Request Info
Explore Summer Programs Abroad Start Your Adventure
Get a Head Start on Fall 2025 Discover Programs Now
Student & Family Info Sessions Register now

Getting Started

How It Works

Vina del Mar, Chile mountain landscape.
A group of students white water rafting.

Support Every Step of the Way

AIFS Abroad has the resources and staff to support you throughout your entire journey: from selecting the right program for your needs, to helping you make the most of your opportunity abroad, through learning how to articulate the experience upon return.

Here’s How it Works

Study Abroad

Step 1

Select Your Program

Take time to consider when, where, and why you want to study abroad. AIFS Abroad offers a wide range of program options year-round. Browse our programs by city, country, term, or courses offered.

Step 2

Prepare

Talk to your family or support system about your plans. They can find information on safety abroad, program details, and the benefits of studying abroad on our Family and Support Network page. Make an appointment with your academic advisor and the study abroad office at your school. They can help ensure the credits you earn abroad are approved for transfer credit at your home university. You’ll also want to contact the financial aid office at your home university to see if any financial aid you may receive can be applied to your time abroad.

Step 3

Apply

Create your account to begin your study abroad application process. Once you have submitted your application fee, you will have a small list of tasks to complete with help from your AIFS Abroad Enrollment Team. Students applying must have their courses approved by their school as part of the application process. The application typically includes an official transcript, passport photos, a signed course selection sheet and a disciplinary clearance form. Admission into most AIFS Abroad programs is done on a rolling basis. You can expect confirmation of your acceptance within 2 working days of completing all required tasks.

Step 4

Accept

Congratulations! Once you submit all the required documents, your application is officially considered complete. You should receive an acceptance decision within approximately two weeks via email.

Step 5

Pay Deposit

You’re ready to enroll in your program! Secure your spot by paying your deposit.

Step 6

Get Ready for Take Off

You’ll need a valid passport. Make sure that you apply for (or renew) your passport as soon as possible. Carefully read all the information provided to you, since you may need to apply for a student visa.

Remember, AIFS is here to support you every step of the way. All programs have on-site local staff or a Program Director to help you with any questions you may have throughout your program. 

Internship

Step 1

Apply

Submit your application and start working with your Enrollment Manager. We will have an interview to learn about your career goals, educational background, and location preferences to ensure that you are a good candidate to intern abroad. Admission into most AIFS Abroad programs is done on a rolling basis. You can expect confirmation of your acceptance within 2 working days of completing all required tasks.

Step 2

Accept

Once your interview and application are complete, you’ll be cleared to apply. Your Enrollment Manager and our Placement Team will determine if we’re able to match you with a great host employer in your chosen destination. If accepted, this means we can guarantee you an internship within your career field.

Step 3

Enroll

After acceptance, the next step is to simply enroll into the program with your initial deposit to secure your spot. Enrolling means you have officially decided to join the AIFS Abroad program and take on the challenge and thrill of living and becoming an intern abroad in a new city!

Step 4

Prepare

Before you arrive in your host city, you will work one-on-one with your Program Advisor. They work with you on professional development, career advising and make sure you are ready to move and intern in your new home.

Step 5

Interview

We will start the match-making process and narrow down employers to a select few that you would be a great fit for. You’ll have a Skype or phone interview before you leave, so they can get to know you, and you can get to know them. If everything goes well, then your internship is confirmed! You’ll know where you’ll be interning and the role you’ll be walking into before you hop on the plane.

Step 6

Arrive

When you’ve arrived in your city, you will meet the Location Coordinator and the other interns at your housing. Your internship will start soon after you’ve arrived and there will be social events and excursions throughout the course of your program. We strive to give you the independence you want with all the support and resources you need to be successful during your travel and internship.

Study + Travel

Step 1

Browse

Take time to consider which Study + Travel program is right for you! Browse our exciting and engaging programs offerings that utilize multiple locations for a unique experience like no other.

