Ready to explore what a multi-destination AIFS Abroad program in Europe is like? We recently caught up with Derek from the University of Central Florida, who participated in a Study + Travel program during the summer focused on fashion marketing.
Discover how Derek’s Study + Travel study abraod experience exploring fashion marketing helped him discover Europe and advance his Marketing degree!
Choosing Where to Study Abroad
Choosing where to study abroad can be a tough choice for many college students; after all, there are so many amazing destinations to choose from with AIFS Abroad! For those who can’t pick just one, AIFS Abroad offers unique Study + Travel programs that take students to multiple cities around the world while focusing on one course or topic!
Hear Derek explain why he chose a Study + Travel program in Europe:
“When I saw my multi-city AIFS program, I was very excited to apply because I knew I would immerse myself in many different cultures, not just one. I thought to myself, Why explore only one city when I could explore four in quick succession? On top of that, the program was one of the most aligned with my major and my aspirations for the future. I would truly recommend this program due to its diverse and immersive nature, as well as the people you’d be sharing these experiences with.”
Academics Abroad
You’re probably wondering what the academic experience is like when you choose a Study + Travel program. AIFS Abroad provides a hands-on, location-based classroom experience, incorporating the various program destinations and cultural sites into your learning. For example, in Derek’s Multi-City Summer Fashion Marketing program, he visited fashion museums in London, Paris, Milan, and Florence, along with other significant industry sites, all while being instructed by experts in the fashion marketing field.
Hear Derek describe his experience:
“My program was based in AIFS locations throughout, and they were some of the best locations for studying. We had one professor who would travel with us, allowing us to engage more deeply in both our academic and personal lives abroad.
My Fashion Marketing class was the best class I’ve ever taken during my collegiate career. The professor was extremely knowledgeable and engaging with her students. Furthermore, the topics surrounding this class have been a passion of mine for a long time, so it really felt like I was learning more about my aspirations and goals for my future.”
Housing
Housing is included in all AIFS Abroad programs. Options may include a student residence, a shared apartment, or a homestay. Since Derek’s program took him to multiple destinations in just three weeks, AIFS Abroad arranged hotel stays to match the travel-focused nature of the experience, as he explains:
“Our housing accommodations were in hotels in each of the four cities we visited. AIFS really tries to get you the best housing arrangements in each city, and they will try to fix any problems you have (which are minimal).”
Making Friends Abroad
While setting out on your own to study abroad can be scary, as Derek explains, it’s an excellent opportunity to make friends:
“Going into this experience, I did not know anyone in the program beforehand. It was a nerve-racking feeling to encounter, being an introvert, but once you get to your location and meet everyone there, you realize you have nothing to worry about. Remember, you will be sharing multiple experiences with these peers for weeks, so that makes you bond and meet people you never knew you would meet. I ended up making friends for life during this experience, and I don’t regret a thing.”
Trips & Excursions
Did you know AIFS Abroad includes day trips and excursions in all our programs? These events take participants around their host city or country (and beyond) to visit hidden gems and can’t-miss cultural sites. Below, Derek describes his favorite excursion during his Study + Travel program:
“My favorite excursion during my time abroad was visiting Lake Como in Italy for a day. This experience was surreal, and I got to share it with all of my study abroad friends. Our group ended up renting an hour boat ride on Lake Como, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Also, AIFS’s planning to make our experiences the best as possible does not go unnoticed.”
Personal Growth
Studying abroad is an opportunity to expand your horizons, become more independent, and develop as a person. Listen to Derek explain the impact of his program:
“During this experience, I grew immensely as a person. This journey was a life-changing and eye-opening experience. Even though we were studying while traveling, having the best group of people (classmates, professors, tour managers) to share these experiences with and enjoy our time there has been the most rewarding.”
Are you ready to study abroad and travel in Europe like Derek did on our Fashion Marketing program? We’d love to help you start your journey!
Here at AIFS Abroad, we know a thing or two about helping college students study and travel abroad. Our programs are incredibly inclusive, which takes a lot of the stress out of planning. From coordinating your housing to providing things like transportation and logistics, cultural and social activities, excursions, comprehensive insurance, 24/7 emergency support, and on-site staff, you’ll take comfort in knowing you’ll have support throughout your entire experience abroad.
