
Sarah Preston
School the World
AlumniAs a high school student, there were not many opportunities to travel to a new place, experience a different culture, and step outside of my comfort z...
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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
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GoEco offers more than 60 wildlife and animal conservation volunteer opportunities and internships worldwide! Our programs focus on the welfare and conservation of various species, both wildlife and domestic animals. We offer volunteer opportunities and internships at wildlife rescue centers, wildli
See All 8 ProgramsGo Abroad China Ltd.
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Go Abroad China’s High School Chinese Language Immersion Program is designed for international students aged 13–18 who want to learn Chinese in China while experiencing authentic Chinese culture in a safe and supportive environment. Students can choose from University Chinese Language Programs, Sm
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Our “High School in Spain” program lets you study at a top-quality Spanish high school in one of Seville’s most vibrant neighborhoods. You’ll live with a carefully selected host family, enjoy cultural activities and excursions, and have the full support of a locally based team. With an office right
Smart Schools International
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Smart Schools International (SSI) offers students around the world the opportunity to earn an accredited U.S. high school diploma entirely online. Designed for global learners, SSI provides a flexible, self-paced academic experience that allows students to complete U.S. coursework from their home co
Nacel Educational Travel
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Study in a Canadian high school and live with a host family for real immersion in English, organized by Nacel Educational Travel. For students aged 14 to 17, choose a short stay (about 4 to 16 weeks), a semester (fall or spring), or a full academic year (August to June). Placements are in public or
Academia Buenos Aires
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The Intensive Spanish Course at Academia Buenos Aires follows a proven curriculum — from Novice to Superior on the ACTFL scale — that has helped over 20,000 students build real-world Spanish skills. Classes start every Monday, and a placement assessment (oral and written) ensures each student joins
Our Generation Voluntary Organisation
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Join our medical volunteering/internship in Ghana for teenagers and gain work experience by shadowing doctors in a clinical setting. You’ll get involved in health checks during outreach campaigns. You’ll encounter various diseases and conditions, and learn to diagnose and treat them. This is a valua
Projects Abroad
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Nepal is a stunning land of snow-capped mountains, ancient temples, and vibrant traditions. As the home of Mount Everest and the majestic Himalayas, it is a destination that captures the heart of every traveler. By participating in our programs, you’ll go beyond the typical trek to immerse yourself
See All 2 ProgramsCulture Bridge Education gUG
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Starte jetzt eines der spannendsten Abenteuer deines Lebens und erlebe Spanien als High-School-Schüler! Tauche in den spanischen Schulalltag ein, verbessere deine Sprachkenntnisse und werde Teil einer herzlichen Gastfamilie. Entdecke lebendige Städte, beeindruckende Kultur, sonnige Strände und knüp
See All 4 ProgramsManuel Antonio Spanish School
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We provide regularly scheduled, private live Spanish sessions tailored to your proficiency level and language learning objectives. You can easily switch between learning Spanish in person and online, as the online curriculum progresses at the same pace as our in-person lessons. You will work throu
Margret Charitable Organisation
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My name is Moses, the director of Margret charitable organisation supporting orphans, vulnerable and disadvantaged children. I run the center that was founded by my lovely mother Margret who unfortunately passed away in January 2020 (RIP)! Our mission is to see orphans, vulnerable and disadvantaged
When choosing your destination for doing high school programs abroad for 1-2 years, there are quite a few things to consider, but most of all, consider the type of activity you want to concentrate on most during your highschool years, and go from there. Here are some great locations that might spark your interest:
Germany. Whether you want to become fluent in German, explore the German culture, study art, music, politics, history, or science, doing 1-2 years high school programs abroad in Germany can become the backbone to your bright future. Offering a great combo of 50% studying and 50% interning at a local company, you have the opportunity to apply what you’re learning in class in a real life working environment. Popular cities like Berlin, Stuttgart, Munich, Frankfurt or Dusseldorf, each with their unique differences and potentials, offer great high school abroad programs for young, ambitious teenagers just like you.
