Reviews

The Further Afield initiative of Goto-CO is an experience I would recommend for the following reasons. They take care of and book flights (with great flexibility). The organisers and people behind it are friendly, outgoing, and on top of it all. The experience combines work and leisure.

I spent two months studying Mandarin at Fudan University in Shanghai through GAC, and it was an unforgettable experience. My homestay family welcomed me like their own — we cooked together, watched Chinese dramas, and they patiently helped me practice every day. My teacher was engaging and focused on real conversation rather than just textbooks. By the end, I could confidently order food, ask for directions, and chat with locals. The GAC team also organized weekend trips to Suzhou and Hangzhou. I came home with real fluency and a deep love for Chinese culture.

I had no idea programs like this existed, and I am glad that, after doing research, I found TEFL Pro. They are amazing! They provide everything you will need to learn in videos and activities. They are always there to help if you need it, and you write posts when completing a module. I have already recommended my friends back in California to this program. Most of them are excited or say that it feels "too good to be true," which I thought the same thing until now. TEFL Pro gives you everything you need and will help you even after completing the program. :)

I've been studying at That's Mandarin for less than 2 months and I'm amazed at how much I learned so far. I do the intensive program and it is a lot of information per week but it is worth it making the effort to understand it. Every teacher has a different style of teaching which is also good to improve different skills.

My experience teaching abroad was an unforgettable one. Being able to teach children in rural areas and learning about their culture taught me so much. I would definitely go again when I get the chance!

The TEFL course taught me to think outside the box when planning lessons and how to use online resources and materials effectively. The tutors are outstanding, friendly, and incredibly supportive. It was truly a life-changing experience!

I actually can’t recommend this program enough. It seriously changed my life. First off, the staff from worldstrides alone should be enough to sell you. I felt more supported by the mentors in Lima then I did in my university in the states. Michelle and Christy are some of the most caring people I have ever met. They were incredibly helpful- I was absolutely sure I could ask them about anything and they would happily help. They went out of their way to make sure we had the best experience possible, from giving dance/surf class recommendations to accompanying a student to the hospital when they felt sick. My host mom, Doris, was absolutely spectacular. Not only was she so sweet and patient, she was also incredibly accommodating (and such a good cook). My roommates had dietary restrictions (One didn’t eat red meat, the other was lactose intolerant), and she worked hard to make sure everyone felt comfortable. She was so patient and helpful as we practiced our spanish. I still call her every other week! Besides the wonderful people involved, Peru as a whole is absolutely amazing. Go. Please. It has something for everyone. It’s one of the gastronomic capitals of the world, so the food is amazing. Worldstrides takes you on both included (Historical district, huacachina (with sand surfing)) and extra excursions. I was lucky enough to be able to go on the extra trips to the amazon (absolutely crazy), and to Machu Picchu. It’s a once in a lifetime experience. Lima is an amazing city with so many events, you’ll never be bored. I did everything from attend an interactive spanish-adaptation of the broadway show “Next to Normal” (phenomenal), to participate in Miraflores’ community zumba classes, to go to a circus, to march in Lima’s pride parade, to fish for piranhas in the amazon. I did the 2-month summer program, and it was spectacular. The first month, I took classes at Cayetano Heredia- Medical Spanish and Community Health. Weekdays were sometimes a little long, but all the teachers were SO supportive and amazing. You get to learn from and shadow practicing doctors and see how healthcare works in Peru, which is a FANTASTIC experience! We even got the opportunity to run a simulated clinical visit with actual actors. The second month, we got to volunteer with Aprendo Contigo, an organization that works to ensure hospitalized children don’t fall behind in schoolwork. We got to have the chance to see what we learned manifest in real life and have real patient interactions. I left wanting to come back as soon as possible, and legitimately considered staying in college for an extra semester just to be able to stay for a whole semester.

The classes are well structured with an excellent framework and toolset. We have lots of fun learning in a low pressure environment with fantastic teachers. The NiHao Cafe APP is a magnificent tool to aid learning as well as the various culture corners and opportunity to use the language we have just learned.

Studying abroad is the adventure of a lifetime! With CYA, it was even more memorable. The program is located in Athens, in a safe, lively neighborhood. I felt immersed in the culture immediately, with tavernas and local grocery stores just steps from my apartment. The program not only offers opportunities and activities right there in Athens, but it also coordinates trips throughout Greece to further our exploration of the country. I loved how supportive and organized the program was. It made it easy to not only learn more about culture, history, and language while in Greece, but also to get the most out of our study abroad experience. I liked the size of the program because everyone gets to know each other really well, and it makes it feel like a family. The professors are extremely supportive and are always looking to make personal connections with the students. There are so many class options for any major or interest. A lot of the classes like to use Athens as their classroom, and I think this was one of my favorite parts. I loved meeting at the Athenian Agora or the Acropolis to actually see what we were learning about. I loved taking Greek language, mainly because my professor was the best! I learned so much from her, and she made learning the language possible and exciting. It was so fun going to the local coffee shops and practicing my Greek. CYA is a great program for anyone interested in Greece, history, arts, culture, the Greek language, or a program that takes the abroad experience to the next level!

I really loved my experience with Worldstrides in Cusco. The program staff was incredibly knowledgable about the topic material, and also very helpful with local things to do and get involved with. I really loved my classes and also the location in Cusco, where there was so much to do, especially as someone who loves hiking, being outside, and traveling. My professors were also really engaging and clearly really interested in the class material and enjoyed teaching us. Overall, I could not have asked for a program which better fit my own interests and created such a positive atmosphere.

