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For Parents & Family

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introduction

AIFS Abroad has been a leading provider of study and intern abroad programs for almost 60 years. With exciting and innovative educational opportunities around the globe, we have programs to meet every student’s interests and needs, while safeguarding their welfare and supporting them every step of the way.

Why Choose an AIFS Abroad Program

Invest in Your Future

Become a global citizen in our interconnected world and improve your job prospects.

Explore the World

Live and learn abroad while immersing yourself in a new culture and way of life.

Build Independence

Gain confidence in your ability to navigate new challenges and situations.

Enjoy Unforgettable Experiences

Have a life-changing experience that will last long beyond your time abroad.

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AIFS Abroad Info Session for Parents & Support networks

Join Us for a Virtual Information Session!

Register today to learn more about our study abroad and international internship program offerings, the application process, and the lasting impact of education abroad.

Available Sessions:

  • Friday, November 29 at 4 PM EST
  • Friday, December 6 at 6 PM EST
  • Tuesday, December 17 at 6 PM EST
  • Monday, December 23 at 12 PM EST

Learn More and Register!
A Family Guide to Study Abroad

A Family Guide to Study Abroad

All families are unique, but the importance and value of family support for students seeking to study abroad is shared. With A Family Guide to Study Abroad, the AIFS Foundation and IIE provide valuable guidance on understanding the impact of and options for study abroad while updating information and tips to empower today’s students and their families to succeed. The guide speaks directly to families and provides helpful tips on topics like picking the right program, creating a budget, and staying safe when abroad. A Family Guide to Study Abroad is available in English and Spanish with print and digital versions to best fit your needs.

Pre-Order Your Copy
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Student Safety

AIFS offers programs that make your student’s safety and health the highest priority. These safety features are standard on all AIFS programs:

  • 24-hour emergency service in the U.S. and abroad
  • On-site student support staff to provide guidance and assistance
  • Comprehensive insurance/assistance package that includes medical coverage abroad and baggage coverage
  • Financial security – a unique policy that protects every student’s payment and guarantees he or she will receive the services included in the program
Learn more about Health & Safety

We strive to make a positive impact on the world around us

50%

Half of AIFS students receive tuition funding for their program

Learn about Scholarships & Grants

2025

AIFS has has committed to reaching carbon neutrality by the year 2025

Learn About Our Green Initiative

500+

Colleges and Universities that partner with AIFS and send students abroad on our programs.

Why AIFS
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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

GET READY FOR A LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE

This is your chance to set yourself apart. Explore the world and your interests while earning academic credit and developing your personal and professional skills. Whether you choose a study abroad program, international internship program or a study + internship program, you will elevate your life’s journey and have something amazing to put on your resumé.

Explore Programs

How To Get Started

Step 1

Explore Your Options

With a wide selection of short- and long-term study abroad and internship options to choose from, you’re bound to find your perfect program. Need help? Give us a call to discuss your needs and preferences!

Step 2

Create Your Account

Register with AIFS Abroad to be connected to our network of staff, alumni, and fellow students. You’ll receive news and updates, deadline reminders, specific information about your program of interest, and more.

Step 3

Apply for Your Program

Ready to start your adventure? Submit your application and get started on the most exciting experience of your life! AIFS Abroad staff are experienced, professional, and ready to assist you every step of the way!

My daughter was disappointed when her university’s education abroad program to Rome was full. When she found this AIFS program at the International Study Abroad Fair at her school, the University of Maryland, she was so excited. She called to tell me she had found the perfect program! A semester in Rome with a 2-week orientation in Florence, trips to Venice, Naples, Pompeii, Capri Island and so much more. I think the best testament to this program is my daughter telling me via Skype from the orientation in Florence, Italy “I wanted to tell you how happy I am, and that we definitely chose the right program. I love the Italian AIFS staff-everyone is no nice. It is so beautiful here.

My daughter studied abroad in Cannes in her junior year of college. Her experience in France was a chance of a lifetime. She had the time of her life learning and traveling on weekends while she was in France. She experienced being in Cannes during the Cannes Film Festival where she had an internship. She walked the red carpet with the actors and got to meet and interview some of them with her press pass. My daughter had an amazing experience both learning and studying the cultures of Europe. I felt that she was safe and had wonderful advisors both in the U.S and Europe.

