Reviews

Provider: Adelante Abroad

Program: Internships in Spain - Adelante Abroad

I went to do a Social Media Marketing internship in Barcelona back in summer 2023 for 3 months. I have never travelled abroad alone before so everything was very new to me. I got greeted by a very friendly driver who drove me to my apartment, and I was given resources as well on where my 2 week classes would be and where my job would be. The apartment building owner also showed me how to get a monthly transit pass which was quite useful. The internship itself was amazing. I worked with Freepackers and they were such an amazing company with a lot of great connections and outreach events. It was amazing being able to do social media posts for them and work on improving their outreach. My only downside was the accomodations. The first apartment building we were at was very unaccomodating to our schedules. If we wanted to have a night out, we would have to tell the owner of the building due to security measures and a security key he refused to give to us. So if we had an unexpected late night, we would have to wake him up. We did end up moving to another great apartment building but that owner told us we had to pay to have our rooms cleaned (ridiculous, and I definitely did not pay for that), and we could only wash our clothes once a week at a certain time. I just ended up using a laundromat because those timings were inconvenient for me. Then I ended up having to be moved to a new accomodation out of nowhere and it was in a smoker's house so I always smelt cigarettes. At that point I just gave up complaining about accomodations since I had 3 weeks left anyways. I did not make as many friends due to my job field having a lot more older people, and the language school didn't have many people my age unfortunately, so that was another minor downside. I managed though. Would I do this again though? Absolutely. Just wished I had a more better accomodation.

Provider: Molise Italian Studies

Program: Molise Italian Studies Summer Internship +

For my internship I was placed with Nazario Fania, a beekeeper and sole proprietor of his own business and tasked with assisting in social media strategy and other marketing analysis to add to his existing tactics. He had endless knowledge from his past in journalism and communications to teach me on top of enlightening me about beekeeping in the greater scheme of agriculture in the south of Italy—Molise, a region that even the Italians claim does not exist. Outside of that, my host family was super welcoming and introduced me to the entire town, took me on excursions to experience more local culture, and were my biggest supporters. I keep in touch with everyone to this day, and recently took my parents abroad for the first time to meet everyone.

Provider: Teach Explore Asia (XploreAsia)

Program: Xplore Thailand TEFL Program with Guaranteed Placement

My experience with Explore Asia in Thailand was nothing short of amazing! Looking back, I can honestly say that I enjoyed it even more than I had anticipated. I was placed in Thailand, and Explore Asia did a great job of matching my placement with the preferences I had shared in their initial enquiry form. However, my journey started with quite a bit of uncertainty. Initially, I was nervous about being scammed because I had been referred to Explore Asia by another travel agent I had contacted about teaching abroad. After several communications and an interview with the team, I began to feel more comfortable, although I still had some reservations. I even found myself worrying about things like human trafficking and being unknowingly drawn into illegal activities. Needless to say, I had quite a few fears before taking that leap! As my departure date approached, I started reading more reviews from other participants, which helped reassure me and build my excitement about exploring Thailand with Explore Asia. Eventually, I took the leap, and I am so glad I did. I have absolutely no regrets! One of the highlights of my experience was how smoothly everything was organised, especially as someone travelling to Thailand for the first time. From the airport pickup and accommodation to the orientation and eventual teaching placement, the logistics were well taken care of. It made settling into a new country much easier and allowed me to focus on enjoying the experience. What stood out to me most was that Explore Asia's support did not end once I was placed at my school. They continued supporting me throughout my stay in Thailand, which made a huge difference. Knowing that there was a team I could reach out to whenever I needed assistance gave me peace of mind. Beyond the teaching experience, one of my favourite parts was simply getting the opportunity to explore a new country, experience a different culture, meet new people, and create memories outside my comfort zone. Thailand gave me an experience I will always look back on fondly. Would I do it again? Absolutely! In fact, I am already considering another adventure, perhaps in Cambodia or Japan. This experience has awakened the explorer in me, and I have realised that there is so much more of the world I want to discover. If there is one thing I took away from this experience, it is that sometimes the best adventures begin when you overcome your fears and take a chance on something new. Thank you, Explore Asia, for making my Thailand adventure such a memorable one!

