Our Policies

SUMMER/May Term 2024

Administration

Participants on location are assisted by staff on location who are responsible for organizing excursions, orientations and arrivals, assisting with housing or cultural adjustment, and arranging a social and cultural program that introduces students to the local community.

Air transportation

Round trip transportation and airport-to-campus or site transfers are included for students who elect to purchase the optional AIFS Travel Package.

Host universities

Study programs are under the academic jurisdiction of the host university. AIFS is not responsible for teaching, grading or transcripts issued by overseas university

Housing

Study Abroad (not full time internship) students are generally in double or triple rooms in university residence halls, homestays or apartments depending on site facilities. Single rooms are sometimes available for a supplement. During the organized travel portions of each program, tourist class hotels as well as student residences are usually used. Unmarried couples may not live together in AIFS accommodations. In addition, some families and residences will not accept married couples. Married couples should plan to provide their own accommodations. They will receive a fee reduction. 

Deadlines

Applicants to AIFS Study Abroad Summer Programs / May Programs must:

Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 unless otherwise specified in the section describing the program of choice. For programs with higher GPA requirements, students with slightly lower GPAs may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Additional application materials will be required.
Be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate degree program and in good academic and social standing and have been approved to Study Abroad. Some AIFS programs allow High School Graduates to enroll. This status must be maintained from the time of the application through commencement of the program.
Students must complete the application and submit it, together with a nonrefundable application fee of $150 and a copy of their official transcript. Once accepted into the program, a nonrefundable deposit of $500 will be due. No refund will be considered if you fail to complete the application process or withdraw your application before or after an admissions decision is made. Although students pre-register for courses on the application, final registration takes place sometime after acceptance or on campus. Students should obtain approval for transfer credit from their home college or university before applying. All applicants must be at least 18 years old by the time their AIFS Summer Program / May Program begins. 
Confirmation of acceptance, pre-departure handbooks, program and flight itineraries will be available online at  www.aifsabroad.com/login. Participants are sent a final itinerary closer to departure.

Students must contact their home institution’s study abroad office to ensure that they comply with requirements for study abroad. In order to maintain your enrollment status, facilitate academic credit transfer and to use any applicable financial aid it is important that you follow your school’s requirements for study abroad. it is important that students follow their school’s requirements for study abroad.

When to Enroll – Summer Programs

Enroll as early as possible, as openings on each campus are limited. We recommend that you apply before March 1 to ensure your best chance of acceptance. New enrollments cannot be accepted less than 50 days prior to departure unless the participant agrees to make his/her own flight arrangements. Participants enrolling within the 50-day period will be reviewed on an individual basis depending on availability of campus and air space.

Applications and a $150 application fee must be received by:

PROGRAM(S)	APPLICATION/DEPOSIT	BALANCE OF FEES
Berlin Internship	January 15	January 31
All other programs: Early Summer	March 1	April 1
All other programs: Late Summer	April 1	May 1
* Due to airline and accommodation cancellation penalties, AIFS cannot reserve space for a student until their confirmation deposit has been paid. Students are urged to apply and deposit early. Late applications may be considered if space is available.

Full Payment

Full payment is due April 1, 2024, or two weeks after acceptance, whichever comes later (January 31 for Berlin Internship and March 15 for Barcelona session 1). Students who fail to make the final payment will not be permitted to register and start the program. Under no circumstances will a student be sent his/her airline e-ticket until final fees have been paid.

Optional Excursions

The deadline for enrollment and payment for optional excursions is April 1.

When to Enroll – May Programs

Enroll as early as possible, as openings on each campus are limited. We recommend that you apply before March 1, 2024, to ensure your best chance of acceptance. New enrollments cannot be accepted less than 50 days prior to departure unless the participant agrees to make his/her own flight arrangements. Participants enrolling within the 50-day period will be reviewed on an individual basis depending on availability of campus and air space.

Applications and a $650 application fee/deposit must be received by:

PROGRAM(S)	APPLICATION/DEPOSIT	BALANCE OF FEES
All May Programs	March 1	April 1
* Due to airline and accommodation cancellation penalties, AIFS cannot reserve space for a student until their confirmation deposit has been paid. Students are urged to apply and deposit early. Late applications may be considered if space is available.

Full Payment

Full payment is due April 1, 2024, or two weeks after acceptance, whichever comes later. Students who fail to make the final payment will not be permitted to register and start the program. Under no circumstances will a student be sent his/her airline e-ticket until final fees have been paid.

Optional Excursions

The deadline for enrollment and payment for optional excursions is April 1.

Fee Guarantee

Program fees are guaranteed in U.S. dollars. There are no surcharges for currency fluctuations; however, fees for the optional transportation package (round-trip flights and airport transfers) are subject to adjustment resulting from government or airline surcharges (e.g. fuel) and will be confirmed at time of invoicing.

February 1st Completed scholarship and program applications must be postmarked by this date for all summer programs.

Credit Transfer

Foreign universities do not use the credit system employed by American institutions. Degrees are usually awarded on the basis of a final examination under government-issued charters. AIFS students must make special arrangements to transfer credits, but since AIFS courses are given at recognized universities, there usually is no difficulty in arranging transfer credit toward U.S. degrees provided the proper procedure is followed. Transcripts for courses offered at AIFS Global Centers are issued by Fairfield University and can be easily transferred to most colleges and universities in U.S. Students can also apply to the American College of Greece program which is accredited by the N.E. Association of Schools and Colleges.

AIFS Program Advisors are available to assist you in the process. The following procedure is recommended for credit transfer:

Read course descriptions for the selected program and select courses.
Obtain approval from your academic or study abroad advisor for the preliminary courses selected. Final approval of credit transfer for completed courses is at the discretion of the Registrar or appropriate official at the home institution. Students must ascertain that courses taken meet their individual academic program requirements. Recommended credits listed are based on 15 classroom hours per semester credit.

Many of the European institutions that AIFS works with award credits under the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). ECTS enables cooperating institutions to measure and compare a student’s performance and facilitates the transfer of credits from the European institution to the U.S institution. Every ECTS credit represents a particular amount of workload with, for example, 30 ECTS usually being awarded for a semester. 1 ECTS is equivalent to 25-30 hours of student work with the workload including independent study, research and seminars as well as classroom contact time. Many U.S. institutions use a 2:1 ratio when comparing ECTS and U.S credits with 2 ECTS = 1 credit. Ultimately it is up to the student’s home institution to decide how ECTS credits the student has been awarded should transfer into U.S credits for their degree program. AIFS recommends that students seek advice from their home institution and gain pre-approval for the courses that they wish to take at the European institution in order to ensure that they are taking the appropriate amount of credits and that credits awarded will transfer at the end of the program.

AIFS provides course syllabi from the foreign institution and recommends credits for each course. Recommended U.S. semester credits shown in parentheses next to each course are based on 15 contact hours per semester credit and are not a conversion of ECTS credits.

If you need to request additional transcripts please go to our Alumni page. 

If you have outstanding bills or campus related charges, your transcript will be withheld until accounts are settled. 

Credit assessment methods in international universities may not be comparable to those in a U.S. university. Grading may involve exams, papers, individual projects, class discussion or some combination of these. Although academic institutions abroad may grade on a variety of scales, admissions counselors and registrars at U.S. institutions are familiar with international grading systems and can convert grades. 

Students not currently enrolled at a U.S. college or university who cannot obtain advance approval for credit transfer are advised to enroll in a program at the AIFS Global Center in London, Salzburg, Florence or Rome, since Fairfield University is a U.S.-accredited university whose credits are usually accepted by other U.S. colleges and universities. They can also enroll in the American College of Greece Program. 

Credit assessment methods in foreign universities may not be comparable to those in a U.S. university. Grading may involve exams, papers, individual projects, class discussion or some combination of these. Although academic institutions abroad may grade on a variety of scales, admissions counselors and registrars at U.S. institutions are familiar with foreign grading systems and can convert grades.

Expect a delay in the issue of transcripts. Generally, you should receive your transcript 6 – 8 weeks after completion of the program. If a transcript must be sent to the U.S. by special delivery or express courier mail, the student must pay for this expense.

Insurance

Included in the program fee, AIFS provides a medical and limited program/tuition package to its study abroad students through our insurance provider Cultural Insurance Services Int’l (CISI). CISI is the leader in providing the most comprehensive insurance coverage to the international education sector, currently providing insurance coverage, travel/technical/medical assistance and claim paying services to more than 150,000 international students and cultural exchange participants worldwide. The package covers students for the duration of their program, plus up to one month of independent travel after the program. AIFS regularly reviews and updates the insurance package and the details below are subject to change. Please see the AIFS website for the latest information. Students will receive an individual insurance policy describing the coverage in detail. Please check this carefully as some exclusions and limitations apply—for example pre-existing medical conditions are covered only up to $500.

Unlike other plans, the AIFS student plan settles claims abroad, in your host country’s respective currency. This facilitates immediate entry to a hospital for treatment. Treatments must of course be documented. The on-site staff helps with administrative matters concerning claims. Each campus has access to a doctor to handle minor ailments. The on-site staff arranges for students requiring treatment for more serious illnesses and accidents to receive immediate attention from the recommended university doctor and hospital in the area.

The AIFS insurance program provides participants with a world-wide 24-hour emergency telephone assistance service. Multilingual help and advice may be furnished for the participant in the event of any emergency during the term of coverage. Assistance services include: Medical monitoring, prescription drug replacement/ shipment, emergency message transmittals, coverage verification/payment assistance for medical expenses. Travel assistance services include: Obtaining emergency cash, travelers check replacement, lost/delayed luggage tracking, replacement of lost or stolen airline ticket, credit card/passport/important document replacement.

In addition your plan provides for:

Return of Mortal Remains or Cremation
Emergency Medical Evacuation/Repatriation
Trip Delay Benefit
Security Evacuation

All claims are processed on a fast track basis by CISI staff.

The coverage includes the following:

Medical expenses while abroad: The insurance covers medical bills up to a maximum of $250,000 for each medically covered illness or accident abroad. Preexisting conditions are covered up to $500. Among items covered are treatment by a physician or surgeon, nurse fees, x-rays, ambulance, therapeutic services, operations, drugs and medicines prescribed by a physician, hospital room and board (semi-private accommodations).
Mental health coverage: The insurance plan covers mental or nervous disorders up to $2,500 for outpatient treatment or up to $10,000 for inpatient treatment per lifetime. See Plan of Insurance brochure for further details.
Baggage insurance: Personal effects are covered up to $3,000. Coverage for electronic equipment such as laptops and computers is provided up to $250. Some exclusions apply. Please see the insurance policy for further details.
Medical cancellation insurance prior to departure: If after any scheduled payment has been made, but before departure, you are prevented from embarking on your trip because of either 1) covered accidental bodily injuries, disease or covered sickness for which you are under the care of a legally qualified physician or surgeon or 2) quarantine at the place of residence or epidemic in the area of travel, the plan will reimburse the insured a portion of payments in excess of the non-refundable deposit and application fee of $595 and any flight, tuition and housing cancellation fees.
Return Airfare expense: If you travel on an AIFS Study Abroad flight, this plan will cover the cost up to a maximum of $1,000 of your return air transportation on a regularly scheduled commercial flight (tourist class) to the original AIFS point of departure if you are unable to complete the program for any reason outlined under the program cancellation insurance. A certificate of illness from a physician, other than a relative or member of your household, is necessary in making claims.

Students also have the option of purchasing CFAR (cancel for any reason) and IFAR (interruption for any reason) package called Worldwide Trip Protection Plus. This coverage may be purchased to bolster your existing coverage with CISI as a program participant. There is no pandemic or epidemic exclusion written into this package so this coverage will provide an added layer of protection for COVID-19 or any other similar emergencies in the future. This coverage must be purchased within 21 days of paying ANY funds (either to your home university or to AIFS. Visit www.myc i si.com for details.

Financial Policies

A non-refundable $150 fee must accompany your application. No application will be processed without it.

A non-refundable $500 tuition deposit is applied toward tuition fees and is payable upon student application. Places cannot be held without this deposit, which is non-refundable under any circumstances once a student has been confirmed.

AIFS fees can be paid online by credit card or electronic check.

Balance of fees are due April 1st for all summer programs (January 31 for Berlin Internship, and March 15 for Barcelona session 1) and by April 1 for May programs.

AIFS does not require a damage deposit. Students will be responsible for payment of any damages, campus related charges or other charges incurred in student or family residences while on the program and will be invoiced accordingly. Academic transcripts will be withheld until all fees are paid.

Fees include:

Housing while on the AIFS Programs as described in individual program descriptions
Comprehensive insurance/assistance package
Tuition fees, registration fees and examination charges
Orientation programs as described for specific program
Certain field trips, excursions and cultural activities
Membership in libraries and university student clubs as described for specific programs
Official transcript

Fees do not include:

Non-refundable application fee ($150)
Meals unless specifically described for specific programs
Optional AIFS Travel Package (round-trip flights and airport transfers) as described for specific programs
Textbooks and laboratory fees
Passport and visa fees
Excess baggage charges
Personal spending money
Vacation travel or local transportation (unless noted in program description)

Extension of Stay

If you decide that you would like to stay beyond the time indicated on your original application and study for another session, you must notify the AIFS Abroad office in the U.S. and the Program Director in writing.

AIFS Abroad Refund Policy

The right to refund is limited. All withdrawal requests must be in writing by email or mail to the Program Advisor for the program at AIFS Abroad.

