Reviews

Provider: The TEFL Academy

Program: Online Level 5 TEFL Course

I had a wonderful time working through this course. I found the material to be well-developed, practical, engaging, and enjoyable. However, I do think there is room for improvement in how the assignments are organized and presented. At times, assignment instructions were scattered across several different sections of the course, making it difficult to know exactly where to find the information I needed. The overall presentation of the assignments could also be more streamlined, clear, and less overwhelming. As someone who learns best through a systematic, step-by-step approach, I often found the instructions unnecessarily exhausting to navigate, particularly when expectations or requirements were not clearly laid out in one place. There were also instances of redundancy between assignments and course sections, which made certain portions feel repetitive. Overall, I would appreciate a more centralized, concise, and structured approach to presenting assignments. Clearer instructions, more consistent organization, and less repetition would make the learning experience considerably smoother and allow students to focus more on the actual coursework rather than trying to piece together what is expected of them. One last critique, I do not understand why you have to submit everything 14 days before your course ends, to me that doesn't really mean you get the full 6 months to complete the course so be prepared for that.

Provider: Santa Barbara City College

Program: Study Abroad Program in Tokyo, Japan

Upon going with a random group of people to a different country I had little to no expectations. However my experience far exceeded anything. Spending time in Tokyo was one of the most eye-opening and personally expanding experiences I’ve had. I was based around Daikanyama, Iidabashi, and Shinjuku, and I could feel how much care goes into everything, from tiny cafés to the way the trains run. Being that far from home pushed me to be independent. I figured out the transit system and Japanese-only appliance labels on my own, and I got more confident every week. One of the biggest lessons was in cultural communication. Japanese communication is often more indirect and context-driven than what I’m used to in California. A lot of meaning lives in tone, timing, and what isn’t said. I learned to pay attention to body language, to bow and say thank you the right way, and to be patient and polite even when we didn’t share a language. Even a few phrases like “sumimasen” and “arigatou gozaimasu” opened doors, and people were so generous when they saw I was trying. When words failed, translation apps, pointing, and a lot of smiling got us through. It taught me that real communication is about respect and effort, not just vocabulary. I came home a more attentive listener and a more adaptable communicator. As someone who’s always loved art history, I was also blown away by how much art and design are woven into daily life in Tokyo. You don’t have to go to a museum to find it. Daikanyama and Shinjuku are full of minimalist storefronts, clean concrete lines, and quiet architecture that makes you slow down and notice the space around you. Then you walk into Asakusa and the traditional side hits you. Senso-ji and the old wooden streets around it show centuries of craftsmanship, and the contrast with the glass-and-neon energy of Shibuya a few train stops away is wild. Seeing old and new sit side by side, and feeling how each one shapes the mood of a neighborhood, changed the way I think about design and creativity. I spent my free days wandering, finding galleries, boutiques, and little corners I’d never have found on a typical tourist route. Some of my best memories came from getting a little lost and stumbling onto something beautiful. If you’re thinking about going abroad, do it. You’ll learn more about yourself than you expect, and you’ll come home with a bigger sense of what’s possible. I left Japan in July already planning my return.

Provider: Broadreach

Program: Caribbean Scuba and Sailing Voyage

I never thought I would learn so much while growing personally the experiences I had have made me life long friends, connections and experiences. The opportunity I got has allowed me to find my purpose in life which was healthcare and these experiences from traveling all over the world and experiencing so many different things have allowed me to connect and comfort many different patients from all different backgrounds and I will forever be thankful for that and I’m excited to continue traveling to be able to continue connecting with more people as I grow!

Provider: Teach Explore Asia (XploreAsia)

Program: Xplore Thailand TEFL Program with Guaranteed Placement

I couldn’t see myself going through a more life-changing experience than XploreAsia! They really give "I can’t wait to put a face to the name!" on a whole other level. You’re communicating through emails and video calls, and XploreAsia makes sure to build that trust and bond from the ground up! They not only make sure you’re prepared every step of the way, but they follow through. Having XploreAsia behind me made me so thankful that I made the decision to not only book that flight, but board it. They know how to make sure you're set up with a home and a community in an unfamiliar world. I was so lucky to have you guys in my corner! They may offer a lifetime job guarantee, but what that really means is they're telling you your home will always be waiting.