Provider: IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute

Program: IPBio Amazon Biodiversity Research Assistant

Participating in the Amazon Research Assistant program was everything I hoped it would be. While I met amazing people who were in or creating careers as biologists, my career background is different and my goal was to come and make a positive impact while getting to see sides of the Amazon forest that a random tourist may not see – best part is there is plenty of time on the weekends to see all that a tourist would see too! It also necessary to note that the area always felt quite safe – keeping common sense safety tips in mind and if any issues or troubles arouse the program staff were unbelievably fast to handle it completely – seriously within minutes the issues would be resolved. My only wish is that I was staying longer as the activities cycle and I would have like to repeat some of the activities both to see my own improvements and to get the chance to see some areas again!

Provider: studyTEFL

Program: Accredited 120-Hour TEFL/TESOL Course $29 with certificate

I am experienced as an English teacher for about 14 years but my next school told me to get certification. I chose this because it had a nice reputation and the price is very cheap. The units are well made with engaging text that you're able to open and close parts. Questions were many so I trusted the course.

Provider: International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

Program: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

I had a wonderful time volunteering with IVHQ in South Korea. I volunteered in a soup kitchen. I met amazing people from around the world and I learned about the amazing country of South Korea and its wonderful people.

Provider: Gapforce

Program: Marine Scientist Training Costa Rica

Costa Rica was one of the most meaningful and transformative experiences of my life. It was my first solo trip, and what started as an opportunity to travel and earn my Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, and Divemaster certifications became so much more than that. I made lifelong friends, immersed myself in a new culture, and discovered the beauty of living simply through my homestay experience. I loved being surrounded by the warmth of the local people, learning about their way of life, and experiencing a culture so different from my own. Everywhere I turned there was something new to appreciate. The incredible wildlife, vibrant marine ecosystems, and natural beauty made even the simplest days feel special. I spent much of my time diving, exploring beaches, discovering nature, and learning more about marine biology. I especially loved being able to turn my passion for the ocean into something meaningful by participating in beach and underwater cleanups, collecting marine debris, contributing to coral restoration projects, and gathering data to support conservation efforts. What made Costa Rica truly unforgettable, though, was the people. The friendships I formed, the kindness I experienced, and the sense of community I found made me feel connected to a place thousands of miles from home. Costa Rica taught me independence, adaptability, appreciation for simplicity, and the importance of protecting the natural world. I left with more than certifications and memories; I left with a deeper appreciation for different cultures, a stronger connection to the ocean, and a desire to continue exploring, learning, and making a positive impact wherever I go.

Provider: Amigos de las Américas

Program: DR: Sports, Culture & Community Transformation

My summer in the Dominican Republic was unlike anything I've ever done. It was a true immersion, and even though it is marketed that way, words cannot really relay to what extent it truly is. I lived with locals, like a local, and it was the most difficult thing I've ever done. AMIGOS gives volunteers ample training and briefing, and has very rigid safety guidelines that made me feel safe throughout. However, what made this experience so unique to me was how little my hand was held when it came to figuring out how to be a leader and create a meaningful experience for myself. It is up to you, the volunteer, to do this, and create your own motives and take your own initiative. AMIGOS set me up so well to do this. I've never felt like I've actually "grown" so much from an experience. I sincerely feel my outlook on life has changed—I appreciate smaller moments, and feel more perceptive to my surroundings. I feel humble and happy. But keep in mind the Immerse program model is not for the weak. To have a meaningful experience, you must be able to self-motivate, or at least be willing to learn how to self-motivate, when days can be long and difficult. The ultimate reward for me on this program were the smallest breakthroughs: understanding a conversation well, meeting a new person in the community, picking mangos from trees, or being toured around by children. I'd strongly recommend this program to anyone who wants to be changed.

Provider: AFS-USA

Program: AFS Intercultural Programs: High School Abroad in Germany

In 1965 we in the US had a negative view of Germans. Immersing myself in their language and world helped me see them as wonderful people, full of strength and resilience. I also learned a perspective from outside our own limited experience. AFS takes you to another level of humanity.