Refunds prior to the start of the program

Using the postmark, email or fax date of a student’s withdrawal letter as the official withdrawal date (or next business day if this is a weekend), the following applies:

IF A STUDENT WITHDRAWS	STUDENT RECEIVES
After final payment deadline and more than 60 days before departure	All payments minus the non-refundable deposit and application fee of $650 and any program and flight cancellation fees incurred by AIFS as a result of the withdrawal
After final payment deadline and 30 to 60 days before departure	All payments minus the non-refundable deposit and application fee of $650, 50% of the program fee and any flight cancellation fees.
After final payment deadline and less than 30 days before departure	No refund

Students who have not paid their programs fees and do not notify AIFS in writing of their intent to withdraw before the final payment deadline for their program are also subject to the above refund policy. They will be invoiced accordingly and responsible for the balance due.

If AIFS Abroad cancels a program

Should AIFS Abroad cancel a program prior to departure for reasons within its control (including due to lack of enrollment) participants will be notified and a full refund or, at the participant’s request, credit toward another program will be made.

Should AIFS Abroad cancel a program after the final payment deadline (including once the program has started) for reasons beyond its control including but not limited to Acts of God, government actions (including those restricting travel), pandemics, fire, flood, explosion, earthquake, or other natural forces, war, civil unrest, accident, terrorism, any strike or labor disturbance, or any other event similar to those enumerated above (a “Force Majeure” Event) students will receive no refund except for recoverable costs.

AIFS Abroad pays the program costs, including but not limited to tuition, housing, social/cultural activities/ excursions, flight packages, safety and security and administrative costs before the start of the program and these costs are not typically recoverable. In the event of cancellation AIFS Abroad will endeavor to obtain refunds from suppliers and pass any recovered costs on to the student.

AIFS will make arrangements to bring the students who have purchased the flight option back to the U.S. but students will be responsible for any additional flight fees charged by the airline(s). Students with the flight package that opt to make their own return flight arrangements, rather than have AIFS do so, will not receive any refund for the unused return flight included in the AIFS flight package. Once a flight has been changed by AIFS the student is responsible for the flight change fees.

If a University cancels a program

Different than if a student withdraws, or AIFS Abroad cancels a program, a university may choose to cancel travel through a specific date or restrict travel to specific locations.

Should the university cancel or withdraw approval for study abroad prior to April 1 (Summer) and April 1 (May) for reasons within its control (including due to lack of enrollment), please confirm cancellation by email to your regional representative as soon as possible. We will work with you and your students on options for deferring to a future program, enrolling in a virtual program, or a full refund (including deposit and application fee.)

If the University requires Home School Approval, we will be requesting that advisors approve or deny applications in the Advisor Portal by April 1 (Summer) and April 1 (May).

Should a university cancel a program (including once the program has started) for reasons beyond its control including but not limited to Acts of God, government actions (including those restricting travel), pandemics, fire, flood, explosion, earthquake, or other natural forces, war, civil unrest, accident, terrorism, any strike or labor disturbance, or any other event similar to those enumerated above (a “force majeure” event) participants will receive no refund except for recoverable costs.

Recoverable costs may include, but not are not limited to program fees (including tuition), housing, social/cultural activities/excursions, safety and security and administrative cost, or organized flights. Most of these costs are paid before the start of the program and are not typically recoverable. In the event of cancellation AIFS Abroad will endeavor to obtain refunds from suppliers and pass any recovered costs on to the participant.

If a student chooses to leave the program early

Students choosing to leave the program early for personal, medical or other reasons are not entitled to any refund. Completion of academic credit will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Students dismissed of disciplinary reasons receive no refund of any kind and forfeit all academic credit.

There are no refunds for meals, accommodation, cultural activities/excursions, tuition or transportation missed by the students. In addition, the student is responsible for any additional flight fees if they have purchased a flight with AIFS that needs to be changed to an earlier return date.

Financial Aid

Most forms of federal, state and private financial aid or loans may be applied to AIFS study abroad programs with approval of your home institution. Details are available from your campus financial aid officer or study abroad advisor. If you plan to use your financial aid award to pay AIFS fees, you should apply early to meet aid application deadlines. Rules of eligibility are determined by federal, state and local authorities. The student must pay, by the final payment deadline, the program fee less approved financial aid or loans that will be disbursed after the payment deadline. The student must also pay by the payment deadline, the deposit, the optional flight package if selected, optional excursions, and any extra fees regardless of the amount of financial aid accepted. The student is responsible for ensuring that any outstanding balance is paid by the aid disbursement date. The student is responsible for full payment of fees regardless of any change to expected financial aid and or loan amounts.

Learn more

NSEP (available for programs in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Latin America where language is part of the study program – many AIFS programs qualify). Gilman; Pell (federal) grants; SEOG (federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants); Federal loans—PLUS; Federal Perkins loans; Federal subsidized Stafford loans; Federal unsubsidized Stafford loans.

Other sources may include State aid (varies from state to state); Merit awards/scholarships from your institution; Merit awards/scholarships from community-based organizations; ROTC scholarships; Rehabilitation educational assistance; AIFS and Diversity Scholarships.

Guaranteed program fees

The program fees for all programs quoted are guaranteed for the Summer 2024 / May 2024 and will not increase due to currency fluctuations; however, optional AIFS Travel Package fees are subject to adjustment resulting from government or airline surcharges (e.g. fuel). Please visit www.aifsabroad.com for updated information on current fees. The AIFS website includes a comprehensive “full price” listing of all costs including tuition and fees and AIFS Travel Package.

Changes and cancellations

AIFS reserves the right to make cancellations, changes or substitutions in emergencies, changed conditions or in the interest of each student group.

Travel

Round-trip airfare from a wide choice of cities is available for AIFS programs. To qualify for optional AIFS flights, students must meet application and payment deadlines.

Students failing to request flights upon application and/or meet deadlines will be required to pay a late transportation fee of $250 with any subsequent written flight request or make their own travel arrangements at their expense. Subsequent flight changes are subject to applicable fees. Availability of seats on flights is not guaranteed by the late fee, and students may be required to pay a fare differential.

Due to TSA regulations students wishing to travel on a flight booked by AIFS must be sure to give their full name exactly as it appears on their passport by the application deadline. If students give an incomplete or incorrect name, they will be responsible for any financial penalties incurred or flight tickets cancelled.

Students who miss a flight booked by AIFS to illness or due to a delay in receiving a student visa are responsible for any related flight change and ticketing fees.

Dual Campus Students are responsible for their own travel arrangements from the first to the second campus. These students can purchase a round-trip flight with AIFS arriving at the first campus and departing from the second. Additional alternate return city/date fees apply.

Transfers to and from campus are included for students on the AIFS Travel Package, but only on the scheduled arrival/departure dates and from the local airport as indicated in the program-specific catalog chapters. Transfer from the arrival airport to campus is not included for students who miss their AIFS flight on the scheduled departure date and arrive at a different airport and/or on a date other than the scheduled arrival date and arrival city (including rescheduled flights booked through AIFS). Students who miss their flight must arrange their own transportation from the arrival airport to campus and incur all consequent costs. This includes, but is not limited to, students who miss a flight booked by AIFS due to illness or a delay in receiving a student visa.

Students who are scheduled to depart the U.S. on an AIFS flight that is cancelled or delayed due to inclement weather or airline-mechanical reasons will be met abroad and transferred to campus. Airport transfers are not included for students who make their own travel arrangements.

If you wish to change your return date, please note the following: All requests are subject to airline availability, and any additional fees assessed by the airline will be passed on to you. Date changes only are permitted, routing changes (change to departure and/or arrival city) are prohibited by the airlines. Additional fees/penalties may assessed by the airline and those will be passed along to you. Please visit your AIFS portal for further instructions after arrival on campus.

Tickets are subject to availability and are not transferable or endorsable to another airline. There are no refunds for any unused portion of a ticket. All tickets are subject to prevailing airline and government rules. Students choosing a flight requiring an overnight connection assume consequent extra costs, if incurred.

Students will receive preliminary itineraries after acceptance. Final itineraries and e-ticket information will be sent approximately two weeks prior to departure to participants who have met all requirements. Students failing to meet deadlines will be required to pay a late transportation fee of $250 or make their own flight arrangements at their expense. Availability of seats on the AIFS flights is not guaranteed by the late fee, and students may be required to pay a fare differential.

While return travel dates may be changed, tickets are good only for the airline issuing tickets. Passengers who miss a flight may take the next available one on the same airline, subject to airline approval. “No shows” do not receive a refund. Neither AIFS nor the airline will accept responsibility for missed connections from/to flights not booked by AIFS.

Passengers may not combine these tickets with other promotional fares or offerings of any type. Fares are subject to change without notice. However, once confirmed and fully paid, program prices are guaranteed.

Dates, prices and program descriptions online constitute a part of the contract between AIFS and the participant. Your final itinerary provided prior to departure constitutes the actual program to be provided by AIFS Study Abroad.

For international travel, liability for passenger baggage varies by airline. Passengers should request complete terms governing airline liability limitation from each airline of their journey upon receipt of final itinerary and/or at check-in. These allowances and policies are subject to change without notice. It is the responsibility of the passenger to file claims for lost/damaged baggage directly with the airline(s). Equipment, routing and itinerary may be modified by the direct air carrier or AIFS. Alternative aircraft of any carrier may be substituted at any time, and aircraft may make additional stops. Such changes will not constitute a right to cancellation or refund. Single plane service is not guaranteed. Please note we are unable to take requests for specific flights, upgrades or specific seats.

Housing on campus is not provided outside the actual program dates and students opting to travel independently before or after the program must make their own accommodation arrangements during these periods. However, housing is provided on campus for those not participating in optional weekend excursions that operate during the academic program. AIFS residences/offices do not have storage facilities for luggage during independent travel times. Your AIFS Protection Plus insurance plan covers you for up to one month during your period of independent travel after the program.

For those who prefer a prearranged itinerary during independent travel time, AIFS organizes inexpensive study excursions. Some campuses also offer optional weekend excursions. The cost of these excursions is not included in summer school fees. The deadline for optional Summer excursion enrollment is April 1 regardless of the date of application. If you apply late and are on a wait list, you will not be able to enroll in optional excursions after April 1 unless AIFS can confirm availability.

AIFS excursions allow free time for individual sightseeing and organized visits to points of interest by bus, train or air. A multilingual tour manager accompanies each group. Details for optional study excursions appear in each chapter. Excursions are organized by AIFS Study Abroad staff of travel experts. Optional excursions are subject to a minimum enrollment of 10 unless otherwise stated in the program chapter. If not achieved, AIFS reserves the right to cancel the tour. Additional outings may be organized during the program and students who wish to participate in such activities should budget an extra $150-$250. Once paid for in the U.S. the fee for optional excursions is non-refundable except in the event of cancellation.

Information on visa requirements will be detailed in pre-departure information and can be found on-line.

A passport number and expiration date is needed for each visa application, so it is essential students have valid passports well in advance and meet enrollment deadlines.

Travelers not allowed to board at an airport because they do not have the correct or sufficient travel documents must assume all consequences. Failure to meet deadlines or obtain a visa does not constitute grounds for deviation from the standard refund policy.

Passports are required of everyone traveling outside the U.S. on AIFS programs. Non-U.S. citizens may be required to obtain visas to enter certain countries. Non-U.S. citizens are responsible for securing visas needed and must allow several weeks—or months—for this process.

Students should contact their doctor or Board of Health and the CDC Traveller’s Health to see if immunizations are needed. In an effort to keep our participants, staff, and host communities safe.

Conduct

Students should regard themselves as informal ambassadors of the U.S. during their stay abroad. People from other countries base their opinion of the U.S. on the way American students and visitors behave. The excellent relations AIFS enjoys with its associated universities are based on the high regard the universities have for AIFS students who have studied with them previously. Future students are expected to live up to this reputation. AIFS reserves the right to communicate with students’ home institution and/or parents on matters related to student behavior, health, safety or academic performance.

All participants on AIFS Abroad programs are held to academic and behavioral standards that are outlined in our Terms and Conditions and enrolled students will agree to a Code of Conduct.

FALL 2024 – SPRING 2025

Deadlines

Applicants to AIFS Study Abroad programs must:

Maintain the minimum GPA specified in the section describing the program of choice (usually 2.5). Students with lower grade point averages who are in good academic and social standing may be considered on a case by case basis. Additional application materials will be required for further review or consideration.
Have at least two years of successful work in the language if enrolling in an upper division foreign language program. Beginner language students are accepted in Athens, Barcelona, Berlin, Budapest, Buenos Aires, Cannes, Florence, Granada, Grenoble (selected programs only), Limerick, Madrid, Maynooth, Paris, Prague, Rome, Salamanca, Salzburg, San José, Seville, Stellenbosch, Valencia and Viña del Mar.
Be enrolled full time in an undergraduate degree program in good academic and social standing and have approval to study abroad from their home institution. Some AIFS Abroad programs will also consider US High School Gap Students. This status must be maintained from the time of the application through commencement of the program.
Be at least 18 years old by July 1, 2024 if applying for the fall semester. Be at least 18 years old by December 1, 2024 if applying for spring semester.

Application Materials

Students must submit the following documents:

Completed application with a non-refundable application fee of $150.
Preliminary Course Selection Form
Official transcripts from current college. First year students must provide secondary school transcripts.
An essay describing reasons for wishing to study abroad (Cannes, Berlin only)
One academic reference, preferably from a member of the student’s major department (Select programs as indicated on application)

Applicants are usually notified of an admission decision within two weeks after AIFS’ receipt of a complete set of application documents.

