Study Abroad Programs

I recently completed a Study Abroad in Madrid Spain and I had the best summer of my life. I meet so many people both in the program and locally. I was immersed in so much culture from festivals to food to clubs. There will be something you love there. The academics were great not too easy or hard and a good balance with school and life. The only issue I had was with my host family. It was a small family with a mom and a son (23yrs). We barely talked or saw each-other, the rare times we eat it was microwave food. Despite this my time was not ruined and I know plenty of people with better host family experiences!

I studied abroad in Madrid this past summer, and it was the best time of my life. I thrived and would do anything to go back. Worldstrides was extremely helpful while I was in Spain if it was feeling home sick, needing something that I forgot at home, or just being lost an dneeding directions on how to get home. Also, their planned excursions were very fun and planned very well, with fun schedules and activities planned throughout the entire. I would recommend this to anyone.

I chose AIFS Abroad for my 8-week summer internship in Berlin because of how responsive and organized they were from the very beginning. Any questions I had before departure got answered quickly, which made the whole process feel a lot less overwhelming. Once I got to Berlin, that same level of support continued. The staff were easy to reach and genuinely helpful whenever I needed anything, which made a huge difference living in a new country for the first time. I stayed in an apartment in a great location with my own room, which gave me the independence to explore the city on my own schedule while still feeling settled. AIFS built in a solid mix of activities and excursions like a trip out to Peacock Island was a highlight, and I also ended up playing badminton and joining a city tour, which were great ways to actually experience Berlin rather than just pass through it. Those activities were also where I met a lot of the people I got close with during the program. Having a built-in group made it easy to explore the city together instead of navigating it solo. Looking back, the experience pushed me to be more independent and comfortable navigating unfamiliar situations, which I don't think I would've gotten the same way from a shorter or less immersive program. I'd recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking for a summer program that balances real independence (your own space, your own time) with enough built-in structure and support that you're never actually on your own when it matters.

My study abroad experience in Iceland was an amazing opportunity to learn, explore, and experience a new culture. I loved being able to visit different companies and see how businesses operate outside of the United States.

I went to Mexico to improve my Spanish skills and gain confidence moving and interacting in unfamiliar settings and situations. This program allowed me to greatly improve my Spanish - the month-long urban homestay was super helpful for that - and expand my skillset and knowledge of what I can do. In the course of this program I also complete a social work practicum at a local elder care home, and that allowed me to apply and further develop social work skills of empathy and communication, as well as to more completely immerse myself in the local community.

In May 2026 I went to China for the first time and studied at LTL Language School for 2 weeks. The first week in Shanghai and the second week in Beijing. I joined their Master Class for people 50+ which included both lessons and sightseeing. Also included in the price was a subway card + telephone card + school material like books, pen, snacks + entrances to tourist spots. Housing I chose to stay at a hotel in Beijings most central area and that suited me well. Since I had so much activities I didn’t want to stay in a family homestay since I wouldn’t have had time to spend so much time there. Transportation The subways worked impressively well. If needed it was also possible to just swipe your credit card and pay for the trip. Teachers & the school The teachers were all really friendly and pedagogical. I met many of the teachers because they also guided me around Beijing in the afternoons. I learned so much and finally I could speak Chinese in a more relaxed way. Even if we spoke a lot of Chinese all the teachers were good at English so I could easily switch to English if I didn’t know how to say something in Chinese. The teachers were also very flexible to students different needs although I studied in a group with 1‑4 other students. The level was A2 in my classes. We had classes between 8.00‑12.00. In the breaks we talked or played Mahjong with other students over tea or coffee. Thank you teacher Alice in Beijing. Activities In the Master Class program we had activities on Monday‑Friday afternoon around 13.00‑17.00 + the whole day on Saturdays. The weeks I was there I was the only student so it felt like I was having private guided tours. It was awesome. The teachers guiding me made up plans but since I was the only one in the Master Class those weeks I could adjust them if I needed. See below what I did in Beijing. Beijing The activities the week I was there was The forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Schichahai & Nanluoguxiang, The temple of Heaven and 798 Art Zone. Unfortunately The temple of heaven was closed due to Donald Trumps visit so instead we went shopping and I made some great bargains. 798 Art Zone I didn’t go to since it was my first time in Beijing and I skipped school also that day and went to see The Great Wall by myself. The Saturday I spend the whole day in the Summer Palace with another teacher. All the activities and teachers guiding me were so nice and helpful. I had a fun time in all activities. Beijing is a city with a lot of fascinating historic sights. The weather was hot and humid already in May. Thank you so much Tara and Summer Wang. For learners like me, travelling and learning a new language can feel a little overwhelming at times. But LTL’s Master Class took away most of my worries. I never felt rushed during tours or pressured in class. Every day I got to practise newly‑learned Chinese phrases right out on the streets, in markets and parks, which helped me memorise words far better than textbook work alone. I really valued the gentle pace, thoughtful support and genuine care from every member of staff. This one‑week stay in Beijing gave me wonderful memories and greater confidence to keep learning Chinese back home in Sweden. Conclusion This was one of the best things I have ever done and I recommend others to go and study this Master Program in Beijing. Thank you all Carina Johansson

I took an architecture and a holocaust class during the summer and it was an incredible experience. I went by so fast and I wished I would have done a semester. One of the coolest things we did was tour the Franz Ferdinand's estate. The professors were so kind and passionate, you could tell they want to be there and the program felt like a family.

