AIFS Abroad

Program Reviews

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Kiera
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Best Experience I Could Have Asked For

Studying abroad in Budapest was such an incredible experience! The program size was perfect; we had 18 people which wasn't too small, but still small enough that you knew everyone in the program and we became a close knit community. It was so cool to get to meet students from all across the United States and Europe; AIFS has students at schools all over the US, and our accomodations are in an apartment building that is almost entirely student housing, which is a great way to meet people! Budapest itself was wonderful; it was such a hidden gem with lots to do, all while having great public transportation that is covered in the program fees. I loved getting to run by the Parliament at night, climb up Gellert Hill to see a panoramic view of the city, and explore different cafes all throughout Budapest. There were also so many opportunities to travel, including trips with AIFS to Vienna, Lake Balaton, and an optional excursion to Prague! The trips through AIFS were lots of fun, plus they were all planned for us so there was no stress over what we would do when we were in the cities.
While the adjustment to being abroad was a bit of a challenge, it was such an opportunity for growth and coming out this program my confidence has grown so much. I would recommend this program to anyone looking for a unique study abroad experience!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
While I was in Budapest, a group of 4 AIFS students plus myself trained and ran a half marathon. Going into study abroad, I wasn't a runner at all. In fact, I hated running. But one of my friends in the program had signed up for it and I thought "might as well, it could be a lot of fun." Not only was the experience of running the race along the Danube River past Parliament, Buda Castle, and so many other iconic city features absolutely incredible, but choosing to say yes to this opportunity was such a growing experience. I discovered a new hobby that I am looking forward to pursuing once I am back at my home university, and I was able to connect with some truly incredible people while exploring the streets of Budapest.
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Isabella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best summer!

I interned in Florence for two months and it was the best job I could have been placed at! This internship was perfect for me and I felt that I really learned a lot while at work. On the weekends, you get the time to travel and explore. There are so many things to do in Italy from the food, to the excursions, you can never be bored! It is also so easy to take day trips from Florence which is so great to ensure you make the most of your time abroad. I would recommend this trip to someone interested in living in a new city and looking to be immersed in a new culture.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
I would tell future travelers to take advantage of your time abroad because it may be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Traveling and exploring is a must, that’s how you make some of the best memories! Definitely have an open mind and make the most of your time because it goes by so fast. Make an effort to learn at least the basics of the language, it will be so helpful and fulfilling.
Pros
  • Amazing food
  • Safe city
  • So many activities
Cons
  • Super hot in the summer months
  • Work place may be far from where you’re living
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Ben
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing internship experience in Barcelona

This summer, I participated in AIFS 8-week summer intern program in Barcelona, Spain. As a communications, marketing, and business relationships intern for Siel Bleu, I gained incredible professional experience and improved my Spanish tremendously as a direct result of this. Outside of the work I was doing for my internship, I got to experience so much of Barcelona’s culture, including cuisine, historical landmarks, and other popular venues. When I wasn't in Barcelona, I was able to travel around many parts of Europe, and even Africa, for a relatively fair price.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The interior of the Sagrada Familia
Pros
  • Travel
  • Work and Living Experience
  • Opportunity for new relationships
Cons
  • Homesick at times
  • Language barrier
  • Cultural shock
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Daniel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experience overall

The internship program I joined was organized, ensuring that I was placed in a position that aligned with my academic background and career. My internship onboarding was focused on my learning, where I learned about the company culture, my roles, and expectations. This initial guidance helped me quickly acclimate to the new work environment. Living abroad independently is a significant step towards personal development. This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me invaluable life skills. From managing finances in a different currency to navigating public transportation in a foreign language, every day presented new challenges and learning opportunities.

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Kiana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Experience I Could’ve Asked For! NYC 2024

AIFS presents an incredible chance for students seeking internships and job experience in New York City. The program offers extensive support, and AIFS Samia does an outstanding job as both a host and event coordinator as she organizes many fun and amazing events, that allow you to connect with other students and even your employers. Adjusting to life in a bustling city like NYC was a significant change, but it led to immense personal growth, especially as someone who has never moved out before. My internship not only helped me develop as a young professional but also provided valuable experience in my field as it helped me figure out what I want in the future. It clarified my career aspirations and allowed me to build many meaningful connections. AIFS Abroad is truly a unique opportunity that paves the way for a successful future. Highly recommend if you get the chance to do this!