Our daughter studied abroad in Stellenbosch, South Africa through AIFS and I cannot say enough good things about the program and her experience! As an undergraduate business student at Boston University, she could have chosen a program through her school. However, she decided to go with AIFS in order to branch out and meet new people. She attended a first-rate school with students from all over the U.S. as well as other countries and was able to explore South Africa on the AIFS sponsored trips. We also had the opportunity to visit her during her spring break and go on a safari which was the trip of a lifetime for us. Throughout the entire application process, departure and return, we found the AIFS staff in Stamford as well as in Stellenbosch extremely knowledgeable and helpful to our daughter, affording us the confidence and peace of mind we needed as parents! It was a truly a life-changing experience for her and she still keeps in touch with many of her friends that she met on the program.

AIFS has a wonderful, well-organized study abroad program. As a parent, I felt comfortable that my son was safe and escorted throughout his study abroad experience. The AIFS program provided excellent housing in the heart of Florence, meals, airfare, ample orientation time, extra excursions, and courses suited to his needs. The experienced on-site staff was always available to answer questions and provide solutions.

It is wonderful that AIFS provides opportunities to travel and study abroad. I found the organization to be extremely professional as well as caring; bending over backward to make my daughter’s experience one she will always treasure. Thank you AIFS for taking care of all the arrangements and making sure I felt comfortable in leaving her in your capable hands.

AIFS made everything very easy. They did a great job handling the flights and my son was very happy to be sitting next to the other students on his program where he was able to become friends with many of them even before landing. Representatives were waiting for him directly outside of the terminal to bus him to the dormitories. The entire program was a wonderful experience that truly launched my son’s career in the right direction!

FAQS & Resources

Coming in Fall 2024:
Revised Family Guide to Study Abroad

Since 1964, the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS) has been providing study abroad programs of the highest quality.

On an AIFS program, you can expect the best value for your money and your student is supported through the entire process. Programs include an optional transportation package, a comprehensive insurance plan, centrally located housing, great cultural activities and excursions, tuition and a dedicated support team on-site and from our office in Stamford, CT. Most colleges throughout the United States recognize the quality of an AIFS program and easily accept the credits taken at our locations. More than 50% of our students receive financial support from AIFS in the form of scholarships or grants. In addition, our program fees are guaranteed in U.S. dollars (protecting you against currency fluctuation), we do not charge a credit card transaction fee, and do not require a damage deposit for any of our programs.


The AIFS team of Program Directors abroad and Program Managers here in the United States is equipped to handle all emergencies for our students. The AIFS Protection Package is a comprehensive insurance plan that covers our participants in the event of medical emergency, evacuation and program cancellation. Detailed information regarding the insurance coverage can be found here.

Every country is different, but students receive a detailed packet before they depart explaining the best methods for their family and friends to reach them by mail. Prescription medication should not be mailed to students once they are abroad as it is often held up in Customs. Please work with your doctor and insurance provider to obtain a semester’s worth of medication for the student to carry with him/her.

This number really varies depending on location, but please call our U.S. Office for further details.

Student housing is included on all of our programs. Although each program varies, housing options include residence halls, host families and apartments. AIFS Abroad students generally live with other AIFS participants in arranged housing.

The application typically includes an official transcript, passport photos, recommendation from a professor, an essay, 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.

AIFS Abroad is happy to accept US Financial Aid and any outside grants or scholarships you receive. It is always up to their home institution and the scholarship provider to determine how funds can be applied to study abroad. Your student will need to work with their campus study abroad office, financial aid office and their AIFS Admissions Officer to file the necessary forms for aid to transfer. More than 50% of students receive a grant and/or scholarship from AIFS. Students are encouraged to apply for any funding opportunities for which they are eligible.

Regardless of how much financial aid you are expecting, the following items must be paid in full by the final payment deadline and may not be included in your student’s financial aid package:

  • Optional AIFS Flight Package, fees and flight penalties
  • Optional Excursions
  • Enrollment deposit
Buildings in Barcelona, Spain.

Ready to find your ideal experience?