
Logan Moore
SIT Study Abroad
AlumniI wanted to experience a new culture for the first time, as before this trip I had never traveled outside of the United States. Also, I saw this as a ...
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MAXIMO NIVEL
733
Live and study in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Maximo Nivel offers the most intensive and professional Spanish Immersion program in Latin America. Learn Spanish on-site across 4 modern campuses in 3 of the most beautiful countries, or join online from anywhere in the world! Led by an experien
See All 3 ProgramsCIEE College Study Abroad
48
Your Summer Language + Culture program and Seville lasts 4 weeks (or up to 12 weeks) and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in CIEE courses. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Spanish culture. Li
See All 250 ProgramsAdelante Abroad
18
Expand your research knowledge and skills over a summer in Scotland. The city features a fascinating blend of Old and New Towns with luscious gardens and historic buildings. Explore the Edinburgh Castle and Calton Hill on the weekends. Our one-of-a-kind programs allow you to grow your work foundatio
See All 3 ProgramsArcos Learning Abroad
31
Experience Lima, Peru, one of South America’s most vibrant capital cities. Situated on the Pacific coast, Lima is a city of fascinating contrasts. Many academic topics can be explored at this Arcos destination. Lima is rich in its colonial heritage and per-Hispanic past yet possesses a modern vibran
See All 3 ProgramsAFS-USA
1
New Zealand's two islands are divided by Cook Strait. The North Island boasts volcanoes, hot springs, mud pools, geysers, and beaches, while the South Island has rugged Alpine mountains, glaciers, and access to activities like swimming with dolphins and whale-watching. By living with a host family
See All 3 ProgramsAIFS Abroad
385
Study abroad in Barcelona, Spain with AIFS Abroad and earn college credit in one of Europe’s most popular student cities. With semester, summer, January Term, May Term and academic year options, you can study at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), or LCI Barcelon
See All 31 ProgramsIES Abroad
9
Pack your bag for endless adventures studying abroad in South Africa! Imagine swimming with penguins at Boulders Beach, learning about the country’s history at the Robben Island Museum, or hiking Table Mountain. When you study abroad, South Africa becomes the adventure-filled location of your dreams
See All 58 ProgramsSemester at Sea
47
Unlike traditional study abroad or tourism experiences, Semester at Sea offers a unique opportunity for deep, authentic engagement with countries and cultures around the globe. It's more than just the adventure of a lifetime. It's a transformative experience that will give you a global perspective t
See All 4 ProgramsUniversity Studies Abroad Consortium
103
The USAC program is based at the University of Alicante, which has a student population of 30,000 and offers two diverse academic areas: Intensive Language and Spanish and European Studies. Have the opportunity to study the Spanish language and the complexities of Spanish and contemporary European s
See All 35 ProgramsIFSA, Institute for Study Abroad
23
Academic excellence in one of Europe's greenest cities! With a sterling reputation for academic excellence that stretches back to 1583, the University of Edinburgh is also looking to the future. Witness the university’s Edinburgh Futures Institute, a thought lab focused on global challenges. (Hint:
See All 31 ProgramsGo Abroad China Ltd.