England. If you’ve ever dreamed about attending college at Cambridge or Oxford, then doing high school programs abroad for 1-2 years in England will definitely help make your dream come true. Spending some of the most important part of your teenage years studying history, science, literature, or business in an open-minded society, surrounded by a variety of historical and cultural attractions, will make your high school experience highly educational and prosperous. Prestigious universities in cities like London, Oxford, Cambridge, Manchester, or Liverpool offer great high school academic programs for ambitious young teenagers who want to take learning to a different level.
Netherlands. Known as an open society, Netherlands is a great place to experience high school programs abroad for 1-2 years. This small but great country offers one of the best international atmospheres and communities, high quality education, a perfect combination between busy city life and quiet, peaceful, small country sides, and some of the happiest and most easy-going people in the world. If you happen to fall in love with the country (like many others have), you can continue your studies at prestigious schools in Maastricht, Amsterdam, or The Hague.
If you’re still not sure about how you want to spend your next 1-2 years of high school abroad, check out some of these popular activities that have inspired other students:
Student Exchange. If you were ever curious how it would be to experience being a high school student in a different country and having a different set of parents, this is your chance! Jump on a plane to France, and see how it is to have croissants or fresh salat for your school lunch. Be a “regular” student in a foreign country and immerse yourself in a new culture with a great student exchange program—high school has never been this exciting!
Language Immersion. If you want to become fluent in a second language, a language immersion program is a guaranteed way to success. By experiencing the everyday life, going to class with the local kids, mingling in the community and living like a local, and exploring the sights and learning the history, your language skills will skyrocket in no time.
Volunteer. If you’re a humanitarian and want to give back to the world, there are great high school volunteer programs that can help you do just that. From teaching English in Ghana, or building community centers in Cambodia, to helping conserve the wildlife in Thailand or Costa Rica, doing a volunteer program during high school is a great way to challenge yourself and develop your personal and professional skills while you serve the community.
Doing high school programs abroad for 1-2 years might seem like a long time at first, but once you are in the middle of it, you will never feel how fast time flies by. Give yourself the chance to expand your learning capabilities past the hallways of your high school, gain your independence from the loving arms of your parents, enhance your own perspective on life, and improve your personal and professional skills at a different level.
During such an experience, you will be able to understand your true self and narrow down your college major and future career; you will learn how to be capable of looking after yourself; and you will become more than just a tourist as you immerse yourself in a new culture and become fluent in the local language. Plus, you will make great new friends, family, and invaluable memories.
Doing a high school program abroad will not only make your resume shine, but it will help you gain confidence and a global perspective, grow your international network, and open up doors to prestigious colleges in your home country as well as overseas. Feed your travel craving early on and you will soon conquer the entire world!
Hear what past participants have to say about their experiences
I was hesitant to send my 16-year-old son, Matteo, halfway across the world for a month, but the GAC team was incredibly reassuring from the very first phone call. Any parent knows the anxiety of not being able to just drive over if something goes wrong, but their 24/7 local support genuinely put my mind at ease. Matteo was placed with a host family in Beijing who treated him like their own grandson. He called me every few days completely buzzing—not just about the Great Wall or the Forbidden City, but about the local street food and playing video games with his host brother to practice his Chinese. The morning classes must have been good because he actually came home being able to hold basic conversations, which is way more than he ever learned in his high school language classes here. It was a huge step for his independence, and he came back noticeably more confident and mature. If you are a nervous parent reading this, I can't recommend this program enough.

