Reviews

I went to Mexico to improve my Spanish skills and gain confidence moving and interacting in unfamiliar settings and situations. This program allowed me to greatly improve my Spanish - the month-long urban homestay was super helpful for that - and expand my skillset and knowledge of what I can do. In the course of this program I also complete a social work practicum at a local elder care home, and that allowed me to apply and further develop social work skills of empathy and communication, as well as to more completely immerse myself in the local community.

My study abroad experience in Iceland was an amazing opportunity to learn, explore, and experience a new culture. I loved being able to visit different companies and see how businesses operate outside of the United States.

I chose Cape Town because I wanted an experience that felt different from the typical study abroad path. What I loved most was having the freedom to balance my internships with everything else Cape Town had to offer. My internship sites were flexible and supportive, which gave me the chance to gain meaningful experience while still making time for plenty of adventures. Along the way, I discovered how much I enjoy being spontaneous, exploring on my own, and meeting new people, something that became one of the best parts of my time here. Through my work with two youth-focused community organizations, I also reaffirmed how much I love teaching and working with young people. The VAC team made the experience even better, and the weekly activities were always a highlight and a great way to spend time with everyone. I came to Cape Town looking for something unique, and that is exactly what I found.

I really enjoy my time studying at That’s Mandarin. The campus is bright, modern and well‑maintained, with comfortable classrooms and a nice common area to relax between classes. It creates a really pleasant atmosphere for learning. I’ve made clear progress in my Mandarin over these weeks. Teachers are patient and focus on practical speaking skills, so I feel much more confident using Chinese in daily life. The whole team is friendly and supportive. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to learn Mandarin in a great environment!

This is my fourth summer studying at LTL Language School in Taipei, and each experience has been truly amazing. All of the teachers—including Sissy, Kate, Tammy Xu, Anqi and Francine, whom I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know—are incredibly dedicated and supportive, and they have helped me make great progress in my language skills. Although I don’t have many opportunities to practise during the rest of the year, I notice a clear improvement every time I return to LTL. It’s a wonderful place to learn, grow, and stay motivated! The class levels are well organised and I always felt well in my group. If your own language level doesn’t match that of the class, you can easily switch to a different level. The admin staff – Sunny, Riona and Alin – are very friendly and help with every little thing. This starts right from the preparation for the summer course. The social events are brilliant and give you the chance to get to know both Taiwanese culture and the other students better. Would I recommend the LTL School? ABSOLUTELY...

I wanted to come to Cape Town because I was looking for a cultural experience that would challenge and broaden my perspective. As someone interested in international development, I wanted to learn within a different cultural context and better understand South Africa through its history and approach to development. One of the most impactful parts of my experience was learning about the concept of Ubuntu and seeing the importance of community, connection, and mutual support in everyday life. My eight weeks in Cape Town felt short, but they gave me the opportunity to grow both culturally and professionally. Through my internship with a community-focused development organization, I gained valuable experience working within a different social and cultural setting. Most of all, I will miss the people I met, who were incredibly warm, curious, supportive, and welcoming. My time in South Africa also gave me greater clarity about my future and strengthened my desire to pursue opportunities abroad, including a Fulbright program.

I spent my Spring Break in Barcelona through the EPICS at ASU Global Intensive Experience, and it was easily one of the most valuable things I've done in college. The program brought 34 of us together to work on real community-based engineering projects alongside partners like Tarpuna SCCL, BIT Habitat, and CARNET, with additional connections to Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya and ESERP Business & Law School. This was not a sightseeing trip with a class attached. We were in intensive group work sessions applying what we'd learned in the classroom to actual problems facing a global city. The academic side was genuinely challenging in the best way. A Smart City tour with Guiding Architects showed us how urban architecture and engineering solutions come together at scale, and working directly with local organizations forced us to think about design in a cultural context we'd never encountered before. We also put sustainability into practice with a beach cleanup at Barceloneta, which grounded the whole experience in real action rather than just discussion. The cultural immersion was just as intentional as the coursework. We explored the Sagrada Família, took in the views from Montjuïc, visited Park Güell, learned Flamenco with a local dance studio, and ended one evening watching the sunset from a jazz catamaran. The tapas alone would have been worth the flight. The program leaders, including Dr. Tami Coronella, Jennifer Wong, Claire Lien Luong, and Bastien Kahn, were supportive and organized throughout. They struck a real balance between pushing us academically and making sure we experienced Catalonia beyond the classroom. If you're an engineering student considering a short-term global program, I can't recommend this one enough. You come home with more than photos. You come home understanding that engineering really is a universal language for change.

