GoAbroad's reviews come straight from past participants and alumni, giving you honest insights on everything from housing to local life to program support. Each review is verified and vetted so you can find out what any program is really like—and find the one that fits you best!
Showing 1 - 20 of 100,051 reviews
Provider: Santa Barbara City College
Program: Study Abroad Program in Tokyo, Japan
My experience in Japan was excellent and I feel as if I still got the same quality education I would've in my home state. All of our activities were well curated and managed, leaving me with a rather immersed and culturally informed memory to reflect back on.
Provider: Teach Explore Asia (XploreAsia)
Program: Xplore Costa Rica TEFL Program with Guaranteed Placement
My experience with XploreAsia has been incredibly rewarding, and I'm so glad I chose them to help me begin my journey teaching abroad in Costa Rica! I completed my TESOL certification in August in San Ramón, Costa Rica, and really enjoyed the opportunity to develop practical teaching skills while meeting other people who were also preparing to teach abroad. The first week of the program was dedicated to orientation, where our cohort explored San Ramón and learned about Costa Rican culture. We did so many fun activities, including a coffee farm tour, a visit to an animal rescue center, a waterfall hike, a sugarcane tour, and even a trip to Manuel Antonio. That first week was all about building a community, which I found incredibly valuable. The friendships I made during my time in San Ramón helped make the transition to living abroad so much easier! After the first week, we jumped right into the TESOL course, which was another highlight. Our instructor was incredibly supportive, knowledgeable, and fun, and the training gave me the skills and confidence to step into the classroom and a better understanding of what to expect as a new English teacher. One of the things I appreciated most about XploreAsia was their support beyond the certification itself. Having guidance from before I even arrived in Costa Rica to well after the program ended made my transition much easier. They helped me secure a teaching placement in Santa Ana, where I am now living and working as an English teacher with students in 8th through 10th grade. I also have the opportunity to live with a Costa Rican host family, which has been one of the best ways to experience everyday life in the country. Living with my host mom has allowed me to practice my Spanish, learn about local traditions, and experience Costa Rican culture firsthand. I've also had the opportunity to participate in my school's traditional Costa Rican dance, which has been such a fun and meaningful way to connect with my students and become part of the school community. Some of the most rewarding moments have been getting to know my students, seeing their confidence grow as they learn English, and building connections that go beyond the classroom. Living abroad has challenged me in the best ways and given me experiences I know I'll carry with me long after I leave Costa Rica. I would absolutely recommend XploreAsia to anyone considering teaching abroad, especially someone looking for support with both getting certified and finding a teaching position. It's been a wonderful way to gain international teaching experience, immerse myself in a new culture, and grow both personally and professionally. I'm so grateful I took the opportunity!
Provider: WorldStrides
From the moment I got off the plane in Valencia I knew I was going to have a great experience. I greatly enjoyed daily life in Valencia, and was able to experienced public transportation daily. Taking Spanish courses definitely assisted in my cultural experience, especially because the teachers were amazing. I had an amazing host family and would definitely do it again. The staff are wonderful and teach you a lot about Spain!
Provider: WorldStrides
I had the best semester ever in Dublin, Ireland, thanks to the WorldStrides team. The experience was everything I dreamed of from meeting the best roommates turned forever friends, to studying at Trinity College, and exploring the vast countryside that Ireland has. The team set us up for success in every aspect, we had amazing housing only 10 minutes from the city center, and Amazing trips planned. We went to Galway and the cliffs of mother, and the mountains of wicklow to hold baby sheep. I miss my experience every day.
Provider: Teach Explore Asia (XploreAsia)
Program: Xplore Cambodia TEFL Program with Guaranteed Placement
The course was great! Getting to the country was ok and accommodating after a bit of convincing. Xplore staff in the country were very nice and down to earth. They even helped me the best they could, at odd hours when I was in a predicament (Vehicle troubles) they absolutely did not have to do such a thing. My first placement school was not good at all. I did get some assistance and guidance from staff during this time and the outcome was middling but they did point me to a much, much better school with whom I’ve been working with since.
