AIFS Abroad in Rome, Italy: Semester

The AIFS Rome program was an incredible experience. The staff were all very friendly, helpful, and easy to reach out to. The program's meal plan was amazing and allowed for students to visit several great restaurants. The many day trips and weekend excursions were unique to the program and were some of my favorite parts of the semester. I felt like I explored not only Rome but several parts of Italy through the program's many opportunities it offered. Some of my favorite activities offered by AIFS throughout the semester included a Roma football match, cooking classes, wine classes, guided walking tours, opera night, and museum visits. The activities made it easy to meet friends within the program and familiarize myself with the city and culture of Italy. I only wish the program was longer than 13 weeks, but with all the included activities and excursions, it was very worth its price. The academics were for the most part amazing. One of my professors is one of my favorites I've ever had and class was never boring or unmanageable. Many class sessions included field trips. As an Art History student, I thought that the program's classes for my major were incredible. The semester was so much fun. Between AIFS's classes and all of their activities, I can't think of a single day where I felt like I'd wasted my time. I would highly recommend this program!

Studying abroad had always been a dream of mine and I feel incredibly blessed to have done so at the AIFS Global Education Center in Rome. The staff and professors are incredible and were invaluable resources for both myself and my classmates throughout the duration of the program. I would recommend this program to anyone else looking to study abroad in Rome and look back on this programs as one of the best periods of my life. The application and pre-departure processes were very informative and helpful as well

I would definitely recommend this program if you are a history major or just love history altogether. You get to see so many ancient Roman ruins and artifacts as well as Renaissance art. So, there’s something for everyone. I also like how engaged and supportive the staff are in process from applying to actually participating in the program. Would definitely recommend if you want study abroad for a whole semester but are not comfortable on your own or have never travelled internationally alone. Totally recommend.

I studied abroad in the spring of 2023 and it was the best three months of my life! I absolutely loved my apartment and the location of it. I felt right at home whether I was at school, going to different restaurants that the program gave us meal slips for, at my apartment, or just roaming the streets. I met so many other students in my program that I am now best friends with. The classes that AIFS offered were so unique and allowed me to get a better understanding of what Rome and its history is all about. My architecture class was my favorite as we got to go on several field trips to different cities and areas around Italy, the food class was also very food as we got to go taste testing different gelatos and foods around Rome! My favorite part of the semester was the trips that Marco, Rosanna and Chicca took us on. It was great spending time in different cities in Italy with my classmates and friends. I truly felt at home as they welcomed us with open arms and were there for us if we ever needed any help or guidance along the way.

Studying abroad with AIFS was one of the best decisions I have ever made. From the unmatched support from on-site staff to some of my favorite classes I have ever taken to the weekend trips of a lifetime, this study abroad program changed my life for the better. My favorite class I took with this program was a communications course: Luxury Fashion in Rome. At least once a week in each of my courses, we would have on site class and would travel around Rome seeing in person examples of what we were learning about. Thus class was my favorite because one of the on site trips we took was to Via Condotti which is the designer store strip in the center of Rome. Our professor brought us to some of the most popular designer stores in the world and learned and admired them in person! I also got to live in an apartment with 2 other girls in my program which was extremely immersive and amazing to see what it was like to live among local Roman people. I lived in Trastevere which was a 15 minute walk from school. Our school building was in the center of Rome and within walking distance of the Pantheon, Colosseum, The Trevi Fountain and more. The social and culture aspect of the program was above and beyond anything that I expected as well. There were always activities planned for us during the week including art tours, cooking classes and wine tastings. My favorite trip I took with the program leaders was a weekend trip to Krakow, Poland. I would 100% recommend this program to anyone looking for a A+ study abroad experience in Rome. I learned independence and discovered parts of myself I never would have without AIFS.

The best semester with the best company. AIFS gave me the support I needed from day one to day ninety-nine. I will never be able to repay them for the love and kindness they shared toward me. The program in Rome was safe, supportive, and so much fun! There was always something to do and I will never forget the memories made. My apartment was perfecta and we made friends with the barista underneath us! The school provided us with professors that were so kind, they really wanted us to succeed. It was so easy to travel.

I've also pasted my review for the semester classes program below as I've studied abroad in Rome with AIFS twice, once for the classes program and once for the internship.
When I returned with AIFS I wasn't sure if my second time could live up to the first, but it did! I was placed in an internship in an Embassy in Rome and attended meetings at the UN and met ambassadors! The Richmond staff helped me feel up to date with the other students despite me only taking 2 classes (due to the 6 credit internship) while the other students took more. This was a very enriching way to spend a semester abroad and I truly wish I could do it a third time.
Original review: I understand that study abroad being life changing is a cliche and I used to roll my eyes at it too! But then I did it, twice, both times through AIFS in Rome and I can truly say my life is changed. I went from a shy introvert who longed to go home after being home sick for 2 days, to suddenly someone with many friends and a new zest for life and desire to explore. The classes were scheduled to fit well with allowing for cultural out of classroom learning and the on site staff made you comfortable and were so welcoming. My experience was so incredible the first time, that immediately upon getting back to my home university, I worked hard with my academic counselor to make going back a possibility. I then returned to do an internship and grew even more. I cannot recommend this program enough!

I understand that study abroad being life changing is a cliche and I used to roll my eyes at it too! But then I did it, twice, both times through AIFS in Rome and I can truly say my life is changed. I went from a shy introvert who longed to go home after being home sick for 2 days, to suddenly someone with many friends and a new zest for life and desire to explore. The classes were scheduled to fit well with allowing for cultural out of classroom learning and the on site staff made you comfortable and were so welcoming. My experience was so incredible the first time, that immediately upon getting back to my home university, I worked hard with my academic counselor to make going back a possibility. I then returned to do an internship and grew even more. I cannot recommend this program enough!