Provider: Teach Explore Asia (XploreAsia)

Program: Xplore Thailand TEFL Program with Guaranteed Placement

My experience with XploreAsia was truly once in a lifetime! I completed my TESOL training in Hua Hin before going on to teach in Bangkok, where I had the opportunity to work with wonderful children of different ages. Meeting the students, taking part in cultural activities at school and learning about Thai traditions made the experience even more special. During my time in Thailand, I also had the opportunity to travel to some incredible places, including Bali, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam, as well as exploring Thailand's beautiful destinations and islands, such as Hua Hin, Koh Samui and Phuket. The culture, food and people were amazing, and Thai people were some of the friendliest I've ever met. One of the best parts was stepping outside my comfort zone, travelling solo, meeting new people, connecting with locals and experiencing a completely different way of life from the UK. My TESOL training also allowed me to meet an amazing group of fellow teachers who made the journey even more memorable. I would 100% recommend XploreAsia to anyone considering taking the leap! It's an experience that builds confidence, opens your mind to new cultures and makes you want to keep exploring the world. Not only did I gain valuable teaching experience, but I also gained independence, confidence and memories that will stay with me forever.

Provider: Interac

Program: Enrich Your Career, Teach in Japan!

When I decided to teach abroad I was older than most that do this for the first time, and I had a more varied life experience. I had become complacent and bored with my job and life in general. I had my work and social routine. I had the places I went and the things I bought down to a science. I was not happy with it though. I looked around and thought is this it? Is this all my life now? Fast forward I signed up to teach abroad. I did the online TESOL class, jumped through all the passport and Visa hoops and now I am in Japan. Interac was amazing and helpful facilitating everything, and if there was something I had to do there was always clear instructions and directions given. The process was easier than I was expecting thanks to the staff there. Even now they are available whenever I have any questions. Whether its cultural and daily life issues or putting together lesson plans or scheduling issues. You name it and there is someone who can help out. My placement is in a very small town in a couple very small schools. The teachers are so happy to help and are genuinely interested in my life and how I am settling in to life in another country. The rockstar treatment as a foreign teacher is a real thing, but it is not to be taken for granted. Effort is required. If I were to just walk into school and teach my lesson and then walk out at the end of the day and not talk to anyone or try to learn the language it would not be the same way. It does not take much, but it does require some effort on my part. I can speak the worst Japanese, and I can make cultural mistakes, but as long as I am trying to do the right thing they are more than happy to help me. I will leave you with two quick stories about daily life. My first time going to the grocery store by myself in Japan I went back out to my car to leave. Of course I go to get in on the wrong side of the car. The old man parked next to me just laughs and says "Ha American?" Using a translation app he told me to keep working on Japanese and be respectful and soon I will understand everything better and enjoy life. The second story happened at the end of my first week in the schools. Two of the schools had their big fall programs and all the teachers, parents, and students were so happy I was there and they could show me all this. Both programs I had so many people come up and ask me in English and Japanese how I liked it and what I thought of it etc. They were so proud of what they had done and were excited to share it with someone who put in effort to learn.

Provider: Teach Explore Asia (XploreAsia)