Provider: Go Elective
I needed to complete an elective placement as part of my medical degree, and my university had shared a link to Go-Elective as one of the options to consider. After looking through the program and speaking with the team, I decided to apply. The whole process was pretty straightforward, and the team helped me with the documents I needed for my university. My favorite department was the Emergency Department. One of the cases that will definitely stay with me involved a patient who had been brought in following a serious road accident. It was difficult to witness. It made me realise how emotionally challenging working in medicine can be and how important it is to remain professional even in difficult situations. I was mainly looking for somewhere to complete my elective requirement, but I ended up learning much more than I expected. I'm really glad I enrolled, and I'd definitely recommend Go-Elective to other medical students looking for clinical experience beyond just shadowing. I think you can get even more out of the placement if you're already in your clinical years, since you have some practical knowledge to build on. It becomes easier to follow case discussions, ask questions, and participate in patient care whenever appropriate
Provider: Travel For Teens
Program: TFT Older Teens: Florence, Cinque Terre, Switzerland & Paris
We first went To Florence, and we explored the city by visiting cathedrals, the Duomo, and the beautiful museums. We went to the Accademia Gallery and saw Michelangelo's famous statue of David. We had free time, and got to explore the city, while going on more gelato runs than ever in my life. Next, we took a train to Cinque Terre, where we spent most of our time at the beach, swimming in the gorgeous blue water. We visited another town, where the movie, Luca was based, and swam even more, cherishing the sun and the views. Next, we took a bus to Interlaken, Switzerland, which was my personal favorite. Here, we did fun activities, such as canyoning and paragliding, which is probably my favorite part of the whole trip. We took cable up into the alps, where we explored new towns, and went on a Cliffside Thrill Walk. After a few days here, we traveled into Paris for the last leg of the trip. Here, we took a shopping spree in the Galeries Lafayette, and visited museums, such as the Louvre, and the d'Orsay. WE also visited the major landmarks of the Eiffel Tower, and the Arc de Triomphe. We also went and visited the Palace of Versailles, and walked through the gorgeous gardens. On the last night, we all went to dinner and enjoyed one last night together before we all had to go back home.
Provider: MAXIMO NIVEL
Program: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America
Becoming fluent in Spanish something I’ve always wanted to do. I did some research and made a decision to spend weeks 3 immersed in Antigua Guatemala study studying at Maximo Nivel and living with a host family… at 65 yo. It has been great from the start. The host family is super friendly and accommodating. The administration of the school is very professional. The language teachers are top notch & focused on you achieving results. There are plenty of options from group classes, private lessons, tutors providing support. I knew doing something like this would improve my Spanish speaking skills. Excited to take what I have learned and use it in my travels. I highly recommend.
Provider: Isla Internships Abroad
Working in Kosovo was such an amazing experience that set me up for success in so many ways. I got to meet so many other passionate change makers from across the world and interact directly with new culture. With Kosovo being such a new nation and so many arising issues, my work actually felt meaningful. It felt like I was helping shape Kosovo despite the short time I was there. It was also so cheap and easy to travel to other Balkan countries, so it was a great opportunity to travel to other parts of the world I've never experienced and might not easily experience again. Isla was such a great support the whole time. They found us housing, they helped us take advantage of opportunities, they supported our mental health, they connected us with community-centered groups, and they helped us get groceries.
Provider: Iguana Abroad
Program: Day of the Dead Spanish Immersion Course in Mexico | 15-Days
I’ve always been so fascinated with other cultures and especially with Day of the Dead and Mexico, ever since I was young, and it’s always been a bit of a dream of mine to experience it one year… and that year was this year! And I’m so happy and grateful that I did. It honestly exceeded all my craziest expectations - the amazing colors and sounds and smells and flavors - it has to be one of the most unique festivals in the world. There’s something incredibly special about experiencing Day of the Dead in Mexico, where it isn't only a festival or a just some tourist attraction, but actually deeply rooted in the culture, history and everyday lives of the people. Seeing the ofrendas, the decorations, the cemeteries, the flowers and the celebrations everywhere was honestly just wonderful. And, I should also so, it made it even more special experiencing it through Iguana Abroad. Rather than just seeing things as a visitor, we had the opportunity to learn about the traditions, understand their significance and really immerse ourselves in the culture. Every activity, every experience and every little detail added something to the experience. It was one of those experiences that I'll remember for the rest of my life, and I'm incredibly grateful to everyone at Iguana Abroad for making a lifelong dream come true. I couldn't have asked for a better way to experience such a beautiful and fascinating part of Mexican culture.