Students must contact their home institution’s study abroad office to ensure that they comply with requirements for study abroad. In order to maintain enrollment status, facilitate academic credit transfer and to use any applicable financial aid it is important that students follow their school’s requirements for study abroad.

Academic Year, Fall Quarter/Semester

Applications and a non-refundable $150 application fee must be received by:

March 15	Berlin
April 15	Barcelona, Budapest, Buenos Aires, Grenoble (Business), Madrid, Perth, Prague (Charles University), Viña del Mar, Wellington and Wollongong
May 1	Florence, London Internship, Madrid, Maynooth, Prague (VSE), Rome, Salzburg, and Valencia
May 15	Athens, Cannes, Granada, Grenoble, Limerick, London (except Internship), Paris, Salamanca, San José, Seville and Stellenbosch

A non-refundable confirmation deposit of $500 is payable upon acceptance in order to reserve a space. Balance of program fees must be received by:

June 1	Barcelona, Berlin, Budapest, Buenos Aires, London and London Internship, Perth, Stellenbosch, Viña del Mar, Wellington and Wollongong
June 15	Salzburg
July 1	All other programs

Spring Semester

Applications and a non-refundable $150 application fee must be received by:

September 15	Grenoble (Business)
October 1	Athens, Barcelona, Berlin, Florence, Granada, London Internship, Madrid, Maynooth, Prague, Rome, Salamanca, Seville, Perth, and Valencia
October 15	All other programs

A non-refundable confirmation deposit of $500 is payable upon acceptance in order to reserve a space. Balance of program fees must be received by:

November 1	London Internship, Barcelona UAB, Berlin, and Maynooth
November 15	All other programs

Due to airline and accommodation cancellation penalties, AIFS cannot reserve space for a student until their confirmation deposit has been paid. Students are urged to apply and deposit early. Deadlines may be subject to change at AIFS’s discretion.

Scholarship applications must be emailed, faxed or postmarked by the following deadlines:

April 15, 2024	Academic year, Fall quarter/semester program and scholarship applications
October 1, 2024	Spring semester program and scholarship applications

Credits

International universities do not use the credit system employed by US institutions. AIFS students must make special arrangements to transfer credits, but since AIFS courses are given at recognized universities, there usually is no difficulty in arranging transfer credit toward U.S. degrees provided the proper procedure is followed. Transcripts for AIFS Global Education Centers in London, Florence, Rome, Salzburg and Global Experiences internships are issued by Fairfield University. Students can also apply to the American College of Greece program which is accredited by the N.E. Association of Schools and Colleges.

AIFS Program Managers and Advisors are available to assist you in the process. The following procedure is recommended for credit transfer:

Read course descriptions for the selected program and select at least five first choice courses for each semester and at least two second choices.
Obtain approval from your academic or study abroad advisor for the preliminary courses selected. A signature is required on the course selection form. Final approval of credit transfer for completed courses is at the discretion of your home institution or appropriate official at the home institution. Students must ascertain that courses taken meet their individual academic program requirements. Recommended credits in this catalog are based on 15 classroom hours per semester credit. A program normally carries 12 to 15 credits spread over five courses.

AIFS provides course syllabi from the foreign institution and recommends credits for each course. Recommended U.S. semester credits shown in parentheses next to each course in this catalog are based on 15 contact hours per semester credit and are not a conversion of ECTS credits.

Language levels are defined according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and will be listed on your transcript on completion of the program.

CEFR organizes language proficiency into six levels (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2) which can be regrouped into three broad levels as below and can be further subdivided (e.g. B1.1, B1.2, B2.1, B2.2) according to the needs of the local institution. Your home institution in the U.S. will use these levels as a guide to define the equivalent level in the U.S.

Beginner: A1, A2/U.S. Level 100
Intermediate: B1, B2/U.S. Level 200-300
Advanced: C1, C2/U.S. Level 400

When you complete your program, an official transcript will be sent to your home institution by AIFS.

Rome and Salzburg are issued by Fairfield University and are sent to your home institution after the completion of the program.

Students who are not currently enrolled in a U.S. College or university may want to consider the AIFS Global Education Center programs as the transcripts are issued by Fairfield University. The American College of Greece is also U.S. accredited making the credit transfer process easier. Cannes Semester programs will be transcripted by Chapman University in the US.

If you need to request additional transcripts please go to our Alumni page.

If you have outstanding bills or campus related charges, your transcript will be withheld until accounts are settled.

Expect a delay in the issue of transcripts. Generally, your school should receive your transcript 6 – 8 weeks after completion of the program. If a transcript must be sent to the U.S. by special delivery or express courier mail, the student must pay for this expense.

Insurance

Included in the program fee, AIFS provides a medical and program/tuition refund package to its study abroad students through its insurance division, Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). CISI is the leader in providing the most comprehensive insurance coverage to the international education sector, currently providing insurance coverage, travel/technical/medical assistance and claim paying services to more than 150,000 international students and cultural exchange participants worldwide. The package covers students for the duration of their program, plus up to one month of independent travel after the program. AIFS regularly reviews and updates the insurance package and the details below are subject to change. Policy documents are available upon enrollment. Students will receive an individual insurance policy describing the coverage in detail. Please check this carefully as some exclusions and limitations apply.

Unlike other plans, the AIFS student plan settles claims abroad, in your host country’s respective currency. This facilitates immediate entry to a hospital for treatment. Treatments must of course be documented and receipts obtained. The team on-site helps with administrative matters concerning claims. Each campus has access to a doctor to handle minor ailments. The team on-site arranges for students requiring treatment for more serious illnesses and accidents to receive immediate attention from the recommended university doctor and hospital in the area.

Coverage is underwritten by Crum & Forster Segregated Portfolio Company. All claims are processed on a fast track basis by CISI staff.

The coverage includes the following:

Medical expenses while abroad
The insurance covers medical bills up to a maximum of $250,000 for each medically covered illness or accident abroad. Pre-existing conditions are covered up to $500. Among items covered are treatment by a physician or surgeon, nurse fees, x-rays, ambulance, therapeutic services, operations, drugs and medicines prescribed by a physician, hospital room and board (semi-private accommodations).
Mental health coverage
The insurance plan covers mental or nervous disorders up to $2,500 for outpatient treatment or up to $10,000 for inpatient treatment per lifetime.
Baggage insurance
Personal effects are covered up to $3,000. Coverage for electronic equipment such as laptops and computers is provided up to $250. Some exclusions apply.
Return Airfare expense
If you travel on an AIFS Study Abroad flight, this plan will cover the cost up to a maximum of $1,000 of your return air transportation on a regularly scheduled commercial flight (tourist class) to the original AIFS point of departure if you are unable to complete the program for any reason outlined under the program cancellation insurance. A certificate of illness from a physician, other than a relative or member of your household, is necessary in making claims.

The AIFS insurance program provides participants with a world-wide 24-hour emergency telephone assistance service. Multilingual help and advice may be furnished for the participant in the event of any emergency during the term of coverage. Assistance services include: Medical monitoring, prescription drug replacement/shipment, emergency message transmittals, coverage verification/payment assistance for medical expenses. Travel assistance services include: Obtaining emergency cash, travelers check replacement, lost/delayed luggage tracking, replacement of lost or stolen airline ticket, credit card/passport/important document replacement.

In addition your plan provides for:

Emergency Medical Evacuation/Repatriation
Return of Mortal Remains or Cremation
Trip Delay Benefit
Security Evacuation
24/7 access to trained security specialists

Financial Policies

A non-refundable $150 fee must accompany your application. No application will be processed without it.

A non-refundable $500 tuition deposit is applied toward tuition fees and is payable upon acceptance. Places cannot be held without this deposit, which is non-refundable under any circumstances once a student has been confirmed.

AIFS fees can be paid online by credit card or electronic check or wire transfer.

See above for all application and final payment deadlines.

Fees include:

Housing while on the AIFS Programs as described in individual program descriptions
Comprehensive insurance/assistance package
Tuition fees, registration fees and examination charges
Orientation programs as described for specific programs
Certain trips, excursions and cultural activities as described in individual program descriptions
Membership in libraries and university student clubs as described in individual program descriptions
Official transcript

Fees do not include:

Meals in most locations / programs
Non-refundable application fee ($150)
Housing and meals during semester breaks and spring vacation*
Optional AIFS Travel Package (round-trip flights and airport transfers)
Textbooks and laboratory fees
Passport and visa fees
Excess baggage charges
Personal spending money
Orientation programs during the second semester for full-year students
Vacation travel or local transportation (unless noted in program description)

*Student housing and homestays may need to be vacated during semester and spring breaks. Please see your program information for more details. Although some campuses allow students to stay at the university, meals are not provided. Most students take advantage of the breaks to travel for additional enrichment and education.

Students enrolling for a full year (two semesters) at the same campus receive a fee reduction of $1,000 towards their second semester fee as indicated in the program chapter.

Students who wish to enroll for a full year at 2 different campuses will receive a reduction of $1,000 on the second semester fee.

Students who wish to switch from one campus program to another in the second semester are advised to check the visa regulations with the consulate of the second program’s country before leaving the U.S. Many consulates may not give Americans a student visa unless they apply for the visa at a consulate in the U.S. and are not allowed (by their government) to issue a student visa more than three months before the start of the semester. As a result, some consulates require American students to return to the U.S. between semesters to obtain a student visa for the second semester (therefore, dual campus student may need to spend the December break in the U.S.).

If you decide that you would like to stay beyond the time indicated on your original application and study for a second semester, you must notify the US-based AIFS Program Advisor / Manager in the U.S. and the Program Director in writing three months prior to the start of the 2nd semester. As described above, you will receive an automatic fee reduction of at least $1,000 towards the second semester fee.

If you wish to withdraw at the end of the first semester, you must notify the Program Director and AIFS in writing no later than four weeks before the first term ends. A revised invoice will reflect actual time spent on campus less non-refundable payments. AIFS students may not withdraw from a full-year program and arrange independent study at the same institution.

Change in your status on the same campus may be implemented without extra charge up to one month before the program begins. Students requesting a change of status should write to their AIFS Program Advisor or Program Manager. Once abroad, all plans must be discussed with the Program Director well in advance of an impending change. There is no refund to students who leave one campus early or arrive at the other late because of differences in academic calendars. Students wishing to change campuses should be aware of differences in curricula and are responsible for notifying their home institution of any change. Transportation between campuses is the student’s responsibility.

AIFS Study Abroad Refund Policy

The right to refund is limited. All withdrawal requests must be in writing by email to the Program Advisor or Program Manager for the program.

Refunds prior to the start of the program

Using the date the email is received of a student’s withdrawal letter as the official withdrawal date (or next business day if this is a weekend), the following applies:

Academic Year, Semester Programs
If a student withdraws	student receives
After final payment deadline and more than 60 days before departure	All payments minus the non-refundable deposit and application fee of $650 and any program and flight cancellation fees incurred by AIFS as a result of the withdrawal
After final payment deadline and 30 to 60 days before departure	All payments minus the non-refundable deposit and application fee of $650, 50% of the program fee and any flight cancellation fees.
After final payment deadline and less than 30 days before departure	No refund

Students who have not paid their program fees and do not notify AIFS in writing of their intent to withdraw before the final payment deadline for their program are also subject to the above refund policy. They will be invoiced accordingly and responsible for the balance due.

Students will have the option of purchasing additional trip cancellation or interruption insurance which allows them to protect their study abroad program. This policy includes options to cancel for any reason (CFAR) and interrupt for any reason (IFAR). Details of the Worldwide Trip Protector Plans with travel insurance underwritten by the United States Fire Insurance Company, rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best 2019, are available on the Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) website – www.culturalinsurance.com. This coverage must be purchased within 21 days of paying ANY funds (either to your home university or to AIFS). Students may purchase their plan directly through the CISI website.

Should AIFS Study Abroad cancel a program prior to departure for reasons within its control (including due to lack of enrolment) participants will be notified and a refund (less the application fee) or, at the participant’s request, credit toward another program will be made.

AIFS Abroad pays the program costs, including but not limited to tuition, housing, social/cultural activities/ excursions, flight packages, safety and security and administrative costs before the start of the program and these costs are not typically recoverable. In the event of cancellation AIFS Study Abroad will endeavor to obtain refunds from suppliers and pass any recovered costs on to the student.

AIFS Abroad will make arrangements to bring the students who have purchased the flight option back to the U.S. but students will be responsible for any additional flight fees charged by the airline(s). Students with the flight package that opt to make their own return flight arrangements, rather than have AIFS do so, will not receive any refund for the unused return flight included in the AIFS flight package. Once a flight has been changed by AIFS the student is responsible for the flight change fees.

Different than if a student withdraws, or AIFS Abroad cancels a program, a university may choose to cancel travel through a specific date or restrict travel to specific locations.

AIFS Abroad will not refund application fees for any cancellation or withdrawal.

If the University requires Home School Approval we will be requesting that advisors approve or deny applications in the Advisor Portal by July 1.

Students choosing to leave the program early for personal, medical or other reasons are not entitled to any refund. Completion of academic credit will be determined on a case by case basis. Students dismissed for disciplinary reasons receive no refund of any kind and forfeit all academic credit.

Financial Aid

PLUS; Federal Perkins loans; Federal subsidized Stafford loans; Federal unsubsidized Stafford loans.

Other sources may include: State aid (varies from state to state); Merit awards/scholarships from your institution; Merit awards/scholarships from community-based organizations; ROTC scholarships; Rehabilitation educational assistance; AIFS and Diversity Scholarships.