Our daughter had a beautiful experience, increased her Spanish proficiency a lot, and enjoyed the travel set up. Additional gems were the beloved team at Seville Abroad--Pepa, Ena, Chelo, and Ana, and her incredible host family. It was a transition for her to make from being an American to being an American in a Spanish High School. Her relationships in the High School did not really happen. Among the students in the Seville Abroad, connections and fun did happen. And with the real life, amazing host family. I did see a divide in attention between friends at the Seville Center and outside of the center. With the center being a comfort zone, that helped her adapt and slowed assimilation into Spanish culture. This is something that happens with many high school study programs. The trips, the outings, the dance, and Pepa, Ena, Chelo, and Ana, and her host family were standouts. If you can not tell, we enthusiastically recommend Seville Abroad for the High School Program!
I would 100% recommend this program. Not only can you become fluent in a second language, you learn the type of person you are and how to live independently. The trips we took with the people in the program were some of the most fun i’ve ever had and I have gained so many different perspectives on the world. Everyone of the Staff; Pepa, Ena, Ana, and Chelo are so nice and easy to talk too.
Our daughter had a lm incredible experience with Seville abroad for a semester in Seville. Her family was fantastic, the program staff are supportive and encouraging and really got to know our daughter as a person. While the regular connection with Americans was sometimes a barrier to fully immersing in Spanish life, it provided a deep safety net for social connection and friendship. The thing that most impressed us were the staff at Seville Abroad - they are truly incredible people who seem to always go the extra mile (kilometer!) for the students and their families. We feel so lucky to have found them.
I'm 17 and was nervous about spending 4 weeks in China without my parents. But honestly, it was incredible. My homestay family was so welcoming – my host mum packed me lunch every day. Mandarin classes were actually fun, not boring. We learned phrases we could use right away. Weekends we visited the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. I made friends from France, Germany, and Brazil. Came home speaking basic Mandarin and feeling way more confident. Already saving up to go back for a gap year. Highly recommend.

Our daughter spent an entire year with Seville Abroad, and we cannot speak highly enough about the program. Pepa and her team were excellent from the first contact my daughter made, answering all of our questions and meeting with us to discuss the various school placement options. She worked hard to match our daughter with a host family, and when an issue arose with the initial placement, she immediately addressed the situation and found a replacement host family for the remainder of the year - the transition couldn’t have been smoother. Seville Abroad provides wonderful opportunities for the students to travel both within and outside of Spain, as well as language and cultural immersion opportunities in Seville itself, forging strong bonds among the students participating in the program. Our daughter returned to us happy, confident, mature and incredibly independent (not to mention nearly fluent in Spanish). So grateful that she had this opportunity!

“Thank you Lisa for everything. I am currently at my layover in Toronto and I am leaving for Germany in an hour. Thank you for the amazing time in Canada and all the organization. I really enjoyed my trip here and i am so sad to leave. But at least i have these amazing memories and a lot of new connections to people from all over the world. That all would not have been possible without you and i am so grateful for you and that you pour your whole heart into the kids experiences in Canada. Thank you so much!!” Aylin - Germany

I am truly grateful for my experience at SMART Schools International. The supportive teachers and engaging curriculum helped me grow academically and personally. I was able to improve my skills, build confidence, and feel motivated every day. The online learning system is well-organized, interactive, and easy to follow. I especially appreciate the care and dedication shown by the staff toward every student, making it feel like a real school community even though it’s online. Thank you, SMART Schools International, for your commitment to quality education and for supporting students like me throughout our journey!
My experience with Smart Schools International’s online program has been truly rewarding. Despite the distance, the support from the staff and instructors was exceptional from day one. The curriculum is highly interactive and engaging, providing practical skills that go far beyond traditional learning methods. I especially appreciated the flexibility of the platform and the opportunity to connect with students from all over the world in a global virtual classroom. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking for a high-quality, flexible, and well-organized online education.