Provider: API Intern Group
My time at The Intern Group has been a genuinely life changing experience that I would recommend to anyone. Not only have I gained amazing experience at a great company, but have met people that will be friends for life.
Provider: Quest
Program: Quest Africa Men's Core: 7-Month Journey of Transformation
Quest Africa in the shortest way I can describe it is this...It's an adventure waiting to begin, an experience waiting to be fulfilled. It teaches you that not everything in life is going to be easy. It's hard but rewarding. It's a program that takes a soft couch potato child, and turns that child into a man of values, and stoicism which then shapes your destiny for the future. Destiny is all
Provider: Iguana Abroad
Program: Day of the Dead Spanish Immersion Course in Mexico | 15-Days
I heard about Iguana Abroad through a friend a few years ago who couldn't recommend the experience highly enough. Life got in the way for a while, but this year me and my partner finally had the opportunity to join. And it was truly amazing. The team made us feel so so welcome from the very beginning, and there was an honest perfect balance of learning, the cultural experiences, excursions and time spent together as a group, and also time to relax and take it all in. We came away with wonderful memories, new long lasting friendships and an even greater appreciation for Mexican culture. Thank you for such a special experience guys - hopefully we can join you again sometime in the future!
Provider: Absolute Internship
Program: Global Remote Internships (Available for High Schoolers)
In Autumn of 2020 and I had just graduated from my Bachelors program in Mechanical engineering. At the time, due to the Pandemic, my chances of finding a career felt bleek at best. I was fresh out of university with no prior experience but a brief internship at a medical city, when came across Absolute internship's remote intership program offer. I was skeptical at first, coming from a very hands on Mechanical Engineering background, doing an internship online didn't make much sense to me. What would I do? How would I work or learn. After alot of help and support form the absolute internship team I was paired with a UK based start up. I loved my time at the company and learned so much about simulations and drawings and engineering than I ever could have imagined would be possible virtually. I was based in the middle east at the time but the whole company was remote and I had felt as if I gained a professional family. The company inspired me to pursue a Masters degree in Germany and 6 years later I'm still a part of the team. A team that continues to push my professional career and and allow me to learn and grow. The experience showed me that the things we are skeptical of the most, can have the outcomes that change the course of our lives. Non of this would have been possible if not for Absolute Internship, they alowed me to connect with the world that would have otherwise been far beyond my reach.
After departing from Italy and arriving in Gweru—a journey that involved two flights and a five-hour car ride—I received a warm welcome that immediately put me at ease. The first day was dedicated to orientation: the projects, activities, and rules to be followed were introduced. Above all, it was an opportunity to meet the coordinators of the individual projects—professionally qualified individuals who are deeply passionate about their respective fields of expertise. The weekly schedule of activities is presented every Sunday evening, and each day the group gathers around a fire pit to review the plans and share the highlights of the day—a moment for coming together (much like during mealtimes). Programs includes ie for Wildlife : Elephant Boma cleaning, Bird identification, Rhinos observation, Hyena Enrichment activities or Lions feed. For Community program : teaching assistance, Soup kitchen or Orphanage visit. Safari Stables : horses feed and groom, Fence checks, Safari ride, Horse Swim , Overnight ( optional ) , Polocrosse . I took part in the project for two weeks; the group of volunteers was diverse in terms of age and nationality. The accommodations are comfortable, the location is surrounded by greenery, and the food is wonderful (I don’t eat meat or dairy, and the staff and the cook were always attentive to my needs, offering a varied selection of dishes rich in vegetables from the park’s own garden!). Should any needs, questions, or requests for assistance arise, the volunteer coordinator manager is always available to help 7/24 . I had the opportunity to be of use, to learn, to meet people from different cultures, and to immerse myself in this environment—an experience that has left me with images I will carry with me forever.
