Reviews

Provider: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Program: Study Abroad at UAB: Pre-Established Courses

I had a really great time meeting new people and learning about the history and culture of my host country and others that I’ve traveled to. There have been so many experiences that I have lived through but I enjoy reflecting on them more than just looking back at memories. Reflecting on my experiences made me more aware of all the cultural differences that I’ve gone through while living and studying abroad. I have previously done two other exchanges before my 3rd in Barcelona. Each one has opened my perspective more and more as each day has gone by. With each exchange I’ve learned about so many cultures including my own. Putting yourself in a new environment all by yourself away from everything you know including your routine, family, home culture, and more can be hard but actually doing it and figuring it out on your own is the most rewarding part of it. In life we tend to stick to things we already know about when you go abroad or to a new place and start all over again it helps you grow as a person. You get to meet new people and really learn about things you normally wouldn’t have learned. In my opinion studying abroad is more special compared to anything you’ve seen online. You have to be the one to do it and experience it for yourself.

Provider: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Program: Study Abroad at UAB: Pre-Established Courses

I have learned a lot about myself, gotten new friends and learned to live in a new country by my own. I think Barcelona has been a wonderfull city to choose. Friendly people, very cozy cafés and life like Streets everywhere any day of the week. I would recommend anyone going who might be in doubt - do it!

Provider: Molise Italian Studies

Program: Molise Italian Studies Full Semester (& Internship)

I had the pleasure of attending Molise Italian Studies in Fall of 2023. I was placed with a local family who owned a truffle business, Di Iorio Tartufi. I had the opportunity of leading tours for international visitors to the farm, truffle hunting with some adorable puppies and preparing and eating 4 course meals made with freshly hunted truffles. What stands out about MIS as opposed to other abroad opportunities is that it provided a fully culturally immersive experience, that was supported by cultural awareness and sensitivity. The classes I took during the semester centered around global citizenship and cultural awareness. As I currently study to become a mental health therapist I often draw from the cultural competency MIS taught me in order to become a culturally competent mental health professional. Although study abroad in Molise sometimes felt isolating due to its more rural setting it provided me the confidence to seek discomfort long as as a form of growth long after my semester abroad ended. Through the weekly or biweekly excursions provided by MIS i was able to explore a side of Italy I would have likely never seen as a tourist. I gained a deep appreciation for the beauty of the italian countryside, it’s unique cultural heritage and the serendipitous encounters you have while traveling off the beaten path. I also had lots of opportunities to explore major cities in Italy including Rome, Florence and Naples. MIS helped to reshape my prior notions of what school could look like when curiosity and exploration are the learning objectives rather than rigid performance metrics. It empowered me to be a life-long learner and global citizen.

Provider: AFS-USA

Program: AFS Intercultural Programs: High School Abroad in France

No words can explain the impact that studying abroad has on our lives. The opportunities and challenges we encountered along the way helped us create better version of ourselves. Whether you go abroad a year, a month, or a few weeks its an experience that will stick with you for the rest of your life. For me France has a special place in my heart not only for welcoming me but because it became a home. Going abroad with AFS allowed me to have a community around me that has become family even now after my exchange I get to volunteer and continue to share my experience. My exchange helped open my eyes to a new world that you can't get from just traveling. It made me a better person in so many ways and I am forever grateful for the people I met along the way.

Provider: Forum-Nexus Study Abroad

Program: European Art and Architecture Multi-City Summer in Europe

Coming home a new person! The program was awesome from start to finish, I never felt homesick, and the art course was a highlight. Only the Paris hotel let it down. I’d recommend it to anyone and already tell friends to apply.

Provider: Connect-123 Internship Programs

Program: Intern in Dublin with Connect-123!

