Study Abroad Programs

When I arrived at UAB in early September, I thought I needed a plan for everything. A few weeks later, that plan was gone, and honestly, that was the best thing that could have happened. Let's start with the academics, because yes, I actually studied. Coming from Germany, I was used to sitting in big lecture halls and listening to a professor for 90 minutes. At UAB, classes are much more interactive. You discuss, work in groups, present and actually take part. It felt unusual at first, but it quickly became one of my favorite parts. The courses were interesting and varied, and I learned a lot from the professors and also from classmates from all over the world. The real magic of this semester was the people. You connect with others incredibly fast here, and suddenly your friend group spans half the globe. You see different types of lifestyles and how other cultures differ in values, visions or simple things like eating habits. Then there's Barcelona itself. I honestly can't think of a better city for a semester abroad. Every walk feels like a sightseeing tour. The architecture is unreal, and even on a regular Tuesday you catch yourself staring at a building like a tourist (which, let's be honest, you kind of are). Add the food, the many cultures and the sunsets, and it's hard to believe this counts as "studying." My most important tip? Don't overplan. Some of my best memories happened completely spontaneously. One weekend, a few girls and I headed to Sitges on a whim, only to find out there was a festival happening that exact weekend. Best surprise ever. And that's pretty much Barcelona in a nutshell. There is always something going on, and I had so many moments like this. Say yes to things. Barcelona rewards it. Of course, not everything was perfect. My biggest challenge was the language. At university you get by with English, but in everyday life I often wished I spoke more Spanish. The upside is that it motivated me so much that I now really want to learn it properly. The biggest change, though, is in me. I'm much more relaxed now. Somewhere between late dinners and long lunches, I picked up a bit of the Spanish lifestyle, and I'm planning to take it home with me. Five stars, no hesitation. If you're thinking about UAB and Barcelona, do it. Just leave some room in your plans.

As a documentarian, I’m always chasing untold stories, and Actuality Abroad has helped me tell them around the world. Their experienced advisors gave me everything I needed to succeed, and I came away with friendships that will last a lifetime. Their attention to detail in storytelling, visuals, and post-production editing is always front and center, and their commitment to telling stories ethically is why I’m happy to keep working with them. I’ve now been on two trips with Actuality Abroad, and Vietnam in 2026 will always be the one that made me the filmmaker I am today.

Studying abroad at UAB in Barcelona redefined my college experience. Commuting to the campus, adapting to Catalan culture, and studying with international peers built true independence. UAB gave me lifelong friends and a home abroad

My time in Alicante has been amazing! Even though there have been some challenges, I am so happy I decided to study abroad. This will be an experience I will remember for the rest of my life. I have met so many amazing people, traveled to beautiful places, and also grown as a person

My academic experience at UAB has been very enriching, especially because of the variety of teaching approaches and the opportunities to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world experiences. I particularly appreciate the field visits organized as part of the Business in Action and Creative Economy courses. These experiences allow us to explore how companies and creative industries operate in practice, making the subjects more engaging, tangible, and relevant. I would also like to highlight the teaching methodology in the E-Commerce course. The professor is extremely dedicated and genuinely involved in each group's project, showing great interest in our progress and providing valuable guidance throughout the process. She has also developed an incredible amount of learning material that is both comprehensive and well-structured, making the learning experience much more engaging and effective. Overall, I really value the practical approach, the professors' dedication, and the opportunities to learn beyond traditional classroom lectures. These aspects have made my academic experience at UAB particularly positive and meaningful.

I researched for maybe 3 hours before I decided to pay any money, knowing what some of the course looks like from their website pictures. The course is nicely planned out and easy to move around. Practice tasks are useful but maybe begin a little early. The material is colourful and quite pleasing to move throughout. The quality of material shows that they care about students, I think. I worked on it for 6 weeks part time and made sure I read everything to get whole value for my money.

