Reviews

My experience with The Cultural Exchange Project has been outstanding from start to finish. The initial contact was excellent — the team was responsive, clear about how the program worked, and made a strong first impression right away. Throughout the placement process, from paperwork to visa guidance to pre-departure prep, the support was thorough and reassuring at every step. Once my placement was confirmed, I stayed very satisfied thanks to regular, helpful check-ins that kept me in the loop. And whenever I had questions or concerns, they were answered the same day, fully and clearly. I'd recommend CEP to anyone considering teaching abroad. Especially the short-term teaching program in Thailand, where teachers can teach for 8 weeks and get back to the US before school begins.

If your goal in college is to experience a wide range of opportunities, this SIT semester (this program in Ushuaia specifically) might be the single best way to accomplish that. You get to see the elusive 7th continent while immersing yourself in the vibrant and unique port town Ushuaia. Your Spanish will improve and you'll get the chance to work with great faculty (shoutout Maria Lola Lida and Solange) and hike beautiful trails with other motivated students!

Galway as a city was perfect in almost every regard: culturally rich, not too crowded, plenty of regular fun stuff to do. I couldn’t imagine better program advisors, they made most of the trip what it was. Finally, every excursion out to different parts of Ireland like the Cliffs of Moher or the Aran Islands was incredible.

Studying abroad can seem scary and intimidating, however the Costa Rican culture and USAC staff made my journey so welcoming, easy, and fun! The staff were truly so kind and genuinely cared about their students. Any question, concern, or recommendations were happily answered and they followed up with everything. They made my experience so enjoyable and allowed me to fully focus on my academics and experiences.

My experience with the Absolute Internship abroad program was incredibly valuable and memorable. Spending 6 weeks in Madrid, Spain, allowed me to gain professional experience while also experiencing a new culture, work environment, and a new sense of independence. One of the highlights of the program was the opportunity to work at Asesoria Debe Haber Asociaciones, where I was able to develop skills in establishing new nonprofit national or local organizations by working on founding their board or statutes. The internship gave me a better understanding of my career interests and allowed me to apply what I have learned in school to a real-world environment while also educating myself on how this country's system differs from that of mine and learning how this can help me build upon my current professional knowledge. Outside of work, living in Madrid allowed me to explore new places, meet people from different backgrounds, and experience the local culture. The program staff was extremely supportive and helpful, making the transition to living abroad much easier. Although there were some challenges, such as adjusting to a new environment and working for the first time at a location that aligns with my professional goals, along with a slight language barrier, these experiences helped me grow personally and professionally. Overall, I would highly recommend this program to other students considering an internship abroad. It provided me with meaningful professional experience, unforgettable memories, and a greater sense of confidence and independence.

I really enjoyed completing my course with the TEFL academy. It was a well structured course and very informative with great support throughout. I would highly recommend this course. I am in the middle of a bachelor’s degree and then I intend to use this to advance my career. I would like to teach in Italy..

IVHQ made the whole experience painless right from the start. Getting through the application was simple, but the best part was definitely the team. The coordinators were so attentive and made sure everything ran smoothly behind the scenes. If you're looking for an organization that actually stays on top of things and backs you up, IVHQ is a solid choice. The local team on site was amazing.

I joined an internship at a startup focused on sustainable fashion, creating bags and accessories with a mission to care for the planet. For every item sold, one is donated to a child in Africa. My role involved developing marketing, business, and expansion strategies, applying everything I learned in my Master’s and undergraduate studies. This experience taught me the importance of adapting to different corporate cultures and allowed me to contribute meaningfully to a company with a beautiful mission.

I studied abroad during session two in Pau, and that was a great decision. One month was the perfect amount of time, and the chosen excursions with the rest of the USAC group were so fun, but just gorgeous and unreal. I especially liked session two because instead of just taking classes with other American students, we took classes with other international students, from China, Scotland, Ukraine, Spain, England, Russia, Ireland, etc. We made some great new friends all over the world, and the overall program that encompassed USAC and the International Students' studies had their own included excursions that gave us a different taste of Pau and the region.

My 15-year-old son spent 5 weeks in Beijing with GAC's summer camp. He was nervous at first, but his homestay family made him feel comfortable immediately. He learned real Mandarin and made friends from all over the world. The weekend trips to the Great Wall and Summer Palace were unforgettable. He came back more confident and independent. Thank you GAC!

