Location varies by program • Fall, Spring, or Summer
What is an Individualized Study Abroad Program?
This external program type allows you to study abroad and transfer credit to ArtCenter to fulfill major and/or H&S requirements with approval. You may also use state/federal aid if you are eligible through FAFSA.
What is AIFS?
AIFS Abroad is a study abroad and internship provider with programs in destinations worldwide, offering study, internships, or both in areas including art, design, fashion, film, business, humanities, and language.
AIFS provides dedicated on-site support, cultural experiences, and 24/7 emergency assistance.
How to Apply
Step 1 — Submit application to ArtCenter Global Programs portal
Step 2 — Once approved by Global Programs, apply directly to the AIFS program
Step 3 — Forward your study abroad program acceptance notification to Global Programs
For a detailed breakdown of the full process, visit this page.
Application Timelines
Submit ArtCenter Global Programs application by:
February 1 — Summer or Fall term abroad
September 1 — Spring term abroad
Study abroad program deadlines vary but are typically due one term prior to your term abroad. Check your program for exact deadlines.
Academics
Majors
Students of all majors are eligible to apply.
Credit
Transfer up to 15 credits to ArtCenter
Students seeking transfer credit must complete the course approval process with their department/H&S and ArtCenter’s Global Programs office.
Schedule
The start and end dates vary by program. Please refer to your program for exact dates.
Fall Term: End of August – mid-December
Spring Term: January – May
Summer Term: May - August
January Term: Early January to late January (about 2-3 weeks)
May Term: Early May to late May (about 3-4 weeks)
ELIGIBILITY
• Have completed at least one term at ArtCenter.
• Have at least one term remaining at ArtCenter after returning (to allow time for your credits to transfer).
• Must not have previously participated in an individualized program.
• Not be on academic or disciplinary probation at the time of application or participation.
• Ideally have a 3.0 GPA or above, but for AIFS, it depends on the host institution and the specific program.
If you are not sure if you meet all the minimum eligibility requirements, you are still welcome to apply.
COST
Administrative fee
Pay a $250 fee to ArtCenter’s Global Programs to confirm your participation.
Tuition
Participants in AIFS Abroad programs pay all tuition, housing, and program fees directly to AIFS. The cost varies by program. For more information, visit AIFS’s program page, select a program, and you’ll find the program’s costs, what’s included, and payment deadlines.
No ArtCenter tuition will be due for this program. Students take a leave of absence for the term.
Additional estimated expenses to consider
• Round-trip international airfare: up to $1,500 (approx)
• Passport: $135
• Visa (if required)
• Daily living expenses (meals, cellphone charges, toiletries, etc.): $50–$60 per day, varies by location and personal budget
Financial Aid
• ArtCenter institutional scholarships and grants are not available for this program.
• State and federal financial aid may be used if you are eligible through FAFSA and take a minimum of 12 credits towards your degree requirements.
• If using state/federal financial aid, ArtCenter’s Financial Aid Office must complete AIFS’s Financial Aid Information Form before your program’s payment deadline. Your deposit and fees must be paid on time, even if your aid arrives later.
• Review AIFS’s financial aid page for state/federal financial aid recipients.
• AIFS scholarship information is available on this page.
• Additional scholarships may be available from outside sources: artcenterstudyaway.com/pay-for-study-away
About The Program
AIFS Abroad has been helping college students study and intern abroad for more than 60 years. Programs run either at AIFS’s own Global Education Centers located in London, England, Salzburg, Austria, or Florence and Rome, Italy, or at partner universities around the world. With more than 100 programs in 19 countries, students can go for a few weeks or a full semester, and choose how they want to spend their time abroad:
• Study Abroad – Take classes at a university or AIFS center abroad and earn credit towards your degree.
• Study + Travel – Take a course while traveling between several cities or countries, such as London, Paris, and Rome.
• Study + Internship – Take classes and intern at a company abroad in the same program.
• Full-Time Internship – Work full-time at a company abroad and gain real work experience in one of 40+ career fields.
• Virtual Internship – Intern for an international company online, from home.
If you are interested in an internship option, please reach out to the Creative Careers office.
Learn More
AIFS website - Information about programs, destinations, housing, and student support.
Find AIFS programs - Filter by term, destination, program type, and area of study.
Search AIFS courses - Browse the courses offered abroad. Useful for planning which credits count toward your degree.
AIFS Scholarships & Grants - Funding options and deadlines.
AIFS FAQ page - Common questions about costs, housing, travel, and more.
AIFS Health, Safety & Culture - Support and resources while you’re abroad.
AIFS Policies - Eligibility, deadlines, payments, refunds, and credit transfer.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Use our online calendar to schedule an appointment!