This experience also allowed me to make so many new friends and I am forever grateful for this opportunity.
I can’t stress enough how much I recommend the NYC internship experience.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
A piece of advice I would give to someone who is going to complete the NYC Internship is to prepare for a work environment you are not expecting. Everyone’s internship dealt with different work environments, some very strict, 9-5 with a lot of work and some very relaxed and laid back will less work given to the interns. Either way you will learn so much at your internship regardless of how it is. You just have to learn to manage the workload and speak up and communicate with your employers. After the first week or so though you get used to the flow of things and you fit in just fine!
Pros
  • You make many connections + a lot of networking opportunities
  • Make new friends
  • Guides your career path
Cons
  • Sometimes employers don’t give interns much work to do
  • Cost of living / expensive
  • 8 weeks - goes by fast / a bit short
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Ela
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Summer Internship in Madrid

I loved loved loved my program. I am studying fashion psychology and my supervisor Edith was amazing. I learned so much! Our location supervisor Lourdes was so kind, caring, and amazing. I highly recommend this program for every student. I was worried about going and feeling comfortable but immediately when I got there I felt at home and safe. There are so many sites to visit in Madrid; museums, restaurants, flamenco shows. I loved every minute of my program. Make sure to visit lots of places. <3

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Work hard! Remember that your first priority is to work in Madrid, don’t loose out on this amazing learning opportunity.
Pros
  • Amazing program director and amazing internship supervisor
  • Very very close group of people
  • Such a cool place to live and study
Cons
  • Europe doesn’t have air conditioning!
  • Make sure you are ready to live on your own
  • Make sure you have a fan with you- Madrid summer is hot
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Sara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best decision!

AIFS provided me with such an amazing experience! Interning in New York City was a great opportunity, not only for professional development but also for personal growth. Navigating and living in a brand new city on your own seems so scary, but it allowed me to grow so much as an individual. I really enjoyed spending my summer here. My internship helped me mature as a young professional and gave me a better understanding of my desires for my future. I learned so many valuable skills throughout the course of my internship and formed important connections. AIFS offers endless support throughout our stay and the group events were so much fun thanks to Samia! She did a wonderful job hosting us this summer! I highly recommend this program - AIFS does not disappoint!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking moment was the first few days arriving in New York City. There was a lot of adjusting to do as far as the new living situation, and just nerves leading up to the first day of the internship. However, after the first week of being here, I felt super comfortable and way more confident in navigating the city and knowing what to expect at my internship company.
Pros
  • AIFS support
  • Work experience and professional development
  • Memories that will last a lifetime!
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Nerves
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Nadia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

New York!!

I really had a great time here. Getting the chance to work out here and see what it’d be like to live here has helped me decide that I definitely want to come back after graduating college. Samia was really wonderful with everything and helped all of us with networking events and other activities to explore NYC. This program definitely helped with my professionalism and I would recommend it to others! I also had the chance to have some of my work shown in Greenpoint Gallery, which will be great to add on my portfolio!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
I would definitely save and learn how to budget! I would bring cooking supplies to the housing because eating out gets expensive!
Pros
  • Networking
  • Cool events/opportunities
  • Supportive Staff
Cons
  • Expensive
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Samson
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An amazing opportunity

This program provided me with an amazing NYC experience. From the placement and housing, to the networking events and weekly check-ins, everything has been tailored to make you feel as productive as possible. When you first get to NYC you will feel out of place and at times uncomfortable, but being uncomfortable is something you are going to have to get used to if you want to see success in your career path. If you want to set yourself up for a successful future, this program is where you should start.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The first day at my internship was definitely my most nerve-racking moment. But after getting over the hump, I felt like I was really apart of a team that is looking out for my best interests.
Pros
  • Great for resume building
  • You make so many connections
  • You get a taste of the city life
Cons
  • You will be nervous for the first week
  • It will be hard to adjust to the big city
  • You will be challenged in your work and your day-to-day life
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Nathan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Once in a lifetime opportunity!

AIFS does such an amazing job at what they do! From the internship placement, to preparing you for the work force, to providing events for you to take advantage of, it is truly such a good choice for your future. I’ve made so many great connections and picked up many new skills along the way that will be extremely beneficial towards my career out of college. I have made so many new lifelong friends and connections with my employers that will serve me so well in the future. Not to mention the memories made along the way!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Don’t let the stress be overbearing and take advantage of the city. Soak in as much culture and inspiration as you possibly can while here. It’s everywhere!
Pros
  • Connections
  • Work skills
  • Great memories
Cons
  • Can be stressful on occasion