About AIFS
Founded in 1964, the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS) is one of the oldest, largest and most respected cultural exchange organizations in the world. With global offices in 6 countries, AIFS facilitates cultural exchange programs for more than 50,000 traveling participants each year. AIFS programs include professional training, college study abroad, internships abroad, au pair placement, camp counselors and staff, high school study/travel and insurance services. Since 1964, more than 1.6 million individuals have participated in AIFS programs worldwide.
AIFS, an industry leader, has served as a J-1 visa sponsor for six decades. The organization is currently designated by the U.S. Department of State to sponsor J-1 visas in the following categories: Au Pair, Camp Counselor, Intern and Trainee.
AIFS Professional Pathways administers J-1 visa sponsorship for international Interns and Trainees pursing professional opportunities with multisector businesses across the U.S. This division of AIFS supports U.S. companies, immigration firms, universities, partners, students, and professional at all levels.
Professional Pathways Leadership
Shaina Katz, Vice President
Shaina has worked in professional and cultural exchange for 15 years, including overseeing and scaling J-1 Intern and Trainee Visa sponsorship programs for over a decade. With vast experience as a J-1 expert and federal Responsible Officer, Shaina has facilitated programs across all industries, with students and professionals from over 100 countries, and has served as a trusted partner to the most globally recognized companies, immigration firms, and international academic institutions. She understands the complexities of the U.S. immigration system, has a reputation for ensuring outstanding program and stakeholder compliance, and is eager to tailor partnerships to creatively meet the needs of businesses facilitating these talent development opportunities.
Shaina advises businesses and academic institutions on the J-1 Visa and approaches to developing robust training programs. She also coaches students and professionals on career readiness and the U.S. job application process.
Shaina holds master's degrees from American University's School of International Service in International Peace and Conflict Resolution, and from Clark University in Professional Communications.
Shaina volunteers as a career mentor for newly resettled refugees and with international peacebuilding non-profits looking to maximize their impact. She travels extensively and deeply believes in the transformative power of cultural exchange – for individuals of all ages and backgrounds – as the most effective tool for education, peace, innovation, and personal growth.
Shaina has worked in professional and cultural exchange for 15 years, including overseeing and scaling J-1 Intern and Trainee Visa sponsorship programs for over a decade. With vast experience as a J-1 expert and federal Responsible Officer, Shaina has facilitated programs across all industries, with students and professional from over 100 countries, and has served as a trusted partner to the most globally recognized companies, immigration firms, and international academic institutions. She understands the complexities of the U.S. immigration system, has a reputation for ensuring outstanding program and stakeholder compliance, and is eager to tailor partnerships to creatively meet the needs of businesses facilitating these talent development opportunities.
Shaina advises businesses and academic institutions on the J-1 Visa and approaches to developing robust training programs. She also coaches students and professionals on career readiness and the U.S. job application process.
Shaina holds master's degrees from American University's School of International Service in International Peace and Conflict Resolution, and from Clark University in Professional Communications.
Shaina volunteers as a career mentor for newly resettled refugees and with international peacebuilding non-profits looking to maximize their impact. She travels extensively and deeply believes in the transformative power of cultural exchange – for individuals of all ages and backgrounds – as the most effective tool for education, peace, innovation, and personal growth.
Nikola Milinkovic, Business Partner Manager
Nikola has committed his career to developing business relationships and optimizing performance, serving as a trusted expert bridging business needs with talent development opportunities. Nikola comes from the tech start-up industry, developing partnerships with global multi-sector companies and academic institutions. He has worked extensively across several industries in the areas of strategic organizational culture, recruitment, and talent development, including leading internship and early career programs for the United Nations. Throughout his work, Nikola has built meaningful relationships with executives, HR representatives, trainers, academics, and attorneys, providing solutions to increase the impact of their business and talent.
In addition to his business experience, Nikola has served as a performance psychology specialist in the professional sports sector (Women's Tennis Association and the Women's National Basketball Association), focusing on teamwork, culture building and performance. Nikola holds a master's degree in Counseling with a Sport and Performance Psychology focus from Boston University and a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Theater Arts from Clark University.
Nikola has traveled, lived, and worked in many countries. He is passionate about establishing relationships and mutual understanding, enhancing creativity, and personal growth through cultural exchange. He is a frequent speaker and a published author on career development, talent optimization, and reflections on his own immigration journey.
Nikola has committed his career to developing business relationships and optimizing performance, serving as a trusted expert bridging business needs with talent development opportunities. Nikola comes from the tech start-up industry, developing partnerships with global multi-sector companies and academic institutions. He has worked extensively across several industries in the areas of strategic organizational culture, recruitment, and talent development, including leading internship and early career programs for the United Nations. Throughout his work, Nikola has built meaningful relationships with executives, HR representatives, trainers, academics, and attorneys, providing solutions to increase the impact of their business and talent.
In addition to his business experience, Nikola has served as a performance psychology specialist in the professional sports sector (Women's Tennis Association and the Women's National Basketball Association), focusing on teamwork, culture building and performance. Nikola holds a master's degree in Counseling with a Sport and Performance Psychology focus from Boston University and a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Theater Arts from Clark University.
Nikola has traveled, lived, and worked in many countries. He is passionate about establishing relationships and mutual understanding, enhancing creativity, and personal growth through cultural exchange. He is a frequent speaker and a published author on career development, talent optimization, and reflections on his own immigration journey.