Step 2

Prepare

Talk to your family or support system about your plans. They can find information on safety abroad, program details, and the benefits of studying abroad on our Family and Support Network page. Make an appointment with your academic advisor and the study abroad office at your school. They can help ensure the credits you earn abroad are approved for transfer credit at your home university. You’ll also want to contact the financial aid office at your home university to see if any financial aid you may receive can be applied to your time abroad.

Step 3

Apply

Create your account to begin your study abroad application process. Once you have submitted your application fee, you will have a small list of tasks to complete with help from your AIFS Abroad Enrollment Team. Students applying must have their courses approved by their school as part of the application process. The application typically includes an official transcript, passport photos, a signed course selection sheet and a disciplinary clearance form. Admission into most AIFS Abroad programs is done on a rolling basis. You can expect confirmation of your acceptance within 2 working days of completing all required tasks.

Step 4

Accept

Congratulations! Once you submit all the required documents, your application is officially considered complete. You should receive an acceptance decision within approximately two weeks via email. 

Step 5

Pay Deposit

You’re ready to enroll in your program! Secure your spot by paying your deposit. 

Step 6

Get Ready for Take Off

You’ll need a valid passport. Make sure that you apply for (or renew) your passport as soon as possible. Carefully read all the information provided to you, since you may need to apply for a student visa. 

Remember, AIFS is here to support you every step of the way. All programs have on-site local staff or a Program Director to help you with any questions you may have throughout your program. 

Virtual Internship

Step 1

Apply

Submit your application and start working with your Enrollment Manager. You will have an interview so they can learn about your career goals, educational background, and preferences to ensure that you are a good candidate for a virtual internship. Admission into most AIFS Abroad programs is done on a rolling basis. You can expect confirmation of your acceptance within 2 working days of completing all required tasks.

Step 2

Accept

Once your interview and application are complete, your Enrollment Manager and our Placement Team will determine if we can accept you into the program. If accepted, this means we guarantee you a virtual internship within your career field.

Step 3

Enroll

The step is to simply enroll in the program by paying the full tuition to secure your spot. Enrolling means you have officially decided to join the AIFS Abroad program and take on the challenge of a virtual international internship!

Step 4

Prepare

Before you are matched with an employer, you will work one-on-one with your Program Advisor. They will help you with professional development, career advising, the Strengths assessment, and best-practices for a virtual internship.

Step 5

Interview

We will start the matchmaking process and narrow down an employer for which you would be a great fit. You’ll have a Skype or phone interview to confirm it’s a great match for everyone, and if all goes well, your internship is confirmed!

Step 6

Intern

You’ll begin your internship on your confirmed start date. The beauty of a virtual internship is that you can work from anywhere! AIFS Abroad virtual internships are here for you – no matter where in the world you are.

Study + Internship

Step 1

Browse

Take time to consider when, where, and why you want to study and intern abroad. AIFS Abroad offers a wide range of program options year-round. Browse our programs by city, country, term, or courses offered.

Step 2

Prepare

Talk to your family or support system about your plans. They can find information on safety abroad, program details, and the benefits of studying abroad on our Family and Support Network page. Make an appointment with your academic advisor and the study abroad office at your school. They can help ensure the credits you earn abroad are approved for transfer credit at your home university. You’ll also want to contact the financial aid office at your home university to see if any financial aid you may receive can be applied to your time abroad.

Step 3

Submit Your Application

Congratulations! Once you submit all the required documents and application fee, your application is officially considered complete. Admission into most AIFS Abroad programs is done on a rolling basis. You can expect confirmation of your acceptance within 2 working days of completing all required tasks.

Step 4

Pay Deposit

You’re ready to enroll in your program! Secure your spot by paying your deposit.

Step 5

Get Ready for Take Off

You’ll need a valid passport – make sure that you apply for (or renew) your passport as soon as possible. Carefully read all the information provided to you, since you may need to apply for a student visa. 

Step 6

Arrive and Intern

For most study + internship programs, students receive their internship placement in their field of interest after arriving at their program destination. Remember, AIFS is here to support you every step of the way. All programs have on-site local staff or a Program Director to help you with any questions you may have throughout your program.