I chose AIFS Abroad for my 8-week summer internship in Berlin because of how responsive and organized they were from the very beginning. Any questions I had before departure got answered quickly, which made the whole process feel a lot less overwhelming. Once I got to Berlin, that same level of support continued. The staff were easy to reach and genuinely helpful whenever I needed anything, which made a huge difference living in a new country for the first time. I stayed in an apartment in a great location with my own room, which gave me the independence to explore the city on my own schedule while still feeling settled. AIFS built in a solid mix of activities and excursions like a trip out to Peacock Island was a highlight, and I also ended up playing badminton and joining a city tour, which were great ways to actually experience Berlin rather than just pass through it. Those activities were also where I met a lot of the people I got close with during the program. Having a built-in group made it easy to explore the city together instead of navigating it solo. Looking back, the experience pushed me to be more independent and comfortable navigating unfamiliar situations, which I don't think I would've gotten the same way from a shorter or less immersive program. I'd recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking for a summer program that balances real independence (your own space, your own time) with enough built-in structure and support that you're never actually on your own when it matters.

I chose Cape Town because I wanted the opportunity to experience somewhere completely new and see for myself what made the city so special. During my time here, I learned so much about the culture, the people, and the natural beauty of South Africa. What stood out most was how warm and open people were, and I especially loved spending time with friends and meeting people from different countries. Those connections are what I will miss most. During my internship with a community-based organization working with children, some of my favorite moments were simply playing with the kids, helping with activities, and leading lessons. Being around them brought back a sense of childhood joy while also helping me work toward a personal goal of becoming more confident communicating with others and speaking in front of groups. Building genuine connections with the children and experiencing the local community made the internship especially meaningful. The VAC weekly activities were another highlight because they brought everyone together so naturally. Sometimes a friendship could start simply by playing soccer with someone whose name I didn’t even know yet. The VAC staff were always supportive and willing to listen, and I am incredibly grateful for the friendships, memories, and experiences I gained during my time in Cape Town.

I had a great experience with my friends in the Malaga Summer Camp. Although i was a bit too old for the activities, that the staff provided, I still had fun during some. I met awesome people and made many new friends.

Honestly went far above and beyond what I expected, so many incredible tips, resources, links and ideas and truly incredible in their teaching and explanations. All the additional respurces and the extra courses and list of references really truly are wonderful and incredibly practical.

The TEFL Academy responded to this reviewAugust 31, 2026

Thanks for the wonderful feedback!

My daughter of 13 did her first language camp in foreign country, of course, as parent, I was very much worried whether all would go well, especially her safety. So I booked one week for her. I am very glad that everything was well-arranged, and very safe. My daughter would like to stay longer , she learned new friends , the language and the culture there. Her classmates were from different countries and they had wonderful time together.

My great time spent in Barcelona started from being picked from an airport and transported to accommodation, to accommodation i have only one con and thatt was a little complicated communication with staff, the school looked really good from outside and inside so it was nice being there, with the school i had a little problem and it was that i had a feeling i learnt almost nothing and from the trip i think i have improved more in emglish than spanish, but maybe that might be my fault too. After all i really enjoyed and made some friends and it was totally worth it.

I traveled to the Sahara Desert last year with Charaf, our guide, and Hicham, our driver, and it was an amazing experience from beginning to end. Charaf was very friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about Morocco, while Hicham was an excellent and professional driver who made us feel safe and comfortable throughout the journey. We visited beautiful places, enjoyed the camel ride, watched the sunset over the dunes, and spent an unforgettable night in the desert. I highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Morocco!

All of the staff were so kind and generous. The activities were super fun to do and the Spanish classes were really helpful and enjoyable. Everyone at the camp was so kind and helpful. The entire process was really easy.

In May 2026 I went to China for the first time and studied at LTL Language School for 2 weeks. The first week in Shanghai and the second week in Beijing. I joined their Master Class for people 50+ which included both lessons and sightseeing. Also included in the price was a subway card + telephone card + school material like books, pen, snacks + entrances to tourist spots. Housing I chose to stay at a hotel in Beijings most central area and that suited me well. Since I had so much activities I didn’t want to stay in a family homestay since I wouldn’t have had time to spend so much time there. Transportation The subways worked impressively well. If needed it was also possible to just swipe your credit card and pay for the trip. Teachers & the school The teachers were all really friendly and pedagogical. I met many of the teachers because they also guided me around Beijing in the afternoons. I learned so much and finally I could speak Chinese in a more relaxed way. Even if we spoke a lot of Chinese all the teachers were good at English so I could easily switch to English if I didn’t know how to say something in Chinese. The teachers were also very flexible to students different needs although I studied in a group with 1‑4 other students. The level was A2 in my classes. We had classes between 8.00‑12.00. In the breaks we talked or played Mahjong with other students over tea or coffee. Thank you teacher Alice in Beijing. Activities In the Master Class program we had activities on Monday‑Friday afternoon around 13.00‑17.00 + the whole day on Saturdays. The weeks I was there I was the only student so it felt like I was having private guided tours. It was awesome. The teachers guiding me made up plans but since I was the only one in the Master Class those weeks I could adjust them if I needed. See below what I did in Beijing. Beijing The activities the week I was there was The forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Schichahai & Nanluoguxiang, The temple of Heaven and 798 Art Zone. Unfortunately The temple of heaven was closed due to Donald Trumps visit so instead we went shopping and I made some great bargains. 798 Art Zone I didn’t go to since it was my first time in Beijing and I skipped school also that day and went to see The Great Wall by myself. The Saturday I spend the whole day in the Summer Palace with another teacher. All the activities and teachers guiding me were so nice and helpful. I had a fun time in all activities. Beijing is a city with a lot of fascinating historic sights. The weather was hot and humid already in May. Thank you so much Tara and Summer Wang. For learners like me, travelling and learning a new language can feel a little overwhelming at times. But LTL’s Master Class took away most of my worries. I never felt rushed during tours or pressured in class. Every day I got to practise newly‑learned Chinese phrases right out on the streets, in markets and parks, which helped me memorise words far better than textbook work alone. I really valued the gentle pace, thoughtful support and genuine care from every member of staff. This one‑week stay in Beijing gave me wonderful memories and greater confidence to keep learning Chinese back home in Sweden. Conclusion This was one of the best things I have ever done and I recommend others to go and study this Master Program in Beijing. Thank you all Carina Johansson

