Summer Environmental Studies Study Abroad Programs in London

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 had such a great time at Lite Regal Education Summer School 2025 The Intensive English course really helped my English improve a lot in such a short time. I also met so many new friends from different countries everyone was super kind and friendly.

Studying in Barcelona had been a dream! I took classes in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, and Spanish Art and Cultural Heritage at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. My 7 weeks in that paradise were filled with exploration, inspiration, and so much fun. From amazing people to the delicious cuisine, and stunning architecture to the colorful culture, Spain should be at the top of the must-visit countries list. My favorite activity, besides spending my day at the beach, was wandering around the city without a map and being amazed by the beauty hidden in every corner of Barcelona. Thanks to the Spanish Art and Cultural Heritage class, I learned even more about this impressive history and culture. CIS helped me through every step of adapting to studying and living in Barcelona. They planned fun events for us, such as various tours in famous parts of Barcelona, beach picnic and volleyball, wine tasting, tours to towns in Spain, and cooking classes. I stayed at Aparto Pallars, which is conveniently located near the metro station, from which you can take the metro anywhere. I'm so grateful for this experience, and I'm definitely willing to go back to Barcelona or any other program with CIS!

I chose AIFS Abroad because I wanted a program that combined strong academic support with cultural experiences. I joined the London program, and it exceeded my expectations in every way. The pre-departure team guided me through each step, answering questions quickly and making me feel prepared before leaving. In London, the staff were welcoming and approachable, always checking in to make sure we were doing well. The housing was safe and well-located, which made daily life so much easier. I especially loved the excursions and cultural activities—they helped me explore London and other parts of the UK in ways I wouldn’t have managed on my own. What stood out most was the community I built. I met people who became close friends, and the experience gave me more independence and confidence. Professionally, I gained skills in adaptability and communication that I know will help me in the future. I’d recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking for a program that balances academics, culture, and support in a truly meaningful way.

I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad with CIS Abroad in Thailand during the fall of 2024, and I can confidently say that it was an experience of a lifetime. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to broaden their horizons. The on-site staff were exceptional, offering unwavering support throughout the entire journey. Their dedication truly made a difference. The cultural richness of Thailand is something I’ll never forget. Thanks to CIS Abroad, I was able to explore countless temples, enjoy local cuisine, and visit beautiful islands and vibrant cities. One of the program’s standout features is its encouragement for students to travel and immerse themselves in new experiences. The staff not only helped prepare us for academics but also ensured we felt confident navigating the country independently. This experience reshaped my perspective on the world. I had the privilege of meeting people from diverse backgrounds, which allowed me to learn and grow in ways I never expected. I also gained a sense of confidence that I didn’t know I needed, thriving in an unfamiliar environment where communication was often challenging due to language barriers. CIS Abroad goes above and beyond to support its students. From teaching about local culture to offering academic assistance (specific to Thailand), they foster an environment of growth and opportunity. Their consistent communication throughout the semester was invaluable. I wholeheartedly recommend CIS Abroad. It’s more than just an academic program—it’s a transformative experience that will empower you to truly live your best life while exploring the world.

If I had to describe my study abroad experience in one word, it would be extraordinary. It was no question that I wanted to study abroad. Ever since my mom told me endless stories about her experience in college, I knew I needed to follow in her footsteps and become worldly. When it came to making a decision on where I wanted to go, London was my top choice. I had been to Europe before but never England. London always fascinated me with its dynamic cultural backgrounds and its plethora of entertainment. Once the location was settled, I then chose to go with API. During my application process, API was extremely helpful in assisting me with any questions or concerns I had. They helped make the application process easier and less stressful. API made my arrival to London very easy as they gave me clear instructions prior to my flight over. My Resident Director was also extremely approachable which made my adjustment to London seamless. I made amazing friends from API who I was fortunate enough to travel with during the semester. I also made great friends in my classes and am so glad they got to expose me to their ways of life in London. I went to London with an open mind and am extremely fortunate that I was able to expand my horizons. Going abroad taught me that it is so much more than attending classes and doing school work. I learned self reliance and gained so much confidence within myself. I cannot wait to bring back the knowledge I have obtained and share it with other students who want to go abroad and have the experience of a lifetime.

