Explore interviews with travelers, alumni, and staff from hundreds of programs.
GoAbroad interviews dive deep into the real stories of people who've studied, interned, volunteered, or traveled abroad on one of our 11,000 programs. From unforgettable adventures to honest advice, our interviews share what it's really like to go abroad. You'll also meet the staff behind the scenes—passionate people who make these programs possible and give each one its own unique vibe. Whether you're looking for inspiration or trying to choose the right path, our interviews will give you the insider scoop you can't find anywhere else.
After a financial disaster with a failed franchise venture, which led to my divorce after 25 years of marriage. I wanted to escape the UK, travel to parts of the world I had never visited, and do some useful environmental conservation work. I specifically wanted to go to Southeast Asia, an area that had fascinated me from an early age.
I was inspired to work with Volunteer Safari Initiative by my passion for tourism, conservation, and community empowerment. Through my experience in tourism, I realized that travel can be much more than visiting beautiful destinations—it can be a powerful tool for learning, creating connections, and making a positive difference.
I believe travel can be about much more than simply visiting beautiful places. I was inspired to work with the Volunteer Safari Initiative because I wanted to be part of something that allows people to experience Kenya’s incredible wildlife, culture, landscapes, and communities while also giving back to the places they visit.
One of my greatest passions began in childhood. As an Ecuadorian with half of my family from the United States, I loved bringing my American family to Ecuador and sharing my culture, people, and country with them.
I was inspired to go abroad because I wanted to gain international experience, improve my English, and learn from professionals in the hospitality industry.
My Compassion for the poor, reckless, disadvantaged, abandoned children from poor backgrounds, who suffer daily and remain in poverty without help, led me to form this organization to support them. From past suffering, we want to show compassion for all children.
I’ve always loved traveling, especially anywhere connected to the ocean. Throughout college, I worked during the school year so I could spend my breaks exploring new places.
What inspired me to work for CES Maastricht is the organization’s strong commitment to international education, cultural exchange, and creating meaningful experiences for students from around the world. I am particularly attracted to CES because it brings together people from diverse backgrounds and provides an environment where students can develop academically, personally, and culturally.
It's my passion and dream to travel, and I want to gain more experience in other countries and get connected to different countries and people as well, to learn more about volunteering abroad with different people in the same field, and to boost my confidence in volunteering and how to take risks in war zones.
I have always wanted to experience living in another country while developing skills that would help me in my future career. South Korea stood out to me because of its culture and global influence, especially in beauty.
I have always been a strong supporter of the Fulbright program and deeply believe in the value of educational and cultural exchange. During my years at the Franco-American (Fulbright) Commission, I began developing outreach initiatives with U.S. study abroad programs in Paris, and Middlebury regularly invited me to share information and meet with their students.
As a Colombian, I've always believed that my country has so much more to offer than many people expect. I wanted to help visitors experience the real Colombia—not just its beautiful landscapes, but also its people, culture, and communities.
I was inspired to go abroad because I wanted to move beyond traditional tourism and experience a country in a much deeper, more meaningful way. I had traveled before, but I always felt like something was missing—I wanted real connection with people, culture, and daily life, not just sightseeing.
As 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 zone. School the World immediately caught my attention because it combined my desire to explore the world with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
I was inspired to work for my organization because I wanted to make a meaningful impact on students during their time abroad. I’m passionate about helping students experience the best of Spain while growing academically, personally, and professionally.
I have always wanted to experience a culture from the inside rather than simply visiting as a tourist. After finishing an important period in my life, I felt it was the perfect moment to challenge myself, improve my Spanish, and discover a completely different environment.
I've always had a strong desire to explore the world, experience different cultures, and connect with people from all walks of life. After going through a difficult period in my life, I decided it was time to stop waiting and finally take the leap.
I always knew I wanted to go abroad at some point while I was in college, and the opportunity for me to go to Madrid and intern presented itself; I knew it was the right choice!
During the summer between my sophomore and junior year while studying for my BA in Secondary Education at SUNY Oswego, I attended the Oswego program in Madrid, Spain. That changed my life.