Studying abroad in Scotland through the University of Kentucky’s equine program and Adelante Abroad was truly the adventure of a lifetime. I had never traveled outside the country on my own before, so this was a big step outside my comfort zone. I expected to learn a lot about horses, but the friendships, travel, and my time in Ecclesmachan ended up meaning so much to me. The teachers made us feel welcome from the beginning. They were friendly, supportive, and easy to talk to, which made asking questions and trying unfamiliar things feel more comfortable. I loved how interactive the learning was. We labeled bones and muscles directly on the horses and monitored their fitness levels, which helped connect what we were learning about anatomy and physiology to the horses we worked with each day. We even rode a robotic horse to work on our positioning in the saddle, which was such a fun and unique way to learn. Our professors, Louise and Rowan, would drive us in a 15-passenger van for our outings and trips to Aldi to pick up groceries. Piling into the van together made even a simple grocery run feel like a fun part of the trip. It was such a different experience from college life back home, and those little moments with everyone are some of the ones I remember most fondly. I hadn’t ridden since high school, so getting back in the saddle was something I was especially excited about. During the program, I got to ride Billy, Eric, Maddie, Jeff, Brennagh, Chino, and Fern. I had never ridden so many different horses, and that ended up being one of the coolest parts of the experience. Each one felt different and had something new to teach me. Learning to adjust my riding to each horse helped me become a better, more confident rider, and I loved getting to know them along the way. Our riding instructors, Alison and Samantha, helped me grow so much as a rider. We also got to go on a trail ride around the property, which was such a nice way to enjoy the scenery from horseback. At the end of the program, I rode Chino in our competition and placed second! After being away from riding for so long, that was really encouraging and made me proud of how much I had progressed. There was also so much arranged for us outside of class. We went to the races at Perth, saw the Kelpies, visited the Royal Highland Show, and watched a show jumping competition at The Scottish National Equestrian Centre. Those activities gave us a chance to experience Scotland’s agricultural communities and see more of the global sporthorse industry firsthand. Still, some of the moments I miss most are the ordinary ones on the Oatridge campus. We became close with the other girls in the program from Mizzou and spent so much time exploring the farm property. We legitimately frolicked through fields and made friends with the sheep and cows on our many daily walks. It was so peaceful there, and I loved just being outside and taking it all in. Two of my closest UK friends are girls I bonded with on this trip, and we still say, “Love you to Ecclesmachan and back.” I had never been anywhere quite like it and don't think anywhere else could compare. We definitely made the most of our weekends, too. We went into Edinburgh countless times, explored the university, found some wonderful places to eat, and somehow managed to have Knoops (the best hot chocolate) at least once a day! We also spent a day in North Berwick, walking every inch of the little beach town. During three days in London, we visited Borough Market, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace, rode a double-decker bus, and did plenty of shopping in Soho. Then, in less than 48 hours in Ireland, we tried Guinness for the first time, went to the Irish Whiskey Museum, and visited Trinity College. We fit a lot into those short trips, and exploring together gave us even more memories (and souvenirs) to bring home. After the program ended, my dad met me for another week of traveling. We explored the Isle of Skye, including Portree, and visited Golspie, Inverness, John o’ Groats, and Talisker Distillery. Having that time with him was such a special way to end the trip, and I’ll always be grateful we got to share those experiences. When I think about Scotland now, I think about both the big adventures and the little routines we built while we were there. I loved getting back into riding, learning from people who encouraged us, and spending my days with new friends in a place that became so familiar. I came home more independent and confident, with friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. I would go back and do it all again in a heartbeat!

I really enjoyed my experience studying abroad in Barcelona. Throughout my time here, I developed a much greater appreciation for the city, its people, and Catalan culture. Living in Barcelona allowed me to immerse myself in a different way of life, explore new places, and gain a better understanding of local traditions and customs. I especially enjoyed experiencing the city's unique atmosphere, food, and culture. Overall, studying abroad was an incredibly rewarding experience that helped me grow personally, become more independent, and make memories that I will carry with me long after leaving Barcelona.

world strides made it possible to cost effectively go abroad and still live with my friends from my home university. the staff are super supportive and helpful on site as well as preparing for the journey.