I did my study abroad with API in 2021 as regular covid was dying down and before omicron kicked in. There were some things changed because of the pandemic but they took a lot of precautions and I felt very safe doing my study abroad with them. I loved every second of it. They have a good amount of group activities where you can get to know other people but a great balance of free time outside of your courses to explore. I was able to do so much in the few months I was there and as soon as I left decided I needed to move back. I was accepted into grad school in London this year. This program gave me the opportunity to feel out a new place and learn to love it while having a support system of people familiar with the area. It absolutely changed my life for the better.

I did the London College of Fashion study abroad experience and it was the best summer of my life!!! API was extremely helpful in everything from getting off the plane at Heathrow to my last week in London, API made England feel like my home away from home!!!! I loved every second of it and was able to fully immerse myself into the new culture in England. API was there every step of the way planning fun events and making sure I was taken care of the whole time! They showed us the ropes of the tube and took us on tours all over London and even cities and towns outside of London! I seriously could not have asked for a better summer!

I love studying in South Korea! It was a bit of a culture shock when I arrived as this trip was a lot of firsts for me, like my first plane ride, time in an airport, and trip outside the country! The sunrises are beautiful, and the Cherry Blossom season is one of a kind. As a picky eater, Korea helped me find more foods to try and experiences I liked. If I had to do something different, I would travel more independently and get lost through exploring. The biggest advice I have is to give it a fair shot and do it. There will be moments when you'll get frustrated with not knowing what to expect, but take those in stride and be patient with yourself.

I had the opportunity to study abroad in London, England Summer of 2023 for the June session. I cannot possibly recommend this program enough. I had an incredible time, not only did I have so much fun but I learned so much. With AIFS you are not just traveling to another country, you are emerging yourself in the culture. They offered so many opportunities to be a part of life there. My personal favorite example was having the opportunity to attend a Cricket match with others from my program. I had never seen anything like it in my life and it was so much fun. Not to mention the class that I took, British Life and Culture was one of my favorite classes I have ever taken because it not only taught us about the history of England but also how it shapes modern society. We learned so much about the difference in our cultures and how there are many different perspectives on life. I will also never forget the lifelong friends I made through this experience. Getting to explore this incredible city with the most incredible people who are all there to have the same experience was truly something that changed my life forever and I am so grateful.

Going abroad to London with CEA CAPA was an amazing experience! All the staff was very helpful and effective, they had everything ready for your arrival and they kept in touch during the whole program. The classes I took were amazing, most of them had a lot of field trips related to class content so it was very fun and engaging. I also did an internship abroad which helped me immerse in the culture and grow professionally and personally. London is an awesome multicultural city full of things to do and learn. My experience abroad with this program was amazing!

Interning while in London was wonderful. The internship team was helpful and supportive. Navigating a new country is extremely difficult, especially when you also take on an internship, but the team at CEA CAPA made it a breeze. I had a different internship placement originally but it conflicted with my class schedule and luckily the team in London was able to re-assign me. It was a life-changing experience and extremely rewarding, one that I am so grateful to have added to my résumé. I can’t recommend this program enough!

CEA responded to this reviewMay 16, 2024

Hi Kyra! Thanks for reviewing and recommending your internship abroad from London.

In the summer of 2022, I had the incredible opportunity to visit London through AIFS's three-week program, and it turned out to be the adventure of a lifetime. The program's well-thought-out structure not only provided enriching classroom experiences but also allowed ample room for exploration. I was able to see other parts of the country, not just the London area. I visited historical sites such as the Roman baths, Stonehenge, and Hampton Court Palace. Immersing myself in the local culture became a highlight, thanks to the program's exciting excursions. One memorable instance was attending a performance of "The Lion King" at the West End theater alongside my classmates. This was a truly unforgettable experience that has left a lasting impression on me. Overall, I had an amazing time in London and would recommend this program to anyone interested in studying abroad!

