History of AIFS

AIFS was founded by a trio of young professionals working together in brand management at Proctor & Gamble in the early 1960s. These young entrepreneurs took their inspiration for this innovative new business from an unlikely source: AIFS founder, Cyril Taylor's then girlfriend, now wife, Judy. A high school French teacher. Judy wanted to take her class on an educational trip to France. At the time, there were few companies that organized international study/travel programs. In 1964, Cyril Taylor and his partners left the security of their corporate jobs to form the American Institute for Foreign Study.

AIFS ended its first season of business with 1500 students and more than one million in revenue. Over the years, we have continued to increase both our reach and our scope. In 1967, AIFS created the AIFS Foundation with the assistance of one of our most visionary political leaders, the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy. In 1970, AIFS established Richmond, the American International University in London, a non-profit university with 1,000 full-time students from 100 countries.

Today, Sir Cyril Taylor continues to serve as AIFS Chairman.