Guaranteed Program Fees

Program fees are guaranteed in U.S. dollars. There are no surcharges for currency fluctuations; however, fees for the optional travel package (round-trip flights and airport transfers) are subject to adjustment resulting from government or airline surcharges (e.g. fuel) and will be confirmed at time of invoicing.

Changes and Cancellations

AIFS reserves the right to make cancellations, changes or substitutions in emergencies, changed conditions or in the interest of each student group.

Travel

Round-trip airfare from a wide choice of cities is available for AIFS programs. To qualify for optional AIFS flights, students must meet application and payment deadlines.

Full year students choosing the AIFS Travel Package will receive a round-trip ticket returning on the scheduled return date. Full year students wishing to use their return ticket at the end of the first semester may purchase an additional round-trip flight to return to campus for the second semester through AIFS.

If you wish to travel on an AIFS flight you must be sure to give your full name EXACTLY AS IT APPEARS ON YOUR PASSPORT by the application deadline. If you give an incomplete or incorrect name, you will be responsible for any financial penalties incurred or flight tickets cancelled. This is due to TSA security regulations.

AIFS Abroad participants who opt into the AIFS Travel Package may request a return date change once overseas, subject to cost and airline availability, and for a fee. Travel Package flights are round-trip and booked exclusively to arrive and depart on the program Start and End Dates only. The standard flight change fee is $200 and payment is due at time of submission. Changes that exceed $200 will require participants’ approval and additional payment to AIFS Abroad to confirm the flight change. Participants who wish to request a return date change may do so in the ‘My AIFS Flights’ tab of their AIFS account once overseas.

Conditions: Participants must select at time of application whether they wish to opt into the AIFS Travel Package. Only return flight date changes are permitted on the AIFS Travel Package. Return flight requests must be made at least two weeks prior to the original return flight date. This policy may be subject to additional airline conditions at time of request and may not be available for all programs where AIFS flights are offered. It is the participants’ responsibility to check expiration dates of any visa and/or foreign country entry and exit stamps prior to requesting a return date change.

Students who miss an AIFS flight due to illness or due to a delay in receiving a student visa are responsible for any related flight change and ticketing fees.

Dual Campus Students are responsible for their own travel arrangements from the first to the second campus. These students can purchase a round-trip flight with AIFS arriving at the first campus and departing from the second. Additional alternate return city/date fees apply.

Transfers to and from campus are included for students on the AIFS Travel Package, but only on the scheduled arrival/departure dates and from the local airport as indicated in the program-specific catalog chapters. Transfer from the arrival airport to campus is not included for students who miss their AIFS organized flight on the scheduled departure date and arrive at a different airport and/or on a date other than the scheduled arrival date and arrival city (including rescheduled flights booked through AIFS). Students who miss their flight must arrange their own transportation from the arrival airport to campus and incur all consequent costs. This includes, but is not limited to, students who miss an AIFS flight due to illness or a delay in receiving a student visa.

Students who are scheduled to depart the U.S. on an AIFS organized flight that is cancelled or delayed due to inclement weather or airline-mechanical reasons will be met abroad and transferred to campus or will work with the AIFS Staff to arrange alternate transportation with reimbursement options. Airport transfers are not included for students who make their own travel arrangements.

Students will receive preliminary itineraries after acceptance. Final itineraries and e-ticket information will be sent closer to departure to participants who have met all requirements. Students failing to meet deadlines will be required to pay a late transportation fee of $250 or make their own flight arrangements at their expense. Availability of seats organized by AIFS is not guaranteed by the late fee, and students may be required

Passengers may not combine these tickets with other promotional fares or offerings of any type. Fares are subject to change without notice.

Dates, prices and program descriptions in this catalog constitute a part of the contract between AIFS and the participant. Your final itinerary provided prior to departure constitutes the actual program to be provided by AIFS Study Abroad.

You must obtain your own passport. You should apply for (or renew) your passport as soon as you decide to study abroad. Some countries require passports to be valid for six months or a year beyond the end of the program.

Please consult the following website for more detailed information: www.travel.state.gov/passport.

Non-U.S. citizens: It is your responsibility to research and obtain any necessary travel documentation for your program, including visas (if applicable).

You should have your valid passport by the application deadlines for your program.

Visa requirements and deadlines vary depending on the location and length of stay. Please contact your Program Advisor or Program Manager upon acceptance to the program for more information.

Students should regard themselves as informal ambassadors of the U.S. during their stay abroad. People from other countries base their opinion of the U.S. on the way American students and visitors behave. The excellent relations AIFS enjoys with its associated universities are based on the high regard the universities have for AIFS students who have studied with them previously. Future students are expected to live up to this reputation. AIFS reserves the right to communicate with students’ home institutions and/or parents on matters related to student behavior, health, safety or academic performance.

All participants on AIFS Abroad programs are held to academic and behavioral standards that are outlined in our Terms and Conditions and enrolled students will agree to a Code of Conduct.

January 2025

Administration

Students on programs are assisted by staff on location who work closely with the host university and its professors on behalf of AIFS students and are always available to help. They are also responsible for organizing excursions and arranging a social and cultural program that introduces students to the local community.

Air Transportation

Round trip transportation and airport-to-campus or site transfers are included in program fees for students who elect to purchase the optional AIFS Travel Package. Students flying one-way or leaving the U.S. on an unscheduled departure date must take the “own transportation” option. Changing to the own transportation option must be done at least 75 days before departure. Students opting for their own arrangements must make transfer arrangements between airports and campuses. Students failing to request flights upon application and/or meet deadlines will be required to pay a late transportation fee of $250 with any subsequent written flight request or make their own travel arrangements at their expense. Subsequent flight changes are subject to applicable fees. Availability of seats on flights is not guaranteed by the late fee and students may be required to pay a fare differential.

Housing

Students live in residence halls, apartments or with host families depending on the program location. Single rooms are sometimes available for a supplement. During the organized travel portions of each program, tourist class hotels as well as student residences are usually used.

Responsibility

AIFS is responsible for making all program arrangements including housing. AIFS is also responsible for making flight arrangements for students who select this option.

AIFS cannot be responsible for events beyond its control such as (without limitation) acts of God, war, incidents of politically motivated violence, pandemics, strikes or government restrictions. Nor, in the absence of its own negligence, can AIFS be responsible for personal injury or property damages caused by persons not controlled by it, such as (without limitation) airlines, bus companies, railway, hotels, universities and persons engaging in acts of politically motivated violence.

The actual program itinerary may be reversed or vary slightly. The final itinerary sent constitutes the program to be provided by the AIFS Abroad. The agreement with AIFS cannot be modified or interpreted except in writing by the AIFS Stamford office. No verbal modification or interpretation shall have any validity.

Conduct

Students should regard themselves as informal ambassadors of the U.S. during their stay abroad. People from other countries base their opinion of the U.S. on the way American students and visitors behave. The excellent relations AIFS enjoys with its associated universities are based on the high regard the universities have for AIFS students who have studied with them previously. Future students are expected to live up to this reputation. AIFS reserves the right to communicate with students’ home institutions and/or parents on matters related to student behavior, health, safety or academic performance. AIFS, its Program Directors and coordinators are in charge of the welfare and behavior of students. Students are expected to cooperate with staff and accept responsibility for adult standards of behavior. Students must obey the laws of the host country. 

All participants on AIFS Abroad programs are held to academic and behavioral standards. Enrolled students will agree to a Code of Conduct.

Deadlines

Applicants to AIFS Study Abroad programs must:

Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 (unless otherwise stated on the program pages). Students with slightly lower GPAs may be considered on a case by case basis.
Be in good social standing at their home institution.

Students must complete the application and submit it, together with a non-refundable $150 application fee and a copy of their transcript. A $500 deposit will be charged upon program acceptance. Although students complete a preliminary course selection on the application, final registration takes place on campus. Students should obtain approval for transfer credit from their home college or university before applying. All applicants must be at least 18 years old by the time their AIFS January Term program begins.

Confirmation of acceptance, pre-departure handbooks, program and flight itineraries will be available online at www.aifsabroad.com/login. Participants are sent a final itinerary closer to departure.

Students are urged to contact their home institution’s study abroad office to ensure that they comply with requirements for study abroad. In order to maintain your enrollment status, facilitate academic credit transfer and to use any applicable financial aid it is important that you follow your school’s requirements for study abroad.

When to Enroll

Enroll as early as possible, as openings on each campus are limited.

New enrollments cannot be accepted less than 50 days prior to departure unless the participant agrees to make his/her own flight arrangements. Participants enrolling within the 50-day period will be reviewed on an individual basis depending on availability of campus and air space.

Many of our programs fill quickly. In order to ensure you save your spot on the program of your choice, apply early and apply online. The following schedule is set well in advance. Application deadlines may be extended closer to time so please continue to check online.

Program Name	Application Deadline	Deposit Deadline	Balance Payment Deadline
Austria: AIFS Global Education Center in Salzburg	Oct 15	Nov 1	Nov 15
Costa Rica: Veritas University	Oct 15	Nov 1	Nov 15
Ecuador: Universidad San Francisco de Quito	Oct 1	Oct 15	Nov 1
England: AIFS Global Education Center in London	Nov 15	Dec 5	Nov 15
England: University of the Arts London	Oct 15	Nov 5	Nov 15
European Art and Culture	Sep 15	Sep 30	Oct 15
Fashion Marketing	Sep 15	Sep 30	Oct 15
France: American Business School	Nov 1	Nov 25	Nov 15
France: Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne	Nov 1	Nov 25	Nov 15
France: Institut de Langue et de Culture Françaises	Nov 1	Nov 25	Nov 15
Germany: Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin	Oct 31	Nov 10	Nov 15
Ireland: Trinity College Dublin	Oct 15	Oct 31	Nov 15
Italy: AIFS Global Education Center in Florence	Oct 15	Nov 5	Nov 15
Italy: AIFS Global Education Center in Rome	Oct 15	Nov 5	Nov 15
Italy: Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore	Oct 15	Nov 5	Nov 15
Portugal: Instituto Universitario de Lisboa (ISCTE)	Oct 1	Oct 31	Nov 15
South Africa: Stellenbosch University	Oct 15	Nov 1	Nov 15
Spain: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona	Oct 1	Oct 15	Nov 1
Spain: University of Salamanca	Oct 15	Nov 1	Nov 15

Applications

An initial non-refundable application fee of $150 is required with the application.

Optional Excursions

The deadline for payment for optional excursions is due by the final payment deadline. There may be the opportunity to sign up after this but space is not guaranteed.

Fee Guarantee

Credits

Most U.S. universities and colleges recognize AIFS programs for academic credit. Since foreign universities do not use the same credit system as U.S. schools, there are certain procedures all AIFS participants should follow.

Each U.S. college or university has its own policy on the acceptance of transfer credits. AIFS does not grant credit itself, nor do foreign universities evaluate students’ progress by the awarding of academic credit, the system used by U.S. colleges and universities. Many European universities use the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) with 6 ECTS credits typically being equivalent to 3 U.S. credits. AIFS serves in an advisory capacity to U.S. institutions about the foreign equivalences and the amount of credit to award for academic work completed abroad. Transcripts are issued by the host institution, not AIFS.

To obtain credit for January Term work, arrangements must be made with the home institution before departure abroad to determine whether credit will be granted for courses offered, and to learn which documents are required from the foreign university to ensure credit. Students should meet with their faculty advisor to discuss courses and placement in foreign language programs. The advisor may suggest further meetings with the appropriate official.

To evaluate a foreign study program, U.S. college administrators require a transcript giving details such as dates of enrollment, courses taken, number of hours per week in each course, etc. All AIFS students are given transcripts for their work issued by the host university abroad or by Fairfield University for our Traveling programs or programs at our Global Education Centers. If you have outstanding charges, your transcripts will be withheld until accounts are settled.

Only the U.S. institution can evaluate work overseas, and in all cases, only the U.S. institution can decide to award transfer credit. Most U.S. institutions grant credit for study abroad provided students contact them before departure and successfully complete the necessary examinations at the foreign university and obtain a proper transcript.

Graduating high school seniors should check with the universities they plan to attend to determine whether credits will transfer. All students receive a transcript directly from the foreign university.

Insurance

Unlike other plans, the AIFS student plan settles claims abroad, in your host country’s respective currency. This facilitates immediate access to treatment. Treatments must of course be documented and receipts obtained. The staff on the ground helps with administrative matters concerning claims. Staff will arrange for students requiring treatment for more serious illnesses and accidents to receive immediate attention from the recommended university doctor and hospital in the area.

The coverage includes the following:

Medical expenses while abroad: The insurance covers medical bills up to a maximum of $250,000 for each medically covered illness or accident abroad. Insured participants have no more than 52 weeks from the date or such illness or injury to incur costs and to submit a claim. Pre-existing complaints are covered up to a maximum of $500 only. Among items covered are treatment by a physician or surgeon, nurse fees, x-rays, ambulance, therapeutic services, operations, drugs and medicines prescribed by a physician, hospital room and board (semi-private accommodations).
Mental health coverage: The insurance plan covers mental or nervous disorders up to $2,500 for outpatient treatment or up to $10,000 for inpatient treatment per lifetime. See Plan of Insurance brochure for further details.
Baggage insurance:  Personal property is covered up to $3,000 with a $0 deductible. Electronic equipment to include laptops are covered up to $250. Some exclusions apply. Please see the Plan of Insurance for further details.