As part of AIFS Abroad in London, my classmates and I got to explore numerous parts of London, learn about luxury branding and British culture, and travel to major cultural landmarks. Our class was informative as well as engaging. We got personal tours of iconic British luxury hotels (ie. The Dorchester, The Waldorf), as well as went to the Burlington Arcade. AIFS also made sure to plan activities to bring the students together and give us a memorable experience. I greatly enjoyed seeing Stonehenge and going to an English Country Dance class. I'll never forgot what I learned in the classroom or my experiences with my classmates exploring London!

My summer abroad truly changed my life. As exaggerated as it sounds, it really is true. I never thought that I would be able to step outside my comfort zone as much as I did this summer. Going to another country by yourself for the first time is extremely intimidating but AIFS made it as smooth and breezy as possible. The whole process of applying as well as the preparation with flights and transportation. My mind was immediately put at ease. Furthermore the program provided so many opportunities to immerse ourselves into the culture and experience new things. We went to a cricket game, we saw The Play That Goes Wrong, we went on tours of Greenwich and Oxford, and so much more. They also provided us with ample safety information as well as assistance with directions and guidance on how to ensure that we were comfortable and confident to explore and live our best lives while in the beautiful city of London. The class I took, British Life and Culture was an incredibly enriching class where we got to see London and it's history through the eyes of a local. I learned so much and enjoyed every second.

I’d always wanted to go abroad, and studying abroad seemed like a great option for me to do that while I was still in college. Get college credit and spend 3 weeks in one of my dream cities — yes, please! I was very daunted by this task, but luckily AIFS made it very easy. I had no trouble traveling by myself, and the system that they have down was very easy and accessible for me to navigate. All of the extra experiences they offered really made this trip truly special in my heart, and I left feeling like there was nothing I hadn’t seen or done yet. The only critique I really had was the accommodation for housing — the place we stayed at was very comfortable, but the location was pretty far from where the classes were which didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me. However, I really loved everything about this trip. I met so many people from all over the United States going on the same trip, and made some great friends who I would probably invite to my wedding. The professor that I had was somebody who I still look up to and admire to this day, and it’s a bonus that she is very much accomplished and has many connections that I know I could reach out to her for. I truly felt immersed in the culture while still having the resources of AIFS to guide me when I was lost; it was a great balance. Truly, to this day, I think about this trip every day and have a hunger to go back to London. I would do this program again in a heartbeat.

I loved my experience studying abroad in London. I honestly wish I studied abroad earlier in college so I could do it more during university! It was a great time, and I made tons of lifelong friends I would not have made otherwise.

