High School Study Abroad in Pompeii, Italy

I had an amazing experience in Greece with MEI. All the teachers were genuinely interested in our wellbeing and making sure we all had an enjoyable experience. All the places that we stayed at were amazing and well set up and you could clearly see all the planning that went into our trip. Not once did I feel uneasy or unsafe. I can confidently say that I grew both as a student and a person on this trip. I actually really enjoyed all of our assignments and lessons and felt as though they really fit the places we were visiting. The people were great and I will cherish the memories that I made on this trip for many years to come!

My summer last year at MEI was amazing. I did the Odyssey program and it was the experience of a lifetime. I got to see historical sites and artifacts I never thought I'd be able to, made many new friends, and learned English from some of the best teachers I've ever had. I could notice how my writing considerably improved in a single month. The only piece of feedback I can think of is how I would find it useful if a tracking sheet with a list of assignments was provided beforehand so that I can budget my time wisely, even if the sheet is subject to change. I assumed that I had more time than I did and had to finish my procrastinated projects at the very end. I recognize that the procrastination is definitely on me but it could have been helpful to know how many assignments were left to spread the work out more evenly. Other than this one piece the organization and quality of my learning were outstanding. The accommodations were amazing everywhere, and the day was a perfect balance between learning, guided expeditions, and free time. I would strongly recommend MEI to any student looking for a fun, memorable and productive summer program.

Travel For teens was an astonishing program that was a joy to be on. The counselors that take you on the trip help make it even better than it is attending to everyone’s wants and needs making the program even more enjoyable. On top of that, you get to experience the diverse culture in a new place with new people. Overall, I look forward to this program each and every year as it’s such an amazing way to be able to experience the world.

I went to Italy and Greece through Travel For Teens and it was the most fun I've ever had. We got opportunities to see the most iconic landmarks ever, from the colosseum in Rome to the parthenon in Athens. I went into this trip not knowing anyone, and came out with friends and memories to last a lifetime. Our director and counselor were so helpful, making sure I was always having the best time. Having the memories of walking around the Amalfi Coast with new friends will stay with me forever. The different things we got to do through TFT were so cool and something I wouldn't get to to otherwise. We got to cruise down the Amalfi Coast in a private boat and take a private cooking class with the sweetest Greek woman in a small town. These memories are unforgettable and I'd recommend a TFT trip for anyone who has the chance.

Wow! This was such a great trip! I loved visiting Greece and Italy! I was very impressed with both Travel For Teens as a company, and the experiences they put together as a trip. When it comes to the company, everyone was super easy to get ahold of and communicate with. Everyone I have emailed have been so kind and helpful. On top of that, I loved my counselors so much! This trip was for finishing grades 9 and 10. My counselors did a great job of not 'babying' us, while still being clear with their expectations. They could have real conversations with us, but also had clear rules when it came to things like safety and kindness. They were also adaptive and could listen to our opinions. For example, one day we were all exhausted after an amazing activity, then walked the 20 minutes to our hotel in the hot sun. We were supposed to leave again that evening, walk all the way back to town, and get dinner. Instead, they recognized that it had been a tiring day for all of us, so they ordered take-out Italian pizza and salads and we all ate together at the hotel overlooking the Mediterranean. We played games and all had a much better time than if we had walked back into town. Additionally, the food, activities, and accommodations throughout the trip were great. We were in Greece and Italy, so the food would be hard to mess up, but this trip brought me to some of the best, while still reasonably affordable, restaurants across these countries. Probably my favorite activity of this trip was the Greek cooking class. It was such a fun experience and the food was delicious. Most breakfasts were basic but satisfactory hotel buffets, lunches were on-the-go food- pizzas, gyros, gelato, etc., and dinners were more the time for an official Greek/Italian meal. My counselors always made sure we weren't hungry and would let us order more if we were. The activities were so fun too! I loved all the guided tours we went on, beaches we stopped at, boat rides, and just exploring the cities. The hotels we stayed at were also great. They were comfortable and felt safe, and were in walking distance of most activities and sites. When we did need transportation between cities throughout the trip, we took comfortable Coach buses. I loved my trip so much! It was such a fun experience that I would highly recommend! I will definitely be going on another TFT trip next year!