In addition your plan provides for:

Emergency Medical Evacuation/Repatriation
Repatriation of Mortal Remains or Cremation
Trip Delay Benefit
Security Evacuation Benefit

The AIFS insurance program provides participants with a world-wide 24-hour emergency telephone assistance service. Multilingual help and advice may be furnished for the participant in the event of any emergency during the term of coverage. Assistance services include: Medical monitoring, prescription drug replacement/shipment, emergency message transmittals, coverage verification/payment assistance for medical expenses. Travel assistance services include: Obtaining emergency cash, travelers check replacement, lost/delayed luggage tracking, replacement of lost or stolen airline ticket, credit card/passport/important document replacement.

To view the policy details and download a brochure go to www.culturalinsurance.com/cisi_forms.asp.

Financial Policies

For international travel, airline liability for passenger baggage is usually limited. Passengers should request complete terms governing airline liability limitations for their journey upon receipt of final itinerary and/or check-in. It is the responsibility of the passenger to file claims for lost/damaged baggage directly with the airline(s). Equipment, routing and itinerary may be modified by the direct air carrier or by AIFS. Single plane service is not guaranteed. Alternative aircraft of any carrier may be substituted at any time, and aircraft may make additional stops. Such changes will not create a right to cancellation or refund.

Comprehensive insurance/assistance package; specified travel as shown in the detailed itinerary; tuition fees and housing as specified in the itinerary; meals ONLY when specified in the program description; sightseeing and entertainment as specified; services of on-site AIFS Staff and tips.

Optional travel package, $150 nonrefundable application fee, passport fees or certain visa fees; transfers and travel in connection with independent travel; should you choose not to join the optional excursion(s), your independent travel obligations are not included in the program fee: (i) accommodations and meals during any independent travel period, including (ii) overnight accommodations and (iii) transfer to the airport prior to departure when a period of independent travel precedes the return flight; meals not listed in the program description; special beverages with meals; laundry; excess baggage charges (check with each airline for rules); textbooks; overnight and weekend optional excursions while at the university; overnight accommodations, meals and additional domestic transportation expenses in the U.S. due to rescheduled or delayed flights (sometimes paid by the airline); transportation from student’s home to point of international departure and back.

Upon application, participants must pay a $150 application fee online. AIFS fees can be paid online by credit card. Visit www.aifsabroad.com for details. The $150 fee is non-refundable. Upon acceptance, you will be billed for a $500 deposit and then the balance of the program fee due based on the schedule listed above. The optional excursions are due by the final payment deadline of each program. Any participant whose check is returned for any reason will be assessed a charge of $35.

Students will be responsible for payment of any damages, campus related charges or other charges incurred in student or family residences while on the program and will be invoiced accordingly. Academic transcripts will be withheld until all fees are paid.

AIFS reserves the right to make changes to departure dates and cities as may be required and to reverse an itinerary route.

Departures are contingent upon adequate enrollment and are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. AIFS reserves the right to reassign participants to alternate departure cities listed on program pages. AIFS will notify participants whether a requested original departure is available no later than 30 days before departure. Destination cities may be changed as long as the change affects only the order of cities visited.

Housing

Participants will be advised of their housing prior to departing for their program in most locations where possible with specifics being available upon arrival. Residences may be changed during the program as required.

Itineraries

On certain dates, especially holidays, some attractions or activities may be closed. AIFS reserves the right to substitute attractions, excursions or activities.

AIFS reserves the right to make alternate program arrangements, as described above, without offering a refund, and to make changes in program and flight itineraries as may be required.

Except for program changes made by AIFS in accordance with the preceding paragraphs, changes in departure or return cities, departure or return dates, hotels and program fees shall constitute “major changes.” In the event of a major change occurring before departure, participants will be given the choice, within 14 days, of accepting such a change or of canceling and receiving refunds due. For major changes occurring during the program, participants will be given the choice of accepting or rejecting the changes and receiving a partial refund within 14 days of the return of the program. Participants must request refunds by writing to AIFS within seven days of notification of the major change. AIFS will inform participants of a major change within seven days of learning such a change, and in any case at least 10 days before scheduled departure (or as soon as possible if the change occurs within 10 days before departure).

Refund Policy

The right to refunds is limited. All withdrawals must be in writing and sent to your Program Manager/Program Advisor. You must receive a confirmation from your Program Manager/Program Advisor for the email to be considered valid.

For the purposes of the Refund Policy, AIFS Abroad defines “Program Start Date” as the Optional Flight departure date listed on the DATES page for each program. Students who have booked their own travel will also use this date as “Program Start Date.”

Refunds prior to the start of the program

Using the postmark of a student’s withdrawal letter as the official withdrawal date, the following applies:

January Term

If a student withdraws	he/she receives
After final payment deadline and more than 60 days before departure	All payments minus the nonrefundable deposit and application fee totaling $650 and $1,000 and any flight cancellation charges
After final payment deadline and 30 to 60 days before departure	All payments, minus the nonrefundable deposit and application fee totaling $650 and 50% of the program fee and any flight cancellation charges
After final payment deadline and less than 30 days before departure	No refund

Students who do not notify AIFS in writing of their intent to withdraw before the payment deadline are responsible for all program fees.

In addition:

If AIFS cancels a program, participants will be notified within 7 days and a refund of monies due, or at the participant’s option, credit toward another program will be made within 14 days of cancellation. AIFS will not cancel a program less than 10 days before scheduled departure unless circumstances exist which make it impossible for it to continue.
If a program undergoes major changes and participants elect in writing to withdraw from the program, a refund of monies due except the nonrefundable deposit and application fee totaling $650 will be processed. Major changes mean significant changes in program dates or destination cities. Minor alterations including reversed itineraries will not result in refunds.

Cancellation by AIFS Abroad

Should AIFS Abroad cancel a program prior to departure for reasons within its control (including due to lack of enrollment), participants will be notified and options include options of:

Moving to another program location
Receiving credit towards another program or a full refund (including deposit.) This is the only unique situation where a non-refundable deposit can be returned.

Should AIFS Abroad cancel a program (including once the program has started) for reasons beyond its control including but not limited to Acts of God, government actions (including those restricting travel), pandemics, fire, flood, explosion, earthquake, or other natural forces, war, civil unrest, accident, terrorism, any strike or labor disturbance, or any other event similar to those enumerated above (a “Force Majeure” Event) participants will receive no refund except for recoverable costs.

Most of these costs are paid before the start of the program are not typically recoverable. In the event of cancellation AIFS Abroad will endeavor to obtain refunds from suppliers and pass any recovered costs on the participant.

Students choosing to leave the program early for personal or other reasons are not entitled to any refund. Completion of academic credit will be determined on a case by case basis. Students dismissed for disciplinary reasons receive no refunds of any kind and forfeit all academic credit.

There are no refunds for meals, accommodation, cultural activities/excursions, tuition or transportation missed by students for any other reasons other than those listed above once the program has started.

Once the program has started, students who withdraw will receive no refund. In the unlikely event of AIFS cancelling a program while it is underway, students would receive a pro-rata rebate of recoverable fees paid to AIFS for the portion of the program. Students dismissed for disciplinary reasons receive no refunds of any kind and forfeit all academic credit. 

Cancellation by Participant’s Home University

Should a participant’s home university cancel or withdraw approval for study abroad prior to November 1 for reasons within its control (including due to lack of enrollment), please confirm cancellation by email to the AIFS regional representative as soon as possible. We will work on options for deferring to a future program, enrolling in a virtual program, or a refund (including deposit and application fee.)

Should the university cancel or withdraw approval for study abroad after November 1 for reasons within its control (including due to lack of enrollment), please confirm cancellation by email to the AIFS regional representative as soon as possible. Students will have the options to deferring to a future program, enrolling in a virtual program. Deposits and application fees will not be refunded.

AIFS will not refund application fees for any cancellation or withdrawal.

If the Home University requires their students to receive Home School Approval we will be requesting that advisors approve or deny applications in the Advisor Portal November 1.

Please note for the following January Term programs the date by which decisions must be submitted in writing is October 1.

Berlin
Galapagos
Multi-city: European Art & Culture

Sources of Financial Aid

The Department of Education Stafford Student Loan Program offers funds to students whose families show financial need. Details about this and other aid awards are available from your home institution’s Financial Aid Office.

The Participant’s home college or university may agree to apply aid to an AIFS study program. If the financial aid award is being considered to pay for all or part of AIFS fees, participants must:

(1) Apply early at the Financial Aid Office on home campus. This will enable them to receive notification of award amount and then determine before the final AIFS payment deadline whether participation is possible;

(2) Arrange to have documentation sent from the Financial Aid Office or lending institution to AIFS stating the amount of the award and date it will be disbursed. The AIFS Financial Aid Information Form, available from AIFS, must be completed by the financial aid officer at the participant’s home institution or lending agency and returned to AIFS prior to the final payment deadline.

Students who have their financial aid package modified or denied after the AIFS program begins are responsible for full payment. Failure to make immediate payment to AIFS will result in being administratively withdrawn. In this case, no refund or academic credit will be granted.

AIFS programs may be eligible for V.A. tuition grants.

Students may also charge all or a part of the program cost to American Express, MasterCard, or Visa.

Travel

Students must indicate on the application their intention either to take an AIFS flight or to provide their own transportation to and from the program. Students changing from an AIFS flight to their own transportation prior to 75 days before departure pay a $100 change fee; less than 75 days prior to departure students are subject to a $250 penalty. Students who initially intended to provide their own transportation to and from the program may apply for a seat on AIFS flights subject to the following terms: 1) prior to 75 days before departure provided space is available; a $100 change fee is charged and 2) within 75 days before departure provided space is available; subject to a $250 penalty. Students changing from one departure city to another prior to 75 days before departure pay a $100 change fee for each change; within 75 days of departure students are subject to a $250 penalty in addition to any application fare differential provided space is available.

Students are sent their final itinerary close to departure.

Due to TSA regulations students wishing to travel on an AIFS flight must be sure to give their full name exactly as it appears on their passport. If students give an incomplete or incorrect name on their application, they will be responsible for any financial penalties incurred or flight tickets canceled.

If you have selected the optional AIFS Travel Package, where permitted by the airline, you will be issued with an electronic ticket. Once confirmed, details of your flight information will be available to you at www.aifsabroad.com/login. You can check here at any time to get your flight information but should make a final check just prior to your departure.

For those who prefer a prearranged itinerary during independent travel time, AIFS organizes inexpensive study excursions. Some campuses also offer optional weekend excursions. The cost of these excursions is not included in January Term school fees. While the deadline for optional excursion enrollment is specific to the final payment deadline for each program they tend to be popular and some fill prior to payment deadline date. AIFS does not guarantee space on excursions, so interested participants should sign up accordingly.

AIFS excursions allow free time for individual sightseeing and organized visits to points of interest by bus, train or air. A multilingual tour manager accompanies each group. Optional excursions are subject to a minimum enrollment of 10 unless otherwise stated in the program chapter. If not achieved, AIFS reserves the right to cancel the tour. Once paid for in the U.S. the fee for optional excursions is non-refundable unless AIFS cancels the excursion.

Participants must obtain their own passport. We urge travelers to apply for (or renew) a passport as soon as the decision is made to take part in the program. Some countries require passports be valid for six to seven months beyond the end of the program.

Please consult the following website for more detailed information: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/apply.html

SUMMER/May Term 2025

Administration

AIFS Abroad staff on location are responsible for managing orientations and arrivals, assisting with housing or cultural adjustment, arranging a social and cultural program that introduces students to the local community and for helping student with any health and safety issues that arise.

Host universities

AIFS Abroad study programs are either run through our Global Education Centers or through partnerships with overseas institutions. For host university programs, AIFS is not responsible for teaching, grading or transcripts issued by these universities.

Housing

Study Abroad (not full-time internship) students are generally housed in double or triple rooms in university residence halls, homestays or apartments depending on site facilities. Single rooms are sometimes available and incur a supplemental fee. Housing options vary by program location. Please see specific program website for more information on housing. During the organized travel portions of each program, tourist-class hotels and student residences are usually used. Unmarried couples may not live together in AIFS accommodations. In addition, some host families and residences will not accept married couples. Married couples should plan to provide their own accommodations. They will receive a fee reduction.

Deadlines

Applicants to AIFS Study Abroad Summer Programs / May Programs must:

Study program participants: Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, unless otherwise specified in the section describing the program of choice. For programs with higher GPA requirements, students with slightly lower GPAs may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Additional application materials will be required.
Study program participants: Be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate degree program and in good academic and social standing and have been approved to Study Abroad. Some AIFS programs allow High School Graduates to enroll. This status must be maintained from the time of the application through commencement of the program.
All Students: Students must complete the application and submit it, together with a non-refundable application fee of $150 and study students need to submit a copy of their official transcript. Once accepted into the program, a non-refundable deposit of $500 will be due. No refund will be considered if the participant fails to complete the application process or withdras their application before or after an admissions decision is made. For study students: Although students pre-register for courses on the application, final registration takes place sometime after acceptance or on campus. Students should obtain approval for transfer credit from their home college or university before applying. All applicants must be at least 18 years old by the time their AIFS Summer Program / May Program begins.
Students must contact their home institution’s study abroad office to ensure that they comply with requirements for study abroad. In order to maintain your enrollment status, facilitate academic credit transfer and to use any applicable financial aid it is important that you follow your school’s requirements for study abroad. It is important that students follow their school’s requirements for study abroad.

