Studying or interning abroad is an exciting, life-changing experience, but navigating a new country, culture, and academic environment can be challenging, especially if you have to do it alone. That’s where on-site support staff, such as a Program Director and other location staff, come in. These professionals are stationed in your study abroad or international internship city to help you and support you from arrival to departure.
Don’t go it alone—study or intern with AIFS Abroad and experience the amazing benefits of on-site support staff!
What is a Program Director/On-Site Location Staff?
Program Directors are AIFS Abroad staff who manage a program on-site and serve as a primary resource for participants throughout their study abroad or international internship experience. Every AIFS Abroad destination has a dedicated Program Director. As soon as you arrive in your host city, they will be there to meet you. Their job is to support you throughout your program, answer questions, coordinate events and activities, and help you solve any issues that may come up—whether it has to do with academics, housing, cultural adjustment, or daily life.
Study Abroad & Internships: Advantages of On-Site Staff Support
1. On-Site Support
Program Directors are physically present in your study abroad or international internship program destination, meaning there will always be someone to help you when you need it—no video chats or customer service lines are needed! They’re a resource for students and interns to receive immediate, in-person guidance.
2. Dedicated Local Contact for Questions and Issues
Odds are you may have a few questions when you arrive. Having trouble dealing with culture shock? Interested in getting involved in extracurricular activities? Need assistance with something related to housing? Your Program Director is a valuable resource for answering all your questions and helping you troubleshoot while abroad.
Your Program Director is a go-to contact for easing your concerns, offering personalized advice, and helping students feel more confident in their new surroundings. As a study abroad or international internship program participant, on-site location staff are there to advocate for you.
3. Leads Activities and Excursions
Did you know? All AIFS Abroad programs include excursions and cultural and social activities within the program fee, designed to enrich your experience and help you learn more about the local culture. Each program destination offers unique opportunities that will help you broaden your cultural perspective and have fun. Your on-site location staff will coordinate and lead these experiences, offering local insights along the way.
4. Can Be a Mentor and Resource
Program Directors can also serve as mentors or resources, offering guidance on academic success, career opportunities, and personal development. Their insights can help students make the most of their study or intern abroad experience academically, professionally, and personally. For example, they can notify you about upcoming networking events or let you know about extracurricular activities related to your field of study.
5. Local Area Expert
Program Directors are people with local cultural and historical knowledge specific to your study or intern abroad host city and country. They can offer you tips on where to eat, sights to see, and how to best experience local life and positively engage with the community. Their insider recommendations help students go beyond the tourist experience and more deeply connect with the community and culture.
6. Provides Emergency Support
Having an on-site Program Director ensures students have emergency support in case of incidents like lost documents or medical emergencies. They can assist with coordinating medical care, advocating for your well-being, handling safety concerns, and liaising with local authorities if necessary, providing peace of mind for both students and their families.
Study or intern with AIFS Abroad and reap the benefits of on-site support staff!
Studying and interning abroad is an excellent opportunity for personal, academic, and professional growth. Don’t let concerns over a lack of support stop you from making this life-changing decision. Choose AIFS Abroad and know that you’ll always have a dedicated Program Director and location staff on-site to support you throughout the duration of your experience. With AIFS Abroad, help is never far away.