Going to London for study abroad was exactly what I needed in my life. It gave the independence and the friendship I craved, but it also made me learn about different cultures and ways of life different from my own. I was able to go to so many tourist destinations in the city very easily using public transit. London's public transportation--although can get pricey--is one of the best on the planet and it was one of my favorite parts about studying aboard in London. My favorite places include Kew Gardens, the West End theater scene, The Tower of London, Camden Markets, The National Gallery, The Victoria and Albert Museum, etc. and that's not including all the things in did in England overall. And a decent amount of museums are free which helps with budget planning for tourist things. However, if you are not into culture or learning about culture, this city isn't for you. Music, art, religion, and history spill into every direction in London and you have to be prepared to soak it all in. There were a few criticisms and warnings about this program that I will advise; however, despite all of this, this program was well worth the cost. The living situation had it's ups and downs. If you are used to living in a crowded dorm or house, and need privacy and space, the living situation is great! The only things you will have to share are the kitchen, common room, and laundry machines for the most part. The bathrooms in each room are incredibly tiny though, so I wouldn't buy like a rolling shower caddy because it won't fit. A lot of people I knew put the shower curtain over the toilet to give themselves extra room. A constant problem I had was that the bathroom would flood as the rain would clog every two or three showers, so cleaning the bathroom constantly was a must. Also, the place I lived didn't provide almost any cleaning supplies which for a four month stay with only two suitcases worth of stuff is quite inconvenient. So, If I were to repack for this trip, I would forgo majority of clothes I brought and bring cleaning supplies instead particularly a travel Swiffer, a duster, Clorox wipes, mini trash bags, and felt foldable bins for multi purpose storage. I luckily brought 3 felt foldable storage bins which I used to store clothes in the closet and as a trash can. Because yah you can buy that stuff there, and I did, but the place I lived didn't have a good vacuum or mop and the floors got so gross. Plus, Primark clothes are so good and cheap. Also, if you are trying to budget for stuff prior to your trip, save at least 10-20 pounds each week for laundry. Laundry was one of the more expensive and inconvenient things in London. I would not save all your laundry for when you have time, but do one small load a week. But actually considering all that, food in the grocery store was not that expensive compared to American prices. The grocery stores are smaller and don't have as much of a selection, but if you actually do the conversions you will save so much on groceries. I normally spent about 10-20 pounds on groceries a week on about 5-10 items whereas in the United States on the same amount of items, I spent 70 dollars. Trust me, I cry every time I enter an American grocery store now. Overall, this program was absolutely amazing. The pros outweighed the cons by a significant amount. I got to meet so many people, and have so many adventures. Before my trip, I had a lot more regret because of my choices. I constantly wished for a time machine. But if I went on a different path academically or socially, I wouldn't have had this experience and it really made up for hardship I went with before. So if you are considering going but are thinking about all the things you will miss on campus or missing your friends, I would still go because think about the new friends and adventures you are missing by not going. Trust me, your friends will be waiting for you once you get back. I wouldn't have trade this experience for anything as the impact it had on my mental health and self esteem was priceless.

I was hesitant to study abroad for the first time and CIS Abroad exceeded my expectations. CIS Abroad is there to make all steps in your study abroad journey as seamless as possible. The application process is simple and straightforward, and if you have any questions they are always there to help and respond quickly. During the pre-departure meetings, and onsite orientation I knew that I was going to be okay, and this was going to be a journey I would never forget. Arriving in Florence with CIS Abroad, they truly made you feel at home, and the onsite directors were so friendly towards all of us. Without CIS Abroad there to help, my journey would not been of amazing as it was.

Studying abroad in Tokyo, Japan for a month was the most amazing time of my life. I was quite anxious to go to Japan especially since it was going to be my first time leaving the US and flying by myself, however, I received incredible and immense support from the on-site program directors. Being immersed in Japanese culture through program activities like kimono wearing, calligraphy, tea ceremony, and just interacting with locals overall was wonderful. I was able to make friendships with some Japanese students which was so nice because they showed me beautiful places and foods to try. Not only did I make become friends with Japanese students, I also became close with the other study abroad students so I often went out to explore and have tons of fun with them everyday. Waking up everyday in Japan brought so much excitement because there is so much to see and do so I NEVER felt bored. As for Seisen University, the campus I attended in Tokyo, was beautiful and quiet. It was only a short train ride and walk away from my accommodation, so maybe a 20 minute commute. However, it is on a hill so it was quite a workout to walk to campus from the train station especially with the really hot and humid weather during the summer months. Then, the teachers were great! They were really interactive, entertaining, and passionate about what they were teaching. Since it was a summer program that only lasted a month, the courses were very fast paced especially the Japanese language courses. Also, the Japanese students were super friendly and kind and I always enjoyed talking to them and eating lunch with them. It was truly fascinating learning from them and I learning from them about our lives. Overall, I definitely recommend studying abroad with Cis abroad and choosing one of their Japan programs. It was a decision that I was highly doubting before I went but after experiencing it, I have no regrets at all and am very grateful for it. It is an opportunity that I wish everyone to experience.