When to Enroll – Summer Programs

Applications and a $150 application fee must be received by:

PROGRAM(S)	APPLICATION/DEPOSIT	BALANCE OF FEES
Berlin Internship	January 15	January 31
All other programs: Early Summer	March 1	April 1
All other programs: Late Summer	April 1	May 1
* Due to airline and accommodation cancellation penalties, AIFS cannot reserve space for a student until their confirmation deposit has been paid. Students are urged to apply and deposit early. Late applications may be considered if space is available.

Full Payment

Full payment is due April 1, 2025, or two weeks after acceptance, whichever comes later (January 31 for Berlin Internship and March 15 for Barcelona session 1). Students who fail to make the final payment will not be permitted to register and start the program. For students who sign up for the Travel Package: Under no circumstances will a student be sent his/her airline e-ticket until final fees have been paid.

Optional Excursions

The deadline for enrollment and payment for optional excursions is April 1.

When to Enroll – May Programs

Enroll as early as possible, as openings on each campus are limited. We recommend that you apply before March 1, 2025, to ensure your best chance of acceptance. New enrollments cannot be accepted less than 50 days prior to departure unless the participant agrees to make his/her own flight arrangements. Participants enrolling within the 50-day period will be reviewed on an individual basis depending on availability of campus and air space.

Applications and a $650 application fee/deposit must be received by:

PROGRAM(S)	APPLICATION/DEPOSIT	BALANCE OF FEES
All May Programs	March 1	April 1
* Due to airline and accommodation cancellation penalties, AIFS cannot reserve space for a student until their confirmation deposit has been paid. Students are urged to apply and deposit early. Late applications may be considered if space is available.

Full Payment

Full payment is due April 1, 2025, or two weeks after acceptance, whichever comes later. Students who fail to make the final payment will not be permitted to register and start the program. Under no circumstances will a student be sent his/her airline e-ticket until final fees have been paid.

Optional Excursions

The deadline for enrollment and payment for optional excursions is April 1.

Fee Guarantee

Program fees are guaranteed in U.S. dollars. There are no surcharges for currency fluctuations; however, fees for the optional AIFS Travel package (round-trip flights and airport transfers) are subject to adjustment resulting from government or airline surcharges (e.g. fuel) and will be confirmed at time of invoicing.

February 1st Completed scholarship and program applications must be postmarked by this date for all summer programs.

Credit Transfer

Overseas universities do not use the credit system employed by U.S. institutions. Degrees are usually awarded based on a final examination under government-issued charters. AIFS Abroad students must make special arrangements to transfer credits, but since AIFS Abroad courses are given at recognized universities, there usually is no difficulty in arranging transfer credit toward U.S. degrees provided the proper procedure is followed. Transcripts for courses offered at AIFS Global Education Centers are issued by Fairfield University and can be easily transferred to most colleges and universities in U.S. Students can also apply to the American College of Greece program which is accredited by the N.E. Association of Schools and Colleges.

AIFS Abroad Program Advisors are available to assist you in the process. The following procedure is recommended for credit transfer:

Read course descriptions for the selected program and select courses.
Students obtain approval from academic or study abroad advisor for the preliminary courses selected. Final approval of credit transfer for completed courses is at the discretion of the Registrar or appropriate official at the home institution. Students must ascertain that courses taken meet their individual academic program requirements. Recommended credits listed are based on 15 classroom hours per semester credit.

Many of the European institutions that AIFS Abroad works with award credits under the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). ECTS enables cooperating institutions to measure and compare a student’s performance and facilitates the transfer of credits from the European institution to the U.S institution. Every ECTS credit represents a particular amount of workload with, for example, 30 ECTS usually being awarded for a semester. 1 ECTS is equivalent to 25-30 hours of student work with the workload including independent study, research and seminars as well as classroom contact time. Many U.S. institutions use a 2:1 ratio when comparing ECTS and U.S credits with 2 ECTS = 1 U.S. credit. Ultimately it is up to the student’s home institution to decide how ECTS credits the student has been awarded should transfer into U.S credits for their degree program. AIFS recommends that students seek advice from their home institution and gain pre-approval for the courses that they wish to take at the European institution in order to ensure that they are taking the appropriate amount of credits and that credits awarded will transfer at the end of the program.

AIFS Abroad provides course syllabi from the foreign institution and recommends credits for each course. Recommended U.S. semester credits shown in parentheses next to each course are based on 15 contact hours per semester credit and are not a conversion of ECTS credits.

Beginning summer 2025, AIFS Abroad will charge a $75 mandatory/additional transcription fee on all credit-bearing programs. This fee will be automatically billed.

If your selected program does not issue official transcripts in English and your US school requires an English transcript for evaluation (provided by AIFS staff), you will be charged a $45 transcript translation fee. This is in addition to the mandatory transcription fee.

If you need to request additional transcripts please go to our Alumni page. 

Students not currently enrolled at a U.S. college or university who cannot obtain advance approval for credit transfer are advised to enroll in a program at the AIFS Global Education Center in London, Salzburg, Florence or Rome, since Fairfield University is a U.S.-accredited university whose credits are usually accepted by other U.S. colleges and universities. They can also enroll in the American College of Greece Program. 

If you have outstanding bills or overseas related charges, your transcript will be withheld until accounts are settled. 

Insurance

Included in the program fee, AIFS Abroad provides a medical and medical package to its study abroad students through our insurance provider Cultural Insurance Services Int’l (CISI). CISI is the leader in providing the most comprehensive insurance coverage to the international education sector, currently providing insurance coverage, travel/technical/medical assistance and claim paying services to more than 150,000 international students and cultural exchange participants worldwide. The package covers students for the duration of their programAIFS Abroad regularly reviews and updates the insurance package and the details below are subject to change. Please see the AIFS Abroad website for the latest information. Students will receive an individual insurance policy describing the coverage in detail. Please check this carefully as some exclusions and limitations apply—for example pre-existing medical conditions are covered only up to $500.

The AIFS Abroad student plan settles claims abroad, in your host country’s respective currency. This facilitates immediate entry to a hospital for treatment. Treatments must be documented. The on-site staff helps with administrative matters concerning claims. The on-site staff arranges for students requiring treatment for more serious illnesses and accidents to receive immediate attention from the recommended doctor and hospital in the area.

The AIFS Abroad insurance program provides participants with a world-wide 24-hour emergency telephone assistance service. Multilingual help and advice may be furnished for the participant in the event of any emergency during the term of coverage. Assistance services include: Medical monitoring, prescription drug replacement/ shipment, emergency message transmittals, coverage verification/payment assistance for medical expenses. Travel assistance services include: Obtaining emergency cash, travelers check replacement, lost/delayed luggage tracking, replacement of lost or stolen airline ticket, credit card/passport/important document replacement.

In addition your plan provides for:

1. Return of Mortal Remains or Cremation
2. Emergency Medical Evacuation/Repatriation
3. Trip Delay Benefit
4. Security Evacuation
5. Medical and baggage insurance

The coverage includes the following:

1. Medical expenses while abroad: The insurance covers medical bills up to a maximum of $250,000 for each medically covered illness or accident abroad. Preexisting conditions are covered up to $500. Among items covered are treatment by a physician or surgeon, nurse fees, x-rays, ambulance, therapeutic services, operations, drugs and medicines prescribed by a physician, hospital room and board (semi-private accommodations).

2. Mental health coverage: The insurance plan covers mental or nervous disorders up to $2,500 for outpatient treatment or up to $10,000 for inpatient treatment per lifetime. See Plan of Insurance brochure for further details.

3. Baggage insurance: Personal effects are covered up to $3,000. Coverage for electronic equipment such as laptops and computers is provided up to $250. Some exclusions apply. Please see the insurance policy for further details.

4. Return Airfare expense: If you travel on an AIFS Abroad flight, this plan will cover the cost up to a maximum of $1,000 of your return air transportation on a regularly scheduled commercial flight (tourist class) to the original AIFS Abroad point of departure if you are unable to complete the program for any reason outlined under the program cancellation insurance. A certificate of illness from a physician, other than a relative or member of your household, is necessary in making claims.

Medical cancellation insurance prior to departure is not available through this policy. participants who want cancellation coverage are recommended to purchase a Travel Protection plan via Travel Insured International (TII): https://www.travelinsured.com/a gency/. Enrollments are processed directly through TII and should be contacted for further questions.

Financial Policies

A non-refundable $150 fee must accompany your application. No application will be processed without it.

AIFS Abroad fees can be paid online by credit card or electronic check.

Balance of fees are due April 1st for all summer programs (January 31 for Berlin Internship, and March 15 for Barcelona session 1) and by April 1 for May programs.

AIFS Abroad does not require a damage deposit. Students will be responsible for payment of any damages, campus related charges or other charges incurred in student or family residences while on the program and will be invoiced accordingly. Academic transcripts will be withheld until all fees are paid.

Fees include:

Housing while on the AIFS Abroad Programs as described in individual program descriptions
Comprehensive insurance/assistance package
Tuition fees, registration fees and examination charges
Orientation programs as described for specific program
Certain field trips, excursions and cultural activities
Membership in libraries and university student clubs as described for specific programs

Fees do not include:

Non-refundable application fee ($150)
Meals unless specifically described for specific programs
Optional AIFS Abroad Travel Package (round-trip flights and airport transfers) as described for specific programs
Textbooks and laboratory fees
Passport and visa fees
Excess baggage charges
Personal spending money
Vacation travel or local transportation (unless noted in program description)
Official transcript (Fee added separately)

Extension of Stay

If you would like to stay beyond the time indicated on your original application and study for another session, you must send a request to the AIFS Abroad office in the U.S. and the Program Director in writing.

AIFS Abroad Refund Policy

The right to refund is limited. All withdrawal requests must be in writing by email or mail to the Program Advisor for the program at AIFS Abroad.

Refunds prior to the start of the program

Using the postmark, email or fax date of a student’s withdrawal letter as the official withdrawal date (or next business day if this is a weekend), the following applies:

IF A STUDENT WITHDRAWS	STUDENT RECEIVES
After final payment deadline and more than 60 days before departure	All payments minus the non-refundable deposit and application fee of $650 and any program and flight cancellation fees incurred by AIFS Abroad as a result of the withdrawal
After final payment deadline and 30 to 60 days before departure	All payments minus the non-refundable deposit and application fee of $650, 50% of the program fee and any flight cancellation fees.
After final payment deadline and less than 30 days before departure	No refund

Students who have not paid their programs fees and do not notify AIFS Abroad in writing of their intent to withdraw before the final payment deadline for their program are also subject to the above refund policy. They will be invoiced accordingly and responsible for the balance due.

If AIFS Abroad cancels a program

AIFS Abroad will make arrangements to bring the students who have purchased the flight option back to the U.S. but students will be responsible for any additional flight fees charged by the airline(s). Students with the flight package that opt to make their own return flight arrangements, rather than have AIFS Abroad do so, will not receive any refund for the unused return flight included in the AIFS Abroad flight package. Once a flight has been changed by AIFS Abroad the student is responsible for the flight change fees.

If a U.S. University cancels a program – Guidance for US institution staff

Different than if a student withdraws, or AIFS Abroad cancels a program, a U.S. university may choose to cancel travel through a specific date or restrict travel to specific locations.

If the University requires Home School Approval, we will be requesting that advisors approve or deny applications in the Advisor Portal by April 1 (Summer) and April 1 (May).

If a student chooses to leave the program early

There are no refunds for meals, accommodation, cultural activities/excursions, tuition or transportation missed by the students. In addition, the student is responsible for any additional flight fees if they have purchased a flight with AIFS Abroad that needs to be changed to an earlier return date.

Financial Aid

Most forms of federal, state and private financial aid or loans may be applied to AIFS Abroad study programs with approval of your home institution. Details are available from your campus financial aid officer or study abroad advisor. If you plan to use your financial aid award to pay AIFS Abroad fees, you should apply early to meet aid application deadlines. Rules of eligibility are determined by federal, state and local authorities. The student must pay, by the final payment deadline, the program fee less approved financial aid or loans that will be disbursed after the payment deadline. The student must also pay by the payment deadline, the deposit, the optional flight package if selected, optional excursions, and any extra fees regardless of the amount of financial aid accepted. The student is responsible for ensuring that any outstanding balance is paid by the aid disbursement date. The student is responsible for full payment of fees regardless of any change to expected financial aid and or loan amounts.

Learn more

NSEP (available for programs in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Latin America where language is part of the study program – many AIFS Abroad programs qualify). Gilman; Pell (federal) grants; SEOG (federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants); Federal loans—PLUS; Federal Perkins loans; Federal subsidized Stafford loans; Federal unsubsidized Stafford loans.

Guaranteed program fees

The program fees for all programs quoted are guaranteed for the Summer 2025 / May 2025 and will not increase due to currency fluctuations; however, optional AIFS Abroad Travel Package fees are subject to adjustment resulting from government or airline surcharges (e.g. fuel). Please visit www.aifsabroad.com for updated information on current fees. The AIFS Abroad website includes a comprehensive “full price” listing of all costs including tuition and fees and AIFS Abroad Travel Package.

Changes and cancellations

AIFS Abroad reserves the right to make cancellations, changes or substitutions in emergencies, changed conditions or in the interest of each student group.

Travel

Round-trip airfare from a wide choice of cities is available for AIFS Abroad programs through our optional Travel package. Students must meet application and payment deadlines

Due to TSA regulations students wishing to travel on a flight booked by AIFS Abroad must be sure to give their full name exactly as it appears on their passport by the application deadline. If students give an incomplete or incorrect name, they will be responsible for any financial penalties incurred or flight tickets cancelled.