178
Launch your global career with a paid internship at a Fortune 500, multinational, or high-growth startup in China — matched to your field, backed by 20+ years of placement expertise. Go Abroad China guarantees access to 2,000+ positions across 20+ sectors in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and six othe
See All 7 ProgramsJohn Cabot University
156
Earn an American bachelor’s degree in English while living and studying in the heart of Rome. John Cabot University combines the flexibility of an American liberal arts education with the opportunity to experience life in Italy and become part of a truly international community. Study alongside s
College Year in Athens
73
Students interested in short-term, intensive study abroad are invited to take CYA's summer program, which offers unique, experience-based learning opportunities. Summer is an exceptional time to study in Greece. Our unique courses are tailored to combine academics with authentic experiences, takin
SAI Programs
6
Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) is a dynamic public university consistently ranked among the top institutions in Europe. The university offers undergraduate students a wide range of courses, with strengths in social sciences, humanities, Hispanic studies, and business. As an urban institution, UPF op
See All 3 ProgramsInternational Medical Aid (IMA)
109
IMA Safaris Africa and South America, an initiative of International Medical Aid, offers student travel, educational tours, and treks across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Peru, Ecuador, and beyond. Programs welcome university students, faculty-led groups, and other travelers interested in
CEA
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Barcelona—Spain’s second-largest city—features a cosmopolitan atmosphere, a temperate climate, marvelous art, and fantastic opportunities to learn. Gaze upon Antoni Gaudí’s gothic Sagrada Familia church. Enjoy delicious tapas while socializing with new friends. Experience the thrill of soccer at Eur
See All 18 ProgramsWorldStrides
70
Explore Seville, Spain, a city where Andalusian traditions, historic landmarks, and vibrant student life come together. Study at institutions like Universidad Pablo de Olavide, the WorldStrides Global Campus, or the University of Seville while taking courses designed for a variety of Spanish profici
See All 35 ProgramsAcademic Programs International
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Beautiful Granada is the capital city in the province of Granada. Seated at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and having four rivers running through the city, it remains only an hour from the Mediterranean Sea. It has even hosted the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships back in 1996. In G
See All 33 ProgramsSIT Study Abroad
23
Explore Madagascar’s rainforests, mangroves, coral reefs, and unique biodiversity, shaped by more than 100 million years of isolation. Recognized as one of the world’s megadiverse countries, the island is home to flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth. Study alongside Malagasy university studen
See All 27 ProgramsWebster University Athens
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Odyssey in Athens is a study abroad program offered through Webster University Athens. Located in the center of Athens, in the historic section of the Plaka area—right below the Acropolis, this campus is a perfect location for formal study and study abroad. Students from all over the US with a w
Studying culture abroad allows students to delve into the finite aspects of the new society they choose to live in. Because of this, culture is actually one of the most exciting and interesting topics you can study overseas. Whether it’s finding out the deep dark secrets of torture practices in Medieval England or why pilgrims wear shells on their backpacks on the Camino del Santiago in Spain, cultural studies allow you backdoor access to the history of the place you’re living!
As well as gaining a deeper knowledge of the place you’re at, studying culture abroad allows you to learn under local professors that offer a different perspective from what you might find from a professor back home. For example, a professor of culture or history in Peru will most likely be Peruvian themselves (and will have grown up among Incan ruins, traditions, and culture) offering a first hand look into the subject you’re studying.
Finally, studying culture abroad is just plain fun. Many culture-oriented programs abroad are full of field trips to historical sites, contemporary examples of subject matter, and a TON of delectable samplings of the local cuisines (#foodselfies, much?!).
The great thing about culture is that you can literally go anywhere to study it. Virtually every university and study abroad program offers some sort of culture course, if not several. Whether you want to dive into the history of the political revolution in South Africa, Hinduism in India, colonialism in Brazil, or Jules Verne in France, the world is literally at your culture-lovin’ fingertips.
The most important factors in deciding where to study culture abroad are figuring out what credits count toward your major and what is interesting to you. Since cultural studies courses are so widely available around the world, many students choose to study abroad in non-traditional places, in order to learn about a culture they otherwise wouldn’t have been exposed to.
The most popular places, by far, to study culture abroad are Europe, particularly England and France, because both countries offer many choices in terms of elite universities. The diversity of cultural course offerings are more likely to transfer credits to your home institution too.
Another one of the most popular places to pursue cultural studies abroad is South America, where students can delve into subjects such as pre-Columbian history, contemporary dance, or modern aspects of multicultural countries, such as Peru and Brazil. Even though most of South America was colonized by the Spanish or Portuguese, each country has its own unique history that offers a vastly different experience for each student. Finally, for those who are interested in indigenous studies should seriously consider South America as an option due to the thousands of ethnic groups that live in each nation.
Since there is such a wide variety of culture courses offered abroad, students can heavily customize the type of study abroad experience they want.
Those looking to cast a wide net in a short amount of time should sift through summer multi-country programs. In general, multi-country study abroad programs focus on subjects that can be intertwined with cultural studies, such as literature and history. Depending on the specific program, courses will usually last between two and three weeks in each country.
If you want to focus on a specific culture and get into the nitty gritty aspects of a particular place, take a look at semester and year-long study abroad programs that all take place in one country. More long term study abroad programs will take students deep inside the minutia of cultural studies, exploring topics related to fine arts and history. Many full semester culture study abroad programs are accompanied by foreign language courses, if you choose a non-English speaking country, along with three to four related classes.
One thing to keep in mind when selecting a culture-focused study abroad program is accommodation; any culturally curious students should opt for programs that involve staying with local host families, so as to get the most immersive cultural experience possible.