Get Started Apply Now

Take Your Classroom and Students Abroad on a Customized, Faculty-Led Program!

Explore AIFS CFL
An aerial view of the coasts of Florence, Italy.
Two students in London, posing on a bridge with a ferris wheel in the background.
Students sitting on steps outside in London.

Locations All Over the World

With AIFS, it’s easy to find a program that fits your motivation for going abroad. We offer award winning study abroad, internship abroad, volunteer abroad, and customized faculty-led programs in Asia, Australia, Europe, South Africa and the Americas. Programs are available to suit all majors and interests, from academic study abroad programs at world-class universities to full-time internships and short-term language and cultural immersion programs.

Explore Locations

What’s Included

Maximize your time abroad with our highly comprehensive programs!

Review All Policies

Study Abroad

  • Tuition

    With transcript, provided by outstanding host universities, facilitating academic credit transfer.

  • Program Fees Guaranteed in U.S. Dollars

    To protect against currency fluctuation.

  • Housing

    In many locations, you will have the option of living in a carefully chosen homestay, apartment or residence hall.

  • Green Initiative

    Carbon offsetting for all participants’ flights to and from their program location.

    Learn more

  • Cultural & Social Activities

    Help you learn more about your location and complement your academic studies. (Some details vary by program, so please check program pages for specific inclusions).

  • On-Site Program Director

    For guidance on issues relating to academics, language, cultural differences, health and more.

Internship

  • Guaranteed Internship

    If accepted, we guarantee you an internship in your chosen career field. We work with you until you have an internship confirmed with a host organization and then you’re officially on your way to interning abroad!

  • Academic Credit

    Our international internship programs are designed to complement your academic degree. You can earn credit from your own institution, from our School of Record, or one of our partner schools.

  • Career Readiness Program

    Combining assessment, coaching, and experiences to connect your academic experience with your professional ambitions. We take a Strengths-based approach and focus on helping you meet your potential and find a career you love.

  • Housing

    To ensure interns can experience “living like the locals,” we include housing in student apartments located near main areas, or close to public transport lines.

  • Events and Social Excursions

    Included in your internship program are orientations, events and social excursions designed to connect you with your host city and create hands-on opportunities for learning and community engagement.

  • Pre-arrival, Travel and On-site Support

    Your advisor will help you navigate through travel bookings, visa requirements, academic credit and financing questions. Your Location Coordinator will get to know you before you depart and will meet you on arrival. As locals, all location staff are experienced in providing hands-on support to new visitors to the city.

  • Health & Safety

    Internship programs include a robust health and travel insurance package, 24/7 emergency support on location, and private Facebook Groups for each group, so you can get to know your new friends and make travel plans before you arrive.

    Learn more

  • Green Initiative

    Carbon offsetting for all participants’ flights to and from their program location.

    Learn more

Study + Travel

  • Tuition

    With transcript provided by Fairfield University, our school of record.

  • Program Fees Guaranteed in U.S. Dollars

    To protect against currency fluctuation.

  • Housing

    In shared rooms in student residences or tourist-class hotels.

  • Cultural & Academic Activities

    Field trips and visits to places of academic, historical and cultural interest.

  • AIFS Travel Manager

    Who will be with the group throughout the program and be available to provide local information, answer questions, take care of logistics and deal with emergencies.

  • Health & Safety

    24/7 emergency support and comprehensive insurance.

    Learn more

  • Personal & Professional Development

    Access to the renowned Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment and alumni network.

  • Green Initiative

    Carbon offsetting for all participants’ flights to and from their program location.

    Learn more

Virtual Internship

  • Guaranteed Virtual Internship

    With an international employer full-time or part-time.

  • Personal & Professional Development

    CliftonStrengths™ online assessment, group Strengths workshop, resume and cover letter support.

  • One-on-One Support

    With individual program advising.

  • Tips on Navigating a Virtual Internship

    Group tutorial on teleworking.

  • Networking Opportunities

    Virtual welcome orientation and cultural events.

  • Internship Monitoring

    And virtual check-ins.