Students who miss a flight booked by AIFS Abroad to illness or due to a delay in receiving a student visa are responsible for any related flight change and ticketing fees.

Dual Campus Students are responsible for their own travel arrangements from the first to the second campus. These students can purchase a round-trip flight with AIFS Abroad arriving at the first campus and departing from the second. Additional alternate return city/date fees apply.

Transfers to and from campus are included for students on the AIFS Abroad Travel Package, but only on the scheduled arrival/departure dates and from the local airport as indicated in the program-specific catalog chapters. Transfer from the arrival airport to campus is not included for students who miss their AIFS Abroad flight on the scheduled departure date and arrive at a different airport and/or on a date other than the scheduled arrival date and arrival city (including rescheduled flights booked through AIFS). Students who miss their flight must arrange their own transportation from the arrival airport to campus and incur all consequent costs. This includes, but is not limited to, students who miss a flight booked by AIFS Abroad due to illness or a delay in receiving a student visa.

Students who are scheduled to depart the U.S. on an AIFS Abroad flight that is cancelled or delayed due to inclement weather or airline-mechanical reasons will be met abroad and transferred to campus. Airport transfers are not included for students who make their own travel arrangements.

If you wish to change your return date, please note the following: All requests are subject to airline availability, and any additional fees assessed by the airline will be passed on to you. Date changes only are permitted, routing changes (change to departure and/or arrival city) are prohibited by the airlines. Additional fees/penalties may assessed by the airline and those will be passed along to you. Please visit your AIFS Abroad portal for further instructions after arrival on campus.

Study Abroad students will receive preliminary itineraries after acceptance. Final itineraries and e-ticket information will be sent approximately two weeks prior to departure to participants who have met all requirements.

While return travel dates may be changed, tickets are good only for the airline issuing tickets. Passengers who miss a flight may take the next available one on the same airline, subject to airline approval. “No shows” do not receive a refund. Neither AIFS Abroad nor the airline will accept responsibility for missed connections from/to flights not booked by AIFS Abroad.

Dates, prices and program descriptions online constitute a part of the contract between AIFS Abroad and the participant. Your final itinerary provided prior to departure constitutes the actual program to be provided by AIFS Abroad.

For those who prefer a prearranged itinerary during independent travel time, AIFS Abroad organizes inexpensive study excursions. Some campuses also offer optional weekend excursions. The cost of these excursions is not included in summer school fees. The deadline for optional Summer excursion enrollment is April 1 regardless of the date of application. If you apply late and are on a wait list, you will not be able to enroll in optional excursions after April 1 unless AIFS Abroad can confirm availability.

AIFS Abroad excursions allow free time for individual sightseeing and organized visits to points of interest by bus, train or air. A multilingual tour manager accompanies each group. Excursions are organized by AIFS Abroad staff of travel experts. Optional excursions are subject to a minimum enrollment of 10 unless otherwise stated. If numbers are not t achieved, AIFS Abroad reserves the right to cancel the tour. Additional outings may be organized during the program and students who wish to participate in such activities should budget an extra $150-$250. Once paid for in the U.S. the fee for optional excursions is non-refundable except in the event of cancellation.

For those not participating in optional weekend excursions that operate during the academic program students may remain in their accommodation. AIFS Abroad residences/offices do not have storage facilities for luggage during independent travel times. If you are traveling after your program, please consult your coverage to ensure these extra dates are covered.

Participants must obtain their own passport and should apply for (or renew) a passport as soon as the decision is made to study abroad. Some countries require passports to be valid for six months or a year beyond the end of the program.

Please consult the following website for more detailed information: www.travel.state.gov/passport.

Non-U.S. citizens: It is the participant’s responsibility to research and obtain any necessary travel documentation for the program, including visas (if applicable).

Passports should be valid at the time of application deadline if possible.

Information on visa requirements will be detailed in pre-departure information and can be found on-line.

A passport number and expiration date are needed for each visa application, so it is essential students have valid passports with at least six month left before expiration and two blank pages well in advance and meet enrollment deadlines.

Passports are required of everyone traveling outside the U.S. on AIFS Abroad programs. Non-U.S. citizens may be required to obtain visas to enter certain countries. Non-U.S. citizens are responsible for researching and securing visas needed to participate in AIFS Abroad programs and must allow several weeks—or months—for this process.

Students should contact their doctor or Board of Health and the CDC Traveller’s Health to see if immunizations are needed in an effort to keep our participants, staff, and host communities safe.

Students should regard themselves as informal ambassadors of the U.S. during their stay abroad. People from other countries base their opinion of the U.S. on the way American students and visitors behave. The excellent relations AIFS Abroad enjoys with its associated universities are based on the high regard the universities have for AIFS Abroad students who have studied with them previously. Future AIFS Abroad students are expected to live up to this reputation. AIFS Abroad reserves the right to communicate with students’ home institution and/or parents on matters related to student behavior, health, safety or academic performance.

All participants on AIFS Abroad programs are held to academic and behavioral standards that are outlined in our Terms and Conditions and enrolled students will agree to a Code of Conduct.

FALL 2025 – SPRING 2026

Deadlines

Applicants to AIFS Study Abroad programs must:

Maintain the minimum GPA specified in the section describing the program of choice (usually 2.5). Participants with lower grade point averages who are in good academic and social standing may be considered on a case by case basis. Additional application materials will be required for further review or consideration.
Have at least two years of successful work in the language if enrolling in an upper division foreign language program. Beginner language participants are accepted in Athens, Barcelona, Berlin, Budapest, Buenos Aires, Cannes, Florence, Granada, Grenoble (selected programs only), Limerick, Madrid, Maynooth, Paris, Prague, Rome, Salamanca, Salzburg, San José, Seville, Stellenbosch, Valencia and Viña del Mar.
Be enrolled full time in an undergraduate degree program in good academic and social standing and have approval to study abroad from their home institution. Some AIFS Abroad programs will also consider US High School Gap Participants. This status must be maintained from the time of the application through commencement of the program.
Be at least 18 years old by July 1, 2025 if applying for the fall semester. Be at least 18 years old by December 1, 2025 if applying for spring semester.

Application Materials

Participants must submit the following documents:

Completed application with a non-refundable application fee of $150.
Preliminary Course Selection Form
Official transcripts from current college. First year participants must provide secondary school transcripts.
An essay describing reasons for wishing to study abroad (Cannes, Berlin only)
One academic reference, preferably from a member of the participant’s major department (Select programs as indicated on application)

Applicants are usually notified of an admission decision within two weeks after AIFS’ receipt of a complete set of application documents.

Participants must contact their home institution’s study abroad office to ensure that they comply with requirements for study abroad. In order to maintain enrollment status, facilitate academic credit transfer and to use any applicable financial aid it is important that participants follow their school’s requirements for study abroad.

Academic Year, Fall Quarter/Semester

Applications and a non-refundable $150 application fee must be received by:

March 15	Berlin
April 15	Barcelona, Budapest, Buenos Aires, Grenoble (Business), Madrid, Perth, Prague (Charles University), Viña del Mar, Wellington and Wollongong
May 1	Florence, London Internship, Madrid, Maynooth, Prague (VSE), Rome, Salzburg, and Valencia
May 15	Athens, Cannes, Granada, Grenoble, Limerick, London (except Internship), Paris, Salamanca, San José, Seville and Stellenbosch

A non-refundable confirmation deposit of $500 is payable upon acceptance in order to reserve a space. Balance of program fees must be received by:

June 1	Barcelona, Berlin, Budapest, Buenos Aires, London and London Internship, Perth, Stellenbosch, Viña del Mar, Wellington and Wollongong
June 15	Salzburg
July 1	All other programs

Spring Semester

Applications and a non-refundable $150 application fee must be received by:

September 15	Grenoble (Business)
October 1	Athens, Barcelona, Berlin, Florence, Granada, London Internship, Madrid, Maynooth, Prague, Rome, Salamanca, Seville, Perth, and Valencia
October 15	All other programs

A non-refundable confirmation deposit of $500 is payable upon acceptance in order to reserve a space. Balance of program fees must be received by:

November 1	London Internship, Barcelona UAB, Berlin, and Maynooth
November 15	All other programs

Due to airline and accommodation cancellation penalties, AIFS Abroad cannot reserve space for a participant until their confirmation deposit has been paid. Participants are urged to apply and deposit early. Deadlines may be subject to change at AIFS Abroad’s discretion.

Scholarship applications must be emailed, faxed or postmarked by the following deadlines:

April 15, 2025	Academic year, Fall quarter/semester program and scholarship applications
October 1, 2025	Spring semester program and scholarship applications

Credits

Overseas universities do not use the credit system employed by US institutions. AIFS Abroad participants must make special arrangements to transfer credits, but since AIFS Abroad courses are given at recognized universities, there usually is no difficulty in arranging transfer credit toward U.S. degrees provided the proper procedure is followed. Transcripts for AIFS Abroad Global Education Centers in London, Florence, Rome, Salzburg and Global Experiences internships are issued by Fairfield University. Participants can also apply to the American College of Greece program which is accredited by the N.E. Association of Schools and Colleges.

AIFS Abroad Program Managers and Advisors are available to assist you in the process. The following procedure is recommended for credit transfer:

Read course descriptions for the selected program and select at least five first choice courses for each semester and at least two second choices.
Participants obtain approval from academic or study abroad advisors for the preliminary courses selected. A signature is required on the course selection form. Final approval of credit transfer for completed courses is at the discretion of your home institution or appropriate official at the home institution. Participants must ascertain that courses taken meet their individual academic program requirements. Recommended credits in this catalog are based on 15 classroom hours per semester credit. A program normally carries 12 to 15 credits spread over four or five courses.

Many of the European institutions that AIFS Abroad works with award credits under the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). ECTS enables cooperating institutions to measure and compare a participant’s performance and facilitates the transfer of credits from the European institution to the U.S institution. Every ECTS credit represents a particular amount of workload with, for example, 30 ECTS usually being awarded for a semester. 1 ECTS is equivalent to 25-30 hours of participant work with the workload including independent study, research and seminars as well as classroom contact time. Many U.S. institutions use a 2:1 ratio when comparing ECTS and U.S credits with 2 ECTS = 1 U.S. credit. Ultimately it is up to the participant’s home institution to decide how ECTS credits the participant has been awarded should transfer into U.S credits for their degree program. AIFS Abroad recommends that participants seek advice from their home institution and gain pre-approval for the courses that they wish to take at the European institution in order to ensure that they are taking the appropriate amount of credits and that credits awarded will transfer at the end of the program.

AIFS Abroad provides course syllabi from the overseas institution and recommends credits for each course. Recommended U.S. semester credits shown in parentheses next to each course in this catalog are based on 15 contact hours per semester credit and are not a conversion of ECTS credits.

Language levels are defined according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and will be listed on your transcript on completion of the program.

Beginner: A1, A2/U.S. Level 100
Intermediate: B1, B2/U.S. Level 200-300
Advanced: C1, C2/U.S. Level 400

When you complete your program, an official transcript will be sent to your home institution by AIFS Abroad.

AIFS Abroad Global Education Centers in London, Rome, Florence and Salzburg are issued by Fairfield University and are sent to your home institution after the completion of the program.

Participants who are not currently enrolled in a U.S. College or university may want to consider the AIFS Abroad Global Education Center programs as the transcripts are issued by Fairfield University. The American College of Greece is also U.S. accredited making the credit transfer process easier. Cannes Semester programs will be transcripted by Chapman University in the US.

Beginning summer 2025, AIFS Abroad will charge a $75 mandatory/additional transcription fee on all credit-bearing programs. This fee will be automatically billed.

If you need to request additional transcripts please go to our Alumni page.

If you have outstanding bills or campus related charges, your transcript will be withheld until accounts are settled.

Insurance

Included in the program fee, AIFS Abroad provides a medical and travel package to its study abroad participants through its insurance division, Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). CISI is the leader in providing the most comprehensive insurance coverage to the international education sector, currently providing insurance coverage, travel/technical/medical assistance and claim paying services to more than 150,000 international participants and cultural exchange participants worldwide. The package covers participants for the duration of their program, plus up to one month of independent travel after the program. AIFS Abroad regularly reviews and updates the insurance package and the details below are subject to change. Policy documents are available upon enrollment. Participants will receive an individual insurance policy describing the coverage in detail. Please check this carefully as some exclusions and limitations apply.

The AIFS Abroad participant plan settles claims abroad, in the host country’s respective currency. This facilitates immediate entry to a hospital for treatment. Treatments must be documented and receipts obtained. The team on-site helps with administrative matters concerning claims. The team on-site arranges for participants requiring treatment for more serious illnesses and accidents to receive immediate attention from the recommended doctor and hospital in the area.

Coverage is underwritten by Crum & Forster Segregated Portfolio Company.

The AIFS Abroad insurance program provides participants with a world-wide 24-hour emergency telephone assistance service. Multilingual help and advice may be furnished for the participant in the event of any emergency during the term of coverage. Assistance services include: Medical monitoring, prescription drug replacement/shipment, emergency message transmittals, coverage verification/payment assistance for medical expenses. Travel assistance services include: Obtaining emergency cash, travelers check replacement, lost/delayed luggage tracking, replacement of lost or stolen airline ticket, credit card/passport/important document replacement.