Hi, I'm an 11th-grade student at SSI. Although I joined Smart Schools International (SSI) only a few months ago, it has already turned out to be one of my best decisions. It is a place I sincerely and highly recommend to any student willing to learn! Whether due challenges, responsibilities, or limitations beyond their control, Many students lose access to education. What makes this school special is that it provides an opportunity for students anywhere in the world to continue their education through an officially recognized, standard and structured academic system ensuring learning remains available to those who are willing to study. As an online school, the learning system is easy to adapt to and well-organized. Here I listed my my thoughts and experiences about SSI: 1.The platform is student friendly, which allows students to study at their own pace and manage their schedules effectively. 2.The Flexibility is a major strength; students can study anytime and anywhere, fitting their education around their llives. 3.The teaching approach is clear, with topics explained step by step. For me Learning feels like solving a puzzle piece by piece; it makes complex topics interesting and fun to learn rather than overwhelming. 4.Assignments, exams, and quizzes are designed in way that reinforce learning rather than creating stress. I have personally learned many key points from them. 5.Teachers and staff provide consistent care and support. Each student is assigned a proctor who regularly checks in and offers encouragement. For example my proctor, Ms. Laura Payne, has been incredibly supportive, ensuring I feel noticed and motivated throughout my studies. Overall, SSI offers a supportive and inclusive environment that truly adapts to student needs. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to study here and hope my experience helps other students seeking a reliable educational option.
This online school offers a smooth and effective learning experience. The website is easy to use, and all lessons are well organized, making it simple to stay on track. The recorded video lessons are clear, informative, and helpful for understanding topics without pressure. Studying through videos allows me to learn independently and manage my time better. I can review lessons whenever needed, which really helps with revision and confidence. The teaching style is straightforward and student-friendly, making learning from home comfortable. Overall, this online school is a reliable choice for students who prefer flexible, video-based education. It provides quality learning in a calm and supportive way.
For me SSI is the best choice for studying because they provide the best studying material for their students, they are responsive, and communicate the best way they can, and thats a very effictive way for reaching to their students and help them understand better, especially for someone such as myself who is studying online from abroad the SSI has provided the best studying enviroment for me.
I just finished my first year at smarts school international Online, and I can honestly say I've never learned this well before. The traditional classroom setting never quite clicked for me, but this self-paced program was a complete game-changer. The biggest difference was the shift in my own mindset. It stopped feeling like a chore—"I have to do this assignment"—and started feeling like curiosity-driven exploration. When a topic grabbed my interest, I could dive deep immediately, following my own "oh, I'm curious, let's find answers" instinct without waiting for a bell to ring or a class to move on. I was learning for me, not just for a grade. A fantastic example was the science curriculum. I didn't just read about experiments; I got to actually write detailed lab reports from scratch, which taught me how scientific thinking is really communicated. Even more surprisingly, I performed virtual lab experiments right on my laptop. Using interactive simulations, I could practice procedures, manipulate variables, and see the results in real-time. It was hands-on learning in a digital space, and it made complex concepts stick in a way a textbook diagram never could. This experience showed me that education can be flexible, engaging, and truly built around how I learn best. I gained academic skills and a newfound confidence in my own ability to seek out knowledge. If you're a self-motivated student who craves a more personal and explorational learning journey, I couldn't recommend this more. Pros: · Self-paced structure fuels curiosity and deep learning · Engaging, modern curriculum (loved the virtual labs!) · Develops real-world skills like scientific writing · Freedom to explore topics of interest in-depth Cons: · Requires strong self-discipline and time management · Not the traditional "social" school experience (but clubs & forums help!) Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Graduating from Smart Schools International has been an amazing experience. The flexible online setup allowed me to manage my time easily while still receiving a quality American education. The lessons were clear, and the teachers were always supportive and quick to help whenever I needed guidance. SSI didn’t just help me finish high school—it boosted my confidence and prepared me for college and future opportunities. I’m proud to be an SSI graduate and highly recommend the program.