  • Post-Program Guidance

    Virtual exit orientation and post-program debrief.

  • $500 Discount

    Off future on-location intern abroad programs.

Study + Internship

  • Tuition

    With transcript, provided by outstanding host universities, facilitating academic credit transfer for your courses and internship placement.

  • Program Fees Guaranteed in U.S. Dollars

    To protect against currency fluctuation.

  • Housing

    In many locations, you will have the option of living in a carefully chosen homestay, apartment or residence hall.

  • Green Initiative

    Carbon offsetting for all participants’ flights to and from their program location.

    Learn more

  • Cultural & Social Activities

    Help you learn more about your location and complement your academic studies.

  • On-Site Program Director

    For guidance on issues relating to academics, language, cultural differences, health and more.

  • Health & Safety

    24/7 emergency support and comprehensive insurance.

    Learn more

  • Personal & Professional Development

    Access to the renowned Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment and alumni network.

White buildings on the coast of Greece.
Two students walking on a beach in Limerick, Ireland.
A group of students walking through the streets of Stellenbosch.

Finance Your Global Education

AIFS recognizes the challenges today’s students face with meeting the cost of their education. We believe that an international educational experience is an essential component of well-rounded university education and we are committed to providing financial assistance to as many students as possible in support of their goal to study abroad. AIFS funding, combined with other sources of financial support students can access, will help make study abroad attainable. 

View Financial Aid Opportunities

Global Themes

Explore courses, internships and experiences through the lens of major cross disciplinary interest areas for a more immersive, holistic experience.

Explore Our Global Themes
Global Sustainability
Boats on a river.
Health Sciences and STEM
A student exploring Barcelona, Spain.
Social and Criminal Justice
Four students in Vina del Mar.
Business, Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship
Three students in front of the Taj Mahal in India.
Global Peace, International Security and Human Rights
A group of AIFS students.
Education, Social Services, and Psychology
Pinik buildings and gondolas in Italy.
Arts, Culture and Creative industries
A group of students on a tour in an art museum.
Language, History and Culture
Students happily walking around Barcelona, Spain.

FAQs

View All FAQs

The application typically includes an official transcript, passport photos, a signed course selection sheet and disciplinary clearance form. Application requirements vary by program; students will have access in their online AIFS Abroad portal to all required forms they must submit. Students applying must have their courses approved by their school as part of the application process.

We know that talking to your family about your plan to study abroad can be stressful at first, especially if they have not gone abroad themselves. As such, we have put together some tips to help you have this conversation.

We want to support all our students through their study abroad journey. You should download the applicable access forms from the Student Resources section of the AIFS website. Upon completion, these forms can be returned to the Program Manager for your intended program location. Your Program Manager will review the access form and liaise with our on-site staff to determine which accommodations can be made. Depending on your needs, it might take weeks to be able to confirm answers from our program locations. Your Program Manager will contact you with more information as the process continues.

  • If you do not have a location in mind, but want to go to whichever location can provide the accommodations you need, please email your form to alumni@aifs.com and our Director of Diversity and Alumni Initiatives will connect with Program Managers and On-Site staff to provide recommendations on locations.
  • Please note that AIFS cannot guarantee that we will be able to honor your requests, but we will do everything within our means to ensure you have a fulfilling experience abroad.

When you create your free AIFS Abroad student account, you gain access to our vast alumni network who are happy to answer questions about specific locations and the study abroad process in general. To connect with alumni, click on the “Ask Alumni” button in your AIFS student portal. You can search by program location and host university.

When you opt for the AIFS transportation package, you can expect the convenience of arranged flights and the ease and safety of pick-up at the airport overseas.

Yes, AIFS offers scholarships and grants for our semester, January term and summer programs each year.

All the information on the AIFS scholarships can be found on our Scholarships and Grants page.

Ready to Take the First Step of Your Study Abroad Adventure?

View Programs
A group of students looking at a view of Barcelona, Spain.

Award-Winning International Internships and Career Readiness Programs

View Internship Opportunities
Trevi Fountain.