Cultures. Are. Dope. But we’re preaching to the choir, right? As a fellow social scientist, you know that you can’t familiarize yourself with all the layers of a culture in a short amount of time. The time constraint of most study abroad programs may pose a challenge to anthropologists-in-the-making who take their international studies seriously.
That being said, just because you can’t memorize the entire scope of Italian culture in a mere few months doesn’t mean you shouldn’t at least try. There are many ways to experience a culture, many of them sensory ways that lead to a wildly fulfilling introductory cultural crash course (we suggest by way of belly).
Culture is a sum of many things, attitudes, perspectives, and trends, and is inescapable. Even those individuals who reject culture are subconsciously admitting of its existence. While we’re sure you’ve loved diving deep into your own culture as a college student, now’s as good a time as any to set your sights on a foreign one.
Hear what past participants have to say about their experiences
Program: Odyssey in Athens Study Abroad Program, Webster Athens
I had a very enjoyable semester, the administration worked hard to make different events and excursions for the students to go on. I felt the classes were participation based and student centered rather than just reading notes out loud which was quite enjoyable
Program: Odyssey in Athens Study Abroad Program, Webster Athens
I had a very enjoyable semester, the administration worked hard to make different events and excursions for the students to go on. I felt the classes were participation based and student centered rather than just reading notes out loud which was quite enjoyable
Program: Odyssey in Athens Study Abroad Program, Webster Athens
I had a very enjoyable semester, the administration worked hard to make different events and excursions for the students to go on. I felt the classes were participation based and student centered rather than just reading notes out loud which was quite enjoyable
Program: Odyssey in Athens Study Abroad Program, Webster Athens
I had a very enjoyable semester, the administration worked hard to make different events and excursions for the students to go on. I felt the classes were participation based and student centered rather than just reading notes out loud which was quite enjoyable
Program: Odyssey in Athens Study Abroad Program, Webster Athens
I had a very enjoyable semester, the administration worked hard to make different events and excursions for the students to go on. I felt the classes were participation based and student centered rather than just reading notes out loud which was quite enjoyable
Program: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America
It’s a really nice place in a great location in Antigua, and the prices are very reasonable and affordable. I found it very interesting. The teachers and the lessons were very professional.מקום ממלץ ביותר
Program: Odyssey in Athens Study Abroad Program, Webster Athens
I can't recommend this program enough if you have the opportunity to apply for it. It has undoubtably changed my life. As an artist, it was incredible to be immersed in such a vibrant city with such beautiful grafitti/ street art as well as the ancient ruins all around you. To be able to study in the birthplace of knowledge, it makes you feel like you are contributing to something bigger than yourself. The program itself was also really amazing because it gave us the opportunity to connect with a group of people we could rely on when traveling together. It was also nice to have a schedule and trips planned out for you. It's an incredible opportunity to enhance your global outreach and gain new perspective. I miss it everyday!
Program: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America
I did 4 weeks for the Spanish Immersion Program here at Maximo Nivel. I am extremely happy with my time here, have learned a ton and met amazing people. I can´t thank my teacher Yenny enough for the in depth comprehension and the confidence I have speaking Spanish now. Will be returning for sure. Thanks Maximo Nivel!
Program: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America
I knew no Spanish before coming to Maximo. Doing the Spanish immersion course was incredible. The teachers and the staff are all so kind and extremely patient! I would recommend this experience to anyone who is interested in challenging themselves. (Also Cusco is beautiful!)
Program: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America
My immersion program with Maximo Nivel was incredible. I did six weeks of group class for four hours a day, and over the course of those weeks I had five different amazing teachers who I am so grateful for. Then I began a volunteer program working with the kids of adolescent mothers which was one of the most fun and rewarding things I have ever done. Throughout the entire time (three months total), I lived with an amazing local family which I know feel like I am truly a member of. Overall, what an incredible experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone.
Program: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America
Being in Cusco was way better than I had imagined (and I had imagined it a lot hahaha)! Maximo just had the best and most welcoming team, with great teachers and an energizing environment. I already had a good level of spanish, but now I know a lot more and I feel confident to practice everywhere I go! I can't wait to be back here :)<3
Program: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America
Dayana was great a great teacher! Also great to be in a class with the students of the same level and desire to progress. I had a great time and I cannot thank Maximo Nivel and thew international team enough for it!
