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Eager to follow in the footsteps of a college student who studied abroad in England? We recently caught up with AIFS Abroad participant Aya from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, who spent her summer studying abroad in the metropolitan city of London.
Discover how Aya’s summer in London with AIFS Abroad advanced her psychology degree and inspired personal growth.
Choosing a Program Destination
AIFS Abroad offers study abroad programs on six continents across the world—so chances are, whichever region of the world you’ve been dreaming of going to, AIFS Abroad can take you there. With all these options available to you, you can choose a destination you’ve always wanted to visit, like Aya did:
“Studying [abroad] in London was a dream of mine since I was a kid… I chose London without thinking twice, and I did not regret my decision. I would recommend AIFS to passionate students like myself, those who love history and adventure.”
Financing Your Study Abroad Program
Many college students wonder about the affordability of studying abroad. Fortunately, AIFS Abroad accepts financial aid and offers a range of scholarships and grants that make our programs accessible to more people. Hear how Aya took advantage of an AIFS Abroad scholarship and some personal savings to make her dream of studying abroad possible:
“I was so lucky and blessed to get the Russel R. Taylor Foundation Scholarship through AIFS, which covered 50% of my tuition fees, and that was the reason why my study abroad experience was even possible. I have also saved some money from my job in [previous years], which was really helpful and gave me the opportunity to explore the city and do some shopping for myself and my loved ones without borrowing money from anyone or taking a loan.”
For some programs, like Aya’s, we provide pre-funded public transportation cards, which allow you to travel throughout your host city for less:
“For [public transportation], I used my Oyster card, which was included through my travel packet by AIFS! [This] was super nice and saved a lot of money for me.”
University Experience Abroad
When you study abroad, you get the chance to immerse yourself in a completely new academic environment. You can learn from professors with unique perspectives and teaching strategies, connect with other international students, and explore a totally different campus. Hear Aya explain her experience with her professors and other students at her host university, University College of London (UCL):
“I would describe my experience as fabulous because the professors, staff, and students were so helpful, welcoming, and supportive the whole time, which made the experience extra special… I had so much fun learning from the British Instructors over there. The experience went by smoothly, just like I expected it to be. The professors were so helpful and responsive.
The classroom environment was very nice; [there] were around 20 students in each classroom… Luckily, I was able to meet many students from the United States, China, Japan, and even Lebanon! I was so happy to be in such a diverse environment.”
Studying abroad is an excellent opportunity to branch out and pursue new academic interests, or focus on your major and deepen your expertise in your field of study, as Aya did:
“I loved both classes that I took at UCL. The first one was called ‘How the Brain Works and What Can Go Wrong,’ and the second one was called ‘Anatomy and Physiology.’ Both were so beneficial for me [and] my [psychology] major, and I loved my time studying both. I loved our trip with UCL to the University of Neuroscience to check out the fMRI… that was really cool.”
Housing
All AIFS Abroad programs include safe and centrally located housing. Hear Aya explain her experience in a student residence in London:
“I stayed in housing in Vauxhall, London. I LOVED the view and how helpful the receptionists were. I also had a good experience with my roommate.”
Making Friends Abroad
When you study abroad with AIFS Abroad, you’ll have the chance to bond with other students in your program from day one, thanks to our welcome orientation, along with activities and excursions throughout the program. Below, Aya explains her experience making a close friend in London:
“I was able to make a long-lasting friendship with a girl from Kansas, and she was the one I spent some of my time with during my second session. We are still in touch.”
Social Events & Excursions
In addition to helping you make friends, AIFS Abroad activities and excursions are a great way to learn more about the culture and history of your host country. Below, Aya describes some of her favorite adventures with AIFS Abroad:
“I really enjoyed my time during the [tours] with AIFS… there was so much history that I got to learn about the Big Ben Clock, Saint Paul’s Cathedral and the Buckingham Palace… I also loved the trip to Salisbury Cathedral and Stonehenge with AIFS. I had so much fun learning about the history of both places.”
Why AIFS Abroad?
College students and young professionals choose to go abroad with AIFS Abroad for a wide variety of reasons ranging from our supportive on-site staff to our many immersive programs. After doing some research on your own, speaking with your academic advisor, and contacting our team, the choice to study abroad with AIFS Abroad often becomes clear, as it did with Aya:
“I was working with the person who is in charge of International Affairs at [my home university], and she recommended AIFS to me. I searched for the phone number and called, and I felt that AIFS is the best choice for me. I filled out the application, and the process went so smoothly with the help of the AIFS team.
Once you’re accepted to our program, we’ll be there to support you through the entire process—from preparing for departure to assisting you on-site at your program destination, as Aya explains:
“The session that AIFS held before departing was so helpful. Also, the on-site team there is so helpful and supportive 24/7… they were like family abroad. I reached out to them whenever I needed help.”
Personal Growth Abroad
Study abroad and discover how capable you are—grow more independent, learn more about yourself, and discover new perspectives and worldviews that inspire personal development. Hear how Aya’s study abroad program in London helped her grow as a person:
“Traveling alone for the first time in my life made me realize how much you are capable of doing on your own! I didn’t know that until I made the decision to go abroad by myself. I also realized how fun it is to travel and live alone—something I think everyone should experience at least once in their life!
Studying at UCL taught me the value of independence and resilience… My time abroad was so impactful that I hope to return one day and continue building on what I learned and experienced. I do see myself spending the rest of my life in the United Kingdom.”
Are you a college student who’s ready to take the leap and study abroad with AIFS Abroad like Aya did in London? We’d love to help you start your journey!
Here at AIFS Abroad, we know a thing or two about helping college students and pre-professionals study abroad. Our programs are incredibly inclusive, which takes a lot of the stress out of planning. From coordinating your housing to providing things like cultural and social activities, excursions, comprehensive insurance, 24/7 emergency support, on-site staff, and more, you’ll take comfort in knowing you’ll have support throughout your entire experience abroad.
