From the College Division

January 23, 2007

Dear Parent:

Welcome to the American Institute for Foreign Study.  We are pleased that your college student is considering AIFS for their study abroad experience.  They are to be applauded for recognizing the value and importance of developing a worldview, and we commend you for supporting their interest.  We believe that studying abroad is an investment in their future.  In the interdependent world in which we live, their success will depend to a great extent on an ability to thrive in a global environment. 

At AIFS we are concerned first and foremost about the safety of all our participants.  Together with providing a safe environment for international study, our goal is to provide your student with an academic program of the highest quality and an overall experience that will change the way they see the world.  We recognize that you will want to be assured that your student enrolls in the best study abroad program available, and therefore want you to know the following about AIFS:

• We have over 40 years of experience in the field of international educational exchange.
  
• We employ a staff of professional, full-time Program Coordinators, who are intimately familiar with our study abroad locations.  The networks that our Program Coordinators have established with local authorities, US Consulate and Embassy personnel and local resources helps to ensure the highest level of care, and the ability to respond to unexpected events, should they arise.
• Lectures and seminars on safety and security have been held on every AIFS campus to inform students and to keep them up to date on all issues. Current news items and bulletins are disseminated to all students as needed.
• We offer 24-hour emergency service—someone is always on duty in the U.S. and abroad—to help you with a problem.  Additionally, the most comprehensive emergency insurance program available is included for all participants.
  
• AIFS has the resources, stability and experience to respond to quickly and efficiently in the event of an emergency.
  
• AIFS uses established airline carriers such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Lufthansa and United Airlines to transport our students.

We rely on a variety of sources of information in choosing our study abroad locations, and when responding to events that might take place around the world.  These include the U.S. State Department, representatives from our overseas institutions, our own Program Coordinators and our London Office.  

As you work with them to prepare for their experience overseas we invite you to call or email us with any questions you may have. 

Sincerely,