Program: Xplore Thailand TEFL Program with Guaranteed Placement

changed my life, but I’ll try. I come from a small town, and at the time, I don’t think I even realised just how much of a small-town mentality I had. I was the girl who was scared to take chances, step outside her comfort zone or do things that felt unfamiliar. Going to Thailand was probably one of the biggest leaps of faith I’d ever taken, and little did I know that one decision would completely change the trajectory of my life. I went to Thailand to teach English, but I came away with so much more than a teaching qualification and classroom experience. I found a confidence in myself that I didn’t even know I had. I developed a curiosity about the world, a greater understanding of different cultures and ways of life, and an appreciation for just how much there is to see, experience and learn beyond what I could imagine. I met people who are still some of my closest friends today. People who, despite living in different of the world, remain such a huge part of my life. I’m planning a trip to South Africa to visit a friend I met on day one of the course. Crazily enough, I also met my husband in Thailand, another teacher on the course. We ended up eloping there, and now we’re planning our future together in America. It’s quite incredible to think that a decision to go abroad and teach would eventually lead me to the person I’d spend my life with. Another friend we met, is also marrying us. So if it’s not obvious, I met friends for life, and best of all - the love of my life. However, taking the people I met out of the equation, one of the things I’m most grateful for is the person that experience helped me become. I returned home, but I didn’t return to being the same girl who left. I’ve continued working with children and young people, volunteered with communities who need support, and found myself drawn to opportunities and experiences I might once have been too afraid to pursue. It opened my eyes to the world, to other people’s experiences, and to how much we can learn from simply being willing to step into a new environment. I am no longer the girl who was once frightened of doing things alone, took zero risks and had my future planned out for the next 10 years. My time in Thailand changed me. I am now someone who actively looks for adventure, embraces change and understands that life can be so much bigger than the world you grew up in. I genuinely believe I became who I am today because of that year. It didn’t just give me a few amazing memories or a chapter of my life to look back on; it changed the direction of my life entirely. It gave me friendships, love, purpose, confidence and a whole new perspective on the world. I’ll always be grateful to Xplore Asia for being part of the beginning of that journey. If you’re sitting on the fence about taking the leap, I can only say that you have no idea where one brave decision can take you. I went for the teaching experience, but came away with friendships, love, confidence and a life that looks completely different to the one I imagined.

Provider: Absolute Internship

Program: Intern in Barcelona with Absolute Internship

What I thought was going to be a visit to a country I had never been and never knew I would go back to became a place I would go back to in a second. Our tour guide, Gia, made the entire trip. I did the Educational Crossroads in Spain study abroad. We visit schools in Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga and Marbella. This experience was nothing short of amazing. The housing was absolutely perfect, the food was incredible, and aside from the schools the experiences we had were amazing. This is a trip I will never stop talking about and I would absolutely do another with Absolute Internship because they did such an amazing job coordinating the entire trip.

Provider: WorldStrides

Program: Study Abroad in Berlin, Germany with WorldStrides

Being in the heart of Berlin changed who I am. It made me more open to different experiences, and more willing to learn the darkest parts of history to look for hope in our current society. I learned why humans do the things we do and how we bounce back to reform society.

Provider: Masons Aupair

Program: Au Pair in China – Cultural Exchange & Mandarin Learning

I had a lot of fun being there, never felt alone and I could feel protected, and cared. Being away from home sometimes is difficult but they always make sure I felt comfortable and kept me included in all the activities.

Provider: That's Mandarin

Program: Intensive Chinese Group Class in 5 Cities | That's Mandarin

It was a wonderful experience to learn at 'thats mandarin' and thank you for the nice teacher and nice classmates and good memories. I learned not only Chinese, but also culture here. I can now get along with Chinese people understanding each other. Thanks a lot!!

Provider: Absolute Internship

Program: Intern in Barcelona with Absolute Internship

Having the opportunity to study abroad and intern in Barcelona, Spain was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It was my first time ever traveling outside of the United States, making the experience even more special and unforgettable. Moving to a new country, and immersing myself in a different culture pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me grow in ways I never expected. During my internship with Plateselector in Barcelona, I gained hands-on experience in content creation, social media, photography, and video production. Now a year later, I can say this ultimately made my decision in a career path that best suited me. Social media is now something I see myself perusing now and in future years. Alongside the professional experience, I learned independence, adaptability, and confidence while exploring a new part of the world. From meeting new people to experiencing everyday life in Barcelona, every moment taught me something new. This program not only brings you closer to people from your school you’ve never crossed paths with but it builds a sense of community. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to combine professional growth with an unforgettable cultural experience. As my friends and I a year later still quote and mention experiences from our abroad trip.

Provider: Teach Explore Asia (XploreAsia)

Program: Xplore Thailand TEFL Program with Guaranteed Placement

There are a couple factors which makes me give Xplore Asia a great review including, but not limited to, the community, the instructors, the actual learning program, and the ongoing support post graduation. To say something brief about each: Community: Especially when living abroad, it is extremely helpful to have a built in community immediately on arrival. You could potentially split this up into two categories, being the Xplore Asia staff, and the Xplore Asia graduates. Both have very good cultures. The Instructors: The instructors did a good job of setting the expectations of what was to come, and had very positive attitudes. The Learning Program: This was a very reasonable course which taught you to core principles of teaching and how to adapt to the thailand culture Ongoing Support: In my opinion, this is the biggest asset Xplore Asia offers. There have been many times now, when I have reached out for support and have been met with prompt and detailed responses from a variety of staff.