Studying abroad in Dublin, Ireland, and participating in the internship program was truly one of the best experiences of my life. I had the incredible opportunity to work at a medical negligence and personal injury law firm, where I gained valuable professional experience and developed a better understanding of the legal field. The placement exceeded my expectations, and I could not have asked for a better internship experience. Everyone was welcoming, supportive, and willing to help me learn, which made me feel comfortable and included from the very beginning. One of the aspects I appreciated most was how structured and organized the entire program was. From the initial preparation to the internship placement and support throughout the experience, everything was thoughtfully planned. The program provided clear expectations, consistent communication, and guidance whenever needed, which made the transition to living and working in another country so much easier. I always felt supported and knew there were resources available if I needed assistance. Beyond the professional opportunities, living in Dublin allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture, meet amazing people, explore Ireland, and step outside of my comfort zone. This experience helped me grow both personally and professionally, while giving me memories and connections that I will carry with me for years to come. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and would highly recommend this program to anyone considering studying abroad or completing an international internship. It was truly an unforgettable experience, and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat!

Provider: International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

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

I enjoyed assistant teaching 3rd graders in Cape Town South Africa, under the IVHQ teaching program. I enjoyed lots of flexibility in helping the students individual ly. I helped with the following subjects: Life Skills, Math in class and weekly lab, English and history. The teacher was awesome and had control of her classroom at all times. I was never bored. The students responded to me with the upmost respect. When it was time for me to leave I receive a number of cards and thanks from the students. The staff was outstanding. They took us to the school and picked us up. They were very organized, professional, polite and always helpful. The food was excellent along with the accommodations. This was my third trip there doing the teaching program. I was never disappointed with anything. I was stretched each trip and I grew a lot. I am retired, 72 and was always treated with the upmost respect by all.

Provider: CES Maastricht

Program: Summer Program in European Studies

I studied cross cultural leadership in Maastricht at Maastricht University, and absolutely fell in love with the city, the school, the culture and built the best relationships with the staff and my peers. I got the opportunity to live and immerse in Dutch culture, which provides new learning experiences that you can't get from a textbook! This program opened my heart to travel and instilled a confidence in me to apply the following summer as a CES intern. I would not have changed a single thing about my program, I loved it so much!

Provider: Absolute Internship

Program: Intern in Barcelona with Absolute Internship

An Unforgettable, Life-Changing Experience! If I could sum up my internship in one sentence, it would be this: it was, without a doubt, the absolute best time of my entire life. Going into the program, I expected to build my resume and learn the ropes of the industry. What I actually walked away with completely blew me away. The culture here is unmatched, but what made it truly magical was the people. We shared endless laughs, navigated every challenge together, and built a connection so deep that they stopped being just friends, they became my family. To this day, I am still in close contact with almost everyone from my cohort. This program didn't just jumpstart my career; it gave me a lifelong tribe. I cannot praise this company, the culture, and the incredible people highly enough!

Provider: Absolute Internship

Program: Intern in Barcelona with Absolute Internship

An Unforgettable, Life-Changing Experience! If I could sum up my internship in one sentence, it would be this: it was, without a doubt, the absolute best time of my entire life. Going into the program, I expected to build my resume and learn the ropes of the industry. What I actually walked away with completely blew me away. The culture here is unmatched, but what made it truly magical was the people. We shared endless laughs, navigated every challenge together, and built a connection so deep that they stopped being just friends, they became my family. To this day, I am still in close contact with almost everyone from my cohort. This program didn't just jumpstart my career; it gave me a lifelong tribe. I cannot praise this company, the culture, and the incredible people highly enough!

Provider: Absolute Internship

Program: Intern in Barcelona with Absolute Internship

An Unforgettable, Life-Changing Experience! If I could sum up my internship in one sentence, it would be this: it was, without a doubt, the absolute best time of my entire life. Going into the program, I expected to build my resume and learn the ropes of the industry. What I actually walked away with completely blew me away. The culture here is unmatched, but what made it truly magical was the people. We shared endless laughs, navigated every challenge together, and built a connection so deep that they stopped being just friends, they became my family. To this day, I am still in close contact with almost everyone from my cohort. This program didn't just jumpstart my career; it gave me a lifelong tribe. I cannot praise this company, the culture, and the incredible people highly enough!