Whenever I reminisce on my journey with Beyond Travels, my inner being lights up. I feel an overwhelming sense of warmth and gratitude. I spent several weeks in the Amazon as part of the Amazonian Indigenous Plant Medicine & Herbalism internship. From the moment I arrived, I felt safe, secure and genuinely cared for by the Beyond Travels team. Their knowledge, and thoughtful guidance sparked the confidence to fully immerse myself in the experience and embrace everything the Amazon had to offer. It was reassuring to have the team there to help translate and make sense of information along the way, as I would have felt quite lost trying to navigate alone. There was something almost ecstatic about being immersed in the aliveness of the Amazon. All of my senses were heightened. From the sound of thunder rolling through the rainforest with the torrential rain, to the incredible richness of lush green landscape, and the taste of forest foods: sweet cacao and guaba fruit, plantain, yuca, freshly caught wild fish, and much more. I often found myself thinking, Is this really my life right now!? One of the most impactful parts of my experience was staying with my host family — The team absolutely got the pairing right! I feel so honoured to have been welcomed into their home and community. They treated me as though I was a family member, showing me unconditional love and acceptance, despite the language barrier. Sharing in their everyday life deepened my connection to the jungle.. from hiking and working in their chakra (garden), to playing with the children in the river. The simpler rhythm of life, rooted me in presence. Spending time at Amupakin (midwifery health centre) with my host Mama, was incredibly special as I was surrounded by feminine energy, that felt truly nurturing. Taking part in ceremonies, limpias, and learning about their traditional medicine added another beautiful dimension to my experience, and opened my awareness to alternative ways of healing. I was particularly curious about Ayahuasca in which I was able to observe and participate in its preparation. It was mind expanding to learn about these traditions within their cultural context, and I was fascinated by how indigenous knowledge has been passed down through generations, and remains so woven into their everyday life. I was constantly confronted with the striking contrast to the ways we live in the West, and left me reflecting on just how disconnected we can sometimes be from the natural world and the knowledge held within it. I would recommend Beyond Travels over and over again. This was, without a doubt, one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. It has left such a lasting impression on me that I feel called to return. See you soon, Amazon. Thank you Andy and your team for creating such a spectacular opportunity

Frankadua, Ghana, holds a special place in my heart. Not only was I fully immersed in Ghanaian culture, I also made true and lasting friends. The staff at IVHQ welcomed me from the moment I got out of the van, and they go out of their way to ensure safety and comfort. Every meal is homemade with care and thought. The wound outreach is incredible. We may not be completely changing a patient's life, but rather we learn and realize that we are part of something much bigger: a global effort to help treat those with severe wounds. The volunteers you meet are inspiring. Everyone has the same mindset of helping others, and we all got along swimmingly. I cannot wait to return and see the kids grow and visit with friends again.

I had fun in my two weeks I've been there. The events were very unique and different from what I have experienced years ago when I went to Tokyo at another school. Osaka people are much friendlier and warmer. The school helped me a lot with finding an accommodation and also assisting with info for food recommendations as I'm Vegan. The community is very inclusive and I never felt insecure or unsafe. If I could do it all over again I would go for Osaka for sure.

Osaka hat richtig geflasht! Meine Zeit hier war einfach nur genial und ich habe viele Freunde kennen gelernt. Der Unterricht war sehr gechillt und die Lehrer waren super nett. Die Location von der Schule ist auch sehr zentral. Shinsaibashi Station ist ein kurzer Spaziergang entfernt, aber das geilste war die extrem fashionlastige und kunterbunte Amemmura Nachbarstadt mit coolen Cafés, sehr extrovertierten Leuten und einer lebendigen Nightlife Szene. Kann Meiji und Osaka nur sehr empfehlen.