This semester has been far and away the greatest three months of my life and I am thrilled to still have six weeks left. The professors are where it all starts, accommodating every single student and their needs. They seek feedback and make a clear effort to teach in a style that appeals to all of their students. Furthermore, I love how all of the topics and case studies in class relate to what is actually going on in the world. This makes class engaging and something I look forward to rather than a bland, scripted lecture from a textbook. The most important reason I recommend UAB as the best choice for study abroad is how much mutual respect their is between teachers and students. Teachers consistently inquire about what weekend trips we went on, recommend activities and cuisine in Barcelona, and genuinely want the best for us while all students arrive on time, participate, and come to class ready to learn and grow.

Great school! Just wrapped up a month of learning. Vivian and Anqi were my teachers. They in particular are patient, understanding, and will guide you along in your Chinese journey with grace! I really like the environment of LTL as well. I did the group class which was a lot of fun and they have group lunches and activities throughout the week. (Shout out Sunny who organizes them!)

LTL Language School responded to this reviewNovember 09, 2026

One month goes just like that! Vivian and Anqi really enjoyed seeing your progress, Scott :) We hope to see you again some time, always welcome back! LTL Team

There are a lot of reasons people choose to go abroad. Beyond broadening your own horizons, travel offers the opportunity to encounter people and ways of life that are fundamentally different from what you are accustomed to. Travel is perhaps one of the only things you can spend money on that will actually make you richer. It brings a wealth that extends beyond materialism and can be genuinely life-changing. But how is this possible? The reason is deceptively simple: knowledge is power. In fact, it is the only kind of power that can never be taken away from someone. The converse of this is equally true: ignorance is a vulnerability that can and will be exploited by those with their own designs. Anyone claiming to have a monopoly on the truth is either delusional or attempting to deceive you for their own gain. Knowledge of reality is your greatest defense against manipulation. The belief that there is only one correct way of being human and relating to the world, and that you alone are correct, is an incredibly isolating mindset. This arrogance and tacit belief in your own superiority make it nearly impossible to genuinely connect with other people, particularly with those different from you. When that happens, you become trapped in an echochamber of your own prejudice, and are doomed to a life of bitterness spent out of touch with reality. This existence is necessarily unsatisfying because it is exactly contrary to our nature as social creatures. What led our species to prominence in the first place was the exchange of ideas, shared knowledge, and our capacity to cooperate. Life is better for everyone when we take care of each other, and humanity has seen the greatest leaps in progress when we’ve acted accordingly. On your own, life can be incredibly difficult. The knowledge and power of a single individual do not amount to the concerted efforts and support of a group. Regardless of the narratives being championed in the West, success does not happen without support in one form or another. Even if the help goes unacknowledged, it remains integral nonetheless. An exceptionally challenging part of adulthood is making peace with the fact that the things you don’t understand far exceed the things you do. This is difficult because few people like being confronted with the insignificance of their existence in the grand scheme of things. It makes them feel powerless. However, recognizing the limits of your own understanding and what you still have to learn are an essential part of continued growth and development in adulthood. You must come to terms with reality before you can hope to make a difference in it. In some ways, this knowledge is liberating. It is only after freeing yourself from these delusions of grandeur that you can start to find meaning in the everyday. Being human is about making meaningful connections because it is these connections that teach us about ourselves and our world. Oftentimes, you won’t know what you don’t know until someone else shows you a different way. Sometimes that way is better, and sometimes it’s not, but either way, you gain a deeper understanding of how you want to live your life. In other words, you get to make an informed decision about the existence you want to lead instead of passively accepting the life someone else has prepared for you. This is what I mean when I say that travel can enrich you. However, as with all things, the experience of going abroad will ultimately be what you make of it. If you choose to seek out reasons to be miserable, you will find them. Obstacles are a part of life, and you will encounter them regardless of where you are. But if you can make peace with that, and are willing to open yourself to new experiences anyway, there is a world of endless wonders waiting for you to discover it. I have had a really great experience with XploreAsia, and I would recommend their Thailand program to anyone hoping to set themselves up abroad. They support you every step of the way, and are exceptionally competent and reliable. It can be very intimidating to start a new life in a foreign country, especially one where you don’t speak the language, but I’ve been really impressed by how seamless they have made the transition. It is very clear that everyone there knows what they’re doing, and they have truly set me up with everything I need to succeed. I have gotten to meet so many wonderful people and experience a life here I never would have dreamed possible for myself back in the States. This decision is easily one of the best I’ve ever made. I hope that anyone who has always wanted to travel but been held back by fear will have the good fortune to come across XploreAsia’s variety of programs. Wonders beyond your imagination are just a plane ride away. Happy travels! : )