Provider: Rooted Life Adventures

Program: Rooted Life Adventures Supported Gap Year in New Zealand

I had such a great time with Rooted Life because they made the traveling logistics easy, hired great counselors and made the whole experience life changing. Austin and Mechi handeled most of the logistics and did a fantastic job while Liam, Peter and Molly were really invloved in getting to know each student. Rooted Life did a very good job at making me and everyone feel included. New zealand overall was beautiful. The Program allowed us to see all over the south island of New Zealand. Milford sound was one of my favorite. This program is awesome and met 2 really good friends who I am still in contact with. 10/10 experience. Highly recommend

Provider: Absolute Internship

Program: Intern in Barcelona with Absolute Internship

An Unforgettable, Life-Changing Experience! If I could sum up my internship in one sentence, it would be this: it was, without a doubt, the absolute best time of my entire life. Going into the program, I expected to build my resume and learn the ropes of the industry. What I actually walked away with completely blew me away. The culture here is unmatched, but what made it truly magical was the people. We shared endless laughs, navigated every challenge together, and built a connection so deep that they stopped being just friends, they became my family. To this day, I am still in close contact with almost everyone from my cohort. This program didn't just jumpstart my career; it gave me a lifelong tribe. I cannot praise this company, the culture, and the incredible people highly enough!

Provider: Molise Italian Studies

Program: Molise Italian Studies Full Semester (& Internship)

I had the pleasure of attending Molise Italian Studies in the fall of 2023. I was placed with a local family who owned a truffle business, Di Iorio Tartufi. I had the opportunity to lead tours for international visitors to the farm, go truffle hunting with some adorable puppies, and prepare and eat 4-course meals made with freshly hunted truffles. What stands out about MIS, compared to other abroad opportunities, is that it is supported by cultural awareness and sensitivity. The classes I took during the semester centered around global citizenship and cultural awareness. As I currently study to become a mental health therapist, I often draw from the cultural competency MIS taught me in order to become a culturally competent mental health professional. Although studying abroad in Molise sometimes felt isolating due to its more rural setting, it taught me to find comfort in uncomfortable situations; a lesson that has stayed with me long after my study abroad ended. Through the weekly or biweekly excursions provided by MIS, I explored a side of Italy I would have likely never seen as a tourist. I gained a deep appreciation for the beauty of the Italian countryside, its unique cultural heritage, and the serendipitous encounters you have while traveling off the beaten path. I also had lots of opportunities to explore major cities in Italy, including Rome, Florence, and Naples. MIS helped to reshape my notions of what school could look like when curiosity and exploration are the learning objectives rather than rigid performance metrics. It empowered me to be a lifelong learner and global citizen.

Provider: MAXIMO NIVEL

Program: Customize Your GAP Year Program in Costa Rica!

Very fun instructors and classes! I would definitely come back for not only the pool in the school but to take more classes and see everyone again. Great experience that I would definitely recommend people do 😊

Provider: MAXIMO NIVEL

Program: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America

I did a four week intermediate Spanish course at the Maximo Nivel school in Quepos/Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica and loved it! The facility is beautiful and the instructors were amazing...smart, curious, patient and they knew how to teach. I learned so much, and my confidence in speaking Spanish has grown immensely. And yes, the facility really does have a pool.

