Study Conservation Abroad

Coming to the American University of Beirut from the Kurdistan Region was a big step for me. Like anyone moving to another country, I had so many questions. What would studying in Lebanon be like? Would I find my people? Would I feel at home? Looking back, I can say that my experience at AUB turned out to be much more than I expected. Studying Nutrition and Dietetics taught me a lot, not only about my field but also about how to think, question things and look at problems from different perspectives. There were opportunities to get involved in research, explore subjects beyond my degree and connect what we learned in class to things happening in the real world. One of the things I appreciated most was being surrounded by people with different backgrounds and experiences. I learned just as much from the people I met as I did from my courses. But honestly, some of my favorite memories have very little to do with academics. Moving to Lebanon meant figuring out how to live independently, adjusting to a different culture and building a life away from my family. AUB brought together people from so many different places, and somewhere along the way, a place that was once completely unfamiliar started to feel like home. The friendships, long conversations, spontaneous plans and even the ordinary days on campus are things I still look back on fondly. AUB also gave me opportunities I probably wouldn't have imagined before coming to Lebanon. Through the MEPI Tomorrow's Leaders Program, I was able to explore new interests, meet people from different backgrounds and take part in experiences that pushed me beyond what I thought I could do. These opportunities helped me grow in ways that went beyond my education. Of course, living abroad wasn't always easy. There were days when I missed home, days when things felt overwhelming, and moments when I had to figure things out on my own. But I think those experiences were just as important as the good ones. If I could tell future international students one thing, it would be to come with an open mind and not be afraid of what you don't know yet. Give yourself time to adjust, say yes to opportunities, meet people outside your usual circles and enjoy the little things along the way. You might arrive with a certain plan, but leave with experiences and friendships you never expected. For me, AUB was never just about getting a degree. It was about finding my independence, discovering new possibilities, and growing into a person I hadn't quite imagined when I first arrived. And for that, I'll always be grateful.

I arrived in Lebanon as a high school graduate who had never traveled abroad alone, who did not speak Arabic, and who was full of nerves about what lay ahead. I expected to feel lost and overwhelmed, but the truth was exactly the opposite. The moment I stepped into campus, I fell in love, i wandered around campus for a week straight discovering new parts of it. People with warmth that I never really saw elsewhere, from first day on AUB became my home. Friends, teachers, and even strangers on campus made room for me as if I had always belonged, and the campus quickly stopped feeling like a place I was visiting and started feeling like a place I was meant to be. I found myself at AUB; I became a living part of this campus, and it became a living part of me. There were challenges along the way, as there always are, but each one made me stronger, braver, more patient, and more open to the world, and together they shaped me into the best version of myself. Had it was not for AUB, I could never imagine myself pushing through this journey... During my studies the country fell into war not once but twice, yet AUB was running, it was my first time witnessing the state of war, there were days where I wanted to leave, yet my professors and peers pushing through to ensure our academics don't fall behind made me stay. "Impressed" was an understatement, Amidst chaos AUB was here giving us glimpse of a bright future. It was this assurance which taught me not to give up. For what i must say this indeed has been the most rewarding and eye-opening chapter of my life, and it is the reason I call AUB my second home. Studying here was never just about earning a degree; it is about the experience of being a part of AUB, a community that welcomes you, believes in you, and changes you for the better. If you are standing where I once stood, nervous and unsure, I assure you to take the leap, because it will give you a home, a community, and a version of yourself you are proud of. I will admire this university, it will always be a second home I'd go back to.

My summer in Greece through the CYA (College Year in Athens) program was an unforgettable experience that combined cultural exploration with hands-on environmental research. Through CYA, I was able to learn both in the classroom and outside learning about how plastic affects the mediterranean Sea. I had the opportunity to visit a wastewater treatment facility and landfill to better understand waste management and the ways human waste affects the marine environment. Then partnered with the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation and the Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary, where I learned how plastic pollution impacts marine wildlife and ecosystems. Participated in water sampling, marine wildlife monitoring, microplastic research, and underwater soundscape observations using hydrophones. Outside of research, I explored the islands of Samos and Lipsi, experienced Greek culture, and met people from different backgrounds. The experience allowed me to connect what I have learned in the classroom to real-world environmental challenges and strengthened my passion for marine conservation and environmental policy.

