Creative Writing 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.

Studying abroad was the best choice I've ever made. Worldstrides, as a partnership program, was the best. The first week, we met for orientation in Cairns, Australia, and they took care of hotel and excursion expenses (this includes the Great Barrier Reef). It was a great first week getting introduced to Australia and my program. They were very helpful before and during my time in Australia, always there for questions, concerns, and planning a handful of group activities + one overnight trip! They were truly a blessing while abroad.

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 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.

Ashoka University has been an amazing place to learn and grow. As an International Relations student, I enjoyed interesting classes, learned from inspiring professors, and met people from different backgrounds. The experiences, friendships, and opportunities I found here have helped me grow both personally and academically, and I will always value my time at Ashoka.

Ashoka University has been an amazing place to learn and grow. As an International Relations student, I enjoyed interesting classes, learned from inspiring professors, and met people from different backgrounds. The experiences, friendships, and opportunities I found here have helped me grow both personally and academically, and I will always value my time at Ashoka.

I graduated from high school a semester early, and the only way I wanted to spend my semester was by being abroad. I've known about Semester at Sea for around 6 years and I wanted to take advantage of this opportunity. I searched up the requirements to be accepted and luckily fit all the requirements most importantly being 18, so immediately I applied. I then got an email back the next morning saying I got accepted into the program and that email brought me to tears in the middle of one of my classes. I couldn't wait to board the MV World Odyssey and embark on this journey of a lifetime. On the ship, I gained so much knowledge about different cultures and I was able to be fully immersed in them, not just sticking to the touristy things offered. Semester at Sea does an amazing job keeping the students' safety in country as a priority with having mandatory “Pre-Port meetings” the night before arriving in a country, and offering field programs which are ship run excursions with ship faculty leading them. The community on the ship was nothing I have ever experienced before. We were so close knit and it felt like I was truly in a connected, caring, and welcoming environment. I met the people I never imagined I'd connect with, and they ended up becoming the best connections I've ever made with people. Semester at Sea also helped me get out of my comfort zone which led me to have experiences I would have never imagined I'd have, best example being running a half marathon in Vigo, Spain even though I'm not a runner and have never been a runner. Semester at Sea has given me the world and the opportunity to appreciate it to its fullest. I left the ship with my passport full, but my heart is even fuller with people, memories, and connections I will forever cherish. Semester at Sea was truly the best experience I have ever had and would recommend it to anyone as it was life changing.

My time at Ashoka University exposed me to diverse perspectives and broadened the way I think. The flexibility to choose courses across disciplines, combined with exceptional faculty, encouraged me to explore interests beyond my primary field of study and develop a wide range of skills. Beyond academics, campus life is vibrant and engaging. The student body and administration organize events almost every weekend, creating a lively and welcoming community. The campus also places a strong emphasis on safety, ensuring a secure environment for students. I would highly recommend Ashoka University to anyone looking for a world-class academic experience while immersing themselves in a vibrant and unique cultural environment.

Ashoka University has provided me with a stimulating academic environment and valuable learning opportunities. I appreciate the diverse community, diverse choice of courses and faculties available and the opportunity to participate in an international exchange programme. Overall, it has been a meaningful experience.

What I like most about Ashoka is the balance between academics and campus life. The university encourages you to think critically, explore new interests, and engage with people from diverse backgrounds. The professors are accessible, and there are many opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, research, and extracurricular activities. Overall, it's been a very enriching experience.

Ashoka University is a great place to come for a semester abroad. It offers a unique liberal arts education that encourages interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and close interaction with faculty. Beyond academics, its vibrant campus life, student-led clubs, and diverse community make it an enriching place to experience Indian culture while building lifelong friendships.

I decided to study abroad to better my Spanish skills while also immersing myself in Latin American culture. Costa Rica has done just that! My Spanish has improved so much, and I have been able to immerse myself firsthand in what I have learned in my Latin American Cultures classes back at my home university. I would totally recommend this immersion program!

My experience studying abroad in Molise Italy was absolutely life-changing. I learned so much about culture, made lifetime, friendships, and endless memories. Getting to experience the culture and beauty of Molise was the absolute highlight of my summer.

Molise Italian Studies responded to this reviewJuly 21, 2026

Grazie, Breanna! Colli really is beautiful and it's such a great partnership!

Studying abroad in Heredia, Costa Rica was truly life changing. The program did a great job helping us fully immerse and experience life there. The host families are amazing and the country is beautiful.

Ashoka University is a great choice for a semester abroad. The huge range of interdisciplinary courses makes it easy to try subjects outside your main field, which keeps academics interesting. Campus life is just as exciting, with guest speakers, cultural events, club activities, and something happening almost every day, so there's never a dull moment. The community is also one of the best parts—everyone is friendly, welcoming, and open to meeting new people. Overall, Ashoka offers a fun, engaging, and well-rounded experience that makes a semester abroad both memorable and rewarding.

One of the most underrated aspect of semester at sea is the ship campus itself. Being able to live so close to your friends and just walking a few flight of stairs to your classroom and being able to sit down with your professors for lunch is such an amazing experience. It's eternal sunsets, it's endless travel stories from your friends, it's lifetime of memories. Highly recommend. One of the best decisions I made. And still day dream about this experience, still talk and travel to meet my SAS friends 4 years later.

I have not experienced anything like semester at sea before, therefore giving me a whole lot of different lenses to look at the world with. I completely enjoyed my experience and understand the importance of understanding others concerns, communication, communities, and countries. A overall wonderful experience that has changed my views as well as the way I live and who I am as a person.

Studying abroad in Italy is an absolute dream come true, offering an incredible mix of world-class education, deep historical immersion, and unforgettable weekend travels. It is the perfect destination if you want to balance your academic goals with a vibrant, slow-paced lifestyle full of incredible food, art, and culture.

I had honestly the most fun ever here with my friends! I thoroughly enjoyed my classes, learning about the culture, exploring Italy and Europe! It was life changing and I would highly recommend to everyone!

I had a really great time with my experience in Rome! I love my roommates and we’ve become really great friends. I’ve also had a great time exploring Rome and immersing myself in the culture while also being able to do weekend travel.