Reviews

I initially thought that the experience would be much more academically intense than it actually was. This notion was based on the information in the syllabi. The seminar syllabus listed weekly required readings and even an in-class exam, but neither occurred. In the project class, the weights for each assignment were far from accurate, and the required word count was double what it should have been. I am not complaining that I did not have much work to do, but the syllabi should be updated to represent the classes accurately. The two individuals who led the program did a good job planning the experience and ensuring that students were in the know about the activities that would be done each day. However, some activities and site visits felt like fillers to make sure students did not have too much free time. The dorms and hostel we stayed at were overall very solid. The only negative was the kitchen at the hostel in Akureyri, which only contained a mini fridge, a microwave, and one burner. The food in Iceland is extremely mediocre due to its reliance on imported products. This means that produce and food overall were often below the standards of food in the U.S. On top of this, any above-average food you want to eat will cost you an arm and a leg, so eating out often is impossible if you want to stay within budget. One positive of Iceland is that almost everyone knows English. This made traveling and communicating very easy. Icelanders are known to be very honest and can sometimes be judgmental if tourists are not abiding by the country's norms.

My time as a University of Sussex student was a life changing opportunity. I got to grow and connect with people who I was able to explore with. I constantly reminisce on my time there and all that I got to do and for that I am grateful!

aswell as improving my grammar, speech and understanding in spanish, I had a great time on activitys, excursions and free time. met a lot of new people and had a lot of fun with them and interacting with others

Living outside your hometown can be scary sometimes as is not something that you do everyday, or maybe you haven't had the chance to leave your house or small town for longer than 1 week. This was a great experience and journey for me as i had the chance to apply what I have learn back on my school days plus learning more not only from my personal knowledge about industry, machinery, people. Nonthless, this wasnt the only fun part, I was able to meet and live into another work culture, changing schdules working on different areas, experience different traditions. I like to tell and hear stories, fortunately USA, is full of stories from past present and future, with different people, some of them got here for work, improving life and I think I like that vision of changing your scenario for a better one, in which you can learn about other and about yourself.

I arrived expecting to learn about public health, but I left with a new understanding of myself, my future, and the world around me. Through SIT’s Public Health in Urban Environments program, I studied Argentina’s health system, epidemiology, and social determinants of health while experiencing firsthand how culture, community, and inequality shape health. My independent research on access to dental care in underserved communities was especially meaningful. As someone pursuing pediatric dentistry, speaking with dentists and families strengthened my desire to make oral healthcare more accessible and culturally responsive. But some of my most important lessons happened outside the classroom. Living with a host family, traveling throughout Argentina, building friendships, and navigating a new environment pushed me beyond what was comfortable and made me more independent and open-minded. Study abroad didn’t just give me memories or academic credits it changed how I see my education, my future career, and myself. As a mentor, I hope to help other students take that same leap and make their experience their own.

My 16-year-old daughter spent 4 weeks in Beijing with GAC's summer camp. She was nervous at first, but her homestay family made her feel at home immediately. She learned real Mandarin and made friends from all over the world. The weekend trips to the Great Wall and Summer Palace were unforgettable. She came back more confident and independent. Already planning to go back next year. Thank you GAC!

I had one of the best time of my life! The internship has helped me to grow both personally and professionally and I will be forever grateful to The Intern Group for the opportunity given. Not only the work environment was fantastic, but also the moments spent with my flatmates made a difference in this experience

London was the most unrealistic experience for me! The work-life balance culture, dressing, food, lifestyle, people everything seemed like a fantasy. These 2 months are something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Never did I think I would get to meet such great people, eat all this food, and party as I've never done before! The experience coordinators were the absolute best. They ensured we had a great time, did not make us feel like we were away from home, and most importantly, they were our friends! We talked, ate, and went out together like we've known each other since forever. Honestly, I wasn't sure about this entire experience, but once I got here, oh boy, I would give my heart and soul for this to just be my reality. My opinion, be unsure, dream unrealistically, spend that money, overthink it, but take that step and go for it, because what's the worst that could happen?

I had a really good time in Costa Rica. It was my first time in the country, and probably not the last! The children I worked with were so adorable and I enjoyed every moment of it, when teaching, feeding, putting them to sleep or just disciplining them! I also had some excursions, in the Catamaran and Manuel Antonio Park, and I was lucky enough to get both days very sunny with a clear water. The program in general was so fun, not to mention that I met so many amazing people that helped me throughout the journey.

This study abroad was certainly out of the ordinary for what you would get for a semester abroad. If you’re looking for an authentic experience in countries that are less popular for study abroad, this is for you! This program was incredibly thought-out and well organized and I learned so much that was directly applicable to my studies and work. Please don’t let chatter about safety in Guatemala deter you—I felt safe, even as a woman, and the staff to support you were very prepared about safety concerns. I would recommend this program to anyone willing to experience something unique and that challenges your current ways of thinking. This program is especially applicable to majors in sociology/anthropology, gender studies, Spanish, poli sci, Latin American studies, international relations, race/ethnicity studies, education, journalism and similar things.