I had fun in my two weeks I've been there. The events were very unique and different from what I have experienced years ago when I went to Tokyo at another school. Osaka people are much friendlier and warmer. The school helped me a lot with finding an accommodation and also assisting with info for food recommendations as I'm Vegan. The community is very inclusive and I never felt insecure or unsafe. If I could do it all over again I would go for Osaka for sure.

Osaka hat richtig geflasht! Meine Zeit hier war einfach nur genial und ich habe viele Freunde kennen gelernt. Der Unterricht war sehr gechillt und die Lehrer waren super nett. Die Location von der Schule ist auch sehr zentral. Shinsaibashi Station ist ein kurzer Spaziergang entfernt, aber das geilste war die extrem fashionlastige und kunterbunte Amemmura Nachbarstadt mit coolen Cafés, sehr extrovertierten Leuten und einer lebendigen Nightlife Szene. Kann Meiji und Osaka nur sehr empfehlen.

My experience at LTL over the past month has been really positive, 100% due to the friendly, competent teachers and people I’ve met. I feel my Chinese level is ever improving and I’m getting a very authentic experience. For the last five weeks I’ve been doing one-on-one classes with my Teacher Laura. Laura is an incredibly competent teacher and with her help I can fully utilise the productiveness of my 2 hour session. In classes we focus almost exclusively on listening and speaking fluency, where Laura is constantly testing my limits and pushing me to improve. We have chosen to take an off the books approach that I feel really helps suit the content I’m learning directly to my level and my improving on my weaknesses. The classes include a healthy mix of everyday Chinese conversations, which improve my confidence in interactions outside of class, as well as stretching my capability in more complex discussions (I’m currently around a HSK 4). My teacher Laura, as well as many other LTL teachers, are always happy to provide assistance outside of class. Laura helped me find and book an appointment with an acupuncture clinic, and is never shy to share good food recommendations. The school provides a useful structure for each day and has been a helpful base for adjusting to daily life in China, particularly in the first week. Despite some minor miscommunication errors before my arrival in Chengdu, I have found studying in Chengdu to be very pleasant, mostly due to the amazing people I have met, whether students, teacher or homestay hosts.

Before coming to study at LTL, as a heritage speaker I could have simple conversations, but could hardly read/write. I chose LTL because of the opportunities for intensive classes and activities to interact with other students and natives. I only studied here for 3 weeks, but I think my Vietnamese has improved immensely, giving me the foundation to continue my studies back home. I am deeply appreciative of my teacher, John, who challenged and pushed me. My class was exclusively in Vietnamese and that helped greatly with immersion. I recommend LTL to anyone coming to Saigon to study Vietnamese! Trước khi đến Sài Gòn để học tiếng việt, tôi hầu như không thể đọc và viết được. Bay giờ tôi biết đọc va viết một xíu được. Tôi chọn LTL vì tôi thích lớp intensive ở bên đây. Tôi muốn cảm ơn thầy giáo, John, nhờ sự tận tâm dạy dỗ của John. Cảm ơn LTL nhiều!

Before coming to study at LTL, as a heritage speaker I could have simple conversations, but could hardly read/write. I chose LTL because of the opportunities for intensive classes and activities to interact with other students and natives. I only studied here for 3 weeks, but I think my Vietnamese has improved immensely, giving me the foundation to continue my studies back home. I am deeply appreciative of my teacher, John, who challenged and pushed me. My class was exclusively in Vietnamese and that helped greatly with immersion. I recommend LTL to anyone coming to Saigon to study Vietnamese! Trước khi đến Sài Gòn để học tiếng việt, tôi hầu như không thể đọc và viết được. Bay giờ tôi biết đọc va viết một xíu được. Tôi chọn LTL vì tôi thích lớp intensive ở bên đây. Tôi muốn cảm ơn thầy giáo, John, nhờ sự tận tâm dạy dỗ của John. Cảm ơn LTL nhiều!

My four months based in Derry/Londonderry were spent attending long but fascinating lectures about Northern Irish history and The Troubles, an internship at the Bloody Sunday Trust (the organization that runs the Museum of Free Derry), visiting towns and organizations historically significant to the conflict, and listening to stories shared very willingly by survivors of the violence that gripped the region not too long ago. This program provided an immersion within conflict studies that profoundly changed my view of the world, altered the focus of my studies and my post-college trajectory. I was one of six midwestern liberal arts students in the cohort, and we lived together in a Bogside flat. The combination of a focused and relatively rigorous classroom experience with day-to-day encounters of a "post-conflict" society provided the exact level of engagement and experiential understanding I was looking for. After the program ended, I went back to school to continue my Political Science degree, and then returned to Northern Ireland for a year as a volunteer at Corrymeela, a peace and reconciliation center for the region. My time with the CGEE program in Derry ultimately realized three outcomes: a fascinating and immersive academic experience, a want for much, much more, and the connections and context to make 'much more' happen. I would highly recommend this program for those who want to seriously engage with significant topics in the realms of history and political science.

