Study Abroad

Yes, studying abroad can strengthen graduate school applications by demonstrating academic initiative, global awareness, cultural competence, and independence. Students often gain unique academic and research experiences abroad that help differentiate them from other applicants. 

The best places to study abroad come down to the destinations that you’re most interested in and can provide the kind of cultural and academic experience you’re seeking. If you’re looking for a country to study abroad based on your major, you can use the AIFS Abroad program finder to filter programs that align with your academic interests and the search tool on our blog to narrow down your options.

If you need additional assistance to find the best place for you to study abroad, reach out to our team for guidance. 

The best time to study or intern abroad depends on your academic plan, course sequencing, and personal goals. Many students go abroad during their sophomore or junior year, when schedules tend to be more flexible, but every case is different. 

AIFS Abroad offers programs for gap year students, first-year students and underclassmen, upperclassmen, and recent college graduates across multiple terms (fall, spring, summer, January Term, winter quarter, May Term, and spring break), so there’s likely a time that works for you. Talk to your academic advisor and study abroad office to find a program that aligns with your graduation timeline. 

You can also easily filter programs by term with the AIFS Abroad program finder. 

Yes, for many students, studying abroad is their first time leaving the country. AIFS Abroad programs are designed to support students at every level of travel experience, with pre-departure guidance, on-site staff, and 24/7 emergency support to help you feel prepared and confident throughout your journey. 

Choosing a study abroad program location is a personal decision that depends on your academic goals, language interests, budget, and the kind of cultural experience you’re looking for. A good starting point is to think about what you want to get out of your time abroad—and then explore destinations that align with those goals. 

The AIFS Abroad program finder allows you to filter programs based on several criteria, making it simple to find a destination abroad that aligns with your preferences. The AIFS Abroad team is also happy to help you narrow down your options. 

To address your family’s questions or concerns about studying or interning abroad, start by sharing the academic and professional benefits of going abroad and come prepared with specific program details (including safety and support information). It can also help to walk through the financials together, including financial aid, scholarships, and what‘s included in the program fee. AIFS Abroad has resources specifically designed for parents and families that can support these conversations, such as A Parent Guide to Study Abroad. 

Yes, AIFS Abroad is committed to making international education accessible and welcoming for students of all backgrounds. We have resources for students from underrepresented communities in study abroad and our team is available to speak with you about your specific concerns—including questions about cultural acceptance, accommodation needs, or community-specific support. We encourage you to reach out directly to discuss your situation. 

Students who require accommodations can download and fill out the applicable accommodation forms on the AIFS Abroad Cultural Engagement Resources page. Upon completion, send these forms to the Program Advisor/Manager for your intended program location. If you do not have a location in mind, contact us here and we will provide you with a list of locations that can accommodate you. 

Once the Program Manager/Advisor has confirmed whether they can accommodate you, they will reach out to you. AIFS Abroad cannot guarantee that we will be able to honor your request, but we will do everything within our means to ensure you have the information you need to make the most informed decision regarding your program location.  

AIFS Abroad is happy to connect prospective students with program alumni who can share their firsthand experiences. You can also find student spotlights, testimonials, and student takeovers on our blog and social media channels, like Instagram. 

Yes, you can study abroad more than once—many students choose to study and/or intern abroad multiple times. For example, a student may choose to study abroad once during their sophomore year and again in their senior year. Also, certain programs can be done back-to-back, for example, a spring semester followed by a summer program. 

There’s no limit to how many times you can go abroad with AIFS Abroad, and doing so can deepen your global experience and strengthen your resume even further. Plus, participants who go abroad with AIFS Abroad multiple times are eligible for the Go Abroad Again Grant, which reduces the cost of studying or interning abroad again with AIFS. 

A January Term or winter study abroad program is a short, intensive academic program that takes place in January during the winter break between the fall and spring semesters (or the January Term, for schools that have it). 

These programs typically last two to three weeks and allow students to earn credit outside the traditional school year—making them a popular option for students with limited scheduling flexibility or those seeking a short-term experience abroad. 

A winter quarter study abroad program is designed for students at universities that follow the quarter system. This short-term study abroad program typically goes from early January to mid-March, allowing college students to go abroad during their third (winter) quarter. Explore winter quarter study abroad programs. 

A spring break study abroad program is a short, intensive academic experience lasting about one week that takes place when many U.S. colleges and universities have time off about halfway through the spring semester. 

AIFS Abroad spring break study abroad programs allow students to earn academic credit through an immersive, focused course while making the most of their spring break. They’re a great option for students who want a taste of study abroad without committing to a full semester. 

Yes, you can study abroad as a college graduate or postgraduate student; however, eligibility for graduate students varies by program. Some AIFS Abroad programs are open to graduate students and offer advanced learning opportunities, while others are designed specifically for undergraduates. 

Yes, you can study abroad during your gap year. Many high school graduates choose to study abroad before attending college. In fact, AIFS Abroad offers programs specifically designed for freshman college students and gap year students. 

On the AIFS Abroad program finder, click the “Additional Filters” drop down and then “Gap Year” to browse study abroad programs open to gap year students. 

Yes, first-year college students can study abroad and are eligible for a wide range of AIFS Abroad programs. We also offer dedicated First Year Programs designed for college freshmen and those waitlisted at U.S. universities who want to study abroad while they wait to start on-campus coursework. 

Study abroad GPA requirements vary by program and host institution, but most AIFS Abroad programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5 – 3.0. Specific requirements are listed on individual program pages. If you have questions about whether your GPA meets a program’s requirements, contact our team for guidance. 

Yes, all AIFS Abroad programs require participants to be at least 18 years old. However, certain programs have more specific age requirements. Check the program page to learn if your eligible based on your age. 

Yes, in many cases, international students from outside the U.S. can study abroad through AIFS Abroad. AIFS Abroad welcomes students from a variety of countries and educational backgrounds. However, visa requirements, eligibility, and logistics can vary significantly depending on your nationality, current visa status, and destination. We recommend contacting our team to discuss your specific situation.

If you are an international student studying in the U.S. on a visa, studying abroad may affect your visa status, and you should consult your home university’s international student office before applying. Requirements vary depending on your visa type, home country, and the country you plan to study in. Generally, if you leave the U.S. for more than five months or you do not earn enough credits to remain a full-time student, your visa status may be in jeopardy. 

AIFS Abroad can provide general program information, but visa status questions should always be directed to your university’s international student services office.

Whether you need a visa to study abroad depends on your program type, term, and destination. You can easily check whether your program requires a visa by visiting the program page. 

Once admitted to the program, AIFS Abroad will share required documents in your Student Portal and provide guidance on how to apply for your visa, if needed. Non-U.S. citizens may have additional visa requirements in order to participate in an AIFS Abroad study abroad program. Please contact our team if you have any additional questions regarding the visa process.