the hike.

Together, we braved through climbing, descending, narrow passages, and steep, uneven stone steps. Though it was exhausting, the trek was well worth it as we discovered incredible views of the coast, lush olive groves, and exotic plants and flowers.

My favorite part was coming across a quaint stand selling limoncello during one of the descents, manned by a sweet old Italian man. While I may have regretted thinking that taking a limoncello shot in the middle of a 5-hour hike would be refreshing, I’ll never regret that I said yes to a new adventure that would turn into a cherished memory.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I started working at Global Experiences fresh out of college, eager to learn and take on responsibilities. While I've gained technical skills such as learning how to code and Photoshop, I've also learned valuable soft skills that I'll have with me for the years to come. I've gained organizational skills and become more confident in my decision making. Through being welcomed to give new ideas and input, my creativity has also been able to grow.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

I'm lucky to be able to work with many of our alumni and interns while they're abroad and capturing their stories and experiences. I get to hear a lot of awesome perks that our interns receive from working hard at their internships, but my favorite was when our Barcelona Fashion Business intern, Olivia V., attended the 080 Barcelona Fashion Show for work. She was interviewed by Elle Magazine, and was featured on their next issue!

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

This question is perfect for me because I have gone on one of GE's internship abroad programs!

Fall of my senior year, I had a marketing internship abroad in Florence, Italy for 3 months. Studying abroad in Italy had always been a dream of mine, and Florence seemed like the perfect choice for many reasons. I wanted to experience a different culture, and knew that Florence had so much art, history and architecture to offer for me to learn and explore. For my first time living abroad, I wanted to live somewhere that was easy to get around in, yet was also an easy gateway to explore the rest of the country and Europe. The language barrier did not bother me either because I heard that Italians were friendly and just appreciated you trying to speak their language.

Upon arriving, these reasons proved to be right on all accounts. Interning in Florence, Italy was everything that I could have dreamed of and more!

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

I find Global Experiences to be unique because of how passionate every member of our team is about our mission. We've all had life-changing experiences abroad, and want to help young professionals gain a worldly perspective while enhancing their career path. We truly care about every single intern that goes through our program and are dedicated to finding the best possible match for them from pre-departure to when they're on the ground. I felt that myself as I was going through the Florence program, and was confirmed once I started working behind the scenes at GE.

I was especially proud of my team when we pledged to donate $20,000 every year in scholarships to interns. We want to make this experience accessible to as many students as possible, and to make this official was really exciting.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I believe that the biggest factor in being a successful company is to value your customers and always put their best interests first. It's important to ask for their feedback, listen, and act on it. No one knows their customer journey better than they do. Using their data to create useful, personalized experiences for others is okay, but it's important not to abuse their data. A successful business starts and ends with valued customers.

Professional Associations

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