In addition your plan provides for:

Emergency Medical Evacuation/Repatriation
Return of Mortal Remains or Cremation
Trip Delay Benefit
Security Evacuation
24/7 access to trained security specialists

The coverage includes the following:

1. Medical expenses while abroad
The insurance covers medical bills up to a maximum of $250,000 for each medically covered illness or accident abroad. Pre-existing conditions are covered up to $500. Among items covered are treatment by a physician or surgeon, nurse fees, x-rays, ambulance, therapeutic services, operations, drugs and medicines prescribed by a physician, hospital room and board (semi-private accommodations).

2. Mental health coverage
The insurance plan covers mental or nervous disorders up to $2,500 for outpatient treatment or up to $10,000 for inpatient treatment per lifetime.

3. Baggage insurance
Personal effects are covered up to $3,000. Coverage for electronic equipment such as laptops and computers is provided up to $250. Some exclusions apply.

4. Return Airfare expense
If you travel on an AIFS Abroad flight, this plan will cover the cost up to a maximum of $1,000 of your return air transportation on a regularly scheduled commercial flight (tourist class) to the original AIFS Abroad point of departure if you are unable to complete the program for any reason outlined under the program cancellation insurance. A certificate of illness from a physician, other than a relative or member of your household, is necessary in making claims.

Participants also have the option of purchasing CFAR (cancel for any reason) and IFAR (interruption for any reason) package called Worldwide Trip Protection Plus. This coverage may be purchased to bolster your existing coverage with CISI as a program participant. There is no pandemic or epidemic exclusion written into this package so this coverage will provide an added layer of protection for COVID-19 or any other similar emergencies in the future. This coverage must be purchased within 21 days of paying ANY funds (either to your home university or to AIFS Abroad). Visit www.mycisi.com for details.

Financial Policies

A non-refundable $150 fee must accompany your application. No application will be processed without it.

AIFS Abroad fees can be paid online by credit card or electronic check or wire transfer.

See above for all application and final payment deadlines.

AIFS Abroad does not require a damage deposit. Participants will be responsible for payment of any damages, campus related charges or other charges incurred in participant or family residences while on the program and will be invoiced accordingly. Academic transcripts will be withheld until all fees are paid.

Fees include:

Housing while on the AIFS Abroad Programs as described in individual program descriptions
Comprehensive insurance/assistance package
Tuition fees, registration fees and examination charges
Orientation programs as described for specific programs
Certain trips, excursions and cultural activities as described in individual program descriptions
Membership in libraries and university participant clubs as described in individual program descriptions

Fees do not include:

Meals in most locations / programs
Non-refundable application fee ($150)
Housing and meals during semester breaks and spring vacation*
Optional AIFS Abroad Travel Package (round-trip flights and airport transfers)
Textbooks and laboratory fees
Passport and visa fees
Excess baggage charges
Personal spending money
Orientation programs during the second semester for full-year participants
Vacation travel or local transportation (unless noted in program description)
Official Transcript (fee added separately)

*Participant housing and homestays may need to be vacated during semester and spring breaks. Please see your program information for more details. Although some campuses allow participants to stay at the university, meals are not provided. Most participants take advantage of the breaks to travel for additional enrichment and education.

Participants enrolling for a full year (two semesters) at the same campus receive a fee reduction of $1,000 towards their Program Fee for the second semester.

Participants who wish to enroll for a full year at two different campuses will receive a reduction of $1,000 on the Program Fee for the second semester program.

Participants who wish to switch from one campus program to another in the second semester are advised to check the visa regulations with the consulate of the second program’s country before leaving the U.S. Many consulates may not give Americans a participant visa unless they apply for the visa at a consulate in the U.S. and are not allowed (by their government) to issue a participant visa more than three months before the start of the semester. As a result, some consulates require American participants to return to the U.S. between semesters to obtain a participant visa for the second semester (therefore, dual campus participant may need to spend the December break in the U.S.).

If you would like to stay beyond the time indicated on your original application and study for a second semester, you must send an email to the US-based AIFS Abroad Program Advisor / Manager in the U.S. and the Program Director in writing three months prior to the start of the second semester. As described above, you will receive an automatic fee reduction of at least $1,000 towards the Program Fee for the second semester.

If you wish to withdraw at the end of the first semester, you must notify the Program Director and AIFS Abroad in writing no later than four weeks before the first term ends. A revised invoice will reflect actual time spent on campus less non-refundable payments. AIFS Abroad participants may not withdraw from a full-year program and arrange independent study at the same institution.

Change in your status on the same campus may be implemented without extra charge up to one month before the program begins. Participants requesting a change of status should write to their AIFS Abroad Program Advisor or Program Manager. Once abroad, all plans must be discussed with the Program Director well in advance of an impending change. There is no refund to participants who leave one campus early or arrive at the other late because of differences in academic calendars. Participants wishing to change campuses should be aware of differences in curricula, program fees, and are responsible for notifying their home institution of any change. Transportation between campuses is the participant’s responsibility.

AIFS Abroad Refund Policy

The right to refund is limited. All withdrawal requests must be in writing by email to the Program Advisor or Program Manager for the program.

Refunds prior to the start of the program

Using the date the email is received of a participant’s withdrawal letter as the official withdrawal date (or next business day if this is a weekend), the following applies:

Academic Year, Semester Programs
If a participant withdraws	participant receives
After final payment deadline and more than 60 days before departure	All payments minus the non-refundable deposit and application fee of $650 and any program and flight cancellation fees incurred by AIFS Abroad as a result of the withdrawal
After final payment deadline and 30 to 60 days before departure	All payments minus the non-refundable deposit and application fee of $650, 50% of the program fee and any flight cancellation fees
After final payment deadline and less than 30 days before departure	No refund

Participants who have not paid their program fees and do not notify AIFS Abroad in writing of their intent to withdraw before the final payment deadline for their program are also subject to the above refund policy. They will be invoiced accordingly and responsible for the balance due.

Should AIFS Abroad cancel a program prior to departure for reasons within its control (including due to lack of enrolment) participants will be notified and a refund (less the application fee) or, at the participant’s request, credit toward another program will be made.

Should AIFS Abroad cancel a program after the final payment deadline (including once the program has started) for reasons beyond its control including but not limited to Acts of God, government actions (including those restricting travel), pandemics, fire, flood, explosion, earthquake, or other natural forces, war, civil unrest, accident, terrorism, any strike or labor disturbance, or any other event similar to those enumerated above (a “Force Majeure” Event) participants will receive no refund except for recoverable costs.

AIFS Abroad pays the program costs, including but not limited to tuition, housing, social/cultural activities/ excursions, flight packages, safety and security and administrative costs before the start of the program and these costs are not typically recoverable. In the event of cancellation AIFS Abroad will endeavor to obtain refunds from suppliers and pass any recovered costs on to the participant.

AIFS Abroad will make arrangements to bring the participants who have purchased the flight option back to the U.S. but participants will be responsible for any additional flight fees charged by the airline(s). Participants with the travel package that opt to make their own return flight arrangements, rather than have AIFS Abroad do so, will not receive any refund for the unused return flight included in the AIFS Abroad travel package. Once a flight has been changed by AIFS Abroad the participant is responsible for the flight change fees.

Different than if a participant withdraws, or AIFS Abroad cancels a program, a university may choose to cancel travel through a specific date or restrict travel to specific locations.

AIFS Abroad will not refund application fees for any cancellation or withdrawal.

If the University requires Home School Approval we will be requesting that advisors approve or deny applications in the Advisor Portal by July 1.

Participants choosing to leave the program early for personal, medical or other reasons are not entitled to any refund. Completion of academic credit will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Participants dismissed for disciplinary reasons receive no refund of any kind and forfeit all academic credit.

There are no refunds for meals, accommodation, cultural activities/excursions, tuition or transportation missed by the participants. In addition, the participant is responsible for any additional flight fees if they have purchased a flight with AIFS Abroad that needs to be changed to an earlier return date.

Financial Aid

Most forms of federal, state and private financial aid or loans may be applied to AIFS Abroad programs with approval of your home institution. Details are available from your campus financial aid officer or study abroad advisor. If you plan to use your financial aid award to pay AIFS Abroad fees, you should apply early to meet aid application deadlines. Rules of eligibility are determined by federal, state and local authorities. The participant must pay, by the final payment deadline, the program fee less approved financial aid or loans that will be disbursed after the payment deadline. The participant must also pay by the payment deadline, the deposit, the optional flight package if selected, optional excursions, and any extra fees regardless of the amount of financial aid accepted. The participant is responsible for ensuring that any outstanding balance is paid by the aid disbursement date. The participant is responsible for full payment of fees regardless of any change to expected financial aid and or loan amounts.

PLUS; Federal Perkins loans; Federal subsidized Stafford loans; Federal unsubsidized Stafford loans.

Guaranteed Program Fees

Changes and Cancellations

AIFS Abroad reserves the right to make cancellations, changes or substitutions in emergencies, changed conditions or in the interest of each participant group.

Travel

Round-trip airfare from a wide choice of cities is available for AIFS Abroad programs through our optional Travel Package. Participants must meet application and payment deadlines.

Full year participants choosing the AIFS Abroad Travel Package will receive a round-trip ticket returning on the scheduled return date. Full year participants wishing to use their return ticket at the end of the first semester may purchase an additional round-trip flight to return to campus for the second semester through AIFS Abroad.

Participants failing to request flights upon application and/or meet deadlines will be required to pay a late transportation fee of $250 with any subsequent written flight request or make their own travel arrangements at their expense. Subsequent flight changes are subject to applicable fees. Availability of seats on flights is not guaranteed by the late fee, and participants may be required to pay a fare differential.

Due to TSA regulations participants wishing to travel on a flight booked by AIFS Abroad must be sure to provide their full name EXACTLY AS IT APPEARS ON their passport by the application deadline. If participants give an incomplete or incorrect name, they will be responsible for any financial penalties incurred or flight tickets cancelled.

Participants who miss a flight due to illness or due to a delay in receiving a participant visa are responsible for any related flight change and ticketing fees.

Dual Campus Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements from the first to the second campus. These participants can purchase a round-trip flight with AIFS Abroad arriving at the first campus and departing from the second. Additional alternate return city/date fees apply.

Transfers to and from campus are included for participants on the AIFS Abroad Travel Package, but only on the scheduled arrival/departure dates and from the local airport as indicated in the program-specific catalog chapters. Transfer from the arrival airport to campus is not included for participants who miss their AIFS Abroad organized flight on the scheduled departure date and arrive at a different airport and/or on a date other than the scheduled arrival date and arrival city (including rescheduled flights booked through AIFS Abroad). Participants who miss their flight must arrange their own transportation from the arrival airport to campus and incur all consequent costs. This includes, but is not limited to, participants who miss an AIFS Abroad flight due to illness or a delay in receiving a participant visa.

Participants who are scheduled to depart the U.S. on an AIFS Abroad organized flight that is cancelled or delayed due to inclement weather or airline-mechanical reasons will be met abroad and transferred to campus or will work with the AIFS Abroad Staff to arrange alternate transportation with reimbursement options. Airport transfers are not included for participants who make their own travel arrangements.

While return travel dates may be changed, tickets are good only for the airline issuing tickets. Passengers who miss a flight may take the next available one on the same airline, subject to airline approval. “No shows” do not receive a refund. Neither AIFS Abroad nor the airline will accept responsibility for missed connections from/to flights not booked by AIFS Abroad.

Passengers may not combine these tickets with other promotional fares or offerings of any type. Fares are subject to change without notice. Dates, prices and program descriptions in this catalog constitute a part of the contract between AIFS Abroad and the participant. Your final itinerary provided prior to departure constitutes the actual program to be provided by AIFS Abroad.

For international travel, liability for passenger baggage varies by airline. Passengers should request complete terms governing airline liability limitation from each airline of their journey upon receipt of final itinerary and/or at check-in. These allowances and policies are subject to change without notice. It is the responsibility of the passenger to file claims for lost/damaged baggage directly with the airline(s). Equipment, routing and itinerary may be modified by the direct air carrier or AIFS Abroad. Alternative aircraft of any carrier may be substituted at any time, and aircraft may make additional stops. Such changes will not constitute a right to cancellation or refund. Single plane service is not guaranteed. Please note we are unable to take requests for specific flights, upgrades or specific seats.

Participants must obtain their own passport and should apply for (or renew) a passport as soon as the decision is made to study or intern abroad. Some countries require passports to be valid for six months or a year beyond the end of the program.

Please consult the following website for more detailed information: www.travel.state.gov/passport.

Non-U.S. citizens: It is the participant’s responsibility to research and obtain any necessary travel documentation for the program, including visas (if applicable).

Passports should be valid at the time of application deadline if possible.

Visa requirements and deadlines vary depending on the location and length of stay. Please contact the AIFS Abroad Program Advisor or Program Manager upon acceptance to the program for more information.

A passport number and expiration date are needed for each visa application, so it is essential participants have valid passports with at least six month left before expiration and two blank pages well in advance and meet enrollment deadlines. 

Participants should contact their doctor or Board of Health and the CDC Traveller’s Health to see if immunizations are needed in an effort to keep our participants, staff, and host communities safe. 

Participants should regard themselves as informal ambassadors of the U.S. during their stay abroad. People from other countries base their opinion of the U.S. on the way American participants and visitors behave. The excellent relations AIFS Abroad enjoys with its associated universities are based on the high regard the universities have for AIFS Abroad participants who have studied with them previously. Future participants are expected to live up to this reputation. AIFS Abroad reserves the right to communicate with participants’ home institutions and/or parents on matters related to participant behavior, health, safety or academic performance.

All participants on AIFS Abroad programs are held to academic and behavioral standards that are outlined in our Terms and Conditions and enrolled participants will agree to a Code of Conduct.