AIFS Abroad

My internship experience was super specific to me and my career goals. Prior to my internship, the AIFS team asked me questions and specifics about my educational and travel goals! The specificity in work and activities I wanted to do made this experience so special to me! Not only boosting my resume but making life-long friends and being able to travel back to Paris, knowing it like my hometown! I grew so much through this program- finding my independent and outgoing side. I tried so many new things, like escargot (which was delicious and is now a favorite of mine) and jazz clubs! What made the experience super unique compared to other programs, it had planned vacations and day trips, along with cultural activities. I was able to have a true vacation planned out for me and already paid for when I got there. I was able to see things like Monet's garden and chateaux without the stress of planning travel and budgeting. While there were many planned activities on weekends, during the week, I got to do whatever I wanted, like a true Parisian. My day would start with a slow morning, some coffee from my favorite local cafe, and a short walk to my internship. I would work until about 3-4 pm, and then choose what to explore that day- Notre Dame, the Louvre. I had lots of freedom in deciding to see and do what I wanted to, but also enjoyed the planned trips, going to places I had never heard of, like Saint-Malo! I would recommend this for anyone willing to try new things and who wants to really integrate into the culture and life of France!

I never imagined that studying abroad could feel so personal, but joining a faculty-led AIFS program gave me the perfect balance of adventure and familiarity. I spent my Spring 2025 at Sogang University in Seoul, South Korea, and the experience was everything I hoped for including personalized learning, a small and open-minded cohort, and a city that constantly amazed me. The AIFS staff were incredible. My directors were always available, whether I needed help navigating cultural differences or just someone to talk to. My dorm was a peaceful retreat: a single room with a kitchenette and private bathroom, ideal for winding down after very full days. Excursions like Namsan Tower and our trip to Busan weren’t just scenic, they were the moments that bonded my cohort as a group. I left Korea with lifelong friendships and a deeper understanding of myself. I gained confidence, independence, and a renewed passion for learning thanks to two professors who truly inspired me. My advice? Study abroad your way. FOMO is real, but don’t burn yourself out trying to do everything. You made it there and that’s already something to be proud of. AIFS Abroad gave me the structure and support to thrive, and I’d recommend it to anyone ready to grow beyond borders.

studying abroad with AIFS Abroad helped me grow personally and professionally—I developed confidence, adaptability, and skills that will carry into my career. I’d recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking for not just an academic program, but a complete experience that combines education, culture, and personal growth.