Program Reviews

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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!

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.

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!

Where do I even begin?! Galway is, hands down, my favorite place ever! The city isn't crazy & chaotic, like Dublin & London, but still exciting, beautiful & lively. People are performing music all over the streets all hours of the day, which adds a perfectly authentic vibe. The pubs are so much fun and the shops are cute to shop around in. The Tiny Traders Village on the weekends was also great if you're like me & enjoy buying from local crafters! The nightlife is great! There's not many clubs, but the pubs are amazing and so much fun anyway, so I didn't mind missing out on clubs. Additionally, the locals are some of the kindest & most welcoming people ever! I never had a single bad interaction with anyone!

Galway's location advisor, Karen, is also amazing! She is so fun to hang out with, and so helpful all of the time. There's nothing you can't talk to her about. She is so welcoming & loving, which really helped with my homesickness.

I was also able to do traveling on the weekends around the day trips Karen planned for us (Aran Islands & Connemara)! I was able to solo travel to London & the Cliffs of Moher, as well as going on group trips to Edinburgh, Scotland & Nantes, France. While the distance to a nearby airport isn't the best, it really isn't that big of a deal & honestly adds to the experience.

I would recommend Galway to absolutely anyone. If you want a TRUE Irish experience, choose Galway! I had the best summer of my life here, and I'm so sad it went by so fast! However, I fully intend to come back upon finishing my degree to turn Galway into my permanent home. :)

PS - when you come here, go to Salthill beach & jump off the diving board!! So much fun!

My experience was amazing and was placed in an internship that matched my career path and skill set! I was able to be placed in career that was perfect for me and aligned with my values and where I see myself in the future. The planned trips through AIFS was phenomenal with my personal highlight of a beautiful Blue Mountains hike! There was also a winery tour in the Hunter Valley as well as a Taronga Zoo visit! Throughout the trip our AIFS supervisor was available to ask for advice as well as offered to tour us around popular sightseeing areas.