College Year in Athens responded to this reviewNovember 07, 2026

Hi Zahra, thanks for sharing your experience with CYA! We love to hear that you found your time both inside and outside the classroom to be impactful. We hope you can visit us again soon!

My experience with Oceans Research was incredible and the memories and friendships I made will be treasured for a lifetime! I absolutely loved learning about all the marine life and marine ecosystems in South Africa and being able to have hands on research experience in another country was truly life changing.

My Broadreach Curaçao trip was an unforgettable experience! I got to explore incredible coral reefs, learn more about marine biology, and experience the beauty of the ocean firsthand. The trip helped me grow my passion for marine science while making amazing memories and meeting great people. I would highly recommend Broadreach to anyone who loves the ocean and wants a unique, hands-on learning experience!

Having the chance to study abroad in Australia was such an amazing experience I will remember forever. I made lots of friends in my program and having my parents visit was truly special. I loved travelling throughout Australia to Melbourne, Tasmania, Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, and Byron Bay. Surfing over there was pretty incredible too, and having the opportunity to intern with a local surf school was awesome. I hope to return someday and would definitely consider living there.

My experience with the college year in Athens through the Heritage Greece Programme was truly unforgettable. The programme gave me the opportunity to learn about Greek history, culture, and identity while experiencing everything firsthand throughout Greece. Instead of only learning in a classroom, we attended lectures and discussions at historical and archaeological sites such as the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Pnyx Hill, Delphi, and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion.One of my favourite parts of the program was seeing how ancient Greek history connects to modern Greece, particularly in areas such as democracy, business, politics, and cultural identity. We also had opportunities to meet and learn from leaders in government, business, and academia, which made the experience especially meaningful to me as a business student interested in international opportunities.Beyond the academics, I formed amazing friendships, became more connected to my Greek heritage, and experienced Greece in a way I never had before. CYA created such a welcoming environment and made learning feel immersive and exciting. I would absolutely recommend this program to students looking for an educational experience that combines academics, culture, travel, and personal growth. It is an experience I will always remember.

College Year in Athens responded to this reviewSeptember 25, 2026

Hi Ava, thanks for sharing your experience with CYA! We love to hear that you gained so much from this unique program and had the chance to connect with your heritage. We hope you can visit again soon!

Truly a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity to study abroad in both Southern Patagonia and Antarctica. When else will you be able to travel to Antarctica through the lens of being an exchange student? You truly are integrated into the Spanish-speaking community in Ushuaia with both your host families and your program cohort, and your Spanish-speaking ability increases tenfold. The program director, Maria, is very supportive and wants all of her students to succeed, and will support you through any hardships you may face. The only downside was pre-program departure- the steps are very unclear regarding the need for a Visa, and getting on my flight, I had to purchase another flight outside of the program, leaving Argentina in 90 days (just to prove that I wouldn't overstay the tourist period, not that I would actually be taking this flight to leave the country), which the program said should not be necessary but then I still had to do. I then had trouble getting the ticket refunded, but SIT ended up covering the cost of this extra flight for the headache of it all. Also, homestay families are not created equal- some are definitely more accommodating than others, but Maria and the program staff are all there to help you through any obstacles, and if there is a problem, they are more than willing to step in to resolve it. Overall, even despite the few hiccups, this program is an experience that I will never forget and am so lucky to have had. The nature and hiking around Ushuaia are unmatched, the community is very welcoming, and the educational resources/research in the area are exceptional.

My time in Italy was one of the most amazing, life-changing, and enjoyable experiences I have ever had. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to visit Italy for the first time, especially since it was also my first time flying on an airplane. I loved how affordable the program was for everything that was included. We traveled throughout Central Italy, enjoyed amazing food and accommodations, and were guided by caring faculty and tour guides who truly wanted us to have the best experience possible. This trip gave me unforgettable memories, new friendships, and experiences that I will always be grateful for.

Molise Italian Studies responded to this reviewOctober 09, 2026

Grazie, Samuel! We are so glad to hear this trip made such an impact on you, and we can't wait to hear about your plans moving forward!