It is truly hard to describe just how much I loved this trip and just how much it meant to me. First of all, the staff turned the group international flight from something stressful to something easy and straight forward. As someone who finds flying quite difficult at times, I was so grateful. The first place we went to was Athens. We stayed in an air bnb a short walk away from the ruins of the Greek Agora and the Acropolis of Athens. From there we joined a cruise for a week, where we spent the days hopping between Thessaloniki, Ephesus, Heraklion, Santorini, Milos and Mykonos. We saw beautiful churches, ancient ruins, traditional rug making, and where the Venus statue was originally discovered. We even spent a whole day at the beach on Mykonos. We spent the last week in Naples and Rome seeing Herculaneum, Pompeii, the Vatican, and eating an immense amount of gelato to escape the heat. It truly was an incredible collection of adventures. The beautiful sights were wonderful, but at the end of the day the staff were what made this trip wonderful. The classes were interesting and genuinely got me more excited than any class ever has. I came away with a better understanding of ancient western architecture, art and culture as well as just plain history. It taught me that hands-on learning is what really works for me. I learned how to learn. Going to a foreign country with people you don't know beforehand is nerveracking. There is no way around it. Derek and the rest of the World Class Programs staff helped me and my family through every single step leading up to the trip. They got to know us, answered every question and soothed every worry we had. They laid out every step of the program beforehand and walked us through all the safety precautions. By the time the trip was around the corner, I was well prepared. The staff continued to be wonderful on the trip. They hit the perfect balance of keeping things fun and safe while also treating us like young adults. The gap between high school and college seems very big. I have to go from being entirely reliant on my family and community, to being mostly self sufficient. It's a big jump. What I love about World Class Programs is that they have helped college feel less daunting. Yes I got to take cool classes and see fun things, but I also learned what its like to live away from home. I learned how to live with roommates and how to manage my own time responsibly. I learned how and when to ask for help and that asking for help isn't always as scary as it once felt. On top of that, I learned basic skills like how to use a washer and dryer in a different country and how to manage language barriers. World Class Programs gave me an opportunity to work on important life skills and strengthen the ones I already have. Long story short, this has been the best summer of my life. It's been fun and exciting as well as educational and meaningful. I know this review is cheesy but I genuinely don’t know how else to describe how wonderful this program has been. If you are looking to see if a gap year program is for you, taking a step towards living on your own or simply want a fun summer adventure, this trip is really perfect. Thank you so much Derek and Ellen, and the rest of the World Class Program team.

The Greece and Italy trip was unforgettable! This was my first time studying abroad and my experience was amazing. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable on each of the subjects we studied. If the price seems steep just know that you get what you pay for; all meals are included on the trip including a sweet treats after dinner. The cruise we took on the second week was amazing and felt like a little vacation in between classes. I have nothing but good things to say about this trip let alone World Class Programs as a whole. If you are on the edge of picking this trip, I say do it! I had sooo much fun and made memories that will last a lifetime.

The Greece and Italy trip was unforgettable! This was my first time studying abroad and my experience was amazing. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable on each of the subjects we studied. If the price seems steep just know that you get what you pay for; all meals are included on the trip including a sweet treats after dinner. The cruise we took on the second week was amazing and felt like a little vacation in between classes. I have nothing but good things to say about this trip let alone World Class Programs as a whole. If you are on the edge of picking this trip, I say do it! I had sooo much fun and made memories that will last a lifetime.

World Class programs is truly an amazing and once in a lifetime experience. The staff care so much about the students and do everything in there power to ensure the students safety and that they have an amazing time. There really is no other program like it. This trip to Greece and Italy has been awesome! We got to see so many amazing things and make great memories that will last the rest of are life. If you are considering joining the program I would highly recommend that you do! You will have a amazing summer!

This was such a wonderful experience! This was my second year coming back which I didn’t expect to happen. I was hesitant to go at first because of the cruise portion which ended up being one of my favorite weeks. The friends you make along with the time and effort the staff put into this trip is so memorable! I had such an amazing time visiting the Greek islands, Turkey, Italy and the Vatican. The amount of information I was able to learn was astonishing, this was a trip well spent.

This was the best experience I could have ask for. This summer before college I wanted to spend doing something meaningful knowing that I would not have tons of opportunities to travel in the near future. This program is perfect for high schoolers or those who have just graduated that want a summer adventure in europe!! visiting 4 countries in 3 weeks is a deal whirlwind but in the best way possible. The best part for me was the week long cruise through the Greek islands especially because it was a great way to see history but also have some downtime to vacation and relax aboard the cruise. The cities we stayed in (Athens, Naples, and Rome) outside of the cruise gave so much history and knowledge of great ancient civilizations in europe. Overall this was the best way to spend my summer and it’s a trip I’ll remember forever !!

This is my 3rd trip with World Class Programs!! I did Florence and Japan last year and I loved them so much I had to come back for another one!! All three programs have been incredible and the perfect experience for a teenager wanting the study abroad. The staff is absolutely wonderful and are not just staff but also friends. Each day has a planned out itinerary and you get to see something new each and everyday! This year I did the Greece and Western Civilization trip and it was by far my favorite!! We went to Greece including Athens and multiple Greek islands, Turkey, and ended in Italy. The cruise through the Greek islands was definitely my favorite part of the trip and definitely worth every penny. Unlike most study abroad programs World Class Programs gives you the student a more personal experience rather than just another name on a sheet. You get to know the area you are in and you make so many new friends. Many of which I still keep in contact with and I grew so close with them!! I have felt safe on all trips and there are good boundaries of where you can and cannot go. I would recommend this program to anyone looking for a study abroad program that is not totally throwing you on your own but the student will definitely get a more sense of self but still feel protected. I recommend this for the travel type that wants a summer adventure, the trips duration is the perfect amount in my opinion and really lets you see the country without being too much or too overbearing. The food is amazing and the staff does a great job at making sure your pallet is satisfied. Trust me and sign up because you will have an amazing experience and it is definitely worth every penny!!