Provider: CGEE

Program: Decolonizing the Mind: Racial and Environmental Justice

The title of this review is the title of my integrative project. It summarizes my time in Namibia related to purpose driven learning. I’m grateful for meeting Namibians and making connections with them and for the connections in South Africa also. Living in the house with a bunch of entitled, racist, selfish white youth was a distraction, and I hope that the program will truly examine what “decolonizing” means. It’s currently hyper focused on the comfort of white youth. However, for those who really care about humanity, there is a world of opportunities for engaging with and supporting people who are fighting for justice and equality.

Provider: Spanish Express

Program: Live & Study Spanish at Your Teacher's Home

An Excellent Experience with Spanish Express I have had a wonderful experience with Spanish Express, and I would highly recommend the program, particularly to people in a similar situation to mine. I am 58 years old, recently partially retired, and an English speaker. Before joining the program, I had spent about a year studying Spanish by myself, mainly through self-study, but had virtually no experience speaking the language with other people. When I first arrived in Barcelona, I could barely speak any Spanish at all. It was literally my first experience having real conversations in Spanish. After four weeks with Spanish Express, however, I was genuinely surprised by how much progress I had made. I was able to have simple conversations with my Spanish hosts and, more importantly, with ordinary Spanish people in everyday situations. In Barcelona, I had formal lessons with Monica and Laura, both of whom were excellent. Laura helped me enormously with my pronunciation, correcting some of the habits I had developed from speaking English, while also strengthening my understanding of the basics. Monica introduced me to Barcelona’s culture through various excursions and visits, including a wonderful flamenco experience. These activities made learning Spanish much more enjoyable and gave me a deeper appreciation of Spanish culture. I then continued my experience in Valencia, where I stayed with my teacher, Pilar. She was absolutely amazing. Not only did we have plenty of formal lessons, but we also went on numerous excursions and spent a lot of time talking together in Spanish. This was particularly valuable because I was able to learn so many practical, everyday words and expressions that you simply don’t get from textbooks. Pilar was incredibly kind, patient and accommodating throughout my stay. She went out of her way to make sure all my needs were taken care of, and I always felt very welcome in her home. Her children were also lovely and a pleasure to spend time with. The whole homestay experience was genuinely special. Looking back, I feel that the combination of formal lessons, everyday conversations, cultural activities and living with Spanish-speaking teachers has made a tremendous difference. My grammar has improved considerably, and I have gone from being almost unable to speak to being able to hold simple conversations in Spanish. For someone starting from a very basic level later in life, this has been an extremely rewarding experience. It has given me both practical skills and, importantly, the confidence to continue learning and speaking Spanish. A big thank you to Monica, Laura and especially Pilar for making this such a memorable experience. I am very glad I chose Spanish Express!

Provider: Isla Internships Abroad

Program: Global Development Internships in Kosovo

I had a fantastic time in Kosovo with Isla this past summer. Not only was I able to find an internship perfectly curated to my field and my interests, but I made connections with people that I still talk to today. The Isla team provided any information that I could ever need about the country, culture, travel to and in the country, and helped me take care of any concerns that arose while there. The communication was excellent and Isla really helps to build a community amongst the interns and offers many events and activities to take part in. This was my first experience going abroad alone for an extended period of time and I felt so safe and confident doing so with the help of Isla. I met so many people from all over the world and got to network with some incredible people in my field. The people in Kosovo are also extremely welcoming and it’s so easy to fall in love with the region. One of the best experiences I’ve had.

Provider: Teach Explore Asia (XploreAsia)

Program: Xplore - Join the Adventure Camp Thailand Experience

Most unique and whiplash experience. To volunteer within schools, teach youth and explore Thailand's authentic self was beautiful. Forever lasting me memories filled with laughter, adventure and bullying. XploreAsia provided very misleading information about cost of this trip, did not care when other members of group began bullying and refusing to help in School Projects. The accommodation given had doors falling off, leaking showers, mould in the rooms and non working facilities. All genuine issues or miscommunications that occurred was dismissed. The more I spoke with other people who went through this Experience the more I saw the lack of care of individuals. We had absolutely gorgeous tours, language and cooking classes that was amazing and very grateful for, however the behaviour of Staff Members, lack of accountability and transparency was exhausting. I was told very clearly they would assist with my last day of Accommodation, specific needs and transport from Hotel to Airport, all met with denial and minimum effort. I have made long lasting friendships from the lovely people I met, I will continue to travel and explore this beautiful world, just not through this.