I was originally very nervous about studying abroad. I almost backed out multiple times. However, immediately upon meeting the staff of USAC, I felt instantly better. The staff made me feel so safe and cared for. Any questions I had were answered promptly. Beyond that, the travel experience was amazing. I feel like I learned so much on this trip, not just about the world, but about myself too. I met some of my best friends on this trip, and we still keep in contact today. If you're considering traveling with USAC, go for it. Take the jump. Make it count.

I had an unforgettable time in Italy with Molise Italian Studies. It was my first time visiting a country outside of the United States, so I was a little worried at first. However, the program was so well run and smooth that I soon had no worries whatsoever. Our guide, Andrea, was excellent and our trip would not have been what it was without him. I would highly recommend Molise Italian Studies to any one who is interested in Italian culture, history, or exploring another country.

Molise Italian Studies responded to this reviewOctober 09, 2026

Grazie Jay! We are glad you had a great trip and we passed along your gratitude to Andrea!

My study abroad experience to Italy was incredible. I had met so many new amazing people and new connections. Our tour guide, Andrea, was very helpful, patient, and kind throughout the whole trip. I am very grateful to be chosen to attend this trip.

Molise Italian Studies responded to this reviewOctober 09, 2026

Grazie Luisana! We are glad you had a great trip and we passed along your gratitude to Andrea!

I spent 6 weeks studying abroad in Heredia, Costa Rica. I took two classes during my time there: Latin American Culture and Spanish for Health Professionals. I learned so much from the content of those classes as well as from my professors, host family, and the locals. While being immersed, I had the opportunity to see so much of the country and eat so much delicious food. This is an experience that I will never forget!

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.

College Year in Athens responded to this reviewSeptember 12, 2026

Hi Alyson, thank you for sharing your experience with CYA! We love to hear that you found the Heritage Greece program to be impactful and educational. We hope you can visit again soon!

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.

College Year in Athens responded to this reviewSeptember 12, 2026

Hi Hailey, thanks for sharing your experience with CYA! We love hearing you had an unforgettable experience and had the chance to immerse yourself in the culture during your course. We hope you can visit again soon!

If your goal in college is to experience a wide range of opportunities, this SIT semester (this program in Ushuaia specifically) might be the single best way to accomplish that. You get to see the elusive 7th continent while immersing yourself in the vibrant and unique port town Ushuaia. Your Spanish will improve and you'll get the chance to work with great faculty (shoutout Maria Lola Lida and Solange) and hike beautiful trails with other motivated students!

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.

My time at Richmond has been the best 3 weeks of my life. I've never felt freer and happier. I have made so many friends along the way that I will never forget, friends that I laughed with until we were all out of breath and crying. The history that London has is almost unreal, walking by churches that are older than America. Everyone was unbelievably kind, at concerts we were upgraded to front row seats, and in class we were given opportunities to see Oxford and York - both of which were some of the best moments I had with the friends I made. Our professor was always willing to answer two million questions, before Richmond I had never had fun learning. I'll never forget my time in London with Richmond and every opportunity it's given me.

I initially thought that the experience would be much more academically intense than it actually was. This notion was based on the information in the syllabi. The seminar syllabus listed weekly required readings and even an in-class exam, but neither occurred. In the project class, the weights for each assignment were far from accurate, and the required word count was double what it should have been. I am not complaining that I did not have much work to do, but the syllabi should be updated to represent the classes accurately. The two individuals who led the program did a good job planning the experience and ensuring that students were in the know about the activities that would be done each day. However, some activities and site visits felt like fillers to make sure students did not have too much free time. The dorms and hostel we stayed at were overall very solid. The only negative was the kitchen at the hostel in Akureyri, which only contained a mini fridge, a microwave, and one burner. The food in Iceland is extremely mediocre due to its reliance on imported products. This means that produce and food overall were often below the standards of food in the U.S. On top of this, any above-average food you want to eat will cost you an arm and a leg, so eating out often is impossible if you want to stay within budget. One positive of Iceland is that almost everyone knows English. This made traveling and communicating very easy. Icelanders are known to be very honest and can sometimes be judgmental if tourists are not abiding by the country's norms.

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.