While I was in Greece, I visited a few Islands and a Tonne of nice restaurants. The people were wonderful and so welcoming It became a second home to me. I wish desperately that I could go back but unfortunately I'm in my senior year and can't travel abroad again but I definitely will be going back soon.

Spending my fall semester in UAB’s Business and Management program in Barcelona has been one of the best decisions of my studies. Classes take place at the Sant Pau campus, a stunning modernist complex, and walking into class there never gets old. What impressed me most was how practical the courses are. In Advanced Digital Marketing, my group analyzed the luxury brand Loewe, and I focused on its capabilities and brand identity, which felt like real consulting work. Using AI for Business gave me hands-on tools I already use in my part-time job back home, and Developing Creativity pushed me to think in ways my regular studies rarely do. Intercultural Communication was especially valuable because the class itself was so international: we learned the theory and lived it at the same time. The lecturers are approachable, groups are small, and the schedule leaves time to explore the city, from the beaches to the neighborhoods to weekend trips across Catalonia. My tip for future students: say yes to every group project and social event. That’s where you learn the most. I’d recommend this program to anyone who wants an academically solid semester in an inspiring city.

Spending my fall semester in UAB’s Business and Management program in Barcelona has been one of the best decisions of my studies. Classes take place at the Sant Pau campus, a stunning modernist complex, and walking into class there never gets old. What impressed me most was how practical the courses are. In Advanced Digital Marketing, my group analyzed the luxury brand Loewe, and I focused on its capabilities and brand identity, which felt like real consulting work. Using AI for Business gave me hands-on tools I already use in my part-time job back home, and Developing Creativity pushed me to think in ways my regular studies rarely do. Intercultural Communication was especially valuable because the class itself was so international: we learned the theory and lived it at the same time. The lecturers are approachable, groups are small, and the schedule leaves time to explore the city, from the beaches to the neighborhoods to weekend trips across Catalonia. My tip for future students: say yes to every group project and social event. That’s where you learn the most. I’d recommend this program to anyone who wants an academically solid semester in an inspiring city.

Spending my fall semester in UAB’s Business and Management program in Barcelona has been one of the best decisions of my studies. Classes take place at the Sant Pau campus, a stunning modernist complex, and walking into class there never gets old. What impressed me most was how practical the courses are. In Advanced Digital Marketing, my group analyzed the luxury brand Loewe, and I focused on its capabilities and brand identity, which felt like real consulting work. Using AI for Business gave me hands-on tools I already use in my part-time job back home, and Developing Creativity pushed me to think in ways my regular studies rarely do. Intercultural Communication was especially valuable because the class itself was so international: we learned the theory and lived it at the same time. The lecturers are approachable, groups are small, and the schedule leaves time to explore the city, from the beaches to the neighborhoods to weekend trips across Catalonia. My tip for future students: say yes to every group project and social event. That’s where you learn the most. I’d recommend this program to anyone who wants an academically solid semester in an inspiring city.

