AIFS Abroad

When AIFS was founded in 1964, there was no study abroad “industry,” no formal awards for the complex work of international education—just educators committed to cultural exchange. Today AIFS Abroad is honored to be named the #1 Top Rated Study Abroad Provider for 2023 by GoAbroad.com. GoAbroad’s dedication to capturing valuable insight on study abroad experiences is an asset to global education and one that compels our field toward continuous excellence. While we don't do this work for awards and recognition, it is deeply affirming to receive them. We are touched that students and families feel AIFS Abroad’s commitment to our mission and the communities in which we learn. We are proud to be an organization which helped establish the study abroad field, and that we continue to have such meaningful impact. #studyabroad #highereducation #highered #globaleducation #intle #internationaleducation

Will we see you next month at the EAIE: European Association for International Education conference in Toulouse, France? Our talented leadership from the U.K. and U.S. will attend to explore the conference theme “En Route!” and help propel international education towards a bright future. Kirsty Isherwood, Emily Merson, Kelly M. Holland #EAIE2024 Bonus: we will be traveling from London to Toulouse on the #thePIEConvoy following The PIE News PIEoneer Awards. This shared commitment with CANIE: Climate Action Network for International Educators helps us all build accountability for more sustainable work travel. #travelwithCANIE

Reminiscing on the life-changing study abroad semester I completed with AIFS Abroad in Grenoble, France last Spring. From January to May 2024, I studied the French Language and Culture at the Université Grenoble Alpes, while being immersed in the unique "Dauphinoise" traditions of this charming city in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. I can say without a doubt that those four months were the most enriching months of my life thus far. From being housed by a warm and welcoming French host family to learning about French literature and politics at the stunning UGA campus with the CUEF - Centre Universitaire d'Etudes Françaises - Grenoble to exploring numerous European cities - both independently and alongside our incredible AIFS Resident Director, Miranda Rea. Not to mention, I had some opportunities to expand my artistic repertoire in this new culture. I was selected to take part in the Storytelling, Theater, and Poetry Workshop course (Atelier Théâtre) at the CUEF, where I performed Éric Pessan's "Cache-Cache" entirely in French alongside other international students. Plus, I took ballet classes at the Centre de Danse Emilie Kern, located right in the Centre Ville of Grenoble, allowing me to experience performing arts across linguistic barriers. My four months in Grenoble were so much more inspiring than I could have ever prepared myself for. I made more progress in my French language acquisition than anticipated and I gained insight into the importance of cultural immersion. I learned to love the discomfort and challenges that come from living in a foreign environment where no one seemed to fully understand me and to embrace the cultural differences that make us all so unique. Most importantly, I made memories with people from all sorts of backgrounds, which I will cherish in my heart forever. Thank you to AIFS Abroad for making my dreams of studying abroad come true, and for further igniting my passion to explore the world and all it has to offer.

📣 New Internships in Seville and Granada! Two of the most visually spectacular places in Spain have been known for decades for their rich study abroad opportunities. Now, AIFS Abroad is thrilled to offer full-time internships in both cities, leveraging the thousands of agencies, NGOs and businesses in Seville and Granada—cultural darlings of Andalucia. Placement fields include Business, Marketing, Events and Tourism, Sports, Graphic Design, Fashion and many more. Our team works 1:1 with every intern to individualize the process and industry experience they seek, and our certified CliftonStrengths assessment and coaching help them identify and deliver their unique talents to the host organization. To learn more, visit our website → https://lnkd.in/eBPNX6af

In the month since returning home from my semester abroad in Spain, I've challenged myself to sum up the lasting impact of my experience in just a few short sentences. Here is the lesson my semester abroad repeatedly reinforced, rightfully so: ✨ Stepping out of your comfort zone is uncomfortable. Simply said. Yet that is where growth lives. Professionally or personally, the Unknown challenges us to inspect those gaps in our abilities and our capacity for change. Gaps we otherwise would have glossed over if not thrown into the deep end.✨ Thank you AIFS Abroad

Proud to be an Access Partner of Fund for Education Abroad! We look forward to hearing the stories of these incredible scholars every year.

I know I'm a bit late in sharing this, but I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Budapest, Hungary for my spring semester. During my time there, I immersed myself in several business classes at one of Hungary's top institutions, Corvinus University of Budapest, that expanded my knowledge and perspective on international business. I was lucky enough to have professors from a wide range of places, allowing even more unique perspectives to learn from. Not only did I gain valuable academic experience, but I also had the chance to travel to numerous countries, experiencing many diverse cultures, all while meeting new people and trying new things along the way! This study abroad was truly one of the best decisions I've ever made. I was originally worried about choosing a location that wasn't as popular for students, but after those four months, I absolutely fell in love with Budapest. I cannot thank AIFS Abroad enough for not only creating this program, but helping me find and select it. I'm incredibly grateful for the experiences and the people I've met along the way. Looking forward to applying these learnings and perspectives in my future endeavors!

A few months ago, with the help of AIFS Abroad, I completed an incredible study abroad program in the vibrant city of Barcelona. This experience was a game-changer for me in so many ways. Having once been confined to my room as a cancer patient, stepping out into the vast, lively streets of Barcelona was a testament to how far I've come. During my time there, I had the amazing opportunity to further refine my native-level Spanish and immerse myself in the rich and diverse culture of Barcelona. From its stunning architecture to its social customs, every moment was a learning experience. One of the highlights was meeting and making friends from all over the world. I was able to connect with people from France, Greece, and Colombia, among other places. Despite our different backgrounds, we built strong bonds and shared unforgettable experiences. Truly, this experience improved my ability to connect with people from all walks of life. I believe this skill is invaluable in today's globalized world. Whether working in a diverse team or engaging with international clients, I am confident in my ability to connect, collaborate, and thrive in any environment. Truthfully, I am incredibly grateful for this journey and excited to bring these experiences into my professional life! #StudyAbroad #CulturalExchange #ProfessionalGrowth

This summer I had the opportunity to study health and healthcare in London, England. While abroad I got to analyze the National Health Services (NHS) and learn what it is like to be both a citizen and a provider in a country that has free universal health care. My peers and I were able to learn and improve on a variety of skills including: cultural competency, problem solving, communication, & teamwork! I’m beyond grateful to have had this incredible opportunity. A special thank you to AIFS Abroad and my amazing professors, Dr. Christy Brady & Dr. Karen Clancy, for making this such a great experience!

In an international experience, is there anyone more influential, more universally loved than a Resident Director? They are The Magic. The first smile at the airport, introducing us to their community, providing support in times of homesickness, celebrating our successes in second languages—Resident Directors are the foundation of an experience that changes lives. We are heartbroken to share that the AIFS Abroad community has lost Sandrine Passeron, our Cannes Director, this week after a valiant battle with cancer. Sandrine began with AIFS in 1999 and was an incredible resource and key part of our Cannes program for more than 25 years. In a quarter century, Sandrine changed thousands of lives with her smile, support, and celebrations. We hold her family, friends, colleagues, and former students in our hearts, and extend our gratitude for a career of service to our organization. We will miss her; and we feel so lucky to have been part of The Magic she made here.