Provider: WorldStrides
My time in Peru really changed my entire life. Lima was a delight from start to finish. The food alone is worth the trip: the ceviche is bright and perfectly fresh, the lomo saltado is deeply satisfying, and the restaurant scene, from casual cevicherías to world-class tasting menus, is among the best anywhere. Miraflores and Barranco are walkable, lively, and full of charm, with ocean cliffs, parks, art galleries, and colorful street murals. The historic center impresses with its colonial architecture, plazas, and the catacombs. Museums like Larco Museum add rich context on Peru’s ancient cultures, and sunsets over the Pacific from the coastal boardwalk are hard to beat. People were warm and welcoming, and the city has a creative, energetic spirit that makes it easy to fill several days.
Provider: Absolute Internship
Spending eight weeks in Barcelona, Spain, was one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of my college career. I had always wanted to study or work abroad, and getting the opportunity to live in a new country while gaining professional experience was something I was really excited about. During my time in Barcelona, I interned with Lenium, a company focused on engineering, renewable energy, and sustainable development. I was able to gain hands-on experience working in an international professional environment, contribute to real projects, and learn more about how businesses operate in different parts of the world. As an Environmental Design major, it was especially interesting to see how sustainability and innovation are approached from a global perspective. Outside of my internship, I loved getting to explore Barcelona, experience the culture, travel to new places, and meet people from all over the world. Living in a city with such unique architecture, public spaces, and transportation systems was especially exciting because of my interest in urban design. Some of my favorite memories were simply walking around the city, trying new foods, spending time with friends, and experiencing everyday life in Spain. This experience also pushed me to become more independent, adaptable, and confident in unfamiliar situations. Being away from home for two months definitely came with challenges, but those moments helped me grow the most. I also appreciated the opportunity to practice my Spanish and experience a different culture beyond just being a tourist. Overall, I am incredibly grateful for my time in Barcelona. I came home with new friendships, professional skills, unforgettable memories, and a broader perspective on the world. I would absolutely recommend this experience to anyone considering going abroad, especially those who want to step outside their comfort zone while gaining valuable work experience.
Provider: Linguistic Horizons
Program: Customized Internships & Spanish Immersion at the Beach
In 2022, I packed my bags and traveled to La Coruña, Spain, through Linguistic Horizons. Little did I know that this experience would give me so much more than an opportunity to improve my Spanish! One of my favorite parts of the experience was living with a Spanish host. Think about it! You’re learning a new language, and then you go home and have the opportunity to practice that same language in everyday conversations. That was one of the things I appreciated most. I wasn’t just studying Spanish. I was actually living it! And here’s another part that made my experience even more special. I had the opportunity to complete an internship at a local flower shop! If you know me, you know how much I love flowers and floral design. So imagine being in another country, learning the language, experiencing a different culture, and at the same time doing something you’re passionate about. That was such a meaningful opportunity for me! What surprised me was realizing that some of the most valuable learning experiences happen outside the classroom. Sometimes, you have to step outside your comfort zone to discover just how much you’re capable of. Now, I understand that everyone may have a different experience, and I respect that. But I wanted to share mine because I know someone out there may be considering this program and wondering whether it’s worth it. If you were my friend and asked me whether you should go, I would tell you this: Don’t go just to learn Spanish. Go to experience Spain! Embrace the culture, connect with people, practice the language even when you make mistakes, and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. It’s been four years, and I still look back on my time in La Coruña with a grateful heart. For me, Linguistic Horizons was more than a language program. It was an opportunity to learn, grow, explore, and invest in myself. Would I recommend it? Absolutely! And would I do it again? Without hesitation!
Provider: Absolute Internship
I loved everything about this experience. The program coordinators took such good care of us and the program made major efforts to set us up for success in our placements. I loved that our first week we got to immerse ourselves in the new environment and just soak it all in. My internship taught me so much and broadened my horizons both in a personal, cultural, and professional level.
Odyssey in Athens with Webster University was a once in a lifetime experience. I was able to meet wonderful people from around the world and experience the joy of learning with them! I was able to spend weekends island hopping with my new friends and attend amazing classes during the week.
Premier TEFL
MAXIMO NIVEL
The TEFL Institute of Ireland
The TEFL Institute Group
That's Mandarin
The TEFL Academy
LTL Language School
International TEFL Academy
Teach Explore Asia (XploreAsia)
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