STUDY ABROAD | INTERN ABROAD

My experience with AIFS was so fun and better than I could have imagined! I made such close friends more than I was expecting and we had so many great experiences together, including an overnight trip to Moravia. I love that we got to see other cities in Czech Republic. Our resident director was truly amazing! She made sure not only that we were comfortable and safe, but also that we got to see some unique things that weren’t as touristy. We also went on tours and learned so much about the history that we never would have known otherwise. I couldn’t recommend it more!

Initially the thought of leaving my school and friends to move to Austria for three plus months was scary, daunting and a bit nerve-racking. Luckily the thrill and excitement of living and studying abroad set in once we landed in Salzburg. Everything about the city is incredible. I fell in love almost instantly. The public transportation system in Salzburg was very easy to use and navigate, the restaurants were in close walking distances to our dorms, and the history of the city was palpable. Study abroad can be an overwhelming and possibly uncomfortable experience in the beginning, but having an open mind to trying new things and immersing yourself in the host nation culture would be some of my biggest advice.

I think that every aspect of this program made my experience so great. For one, my host city was greater than I could have imagined it could be. It was so fun, charming, and inviting. I think that because it was on the smaller side it made exploring it more intimate and by the first 2 weeks you could really know your way around. Secondly, because my specific program was smaller, it was easier to connect with each of the fellow interns, and we all became very good friends in a short amount of time. I think it was the perfect amount of people. Lastly, the company that I worked for made me excited to come into work everyday and learn. I know that by talking to other interns, their jobs really made their experience as well.

Choosing to study abroad was one of the best decisions I made for myself and my personal development. I got to experience a new culture, make new friends and grow my independence and self confidence in a unique way. My advice for other students studying abroad would be to take advantage of all that AIFS and studying abroad has to offer; go on the trips, meet new people and don’t let fear or anxiety stop you from creating the experience and life that you want.

I also want to give my thanks to AIFS Abroad and Global Experiences for such an outstanding program. With the help of these companies, I was able to earn academic credit at the College of Charleston while furthering my professional experience in an foreign city. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to be a part of this incredible international experience. Au revoir Paris, a la prochaine fois!