Greetings - Our daughter attended both the Seville Abroad Summer Program (2023) and the High School Abroad program (2024/2025). We were really impressed by the Seville Abroad program in general and would definitely recommend it to others. Our daughter loved both of her experiences and the time that she spent living and studying in Spain. The program includes a variety of incredible experiences including living with a host family, attending a local high school, and traveling both regionally in Spain, as well as around Europe and North Africa. Our daughter really enjoyed the structure of the program and the opportunity to develop new friendships, both with local teenagers, as well as with other students associated with the Seville Abroad program. Additionally, our daughter benefited from the multitude of oppotunities to immerse herself in new culture experiences and to improve her Spanish language skills. We loved the experience so much that we are currently exploring the opportunity to have our son attend the program as well. In conclusion, we would be remiss without making mention of the Seville Abroad staff (Pepa, Chelo, et al.) for the care that they put into the program and towards curating a positive and dynamic immersive experience for all of the students. With that said, thank you for everything that you do on behalf of the Seville Abroad program and for providing this opportunity for students to broaden their horizons and unlock new potential.
My. Daughter attended Seville Abroad 2024 to 2025 Grade 12. She had an amazing experience both culturally and educational. The Organizers are amazing and responsive to any issues. They are nurturing and attentive. Her placement with her host familly was great. There were many outings and trips organized which allowed bonding among the group as well as immersion into the Spanish culture. It was definitely an amazing life experience. Seville is a very safe city. And easy to get around. My daughter came back speaking Spanish quite fluently. She did not speak Spanish before. I would recommend this program for the experience.. you will not be disappointed with the Orgsnizers. They are all truly wonderful individuals and treat their group l like familly.
Our daughter had the most incredible experience through this exchange program — one that went far beyond learning a new language or exploring a different culture. From the very start, we felt completely supported by the wonderful team behind the program. Their dedication, professionalism, and genuine care made all the difference. They were always available, attentive, and truly committed to making sure everything went smoothly for both the students and their families. Equally remarkable was the host family, who welcomed our daughter with open arms and hearts. She wasn’t just a visitor — she became part of their family. She was cared for, loved, and included in every aspect of their daily life. It gave us, as parents, immense peace of mind knowing that she was surrounded by kindness, warmth, and support at all times. What stands out most from this experience are the deep, meaningful relationships our daughter created — with her host family, with friends, and with the wonderful people who run the program. These are connections that will stay with her for a lifetime. As parents, we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Watching our daughter grow, gain confidence, embrace new challenges, and expand her understanding of the world has been truly rewarding. We are deeply grateful to both her amazing host family and the dedicated team behind the program. This is an experience that enriches the life of any young person and leaves a lasting impact on everyone involved. We wholeheartedly recommend it to any family considering it.
Our daughter participated in an exchange program in Sevilla, and we couldn't be happier with her experience. The program was well organized, providing her with the support and structure she needed to thrive in a new environment. Her host family was warm and welcoming, making her feel like a true member of their home. Sevilla itself is a stunning city, rich in culture, history, and vibrant life—she loved exploring its beautiful streets and sampling the local cuisine. We’ve seen personal growth in our daughter since her return to Norway. She’s gained confidence, independence, and a broader perspective on the world. This program not only enriched her academically but also helped her develop important life skills. We highly recommend this exchange to any family considering an international experience for their child. We can recommend «Sevilla Abroad»
We were looking for a program for our 11th grade son. The search immediately got really overwhelming! There seem to be an infinite number of options. What made us look at Seville Abroad was the fact that they are not an intermediary with multiple programs (sub-contracts) around the world. The people we email or call are the SAME people that work with host families, run the office in Seville, and interact with our son. It was very comforting to know that the Seville Abroad team got to know our son. They chose a perfect host family for him, and were very attentive throughout the year. Seville Abroad had very thoughtful programming within Spain. This includes a great office where our son could stop by for any extra help with school, Spanish, etc. or just to hang out. They presented a lot of optional trips that were a great way to connect our son with the other exchange students. Our son developed really wonderful relationships with the staff of Seville Abroad. Pepa and her team are passionate about their program, the city of Seville, and the idea of creating these experiences for youth. Our family recommends them without any hesitation. They provide incredibly personalized support and our son had a transformational experience thanks to them.