Provider: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Program: Study Abroad at UAB: Pre-Established Courses

When I arrived at UAB in early September, I thought I needed a plan for everything. A few weeks later, that plan was gone, and honestly, that was the best thing that could have happened. Let's start with the academics, because yes, I actually studied. Coming from Germany, I was used to sitting in big lecture halls and listening to a professor for 90 minutes. At UAB, classes are much more interactive. You discuss, work in groups, present and actually take part. It felt unusual at first, but it quickly became one of my favorite parts. The courses were interesting and varied, and I learned a lot from the professors and also from classmates from all over the world. The real magic of this semester was the people. You connect with others incredibly fast here, and suddenly your friend group spans half the globe. You see different types of lifestyles and how other cultures differ in values, visions or simple things like eating habits. Then there's Barcelona itself. I honestly can't think of a better city for a semester abroad. Every walk feels like a sightseeing tour. The architecture is unreal, and even on a regular Tuesday you catch yourself staring at a building like a tourist (which, let's be honest, you kind of are). Add the food, the many cultures and the sunsets, and it's hard to believe this counts as "studying." My most important tip? Don't overplan. Some of my best memories happened completely spontaneously. One weekend, a few girls and I headed to Sitges on a whim, only to find out there was a festival happening that exact weekend. Best surprise ever. And that's pretty much Barcelona in a nutshell. There is always something going on, and I had so many moments like this. Say yes to things. Barcelona rewards it. Of course, not everything was perfect. My biggest challenge was the language. At university you get by with English, but in everyday life I often wished I spoke more Spanish. The upside is that it motivated me so much that I now really want to learn it properly. The biggest change, though, is in me. I'm much more relaxed now. Somewhere between late dinners and long lunches, I picked up a bit of the Spanish lifestyle, and I'm planning to take it home with me. Five stars, no hesitation. If you're thinking about UAB and Barcelona, do it. Just leave some room in your plans.

Provider: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Program: Study Abroad at UAB: Pre-Established Courses

I went from Osnabrück, Germany, to Barcelona for my semester abroad, and now that I am halfway through my experience, I can already say that it has been one of the most exciting and unforgettable chapters of my life. At the beginning, planning everything felt quite overwhelming. Since I had never done anything like this before, it was difficult to know what to expect, how to organise everything and what I needed to prepare for. Of course, there was also some anxiety. Moving to a completely new city on your own, without knowing anyone, can feel intimidating at first. The first few days in Barcelona were truly overwhelming in the best possible way. It almost felt unreal that I was suddenly going to live in this amazing city for several months. Barcelona has such a special atmosphere. It is the perfect mix of beautiful beaches, relaxing spots, art, culture, and endless things to discover. I quickly realised how much there was to explore and that there was always something happening. Every weekend brings new activities, events and opportunities to experience the city. One of the things I love most is how easy it is to explore places outside Barcelona. There are so many beautiful destinations nearby that are perfect for day trips or weekend getaways. I have visited Blanes, with its beautiful beaches, as well as Sitges and Montserrat. One of my personal highlights so far was renting a car with a few girls I had met and driving to L’Estartit, which is well known for its diving spots. We booked a snorkelling trip there, and it was absolutely beautiful. Experiences like these make my time abroad even more special. Another thing I learned very quickly is that you are never really alone on an exchange semester. At first, you might feel like you are the only person arriving in a new city without knowing anyone. But the truth is that so many other students are in exactly the same situation. Everyone is looking to meet new people, make friends and discover their new surroundings. You just have to take the first step and be brave enough to approach others. I have already met so many amazing people this way, and some of my favourite memories have come from spontaneous plans and new friendships. Now that I am halfway through my semester abroad, I realise just how much I have already experienced and learned. At the same time, it feels crazy that there is still more to come! I am excited for the next half of my stay, for all the places I have yet to discover, the people I will meet and the memories I will make. My biggest takeaway so far is that going abroad can feel scary at first, but it is absolutely worth stepping outside your comfort zone. You learn so much about yourself, become more independent, meet people from all over the world and discover places you might never have visited otherwise. If you are thinking about going abroad, my advice is simple: take the opportunity, be open to new experiences and don't let the fear of going alone hold you back. You might arrive knowing nobody, but you will soon realise that you are surrounded by people in exactly the same situation. And trust me, the memories and experiences you gain along the way are worth it!