Program: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America
me gusté de todos las actividades, Recelrá muchas atención todos los dias, del profesor y del personal. Aprendi español porque la profesora Martha es una excelente maestra. Es muy atenta y se preocupa por el bienestar de los estudiantes. Los profesores visten de forma adequada y con sus mejores galas. Me gustó mucho la cafeteria; tenía muchos bocadillos, tanto salados como dulces, a precios accesibles. Agradezco que haya café, leche y té disponibles. Regreso ao Brasil encantada y con todos en mi corazón. Agradezco a todos los que contribuyeron a mi felicidade en Máximo Nivel. Agradezco a Patrick, Maia, Reese, Gabby, Nico, Nora, Edson, Ni, Profesora Martha.
Program: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America
I really liked the theoretical classes, the dynamic classes and also the class outside, and especially the theater. I really enjoyed the week's activities, especially conversation. Thank you to Maximo Nivel
Studying abroad in London was the best experience of my undergraduate education so far. Studying abroad was something that I never expected and it felt like fate when I found out that my major (Criminal Justice) was hosting a program in London with CEA Capa. Throughout my time in London, CEA Capa made the experiece extremely rewarding and memorable. From the excursions, shows, education, and travel advice, CEA Capa supported the entire program and did so extremely effortlessly. Being in London was my first time out of the country and I was so confident that I would be safe, know where to go, and what to do if something went wrong because the team was so helpful. CEA Capa has my highest recommendation and I wish everyday that I could go back to being abroad in London.



I chose AIFS Abroad because I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and experience a new culture through a program that offered support before, during, and after going abroad. I participated in the Barcelona Maymester program in summer 2026, and it was an experience I will always be grateful for. The pre-departure process was stress-free, which made preparing to study abroad feel much less overwhelming. Once in Barcelona, I loved exploring the city, trying new foods, going on excursions, and experiencing everyday life in a new culture. One of the most meaningful parts of my experience was learning to navigate a new city independently, as well as making lasting friendships with the people around me. I got to live in an apartment in the coolest part of the city all while living with my best friends. I was so grateful to be able to go to classes and become so independent in an unfamiliar city. I would recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking to experience a new culture, make lasting memories, meet new people, and grow both personally and professionally.
I had an amazing experience studying abroad in Barcelona! I made tons of new friends and got to do all sorts of amazing activities like visit the Sagrada Familia, watch a game in Camp Nou, eat tapas and so much more! I highly recommend doing this program because you get so much out of it.
Studying abroad in Zagreb, Croatia, was one of the most transformative experiences of my undergraduate journey. As a Biology major on the pre-medical track at Spelman College, I wanted an experience that would challenge me academically, immerse me in a different culture, and allow me to explore medicine beyond the traditional classroom setting. Zagreb gave me all of that and so much more. During my time abroad, I had the opportunity to participate in clinical shadowing at KBC Sestre Milosrdnice, where I spent much of my time observing cardiology and cardiovascular procedures, learning about patient care, and understanding how healthcare professionals collaborate in a hospital setting. One of my most memorable experiences was observing the medical team's response to a complication during a cardiac stent procedure. Witnessing the level of precision, communication, and critical thinking required in that moment strengthened my interest in cardiovascular medicine and helped solidify my aspiration to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. However, my experience was about much more than medicine. Choosing Zagreb was intentional. I wanted to travel somewhere unfamiliar, where I would have to step outside my comfort zone, navigate cultural differences, and become more independent. From learning basic Croatian phrases to exploring the city, connecting with my roommates, and experiencing everyday life in a new country, each day taught me something valuable about adaptability and confidence. As a first-generation college student and a Black woman pursuing a career in medicine, this opportunity also reminded me of the importance of representation and making international experiences accessible to students from all backgrounds. Studying abroad is not limited to students majoring in international studies or foreign languages. STEM students can also find programs that complement their academic interests and professional goals. My advice to anyone considering studying abroad is to research your options, ask questions, and remain open to destinations you may not have initially considered. Some of the most meaningful opportunities come from choosing experiences that challenge your expectations. I returned from Zagreb with more than memories and photographs. I returned with a clearer understanding of the physician I hope to become, greater confidence in my ability to navigate unfamiliar environments, and a deeper appreciation for the global nature of healthcare. If I had the opportunity to choose again, I would choose Zagreb every single time. This experience did not simply allow me to explore another country; it helped me discover a new direction for my future.