Under the Artbound Initiative Programme, I was assigned as a remote Communications/Writing intern for Vilpa Films, a production company. Before my internship, I was provided with some courses on how to prepare my resume, interview tips, as well as actual meetings with industry experts in fields I was interested in (eg the film industry). During my actual internship, I was given a variety of article types to write about concerning various projects that Vilpa Films was embarking on, such as their original animated series. I managed to learn many skills such as communication with my supervisor who was overseas, while being supported by the ABI team through regular check-ins and informational posts.

Studying abroad through SAI was the best choice I have made in my academic, personal, and career life yet. Not only are the staff and program well structured, but they truly allow you to be supported, make friends, and experience places/things you never would have expected. As a participant of the 2-city program, I experienced life in two cities of Italy, each unique but special. While La Spezia helped me settle into Italian culture and appreciate the slower pace of life, the hustle and bustle of Florence showed me why Italy is such a destination for people to experience. My 4 months flew by faster than I could imagine, and staying so busy and immersed (in the best way) now allows me to share about my time- and how I have absolutely no regrets. Being involved in the moment, taking time to talk to locals and do "non-touristy" trips/things, and keeping an open mind can shape your life and is truly what makes the experience. It's the little things. People watching. A scrumptious cappuccino. An immersive class experience. Studying abroad is, yes, about education and pursuing a career, but so much of the learning and growing for it are done outside of the classroom, often through unexpected moments. I always felt the support of SAI staff, and their focus on the student experience at a personal level created a sense of belonging and home away from home. If you are on the fence, just go! You won't regret it!

Verona was the perfect study abroad city. It had the best mix of Italian culture, European vibes, and local hospitality. The ability to study Roman Art and Italian Food tourism classes and actually being able to experience it allowed me to fully understand and have fun with my courses. My housing in Verona was amazing with modern amenities and walkable destinations, also making me feel like a local. Italian locals were incredibly kind and it was also nice having the city-center so near, where I could go if I wanted to feel like a tourist. The architecture was breathtaking and each shop had a story to tell with incredible history behind it. My advisors were quick to help with any question I had and provided me with great recommendations. Verona is also just a train ride away from major Italian cities like Venice and Milan, making adventurous weekends very accessible!

Thank you to the program; I was able to travel overseas for a good time, in the United States, where I met amazing people!. The culture overseas is very wide, as there is not only 1 culture; there are many. I worked with people from Mexico, Nicaragua, the United States, Africa, etc. I made good friends from whom I learnt more aspects of living in the United States, plus the different ideas conveyed in a way of living. Also, most of the things that I learned back in my school days, I'm glad that I can apply them to real-world scenarios in material science, management, etc. Sharing the same room with people whos carriers are +20 years of experience and learning from them at the company was the most exciting adventure, as you not only acquire new knowledge, but you are also able to provide new perspectives with what you have learned in the past, plus having a new framework on how to handle things. The whole experience was amazing to me.