Provider: Isla Internships Abroad

Program: Global Internships in Spain

I enjoyed working in collaboration with ISLA this past summer and my subsequent internship with PROAMB in Malaga. The ISLA staff is very supportive and attentive to your needs, and Malaga is a vibrant young city with lots to offer! PROAMB was a small sustainability consultancy, whose campaugn this summer requirede the work of myself and a team to travel to towns all over the province of Malaga and work with local communities (stakeholders, businesses, local governements, etc.) to improve their circular economies. The team was truly accommodating, and my housing was in the university neighborhood filled with bars and restaurants. Overall, a very positive experience.

Provider: Absolute Internship

Program: Intern in Seoul with Absolute Internship

Years later, when I visit Korea again, I believe I will walk the streets of Seoul, filled with nostalgia, my eyes brimming with tears as I reminisce about the compassion and kindness you have shown me these past 2 months. From exploring Namsan Tower to eating 약돌삼겹살, every single cherished memory will flood back when I return someday. Hopefully, I can visit with my older brother’s son and pass on some of the lessons that I have learned from you. My whole life, I never knew of any family other than my mom, dad, and brother. They were all I knew, and they were my whole world, and that was that. Whenever I heard of our relatives outside of my life, I was somewhat curious, but they were all outsiders to me nonetheless. And then 8 weeks ago you entered my life. From the moment I stepped off the plane to the last day as you accompanied me back to the airport, I am forever indebted to you and so grateful for your presence. The man I met that first day was virtually a stranger to me, and my only connection to him was the supposed fact that he’s my mom’s brother. Of course I was excited, but I wondered how deep a relationship could even develop after 19 years of not knowing him. I look back and laugh about how silly a thought that was. I had no idea that I would have met my newest role model. You have shown me the world in immeasurable ways that I won’t fully be able to describe, and you have made me a different person with beautifully new perspectives about my culture, history, and my definition of family. So many lessons of necessary pain and growth, thanks to you. The joy of reconnecting with family in Korea has been amazing, but it also comes with pain. Seeing my grandma in her ill condition broke me into tears. Still, at the same time, her fragile state reminded me that life is finite and to be grateful that I get to spend even a portion of this limited lifetime with an awesome uncle I’ve gotten to know. First off, thank you for making time for me. I know that may seem simple, but I am thankful that you spent hours driving me to places, talking and dining with me, taking your days off work to spend them with me. You could have easily used your free time for yourself, but you spent it to show me Korea. You spent it to introduce me to family members I never met before and to teach me about the beautiful history of my homeland. I felt your genuine attention to detail in every conversation we had. You never got tired of my endless string of questions about Korea, and you gave me thoughtful answers every time. I hope this is translated correctly, but you are very book-smart and street-smart. My Korean may not have been perfect in our conversations, but I appreciate that you overlooked that fact and still respected me and my American culture. I am so grateful that you showed my two friends Atticus and Jacob so much love and care. I have expressed to you before that they are basically my brothers, the only other family I know of in America outside of my household. Seeing my actual uncle treating my brothers with familial affection made me so happy. They are also so thankful that you showed us around and treated us to meals. They say you’re a great guy, and I agree to the fullest extent. Also, your daughter is amazing, and I am so proud to be her cousin. Thank you so much for introducing me to her because even the short time I’ve gotten to know her has made me realize that traits really do run in the blood. I see so much of myself in her, and I am beyond ecstatic that I get along with her well. I have a good feeling that this is just the beginning of my relationship with my awesome cousin, and it feels like I discovered a long-lost sister. My conversations and chemistry with her have really hit me with the fact: “Wow, I really do have family members.” I know that may sound silly, but I am still shocked that I connected with her so instantly, and again, I’m grateful you provided the time and space for me to learn about her. She is such a thoughtful and kind person, and you’ve done a great job raising her. Speaking of traits running in the blood, I really appreciate the lecture you gave me about that topic on the car ride back when my mom yelled at me over the phone. I’ve cried in front of you twice now, and you can guess how much I lead my life with an emotional heart haha. I remember your words about how we are similar and stubbornly loving. You mentioned that our family members have high emotional intelligence, and I have come to realize that even throughout our stubbornness, we all share that genetic bond of fiery compassion and the unwilling dedication for those we love. My mom and I always mean the best for our loved ones, but our hearts can get bigger than our minds at times. So even as I was tearing up from her phone call, I took solace in your speech about how we are all so similar. I took comfort in the fact that for the first time, I felt like I really did have more family members. I suddenly felt a lot less lonely. I’ve thought long and hard about how I could ever repay you for all these amazing experiences. From the time that I’ve gotten to know you, I can boldly assume that material gifts or money aren’t your cup of tea (but I still got you gifts haha). That is why I have written you this letter. Knowledge and reflection are the best way I can express to you my gratitude, and more importantly, I need to translate these new thoughts into action. I envision a day when my future family in America is huge. My dream is to give my kids a family I never got to grow up with. Gatherings and parties are lively; nieces and nephews running around the yard playing football. We gather around multiple times a year to eat Korean food and share stories and laugh loudly. But most importantly, they have learned from my brother and me where we come from. Our homeland’s culture, language, and history. I promise to you that they will understand my parents’ sacrifices and the stories of our extended family. They will easily know what family means to them because their relatives will always be present. But as I watch them from the balcony with a beer in my hand, I will always be thinking about the summer of ‘26, the time I spent with my uncle in Korea. Thank you for everything; the moments we were lucky enough to share mean the world to me. I love you very much. See you again very soon! (P.S. I created a short film during my time in Korea; a lot of the themes that you've taught me are instilled within the movie! You always told me to go pursue what makes me happy, and as you know, filmmaking is my dream. Give it a watch, and let me know what you think.) Sincerely, Noah