Provider: Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

Program: Seamester: Mediterranean to Caribbean - 90 Days

Overall this was the experience of a lifetime. Every day was so different. Getting to have so many experiences, and visiting so many places within three months it’s absolutely amazing. At each port we had so many different activities and experiences to do, really getting to experience each place for where they are. The academics are hard, but doable, this program really forces you to work on time management, as you have to find time to fit your schoolwork in with all of the excursions.

Provider: American University of Beirut

Program: Study Abroad at the American University of Beirut

Coming to the American University of Beirut from the Kurdistan Region was a big step for me. Like anyone moving to another country, I had so many questions. What would studying in Lebanon be like? Would I find my people? Would I feel at home? Looking back, I can say that my experience at AUB turned out to be much more than I expected. Studying Nutrition and Dietetics taught me a lot, not only about my field but also about how to think, question things and look at problems from different perspectives. There were opportunities to get involved in research, explore subjects beyond my degree and connect what we learned in class to things happening in the real world. One of the things I appreciated most was being surrounded by people with different backgrounds and experiences. I learned just as much from the people I met as I did from my courses. But honestly, some of my favorite memories have very little to do with academics. Moving to Lebanon meant figuring out how to live independently, adjusting to a different culture and building a life away from my family. AUB brought together people from so many different places, and somewhere along the way, a place that was once completely unfamiliar started to feel like home. The friendships, long conversations, spontaneous plans and even the ordinary days on campus are things I still look back on fondly. AUB also gave me opportunities I probably wouldn't have imagined before coming to Lebanon. Through the MEPI Tomorrow's Leaders Program, I was able to explore new interests, meet people from different backgrounds and take part in experiences that pushed me beyond what I thought I could do. These opportunities helped me grow in ways that went beyond my education. Of course, living abroad wasn't always easy. There were days when I missed home, days when things felt overwhelming, and moments when I had to figure things out on my own. But I think those experiences were just as important as the good ones. If I could tell future international students one thing, it would be to come with an open mind and not be afraid of what you don't know yet. Give yourself time to adjust, say yes to opportunities, meet people outside your usual circles and enjoy the little things along the way. You might arrive with a certain plan, but leave with experiences and friendships you never expected. For me, AUB was never just about getting a degree. It was about finding my independence, discovering new possibilities, and growing into a person I hadn't quite imagined when I first arrived. And for that, I'll always be grateful.

Provider: Destination TEFL

Program: 140-Hour In-Person TEFL: The Classroom Apprenticeship

If you are considering doing a TEFL course or thinking about taking a step towards a new career, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to take the opportunity. My journey with Destination TEFL has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Coming from a pharmacy background, with over 10 years of pharmacy studies and work experience, stepping into the world of teaching was a completely new adventure for me. I was excited, but naturally, there were moments of uncertainty. Little did I know how much this experience would change my life. The training was completed over four weeks, and what made it truly special was the practical experience. We didn't just sit in a classroom learning theory; we prepared actual lessons, went into real schools and had the opportunity to teach real students. This hands-on approach made learning so much easier and more natural. When you get to put what you have learned into practice, everything starts to make sense, and teaching begins to feel effortless. One of the most rewarding feelings is standing in front of a student, teaching them something new, and watching that moment when they finally understand and grasp what you have taught them. That feeling is priceless. It reminds you why teaching is such a special profession. I will also be honest: being away from home during the first couple of weeks was emotional. There were tears, moments of homesickness and times when I questioned myself. However, sometimes the greatest rewards come from stepping outside your comfort zone. The reward at the end of the journey is truly sweet! There is one lesson Willie taught us that I will carry with me throughout my teaching career: " Never be afraid to make a mistake. We learn, we grow and we conquer." Those words have stayed with me, and I believe they apply not only to teaching but to life itself. The opportunities that followed were beyond what I had imagined. In less than a month, I had secured a teaching position close to home, in a warm and welcoming environment with friendly staff. I successfully completed my probation and was hired permanently almost immediately. I was also offered a higher position! Today, I find myself in a Senior Teacher position , with permanent employment and a wonderful teaching family around me. I have also achieved something I never imagined I would do in my life – I am now almost confidently riding a motorbike! Sometimes, taking one opportunity opens doors to experiences you never thought possible. When I say dedication and goals are everything, I truly mean it. Put in the effort, study hard, prepare yourself and show yourself approved. Believe in your abilities, remain committed and keep pushing forward. Doors will open when you are willing to work for your dreams. I am immensely grateful that I took the opportunity to study through Destination TEFL . It was more than just obtaining a qualification; it was an opportunity to discover a new passion, build confidence, develop practical skills and create a completely new path for my future. A special thank you to Willie for your kindness, patience, guidance and encouragement throughout the journey. Your words, support and willingness to teach have made a lasting impact on me. To anyone thinking about enrolling in a TEFL course: take that step, embrace the experience, don't be afraid of making mistakes and trust the process. Four weeks of training can open doors to a lifetime of opportunities. Sometimes, all it takes is one decision to change your direction in life. Thank you, Destination TEFL, for helping me turn an opportunity into a beautiful new beginning!

