We caught up with AIFS alum Jarrett Nixon who spent a semester on our Study + Internship abroad program in Florence, Italy during Spring 2014. Check out how his experience inspired him to live a life of travel and international adventure, his hopes for the future, and what advice he has for current and prospective students abroad.
How has your study abroad experience impacted your educational goals and career?
My study abroad experience with AIFS was life-changing without a doubt. My internship placement with Bus2alps was the springboard to my career as an international sales rep and digital nomad. I knew I wanted a career in Marketing or Sales prior to the internship, I just didn’t realize how accessible an international career was up until that point.
How has your study abroad experience impacted other areas of your life?
It has made me more social, engaging, and open-minded. It’s almost a cliche at this point how travel can make you a better version of yourself, but I wholeheartedly stand behind that opinion.
Have you been back to your study abroad location since your time abroad?
Yes, I have visited many times. I actually worked for 2 years additionally at the company I interned with during my AIFS experience and I was based out of Florence. I would frequently go and visit the staff there to say hi! Such a wonderful experience.
Are you still in contact with other students or anyone you met during your time abroad?
Yes! I still keep up with about 8-10 members of my class.
What are your top destinations for future travel?
I am really hoping to check some unique places off of the bucket list. Antartica is high up there, along with Greenland. I’ve been lucky enough to have been to 36+ countries at this point. 🙂
Any advice for students who are considering studying abroad?
Do it and don’t look back for even a second. I often tell people weekly how much my experience abroad impacted me. Not only as a professional but as a human being. You will learn more about yourself in your 4 months abroad than you can ever imagine.
Any advice for recently returned study abroad students?
Don’t quit your daydreams! If you’re looking to continue traveling abroad, think outside the box in terms of what is possible, for example, with the exponential increase in technological work solutions in the past 10 years, almost any knowledge-based job can be done remotely. Why not combine both work and travel?
Anything else you want to add?
Thank you AIFS for all that you have given me. I can’t tell you how grateful I am to have stumbled into your program.
Are you an AIFS Study Abroad alum looking to reconnect with classmates? Join our alumni Facebook and LinkedIn groups!