Provider: Actuality Abroad

Program: Documentary Outreach - Service Learning for Storytellers

As a documentarian, I’m always chasing untold stories, and Actuality Abroad has helped me tell them around the world. Their experienced advisors gave me everything I needed to succeed, and I came away with friendships that will last a lifetime. Their attention to detail in storytelling, visuals, and post-production editing is always front and center, and their commitment to telling stories ethically is why I’m happy to keep working with them. I’ve now been on two trips with Actuality Abroad, and Vietnam in 2026 will always be the one that made me the filmmaker I am today.

Provider: Voluntours Colombia

Program: Dog & Cat Lovers Volunteer program in Bucaramanga, Colombia

I was doing a volunteering at voluntours colombia for 2 weeks. I picked something where I am supposed to work and help with rescued dogs from the street. I got picked up from the airport by their personal driver. When I arrived Simon and Laura explained everthing else while having lunch. I found out they had more fundations than just the dogs, for example: teaching english to children and even prison inmates. At the beginning i just wanted to work with the dogs but these experiences they offerd sounded to amazing to say no. So most days i spent time with the dogs. Feed them, brush them and of course... give them some love. Everyone was more jealous then the one before. Of course you have dogs there who had a rough time before, but i think because of this programm and all the love they get, they are still very sweet and get better every day. Except for the dogs which was already amazing, i didnt think that i would also visit a colombian prison or teach english to children. But for everybody searching for an unforgettable experience and wanting to see a new culture, just book your trip!

Provider: Absolute Internship

Program: Intern in Seoul with Absolute Internship

In Seoul, I learned that making beef bulgogi is even more fun when the people cooking beside you are clearly doing a better job. Between the busy shops of Insadong, the beautiful Cheonggyecheon Stream, and a bakery visit trying croissants that had so many different flavors like lemon, chocolate, blueberry, and matcha, my time abroad gave me plenty to smile about. It also helped me see engineering and my future differently. At the Center for Quantum Nanoscience, I saw how even tiny sounds and vibrations could affect research data. They had to design the building itself to help protect their research. Meeting researchers from different countries showed me how international engineering can be. At Hyundai’s UX studio, we explored vehicles and offered suggestions for improving the user experience. These visits connected technical problem-solving with the people who depend on the results. My experience challenges the myth that education abroad is only sightseeing. The cultural activities prompted reflection on history, while company visits gave me examples I can carry into my studies and career. Future participants can find both serious academic learning and everyday joy abroad, even when parts of the experience feel unfamiliar.