Spending my fall semester in UAB’s Business and Management program in Barcelona has been one of the best decisions of my studies. Classes take place at the Sant Pau campus, a stunning modernist complex, and walking into class there never gets old. What impressed me most was how practical the courses are. In Advanced Digital Marketing, my group analyzed the luxury brand Loewe, and I focused on its capabilities and brand identity, which felt like real consulting work. Using AI for Business gave me hands-on tools I already use in my part-time job back home, and Developing Creativity pushed me to think in ways my regular studies rarely do. Intercultural Communication was especially valuable because the class itself was so international: we learned the theory and lived it at the same time. The lecturers are approachable, groups are small, and the schedule leaves time to explore the city, from the beaches to the neighborhoods to weekend trips across Catalonia. My tip for future students: say yes to every group project and social event. That’s where you learn the most. I’d recommend this program to anyone who wants an academically solid semester in an inspiring city.

Spending my fall semester in UAB’s Business and Management program in Barcelona has been one of the best decisions of my studies. Classes take place at the Sant Pau campus, a stunning modernist complex, and walking into class there never gets old. What impressed me most was how practical the courses are. In Advanced Digital Marketing, my group analyzed the luxury brand Loewe, and I focused on its capabilities and brand identity, which felt like real consulting work. Using AI for Business gave me hands-on tools I already use in my part-time job back home, and Developing Creativity pushed me to think in ways my regular studies rarely do. Intercultural Communication was especially valuable because the class itself was so international: we learned the theory and lived it at the same time. The lecturers are approachable, groups are small, and the schedule leaves time to explore the city, from the beaches to the neighborhoods to weekend trips across Catalonia. My tip for future students: say yes to every group project and social event. That’s where you learn the most. I’d recommend this program to anyone who wants an academically solid semester in an inspiring city.

Going abroad to study is one of the best choices I've ever made in my life! I knew when I went to college I wanted to go abroad and had ideas about how fun and amazing it would be but being abroad and experiencing it for real is one of the best things I've done in my life. While I've been abroad I've been able to complete some incredible personal life bucket list goals. Without this abroad experience I can genuinely tell you that If I didn't go abroad I would've never experienced these things. Just as an example for you, I got to see Cristiano Ronaldo play at home in Portugal in the Nations league. In the coming weeks he announced his retirement. Being here, I've met so many amazing people and done so many amazing things I can't even list them all. From doing personal travels to playing with my new college friends in the SAI soccer team, this has been such a great experience and I never want it to end! GO ABROAD! It will change your life and you wont regret it!

Xplore Asia have gone above and beyond expectations from the beginning. The team were constantly on hand pre-departure; in fact, all questions were handled in such a timely manner that I do not recall ever wait more than 24 hours for a response. Questions were always answered thoroughly, and if you need extra support they always offered this. I left the UK over 3 months before my arrival in Hua Hin with Xplore, and they were nothing but helpful. Thailand guidance was changed shortly before arriving and they gave out the information on this. Further, when I needed to renew my tourist exemption, they gave guidance on where to go and what I needed to do. The orientation week was exceptional- from Thai lessons, what it will be like at school, and life in Thailand. The accommodation is in a perfect spot in Hua Hin- close to plenty of amenities and a tasty night market. The guidance from where the nearest laundry was, to levels of the mall made shopping for extra teaching clothes an ease. I never felt overwhelmed with the information given in welcome week, but reassured. Particularly on the visa process- given when researched yourself you come across a minefield of information. Would highly recommend Xplore, and I do not have any improvements that I would give. They even drop emails and messages now doe checking in- exceptional. My favourite part of the week was definitely going to the school and having the hands on experience, especially given i was starting work on the Monday, so this made me feel a lot more confident for the following week in the school. Thank you XPlore!