Program: IES Abroad European Union: Politics, Law & Economics
IES abroad European Union was probably the best 6 months of my life. The highlight of my trip was being able to play lacrosse on the local Freiburg team. However, there were so many aspects of the program that I loved. I was able to live with German students in a shared housing, I gained valuable experience in living on my own in the city, and I was able to place into an internship and stay for an additional 7 weeks after my program ended. IES EU really values traveling during the program and there are both trips that you do with the program itself and ample time to travel to different countries on weekends throughout your stay. I was also able to get $2,000 in scholarship from IES which was absolutely incredible and boosted the amount of traveling I was able to do while there.



Program: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America
I had a great time! I think I was placed in the right level class and the teacher was excellent. As were the facilities and help from Maximo. I really enjoyed classes with Martha! She didn´t just stick to the book but gauged my level and needs and worked with that. She was fun and funny - as well as challenging my Spanish and pushing me to improve.
Alumni and staff share what it's really like to go abroad

Logan Moore
SIT Study Abroad
AlumniI wanted to experience a new culture for the first time, as before this trip I had never traveled outside of the United States. Also, I saw this as a ...
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Anastasiya Vinogradova
The Academy of Tourism Antalya
AlumniGrowing up, I lived in Thailand and practiced tennis, so travel and new cultures always felt natural to me.
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Arseniy Ovchinnikov
The Academy of Tourism Antalya
AlumniI was inspired to go abroad because I wanted to gain international experience, improve my English, and learn from professionals in the hospitality ind...
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Maria Huerta
European Centre for Career Education
AlumniWhat inspired me to go abroad was not just curiosity, but the need to understand the systems that shape people's lives beyond borders.
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Andrew Messersmith
College Year in Athens
AlumniWhat inspired me to go abroad was all of the different opportunities that my university provides. I believe that spending a semester abroad can be an ...
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Jonathan Ulicny
CES Maastricht
AlumniI was inspired to travel abroad because of my commitment to learning more about international cultures and interacting with individuals across Europe....
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Vanessa Chairez
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
AlumniI was inspired to go about because it truly is a once in a lifetime experience and we are only this young once, so why not take advantage of that. It ...
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Bethel University Global Studies
AlumniMy family has been my motivation and inspiration to go abroad. I come from a family where most of us are complacent with small, everyday life. My fami...
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Kesa Ferguson
Academic Programs International
AlumniMy brother was my primary inspiration to go abroad; seeing his transformative experience in China showed me how much a global perspective can change a...
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Lia-Mara Bösch
StudyInBali
AlumniWhat inspired me to go abroad was partly a requirement of my university, as we have to either complete an internship or study abroad for one semester.
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John Peterson
Instituto Hemingway
AlumniGoing abroad was inspired by my desire to step outside my comfort zone and experience life from a different perspective. I wanted to improve my langua...
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José Gonzalo Solís Baca
European Centre for Career Education
AlumniTraveling has always been a passion of mine, and the opportunity to experience other cultures deeply inspires me. Going abroad allows me to build genu...
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Amal Azabova
European Centre for Career Education
AlumniAlthough I graduated some time ago and currently live in Prague, I felt a strong desire to return to a structured academic environment. I wanted to re...
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Mikhail Mikhaylov
Learn Russian in the European Union
AlumniI wanted to deepen my understanding of the post-Soviet region through direct immersion, especially given my academic focus on conflict mediation. The ...
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Elise Monroe
Academic Programs Abroad (APA)
AlumniI was always determined to study abroad because of the stories my dad told me about his own time living overseas. He once spoke French fluently, and I...
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Makayla Ross
IES Abroad
AlumniStudying abroad was not a part of my original 4-year plan. I'd anticipate joining campus clubs, meeting new people and making lifelong friendships, an...
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Grant Dockery
IES Abroad
AlumniThis was not my first experience studying abroad. I have always loved traveling and experiencing new cultures (I'm a big foodie). I also adore languag...
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Eddie Kaake
CES Maastricht
AlumniI had known from a young age that I wanted to study far from home, but due to the illness of one of my parents, I was afraid to make that jump. After ...
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Jon Shepherd
Bethel University Global Studies
AlumniMy first trip abroad was to Mexico when I was in college, studying Spanish. That experience changed everything for me; it brought the language to life...
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Anika Freestone
Phezulu Pre-Vet
AlumniI’ve always wanted to go to Africa, or specifically South Africa, to experience and work with its wildlife since I was a little girl. I’ve wanted to e...
Read Full InterviewExplore the destinations and program types travelers search for most
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