Biology Study Abroad Programs

Spending a semester in South Africa reshaped the way I see the world and the way I write about it. As a writing major and African and African American Studies minor, I took every history class I could fit into my schedule, learning about liberation movements, identity, and global interconnectedness right from the source. When I wasn’t in class, I was at the beach — literally every minute possible — journaling with my toes in the sand or doing yoga as the sun came up over the water. Spring break took me all the way to Tanzania, where new landscapes and new conversations stretched my perspective even further. I met people who became lifelong friends, the kind you still text years later because the bond formed abroad never really fades. More than anything, the experience gave me a deeper understanding of myself, my studies, and the world I want to help shape. Studying abroad didn’t just change my semester. It changed my life.

It has been about 3 months since I came home from Study Abroad, and I still haven't found the right words to describe this experience! When I left for study abroad, I was stepping into the unknown - moving to a new city, far away from everything and everyone I had ever known. Some moments challenged me, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and forced me to grow in ways I never expected. Along the way, Ifound a new sense of independence, confidence, and trust in myself! What I will cherish the most are the people. The friendships I made, my roommates and forever friends who turned into family. They were there for every laugh, every tear, and served as a shoulder to lean on when I needed it most! I was lucky enough to do something most people only dream of. I got to experience cultures, traditions, and places that opened my eyes to how beautiful our world is! I left study abroad with more than just pictures and postcards, but lessons, stories, friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime!

I studied with CYA in an immersive 2 week program through Heritage Greece. The CYA staff were so welcoming, supportive, and truly made my experience unforgettable. From lessons with Professor Eve to the cooking staff and field trip assistants, each person I encountered during my study abroad enhanced my time. I can not reccomend CYA enough! I hope to return again.

I went abroad with this company, and it couldn't have gone any better. In any situation that was rough, they were always there to chat or help resolve the issue. Great company; would love to go again!

Studying abroad through CYA was an experience I will always be grateful for. Living in Athens allowed me to immerse myself in Greek culture, explore incredible historical sites, and connect what I learned in the classroom to the world around me. I also made amazing friendships and became more independent and confident. CYA gave me the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, experience a new culture, and create memories that I will carry with me for years to come.

Studying abroad through CYA was an experience I will always be grateful for. Living in Athens allowed me to immerse myself in Greek culture, explore incredible historical sites, and connect what I learned in the classroom to the world around me. I also made amazing friendships and became more independent and confident. CYA gave me the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, experience a new culture, and create memories that I will carry with me for years to come.

Heritage Greece had a profound impact on me, but the most meaningful part of the experience was the people I met along the way. Being surrounded by other young Greeks who shared similar values, ambitions, and a passion for their heritage allowed me to build genuine friendships and connections that I know will last for years to come. As the grandchild of Greek immigrants who came to Canada and often faced discrimination because they were different, I feel incredibly proud to carry on and celebrate the heritage they worked so hard to preserve. Heritage Greece reinforced that pride and showed me that being Greek is something to be celebrated openly and confidently.

I did the "Liberal Arts, Migration, & Social Change" track of Augsburg's CGEE program, and it was amazing. It doesn't require you speak to Spanish, but it has a robust Spanish-intensive with different levels so it's accessible regardless of fluency. It's also a great networking opportunity. You'll see a lot of guest lecturers from all kinds of careers (professors, journalists, philosophers, interpreters, community organizers, agricultural/environmental experts, etc.), and you'll get chances to interact with them and sometimes exchange contact info after their visits. For example, I want a career in writing, and I traded contacts with a journalist who spoke to us! The program also offers a few short, free volunteering opportunities that you can add to your resume (I did this and it helped me land my first internship as an ESL teacher's aide). Finally, the regular professors in the program are always willing/prepared to write letters of recommendation: One of whom is helping me publish my first academic paper that I initially wrote for her class. Finally, it was an amazing social experience. Every person I met there was super interesting, passionate and driven (but perhaps most importantly, just a really good hang) As for stuff to do, there's a ton of bars/clubs, museums, gardens/farms, and a nearby waterpark :D. Some of the stuff we did while I was there included kayaking, arts and crafts, gardening, hiking, museum tours, movie excursions, bowling, ice skating, karaoke, concerts, and bar/club crawls! I think you'd have a blast if you're interested in any of the following: Latin American studies, Community Organizing, Multi-media Art, Art History, Geopolitics, Anthropology, Spirituality/Religion, Biology/Ecology, Agriculture, Literature, Philosophy, Writing/Journalism, Social Work, & Dance. (take the dance class if you can!)