Provider: WorldStrides

Program: Study Abroad in Seville, Spain with WorldStrides

Wow...I cannot believe that just a few months ago, I was walking my route to la Universidad de Sevilla like it was just another day. I knew I wanted to go abroad from the day I started my college experience, but I was so nervous and homesick when I landed in Sevilla that I feared I had made a terrible mistake. I could not have been more wrong! Right from the start, the WorldStrides staff (especially Quique!) took us all under their wing and showed us the rich, welcoming culture of Sevilla. Our orientation was less about classes and more about immersing ourselves in the city, from touring the Catedral and Real Alcázar to trying our first tapas (espinacas con garbanzos, anyone?). My host mother was encouraging and helped me to practice my Spanish each day, and all of my professors were engaging and invested in student success. Most importantly, I met one of my best friends abroad in the WorldStrides program! We spent so much money at the Jester cafés there... By the end of my time abroad, I had connected with Sevilla in ways I could not have anticipated, and I grew in my confidence and open-mindedness. I spent my weekends navigating airports and metros in new cities I visited, tried plenty of foods I would not have spared a glance to back home (my host mom made great boquerones...), painted watercolor scenes around Sevilla in one of my classes, and learned to understand and walk alongside my neighbors across the world. I will never have an experience quite like this again - and what a bittersweet feeling that is. Thank you, WorldStrides, for gifting me with the opportunity of a lifetime! And to anyone reading this, if you are looking for a sign to pick Sevilla, this is it!!

Provider: MAXIMO NIVEL

Program: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America

I had the best week studying at Maximo Nivel in Cusco! My teacher was very patient, had a great method of teaching and I learned a lot during my time! Staying with a family allowed me to practice what I was studying in class

Provider: MAXIMO NIVEL

Program: Volunteer in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru

The Maximo Nivel team was always so generous and supportive during my stay. I experienced some sickness during my stay, but the team helped me out so much and took great care of me! In my volunteering I had so many awesome experiences and much fun 😁

Provider: Teach Explore Asia (XploreAsia)

Program: Xplore Thailand TEFL Program with Guaranteed Placement

My experience with XploreAsia has been a journey with both positive experiences and challenges. I enrolled in their TESOL program in Japan, completed my certification, and eventually secured a teaching position in Thailand. One of the biggest positives was the opportunity to travel abroad, earn my TESOL certification, and gain the experience needed to begin my teaching career overseas. The training gave me a foundation to start teaching, and I appreciated having the opportunity to explore different countries and pursue my goal of living and working in Asia. However, the placement process was more challenging than I expected. Although I completed the program and obtained my certification, securing a teaching position in Japan did not work out as I had initially hoped. The process took time, and navigating the uncertainty surrounding job placement and the transition to Thailand could be stressful. Moving abroad also involves additional expenses, paperwork, and planning that future participants should be prepared for. Ultimately, I was able to secure a teaching position in Thailand, so the experience did help me take a step toward my long-term goal of building a life and career in Asia. I would encourage anyone considering XploreAsia to ask detailed questions about placement timelines, destination options, additional expenses, visa requirements, and what happens if their preferred country does not work out. Overall, XploreAsia provided me with an opportunity to get started teaching abroad, but I believe prospective participants should go in with realistic expectations, financial preparation, and an understanding that the placement process may not go exactly as planned.