Ever looked up a hotel on TripAdvisor to see if it’s legit? Considered NOT going to a restaurant because it’s online reviews were anything but impressive? Do you always look up movies on IMDB before ever stepping foot inside a theater?
Why wouldn’t you want to do the same when booking an international travel program?
Going abroad for a few weeks or months, let alone multiple years, comes with WAY more risks (and exponentially more rewards) than an overnight stay in your home country, lunch break down the street, or movie date (even if you really like him), so why would you want to choose anything less than the best?
That’s where GoAbroad comes in. Our trusted alumni reviews make it easy for you to see what past participants think of any program you're considering. But we wanted to take things one step further.
After evaluating each organization’s overall ratings and program reviews collected in 2015*, we developed the go-to-list of the “Best of the Best”, which means making travel plans for 2016 just got that much easier. All of the international organizations and programs listed below have shown the GoAbroad team, and more importantly their participants, that they are truly extraordinary across the board.
Start your search for an international study abroad, volunteer, internship, language immersion, high school, or teaching program in 2016 with one of our Top Rated Organizations & Programs of 2015 now!
Top Study Abroad Organization of 2015
The Education Abroad Network - 9.93
“Choosing The Education Abroad Network was one of the best decisions I have ever made! This program was beyond amazing, and exceeded all of my expectations! Not only were they there to help me and answer questions every step of the way while I prepared for my departure, but the staff that worked with myself and the other TEAN students while we were in our host country were amazing!” - Brittany, Auckland Program Alum
Notable Mentions:
- ISA - International Studies Abroad - 9.70
- LeadAbroad - 9.50
Top Internship Organization of 2015
Atlantis Project - 9.72
“I highly recommend all pre-health students to apply and experience the Atlantis Project fellowship. Traveling to this beautiful island, is already well worth the trip, but the experiences and insights you gain from the clinical observations will go a long way in preparing you for future endeavors.” - Galen, Portugal Internship Alum
Notable Mentions:
- The Intern Group - 9.66
- Volunteer Adventure Corps - 9.42
Top Volunteer Abroad Organization of 2015
GoEco - 9.59
“Go Eco is 100% reliable and prepared; my experience would not have been as rewarding if it wasn't for the company....The volunteering programs are incredible and if I had a chance to do it again, I would without a doubt! If you're going to volunteer abroad, go with GoEco!” - Denise, 2015 Alumni Volunteer
Notable Mentions:
- Volunteering with India - 9.53
- International Volunteer HQ - 9.52
Top TEFL Certification Organization of 2015
IBERO TEFL Institute Buenos Aires - 10.0
“I had a fantastic time at Ibero TEFL. This is the course I´ve been looking to start for a long time...I now feel more experienced and feel I can manage any class, at any English level of fluency. Thank you everyone at Ibero for all your help.” - Max, Certified TEFL Teacher
Notable Mentions:
- The Language House TEFL - 9.83
- Maximo Nivel - 9.8
Top Youth Travel Organization of 2015
The Experiment in International Living - 10.0
“The Experiment in International Living gives high school students a unique opportunity to become immersed in another culture, while building friendships with interesting, new people and learning things that aren't typically learned in schools...This truly was an amazing and unforgettable experience, and I definitely recommend this program to anyone who wants to try something new, throw themselves into a new culture, and learn tidbits of a new language and religion, all while having a whole lot of fun.” - Emily, Thailand Program Alum
Notable Mentions:
- Global Leadership Adventures - 9.86
- Sol Abroad - 9.25
Top Language School of 2015
Hokkaido Japanese Language School - 10.0
“There are no words to express how grateful I am for having spent the whole summer with this amazing group of people. This was the experience of my life and [Hokkaido] made it happen. I finally know where I want to go in my life and it's all thanks to the big family that JaLS is. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” - Catherine, Summer Program Alum
Notable Mentions:
Top Study Abroad Program of 2015
IES Abroad - Direct Enrollment Program in Sydney, Australia - 9.95
“From the moment I submitted my application, IES Abroad staff was by my side. They ensured I always knew what was going on and everyone I interacted with was friendly and helpful...If you're considering going abroad, you cannot go wrong with IES Abroad.” - Shannon, 2015 Program Alum
Notable Mentions:
- American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) - Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain - 9.8
- Sol Education Abroad - Study Abroad in Heredia, Costa Rica - 9.71
Top Internship Program of 2015
The Intern Group - International Internships in Hong Kong, China - 9.83
“Interning with The Intern Group is an amazing tool to leverage in your pursuit of any career. They open new doors in the areas you're working in. The staff, above all, have your best interests in mind and are willing to do anything to make your experience better.” - Alumni Interview with Shane Nelson, 2014 Program Participant
Notable Mentions:
- New Zealand Internships - Professional Internship - 9.80
- Atlantis Project - Hospital Internships in Spain and Portugal - 9.72
Top Volunteer Abroad Program of 2015
Vervet Monkey Foundation - Volunteer with Primates & Monkeys in South Africa - 10.0
“Living with the monkeys was one of the most magical things I have ever done. You really do feel like you make a difference. I would recommend the Vervet Monkey Foundation to anyone.” - James, 2015 Program Alumni
Notable Mentions:
- The Fuller Center for Housing - Building & Construction Volunteering in Nicaragua - 9.82
- Project Favela - Volunteer Work in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - 9.81
Top TEFL Certification Program of 2015
IBERO TEFL Buenos Aires - TEFL & Spanish Courses - 10.0
“All my teachers were excellent and made class fun as well as educational. The TEFL course has been intense, but rewarding. Thank you everyone at Ibero for all your help.” - Kendall, 2015 Program Alumni
Notable Mentions:
- TEFL Worldwide Prague - Accredited TEFL Courses in Prague, Czech Republic - 9.72
- Smaller Earth - TEFL Courses in Prague, Czech Republic - 9.69
Top Language School Program of 2015
Instituto Estelar Bilingüe - Spanish Immersion in Costa Rica - 10.0
“Spending two weeks in Costa Rica studying at Instituto Estelar Bilingue was an amazing and life-changing experience.” - Jeannette, 2015 Program Alumni
Notable Mentions:
- ImmerQi - Study Mandarin & Travel in Various Cities in China - 10.0
- Beijing International Chinese College - Chinese Language Classes in Beijing, China - 9.64
Curious who the competition beat for a spot on the list?
Start from scratch and search based on your individualized preferences to find the ideal provider and program for your meaningful travel adventure by visiting GoAbroad.com now!
*Selection Process: Our Top Ratings are based on weighted based on quantity of reviews collected and overall rating, as well as other measures as required. Only providers and programs with an overall rating of no less than 9.0 were considered. Reviews must have been submitted and approved on GoAbroad in 2015.
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