Teens of Color Abroad

I would say this summer is for sure one of the best summers i’ve ever had. The amount of connections that were made during this program and people i’ve met has changed me a a lot and given me a better way to look at things. The entire Toca team was absolutely amazing also I appreciate them so much

This program was an amazing experience and gave me the chance to travel to Spain while improving my Spanish. Living with a host family helped me learn about the culture, and the classes were fun, interactive, and easy to follow. I also enjoyed exploring different cities and trying new foods with the group. Overall, I would definitely recommend this program to anyone looking to study abroad, meet new people, and create unforgettable memories.

As my first study abroad traveling opportunity it was such a beautiful experience. Having been able to do it with TOCA was wholesome. They are so accommodating + welcoming with any concerns! Grateful!

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My first time abroad was through TOCA, and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. My nerves were easily settled by the kind and understanding team that traveled with us. This trip was filled with fun activities along with amazing learning opportunities. From the organized activities to the individually planned hangouts, this trip is something I will never forget. I am extremely grateful I had the chance to experience this, and I hope future students have just as much fun!

At the start of the program I was skeptical of going abroad. I heard stories from other students who did TOCA on how it was a life-changing experience. At first I thought it was an over exaggeration. But as time went on during my time in France I realized I began to change wholeheartedly as a person. I started to see the world in a much more colorful way and realized that I had reached a state of nirvana where I felt at peace with myself. Wether it was painting, going out with friends, or even being alone. I felt comfortable in my own skin for the first time in my life. I highly recommend to take the leap of faith and take this opportunity.

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At first I was very hesitant on going abroad and meeting new people because I was an introvert I was very to myself until. I took this opportunity because deep down I knew I wouldn’t get the same opportunity again and I don’t regret it I am so thankful of this amazing opportunity. It had brought me to be more social and make new friends that will last. It had made me be more open minded and that it’s okay to take risks or take any opportunity that comes your way because you may never get the same opportunity again.

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My experience with TOCA was extremely memorable, and will stay with me for the rest of my life. The staff are so welcoming and kind, and do everything in their power to support every kid that attends the program. Their partnership with the Marchutz School in France provided students with an incredible opportunity to learn and study art, teaching skills that will continue to carry on.

The culture in Aix is unlike any other. Very very immersive and presents a lot to learn. I would love to go back and continue the experience. I loved the people there as they were some of the kindest and most open hearted.

This trip has been so eye opening and has been such a core memory. The homestay family that I stayed with was amazing! Additionally, the school was amazing and so kind and helpful! What I was taught here, I can’t learn anywhere else at this age. It’s so astonishing I got to go there for two weeks! It’s been such an amazing time and I definitely recommend. Additionally, they kept my mom informed! Definitely parent and kid friendly alike. Loved the opportunity!

I think TOCA in France and the memories i’ve made are something that’ll stick with me forever. The people I met and the things I got to see were breathtaking, i’m forever thankful and i’m so glad for TOCA.

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Firstly, thank you TOCA for giving us this experience to travel across the world and learn a whole new culture. I had a blast and would absolutely recommend to other kids who are interested in traveling the world as well. My favorite part was definitely the surfing because I learned a new skill and I basically mastered it heh 😎 But in all seriousness, I was not expecting to get this close with people that I barely knew. Now these people are basically family! 10/10 program, once again thank you TOCA!

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During my time in Spain I had some of the most unforgettable experiences, that I will forever cherish. Having the opportunity to learn abroad and just experience a whole new atmosphere has been a true blessing. TOCA was a second family and home to me, the staff were amazing they always took care of all of us and looked out for every single one of us, the students were all inclusive there wasn't anyone who was left out. Classes were also very interactive and full of joyful memories. My teacher Dani was an amazing person, he made sure to answer all our questions and he never had a problem with repeating himself if we didn't understand. My host Mom was a caring soul as well, she always asked if we were okay and she always made sure to check up on us. Being in Spain this summer, has changed my perspective on everything. I really enjoyed my time and if I had the chance to do it again I definitely would without a second thought.

This entire experience was something new for me in many different ways. I have been away from my parents while overseas before, but this time I was surrounded by teenagers my age who were all from a different state from me. Despite some of our differences, the group I was with was filled with wonderful people who I hope to stay connected with. My first real day with my group, I was able to talk deeply with four of my roomates about how they felt about the program so far. Just having those meaningful little conversations during the trip let us all bond very quickly, and allowed me to have a greater understanding about the minds of people. There was a lot of reflecting and fun that happened during the trip, so I would definitely reccomend this program to anyone who has not traveled before. The entire trip was something to remember, as I got to really bond and hear stories about life from New York.