Provider: Floating Doctors

Program: Support Animal Health in Remote Islands of Bocas del Toro

Wepa! I’m Alejandra Carbonell, a 3rd-year veterinary student from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷. I had long hoped to find an experience that would push me beyond what I knew, allow me to serve others, and experience a world beyond my own. But what I found with Floating Doctors went far beyond anything I could have imagined. For a month, it truly felt like I was living in a movie. Having grown up with relatively easy access to healthcare and health information, this experience served as a powerful reminder that health education is just as important as healthcare itself when it comes to creating sustainable change, especially in communities with limited access to care. During my time with Floating Doctors, I witnessed the lengths the team goes to reach these communities: from four-hour hikes through the mountains to five-hour boat rides across open waters. No mountain was too high and no journey was too far. As a veterinary student, I had the opportunity to grow in ways I never expected. I performed my first three spays, in an outdoor setting with the guidance of two passionate veterinarians and also the curious supervision of the kids from the community. I was also able to assist with an extremely rare ectopic pregnancy spay, encountered many cases of TVT, botflies, and screwworms and had the opportunity to serve as a translator between providers and patients. Outside of the clinic, I was lucky enough to witness dolphins leaping through the water, a sloth peacefully sleeping alongside her baby in a palm tree, glow worms visiting us on a full moon, and, on our very last day, a nurse shark circling the dock, as if coming to say goodbye. Staying with the communities where phones couldn’t always be charged,Wi-Fi couldn’t be reached and hot showers were not available reminded me that in simplicity we find true connection. Sometimes, it looks like bathing in the river with scrubs on, playing cards under the light of our headlamps, looking at the fireflies or bioluminescence under a summer night, watching children turn a wheelbarrow into a river float or sharing traditional dances from our home countries. Not even in my wildest dreams did I think I would be able to live an experience as wonderful as this and meet such beautiful souls from different parts of the world. Floating Doctors will stay with me forever; not just in my memories, but quite literally on my skin. Biti Ja Tuäita — “Nos vemos” / “See you later” en Ngäbe-Buglé.

Provider: Absolute Internship

Program: Intern in Barcelona with Absolute Internship

An Unforgettable, Life-Changing Experience! If I could sum up my internship in one sentence, it would be this: it was, without a doubt, the absolute best time of my entire life. Going into the program, I expected to build my resume and learn the ropes of the industry. What I actually walked away with completely blew me away. The culture here is unmatched, but what made it truly magical was the people. We shared endless laughs, navigated every challenge together, and built a connection so deep that they stopped being just friends, they became my family. To this day, I am still in close contact with almost everyone from my cohort. This program didn't just jumpstart my career; it gave me a lifelong tribe. I cannot praise this company, the culture, and the incredible people highly enough!

Provider: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Program: Study Abroad at UAB: Pre-Established Courses

The exchange program at the Autonomous University of Barcelona perfectly fits the image I have repeatedly outlined in my maps and ideals. Walking in the green campus, filled with Mediterranean sunshine, every day is a new expansion of academic and cognitive boundaries. Especially in the classroom of Cross Cultural Management, colliding ideas with numerous classmates from Denmark and Germany became the most vivid memory of this journey. The Danish students' persistence in equal communication and team consensus, and the German students' ultimate pursuit of task structure, Gantt chart process, and straightforward feedback, have made cross-cultural theories such as Erin Meyer no longer just concepts in books, but have become real-life and vivid collaborative experiences every day. These subtle touches in academic exploration and daily interactions not only bring different backgrounds closer, but also invisibly shape the way I view the world. This experience broke the boundaries of conventional daily life and allowed me to hear my inner voice clearly in the collision of diverse cultures; this is exactly the breadth and thickness that a dream life should have.

Provider: AFS-USA

Program: AFS Intercultural Programs: High School Abroad in Brazil

I was placed with a family in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul; a small town at the southern tip of Brasil. Driving there in the bus, we saw a lot of cows! There were so many different things to experience there. The seasons were different - I had left Missouri in the summer and arrived in winter. My new school had uniforms, and the students stayed in their classrooms while the teachers were rotated around during the day. The food in Brasil was amazing and I definitely became ‘Another Fat Student’, but I quickly lost the excess weight when I returned home. It was an amazing experience and definitely recommend that every high school student should have a study abroad experience !!