I can highly recommend LTL Language School in Tokyo. I studied there for two weeks, from August 24th to September 3rd, with classes from Monday to Friday, every day from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Before starting, I was a little worried that four hours of Japanese every afternoon might be exhausting, but fortunately it was much more manageable than I had expected. The teachers are very attentive to the students’ concentration and know exactly when a break is needed, especially after intensive or difficult grammar sections. This made it possible to stay focused even on days with a lot of new material. The lessons were sometimes very intensive, but always well structured and easy to follow. What I particularly appreciated was that I did not simply rush through new material. I was able to review and strengthen important basics, which turned out to be extremely helpful for me. In the past, I often made the mistake of trying to progress too quickly when learning Japanese. As soon as the material became more difficult, I would eventually lose track and become frustrated. At LTL, I felt for the first time that I really understood how I can approach learning Japanese in a sustainable way: strengthen the basics, review regularly, keep going consistently, and when something becomes difficult, take a step back and work through it again instead of giving up. The teachers were very friendly, patient and attentive. I especially appreciated the personal feedback. For example, one of my teachers complimented my hiragana handwriting and gave me specific advice on how to continue studying and practising at home. During my stay, I could already notice small improvements in everyday life. I became more confident and was able to start forming simple Japanese sentences on my own. Of course, I am still very much a beginner, but the course gave me the feeling that I am finally on the right path. For me, this was much more than just a language course during a holiday. It gave me new motivation to continue studying Japanese consistently after returning home. I am already planning to come back next summer and would be very happy to study at LTL again. Thank you very much to the whole team for the wonderful time, the excellent teaching and the supportive atmosphere. A very clear five-star recommendation.

Studying at That's Mandarin Hangzhou has been an incredible decision. The teachers explain complex grammar with real-life examples that make everything click instantly. Their proprietary Nihao Cafe app is a lifesaver for reviewing lesson notes on the go. Beyond the classroom, the support staff helped me settle into life in China without any stress. My conversational confidence has shot up dramatically in just a few weeks. I couldn't ask for a better experience!

Studying abroad in Sevilla was one of the best experiences of my college years. I chose Sevilla because I wanted to improve my Spanish and truly immerse myself in the language and culture, and I got so much more out of the experience than I expected. One of my favorite things was walking through the streets around the Plaza de España and Parque de María Luisa, especially in the afternoon when I had a break from class. From eating lunch that my host dad cooked to exploring Sevilla with my roommate and practicing Spanish in everyday situations, I became much more comfortable and independent. Sevilla slowly started to feel like home, and leaving was honestly one of the hardest parts. I made memories and friendships that I will carry with me for the rest of my life, and I would absolutely recommend Sevilla to anyone considering studying abroad.

been using Joyn Academy for a few weeks now and im actually really enjoying it!! I tried learning japanese by myself before but always ended up stopping after awhile lol. The live classes make it alot easier to stay consistent and the teachers are really nice and patient even when I keep making the same mistakes 😭 definetly feel more confident speaking now than when I started

Studying and interning in London this past summer through CEA CAPA was truly such an unforgettable experience. Being able to immerse myself in a new culture while also experiencing what it was like to work in a different country was something I will always be grateful for. CEA CAPA gave me the support and encouragement to step outside of my comfort zone, try new things, and make the most of my time abroad. I loved being able to explore different parts of London through my classes and actually connect what I was learning to the city around me. My internship also gave me valuable real-world experience in an international environment. Most importantly, the people I met made the experience so special. I went into the program not knowing anyone and ended up making some of my closest friends with people from all over the country. Overall, CEA CAPA gave me the perfect balance of academics, work experience, travel, independence, and friendships. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget!

The Hangzhou center is modern, bright, and incredibly welcoming. From day one, the cozy environment made studying Mandarin feel enjoyable rather than daunting. The classrooms are equipped with modern tech, and there are comfortable common areas where you can relax, drink tea, and chat with fellow international students.

My experience was amazing. Definitely would describe it as one of my favorite and most memorable trips. I bealive the impact was truly felt and delivered. Along with an amazing trip and life long new friends.

Participating in ASA's volunteer program was an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life. The jungle at Finca Las Piedras is stunning, and I saw so much wildlife. The trail system is well-maintained and beautiful to explore. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and supportive. While the accommodations are basic, they are clean and safe. I loved waking up every morning to the sounds of the jungle. Supporting the protection of this important ecosystem while learning about the region’s unique wildlife was a life-changing experience. I would highly recommend this volunteer program to anyone considering it.

This course was very enjoyable and beneficial. Michelle Benson is an excellent tutor who immediately puts you at ease. She is full of knowledge and experience and she shared lots of tips and advice with us in her fun and friendly sessions. A shout out to the lovely ladies in the group too, who also made this a great weekend. I feel very fortunate to have spent some time with them.

The teaching staff in Hangzhou are outstanding! They strike a perfect balance between challenging you and keeping lessons fun and engaging. My teacher patient, encouraging, and highly skilled at tailoring the pace to my learning style. In every class, I get ample speaking practice and immediate feedback on my tones and pronunciation. You can tell they are genuinely invested in every student's progress. My Mandarin has improved faster than ever.