World Class Programs was such an eye opening experience, and I 100% recommend it to people who are super adventurous, and like a nice mix of immersive and hands on learning and just fun and free time. I’ve learned so much not only about history and architecture, thanks to the interactive experience, but also a lot about culture. You’re able to see more history in one day than some people see in a lifetime. You’re going to be tired but it’s definitely worth it.

At first I was so nervous I had never been out of the country and I was going on this amazing trip all by myself without knowing anyone before hand. I wasn't sure if I would get along with the people on my trip or even become friends with any of them, but I was so wrong about. Not only were the people on my trip amazing and are people I still currently stay connected with and travel with, but my counselors were also the best. When I went on this trip it was during the massive heat wave so there were somethings that we couldn't do but our amazing counselors on our trip helped us to make sure we had the best time and got the most out of our trip. Even though we couldn't do what we originally had plan they made sure we did things even better. When in Greece we couldn't do one of our activities because the heat was so bad but our counselors decided to take us to the barbie movie and it was amazing. The trip in it's self was amazing from the places we went and visited, the shopping we did, the food we got to try, the activities we did, and the way we embraced the different cultures. Not only did I leave the trip learning and trying things from different cultures I lefts with so many new friend and people who I will and do still constantly stay in contact with. Two of the people I met on this trip I had actually visited them a few months later and then we went on another TFT trip this past summer together. Not only will I never forget them and the others I met but I will also not forget all the counselors that I had on this trip and the others.

This TFT trip was one of the greatest experiences I have ever had in my life. It was my second time on a tft trip, and I loved every minute of it. The friends I met, including the counselors that went with us, were super chill about anything we might have needed during the entire trip. They had anything we might have needed to make the experience better. I even still follow 2 of my counselors on Instagram! I recently just hung out with one of my tft friends in NYC for her birthday, 2 months after the trip had ended. We often text and call, and she is one of the closest friends I’ve made. My favorite day of the trip, was when we went on the boats to go see Capri and go for a little swim. My friends and I took so many pictures, tanned in the sun, went into a town and got some lunch and dessert, and it was truly a magical experience.

My trip was a blissful experience, from the beautiful scenery to friendships that I built, I could never anticipated bonding so closely with the other travellers and leaders. We became like a little family together, we ate, laughed, learned, explored, and adventured together. From the water activities, to helping out the less fortunate, there were always opportunities to experience the finer things in life. Those memories I will hold close to my heart.

This was not my first travel abroad program, but it was my first year traveling through TFT. This organization was by far the most coordinated and well-rounded company I have ever traveled with. The service felt meaningful and important, though I wish I could've done even more. While we were doing service, I was able to interact with the children at Smile of the Child, help to organize a clothing drive, and learn more about Grecian life from a local boys and girls cub. The accommodations chosen were exactly what I had hoped- small and "quaint" hotels (as opposed to a hotel chain or resort). The trip leaders were very organized, and I felt extremely comfortable talking to them about things ranging from hopes for the future and social scenes back home. This trip allowed me to really explore what it's like to go abroad in an independent way, and it also allowed me to check several things off of my fantasy bucket list. In Greece I had the opportunity to go scuba diving for the first time, swim in the Mediterranean, snorkel through caves, and so much more. In Italy I was able to see some of the most amazing historical sights, such as the Pantheon, the Colosseum, Piazza Navona, and more! I would definitely recommend this trip for anyone who wants to have a well-rounded trip. I was able to see the tourist sights, help local communities, and make some of the best friends in my life. TFT definitely follows their motto- be a traveler, not a tourist.

Honestly this was one of the best trips ever. Besides the amazing food, I made friends for life and got to put work into Italy’s community. I loved volunteering along with all the adventures we went on.

Over summer I went on the Italy Service and Adventure trip with Travel for Teens and it was absolutely incredible. We volunteered at an Italian elementary school and a monastery during the beginning of the trip, and towards the end we took part in many fun activities. For example, we went to Vatican City, spent a day on a boat off the Amalfi Coast, and went to the island of Capri. Each day was a new adventure and I had some of the best experiences of my life on this trip! Even with all of these fun activities, the Italian food was by far the best part. TFT knew all of the amazing food spots and I will never again be satisfied by Italian food in America!

My time with TFT for this trip was splendid. I had great group leaders (Emma, Lydia and Alex), they were all very approachable and fun. The service work we did on the farm and with Smile of the Child was both rewarding and enjoyable. We visited amazing sights, such as Corfu's old fortress, exotic Grecian beaches, the Sorrento Coast, and the Colosseum. We learned a lot and had an incredible, unforgettable time doing it all.