Reviews

Review Details

• Review fromRita M

  Date: 09/05/2024

  1 star

  Rita M

  Date: 09/05/2024

  While participating in SBCC Study Abroad Paris 2024, AIFS did not fulfill their agreement and terms of services to be provided to student via homestay host and sanitary environment. On my initial request my only concern was for a clean environment, so it was with great shock to discover that the homestay kitchen was teaming with cockroaches. I even sent photo to AIFS with proof of the cockroach incrusted stove front. Upon arrival the host made it known that they were not to contact via phone or email. I was told to use as little electricity as possible, due to the war in Ukraine? There was to be daily breakfast, laundry service, bed linen changed, and cleaning service, however it was clear that the host would be providing little to none of the promised services. To help I purchased cleaning product and broom for kitchen. The bedlinen was not changed the entire month. AIFS representative in Paris lied as to not having known of poor unsanitary homestay until last few days. I also reported concern to teachers and fellow students. No one from AIFS spoke to me directly, instead they spoke glowingly of the host. In response to my very serious complaint, Matt Cl***** Program Manager of AIFS writes, " Again, we are very sorry that your housing experience detracted from your study abroad program, but do hope that your stay in Paris was otherwise enriching and fulfilling". He lacked the sensitivity to comprend I'd been traumatized within a homestay that they approved based on its surface appearance. AIFS put the blame on me for what they refer to as the timeliness of my complaint. When is it too late to report abuse? I told those who should have had my safety and comfort at the forefront. Yet, how is it that AIFS is not negligent in not throughly checking in on students upon their initial arrival, only providing a questionnaire a few days prior to departure. Due to AIFS negligence, I've requested a refund due to emotional damage and lack of concern for my well being.

  American Institute For Foreign Study, Inc.

  Date: 09/18/2024

  AIFS has reached out to the customer by email and phone and is working hard to resolve her various concerns in keeping with the program terms and conditions.

• Review fromWalls A

  Date: 01/19/2024

  1 star
  I hosted with AYA (Academic Year in America) for 2 years. My local coordinator (LC) was very nice but far too busy and too far away to actually be readily available and helpful with the students. I had an issue come up with a student this year that needed immediate attention. Instead it was put off for several days because the LC lived 2 hours away. During those days, the situation quickly escalated and got completely put of hand. I tried to reach out to the corporate office several times and was ignored for several days even though they claim to have someone to assist 24/7. Due to the false accusations made by the student in Aug 2023, I had a foster child removed from my home and my license was on hold until they completed their investigation. All of the accusations were proved 100% FALSE. The student received no true repercussions for their actions. Multiple AYA rules of conduct were broken that could lead to the student being sent home, but nothing happened. She was moved multiple times to other families and then in December 2023 she had her parents send for her to come home. I never heard back from the agency with an apology or anything. They sided strictly with the student with no regards to my family and the damage it caused. I would not suggest hosting with them. There are many better and more supportive agencies out there.