Our daughter attended the Seville Abroad foreign exchange program for a semester, and it was truly a life-changing experience. She not only had the opportunity to immerse herself in Spanish culture, but also made wonderful, lasting friendships. The program provided a supportive and enriching environment where she learned, grew, and excelled both academically and personally. We’re so grateful for everything Seville Abroad made possible!
Alumni and staff share what it's really like to go abroad

Sarah Preston
School the World
AlumniAs a high school student, there were not many opportunities to travel to a new place, experience a different culture, and step outside of my comfort z...
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Lowa-Joe Hobeiche
ISSOS International
AlumniWhat inspired me to go abroad was the desire to step out of my comfort zone and discover a world beyond what I was used to. I wanted to meet new peopl...
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Sandra Monk
Youth For Understanding (YFU)
AlumniI wanted to experience a culture that contrasted with our own and have the opportunity to learn firsthand about that culture and language.
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Brittany Hall
Oui-Connect
AlumniI love the French culture and the language, but I was having a hard time speaking it even after taking French class in school. I could read it fairly ...
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Megan Frye
AFS-USA
AlumniMy mother went abroad with AFS when she was my age, and I grew up hearing stories and listening to her read me some children's books in Danish. I've a...
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Selina Ranade
AFS-USA
AlumniI have a lot of family who live abroad, specifically one who goes to uni in Amsterdam. After being confined to my home for two years due to Covid-19 m...
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Reilly Klug
World Class Programs
AlumniDerek Tano, co-owner of World Class Programs, was a past teacher of mine and the previous head coach of the speech team at my school. He is an excepti...
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Grace Fogle
Nacel Educational Travel
AlumniMy mother traveled abroad in high school and felt this would be a great experience for me to immerse myself in the Spanish language and experience bei...
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Kate Ilumin
The Experiment in International Living
AlumniI love to travel and experience other cultures. I have traveled to the Philippines to see my family and experience Filipino culture. I used to live in...
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Cecilia Daniele
Global Works
AlumniI went to Costa Rica last year with SPI for two weeks and I knew I wanted to help the world and improve my Spanish.
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Evelina Ogro
Travel For Teens
AlumniBoth of my parents are from Europe, so I’ve always had a desire to see Europe, but no one my age to go with.
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Juliana Ferrer
Outward Bound Costa Rica
AlumniI was inspired by my love of adventure and I wanted to have a chance to step out of my comfort zone.
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Miranda Lozano
University of Dallas
AlumniBEST DECISION EVER. I knew I always wanted to travel, but I did not know how it was going to be accomplished until I came across the University of Dal...
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Sofia Casale
Travel For Teens
AlumniI've always had a passion for traveling and dreamed about going overseas. Last winter I was planning out my summer and stumbled upon TFT and immediate...
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Natalie Finfer
Travel For Teens
AlumniI've never traveled out of North America and really wanted to see new places in the world with new people.
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Olivia Haan 2017
Travel For Teens
AlumniI have always loved traveling and learning about new people and cultures. I have traveled with this company before and had an amazing experience so wh...
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Nataleena Daily
Travel For Teens
AlumniWhen I was younger I had gone overseas to Europe and really enjoyed being immersed in a different culture and meeting new people which inspired me to ...
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Jaden Nogee
Travel For Teens
AlumniIt has always been a dream of mine to travel to Australia. I have always been fascinated with that country. I decided one year to begin saving up to t...
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Grace Crema
ARCC Programs
AlumniI've always wanted to travel and I found asian culture interesting. I wanted to experience it for myself. Also my school didn't offer a service trip t...
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Jeremias Figueroa
The Experiment in International Living
AlumniI got inspired to go abroad because I wanted to expand my worldview and I am deeply interested in seeing the politics/international relations of a cou...
Read Full InterviewExplore the destinations and program types travelers search for most
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