After graduating with a degree I wasn’t sure how to use, I found myself feeling lost. I knew I needed time to refocus and understand what I truly enjoy doing. That’s why I decided to take a gap year, to focus on myself and explore new opportunities. When I was first consulted by Korea Gap Year, I immediately felt understood. They guided me through every step of the process and made sure all of my questions were answered. Their support helped me feel at ease before and during my stay in South Korea. I came to Seoul for a one-month internship at Korea Gap Year, where I worked in marketing—my first time ever in this kind of role. I was both nervous and excited, and I truly wanted to do my best. Three years earlier, I had studied abroad in Seoul for six months, so I already had an idea of what to expect. I knew a month would be the perfect length for me this time both emotionally and financially. If I could have stayed longer, I absolutely would have, because I really enjoyed my time working at Korea Gap Year. At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a Korean work environment. When I arrived, Olivia kindly introduced me to everyone and gave me a tour of the office. I was asked to present myself and share my skills so they could assign tasks accordingly. One of the things I enjoyed most was translating past participants’ stories into English and Spanish. It turned out to be something I loved, and it made me realize that I want to pursue a career in this field. My schedule was Monday through Thursday, 9 AM to 6 PM. It was definitely an adjustment especially sitting for eight hours straight but I got used to it. One thing that surprised me was how quiet the office could be. In the U.S., people often greet each other with “good morning” or “have a good day,” whereas in Korea, people just quietly go about their work. At first, I felt a bit rude not saying anything, but eventually, the introvert in me appreciated the quiet too. My main goal during this internship was to become more confident and focused on my career. While I sometimes felt frustrated knowing I had to go back home, this experience gave me time to reflect. The job market in the U.S. has been tough, and I often felt uncertain about what was waiting for me. But living alone in Korea for a month was an eye-opener. It helped me learn so much about myself. I've always struggled to express how I feel, but being here helped me open up. Being a student in Korea three years ago was a completely different experience from working here. It’s much easier to make friends as a student. As a worker, it was more difficult, but I appreciated the little moments when locals would approach me during dinner just to speak English. Some even asked about my Mexican heritage and my Spanish, which made me happy and proud to share. It was a meaningful exchange of cultures. Korean culture was breathtaking to experience again. From packed subways during rush hour to cute themed cafes and late-night karaoke, everything felt surreal. I know I’ll truly miss this lifestyle when I return home. It's definitely true when they say Seoul never sleeps! Don’t be afraid to try new things! Try new foods, drinks, visit places, and step out of your comfort zone. You’re in a different country, don't be shy. If you feel discouraged or homesick just remember that you are working towards your goal and future. I also believe your accomodation should be around a loud neighborhood so it’s not totally quiet making you feel at ease being abroad alone. Thank you, Korea Gap Year, for welcoming me as an intern. I’m incredibly grateful for all that I learned and for the support you gave me. To future participants: - Don’t overpack, unless you don’t plan on spending money in Korea. Honestly, it's hard not to! Everything is more affordable compared to the U.S. or Europe, so bring two suitcases. - Research before you go! Watch videos about getting around Incheon Airport, SIM cards, and public transportation. It’s super helpful. - Be prepared for loneliness if you’re traveling for the first time. At home, eating alone is comforting, but in a new country, it can feel isolating. Thankfully, some coworkers invited me to eat together, which I truly appreciated. - Try new things! Whether it’s food, places, or stepping out of your comfort zone. You’re in a different country! Don’t be shy. If you ever feel homesick, remind yourself why you’re here and what you’re working toward. - Stay somewhere lively. If possible, choose accommodation in a busier area. The noise and energy can help ease feelings of loneliness. What to Bring: - Seoul has tons of stores. Daiso is a lifesaver for essentials and affordable finds. - Two things I had trouble with: finding foundation that matches my skin tone, and pants that fit (if you’re tall, they may run short). So pack those ahead of time! - Don’t forget an adapter for your electronic, but don’t worry if you forget something everything’s accessible here. My Gap Year Review! Environment ★★★★★ I was not used to such a quiet working environment but it was really nice getting to experience a different working culture. Language ★★★★★ It was nice being around the Korean language as it made me learn new vocabulary but if you don’t speak it that’s okay there so many things that are translated to English. Accommodation ★★★★★ I got an Airbnb near the company which was so convenient especially during working hours it gets super busy in the subway. So, if you can get an accommodation near the company I suggest that. Safety ★★★★★ Seoul is very safe in my opinion so I never had to worry about any dangerous parts or activities but it’s still an important thing to be safe wherever you are. Learning ★★★★★ Thank you Korea Gap Year for giving me this opportunity! I learned a lot of new skills and realized what tasks I really enjoy doing. I also learned more Korean than I thought!

I enjoyed spending time in the operating room and learning from the kind and communicative surgeons and nurses. I also had the opportunity to meet many different people and experience a new culture. I especially loved the historical aspects of the experience, including seeing ruins and learning about Greece's history through museums. This experience not only gave me an inside look at possible career paths, but also allowed me to learn in multiple hospital settings and gain a better understanding of different areas of healthcare. Beyond the medical experience, I was able to immerse myself in another culture and develop a much broader perspective of the world. Overall, this experience helped me grow both professionally and personally, and it is something I will always value.

What an amazing internship experience! It was an unforgettable month that pushed me out of my comfort zone, gave me experiences I’d never have at home, and allowed me to learn about conservation while meeting some amazing people. I learned a great deal and the entire experience definitely exceeded my expectations! I really enjoyed game drives. It was a good way to explore the reserve, learn lots about the environment and wildlife, get to know other participants and no drive was ever the same. Seeing all the animals, sunrise and sunsets on drives and getting to know new people made the experience truly unforgettable.

The time spent doing my GIS internship at the Gondwana Game Reserve exceeded my expectations in both the knowledge I received and the amazing views I was fortunate enough to see. I learned a great deal, saw a lot of amazing animals and it was extremely rewarding to learn so much about GIS and wildlife.

Emails were clear and easy to follow. I had the absolute best experience I could have ever asked for because of my host mother. She took such good care of me and any students to get her as a host are super lucky! I enjoyed getting to know a new culture and traveling around Spain. I think it helped me mature a little bit by being alone in a different country and just further added to my self dependence which will help me in my career and life.

The Marine Biology & Reef Conservation internship in Sodwana Bay (South Africa) was an amazing experience! I learned a great deal - had an awesome time and met some wonderful people! It was unforgettable to see the manta rays too!