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!

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.

I genuinely had the best study abroad experience through SAI in Florence. I was able to live with 3 of my best friends and we loved our apartment so much! Although we weren't right in the city center by thew duomo, we found that we loved being across the river as we were more immersed in the culture by being in a neighborhood filled with locals. Outside of our housing and classes, we had so many opportunities to do different activities whether it was a cooking class or a gold leafing class. I could not recommend this experience enough!

I went to study abroad knowing nobody, completely throwing myself into a different culture across the world, and it was the best choice I made in my life. I met the most amazing people in the most amazing place, and I would choose to do it all over again if I could. Study abroad if you have the opportunity!

My time as a University of Sussex student was a life changing opportunity. I got to grow and connect with people who I was able to explore with. I constantly reminisce on my time there and all that I got to do and for that I am grateful!

It is hard to write a short review for my time in Mexico because of how big of an experience it was-- not only because of how much I learned from professors and community members alike, but also from the sheer amount of fun and changes in perspective I was able to have in the short 4 months. Before I left for this study abroad experience I was terrified; I didn't know the language, or anyone else who was going, I had no frame of reference for what it was going to be like, and I was afraid that I would be so out of my comfort zone that I wouldn't have any fun. However, I felt right at home within the space that the professors and staff of Augsburg have worked so hard to create in order to make every student feel safe and welcome. There is a great emphasis on community and care for one another which can be felt through every aspect of this experience. Of course it was challenging at times, but the challenges were incredibly rewarding and allowed me to learn more about myself, others, and the world than I ever could have hoped (along with the help of my peers, who are now life long friends). I feel so lucky to have been a part of this program and hope that more students will take the leap and allow themselves to be cared for, inspired, and taught by everyone who works hard to make this such a special opportunity.

Studying at the University of Sussex as a Spanish exchange student has been one of the best experiences of my life. I felt welcomed from the very beginning, and the lecturers were always supportive and approachable. The campus is beautiful, the facilities are excellent, and Brighton is an amazing city full of culture and opportunities. I also met incredible people from all over the world, which helped me grow both personally and academically. This exchange has improved my English, broadened my perspective, and given me unforgettable memories. I would highly recommend the University of Sussex to any international student looking for a high-quality education and a truly enriching experience.

I did a year abroad from Australia at Sussex and it was genuinely an amazing year. Sussex is so progressive and community based, that there’s no ‘upper echelon’ groups or unapproachable people. Everyone at the uni is easy to talk to and friendly. Making friends was so easy. I joined the Salsa society; one out of literally a million choices of societies. Also, I’d argue that Sussex is as good as it is because you get to be abroad in Brighton. There’s no other city like it, so full of love and quirk. There’s ALWAYS something going on too, be it live music or festivals or arts or community activities. So bloody good and I’d go again in a heartbeat. Everybody really is in the same boat in Brighton and at Sussex, you’ll never feel judged.

It was the best time of my life. I was able to learn so much not only from the amazing teachers but also from the welcoming community of Alicante. The field trips were also very fun, and ended with the most beautiful views of the ocean and the city. I am forever grateful for this opportunity and genuinely encourage everyone to study abroad at one point in their college career.

Best summer I have ever had the classes were so fun especially the sailing class ! The best part was all of the new friends I made and being able to travel ever weekend with them and explore Europe! I would do it again if I could !

I had a lot of fun and got to go on trips (apart from the program, mostly) to see a lot of awesome places during the weekends this summer. I learned a lot more Spanish and improved my speaking pace, while also being able to understand a lot more and at a much quicker listening pace as well. That is the thing I think I am most proud of is my improvements with the language. But I am glad I studied abroad because it also gave me a LOT of opportunities to get out of my comfort zone and try new things. I have grown a lot as a person even in just 2 and a half months here. The nature and wildlife here are incredible and worth seeing.

My four months in Brighton were amazing! The university had organised a great reception for all visiting students, which made it easy to get to know people from all over the world. While living on campus, I also made close friends with the people I lived with. I was mostly happy with all my selected modules, and found the teachers to be friendly and dedicated! Brighton itself is the perfect size for a semester abroad and full of lovely cafés, restaurants, pubs, and clubs. I definitely recommend Sussex for your exchange!