As these 15 days in Spain have come to an end, I am beginning to see the major difference in environments between New York and Sevilla, for example the streets are significantly cleaner with a more humble atmosphere, as I had my own walks and journey's in Sevilla I've realized that the world can hold so much peace, it really just depends on where you are and how you take it. Traveling with strangers and becoming friends with them has helped me understand opinions different from my own such as believing wether or not England deserved to be knocked out (they didn't btw) of going to the finals. Overall I believe that I learnt much from TOCA, the trip leaders, my friends I've made and my roommates as well as the minor interactions I've had with the spaniards. Once again I am extremely grateful for being able to participate in this program and I hope everyone lives life to the fullest.

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Being a part of TOCA has been nigh life changing. The encouragement and feedback I received from both staff and peers alike has led to an almost drastic development in how I perceive people in society and how we interact, directly contributing to a a greater life satisfaction as I continue to hunt for meaning with every exchange. Outside my cohort, my stay with my host family was also phenomenal; the level of independence and trust that they gave me has greatly contributed to an increase in my overall confidence, especially because they also sought to engage with me in a way that fostered learning Spanish; they never once lost interest in our conversations because I struggled to understand them. All in all, I would recommend TOCA to anyone interested in studying abroad, and would encourage them to push themselves, even if only a little, to benefit most from the program.

This program has solidified my desire to study abroad! Summer 2026 will always be remembered as the summer I had an incredible study abroad experience in Seville, Spain, with TOCA and MundoLengua.My homestay family was the highlight of my experience. I enjoyed traditional Spanish cuisine, a safe and clean environment, and the feeling of being a true member of their family. My class time was also surprisingly enjoyable. As someone who hasn't had the best experience learning another language, this program completely changed my perspective. Daniel was an amazing teacher who knew how to keep the class engaged and full of energy. Even as a non-Spanish-speaking student placed in the advanced class, I never felt lost during his lessons.Our tour guides, Martha and Marcos, were incredibly knowledgeable, and you could tell they genuinely cared about making each experience meaningful. Every tour and excursion was interesting, and I never once felt bored. Overall, I would recommend this program to anyone who has never traveled abroad. It is a great way to begin your journey, immerse yourself in a new culture, and create unforgettable memories.

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Being a part of TOCA has put a real soft spot in my heart because it was the greatest trip I ever had in my life.It was so life changing with the staff, the people, and the tour guides that were apart of our journey.The food was amazing, our host families were ecstatic and loved our stay and it felt like I was apart of a group that really cared.Juan Alberto was a great teacher and I loved the way he taught Spanish because it was exciting,my past year of taking Spanish was very boring and mishandled and Juan make it come back to life.I met amazing people that I can call my 2nd family forever and I will be forever grateful of these individuals.TOCA will always be the greatest program I ever experienced in my life and I thank them so much for trusting me to come on this trip for 2 weeks.I will highly recommend this program for anyone that wants something to remember forever!

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Arriving to Spain, I came into the country with an okay amount of knowledge of the Spanish language; knowing how to conjugate some words, basic greetings and such on. I don't have a problem with reading nor writing- but my biggest problem was speaking. Being around people who know the language was intimating because what if I look like a fool? What if I'm too boring? What if I come out disrespectful? worries that trace in my mind. Meeting my homestay Mother, Macarena had those worries disappear; being opening and welcoming me to her home-she talked and talked about anything and everything during dinner. She also spoke about her experiences of speaking English and how she used to be shy speaking and how bad it was when she started. Something about that conversation over dinner, was very warming and reassuring to me; it made me realize that despite being from complete different places were all the same and were all human. Me and Macarena both share the experiences of being shy with speaking, and started off bad. And this moment pushed me out my comfort zone and now I'm somewhat of a pro at ordering my own food in Spanish.

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My name is Zayan and Toca really helped me experience what it means to be social, and to be a people person essentially. I got to talk to a lot of like minded individuals who aren’t exactly similar to me but still hold values and traits that make it very easy to connect and bond with people.

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I think I had a self-changing experience. I left timid, not wanting to really interact with others to the extent we share lifestyles. By the time the 2 weeks were up, I was loud and found my found family in TOCA. Although we never went into deep conversations such as trauma bonding, we shared enough to make a connection. I found who I am, an identity I struggled to find outside of school. I made lasting connections with people who have amazing dreams and goals. We all make each other want to do the best for ourselves and each other. I made friends with people whom I would never have met because of where we all live. Overall, this was the best experience I have ever had, and I couldn't have had this opportunity without TOCA. Oh yeah, this was my first time traveling and doing most of the activities planned, so it was really fun for my first time in anything.

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