Studying abroad was without a doubt the most transformative experience of my life. World Strides made the process so much easier with their quick and detailed communication. I felt like I had so much support and resources to be successful while abroad. They also provided multiple excursions that were already included with my trip. If you get the opportunity to study abroad with world strides I highly recommend!!

Through studying abroad with Augsburg, I was able to meet life long friends and gain a home away from home. In addition to learning about cultures, people, places, and historical events I had no idea existed, the community welcomed me with open arms. Cohort style learning meant hands-on experiences with my peers and opportunities to explore/tailor learning to best serve us. The Augsburg team has become family.

There was so much provided with the program that made me feel very secure about my decision to study abroad with WorldStrides. For example, we had a very clear schedule and an overnight excursion to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu was included. I felt very safe the entire time I was there and knew that if I ever got sick or needed help the program leaders would be there to help me immediately.

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.

2026 so far has been a year of adventure and my month at LTL Osaka was a definitely a stand out experience! The initial application process was straightforward. The Director of Studies, Hiyori Ito, was extremely responsive and great at answering my questions. I felt like I had a connection to the programme right from the beginning. Going into my first day I was extremely nervous. Prior to LTL, I had no experience with Japanese output as I’d only studied the language from textbooks. Despite this, the LTL learning approach was accommodating to my skill level – adapting to where my strengths and weakness were across listening, reading, speaking and writing. LTL employs a conversational approach to learning. Using the textbook as a guide, we covered new grammar and vocabulary points with the majority of the learning being conducted in Japanese. At first this was quite intense but with the teachers help it becomes the best method of learning through exposure. All the teachers were friendly and approachable. I elected to do both group and one-on-one sessions. My daily schedule was slightly overwhelming so I don’t recommend it for everyone but for people who work well in a fast paced environment, I felt it expedited my learning experience tremendously. In the group class we worked through the majority of the Genki 2. I had previously gone through this textbook but it was really beneficial to revisit the grammar constructions and vocabulary with a teacher present. Things I never fully understood the first time, now I feel like I’ve really solidified. Furthermore, being able to delve into the textbook’s content alongside other students allowed me to practice outputting the grammar in a safe and enjoyable environment. In addition to the group classes, I participated in one-on-one classes every afternoon. This was a valuable asset. Throughout the one-on-one classes I set the priority of developing my conversation skill as I felt that was most vital for daily interactions. Due to these sessions being less structured, I was able to revisit basic grammar as well as use what I had learn in the group classes. These classes ended up being my favourite. Over the month I had developed a strong repot with many teachers. From a personal standpoint, I think LTL is best suited for people looking to have a passionate learning experience, focusing more so on developing your ability to speak real Japanese rather than passing the JLPT (it’s definitely visible through LTL but not the main goal). LTL conjures a more relaxed environment, feeling less like a strict school and more like an hyper-invested language club! Outside of class, Hiyori regularly plans group activities such as trips around Osaka or group dinners. Additionally, thanks to the close-nit feeling from the other students during my tenure at the school, we would made plans together for food or drink. On school days during lesson breaks and lunch breaks both teachers and students would hang out in the spacious common area. By not separating the students and teachers it created more opportunity to practice Japanese as well as letting us get to know each other, teacher and student, in a less formal setting. I’d like to highlight a few teachers who really made an impact on me during my time in Osaka: Naomi, Nanaho and Sae Sensei made group classes a joy. We engaged in lots of fun discourse around the textbook. As well as lots of laugher playing vocabulary games and learning about Japanese culture. A massive thank you to Satoko and Hiroko Sensei for creating such friendly atmospheres during our one-on-one classes. I can firmly attribute much of my Japanese progression to their help. Every class was fun yet contained the perfect balance of conversation and teaching. By the end of my time at LTL I felt as if my conversational flow had drastically improved thanks to the consistent and attentive corrections to my speaking made by Hiroko and Satoko. We had many long discussions about a variety of topics but it never felt intimidating due to the pace of the conversation as well as us stopping to discuss grammar and vocabulary throughout. As a place to live and study for an extended period of time I can wholeheartedly recommend Osaka. The city is very well connected by public transport, the underground system is convenient and affordable. Furthermore, for weekend trips Osaka is perfectly central in the Kansai-region offering amazing excursions to surrounding areas such as Kobe, Nara and the various waking trails or tradition villages. Lastly, but maybe most importantly, during my time studying I also engaged in the homestay programme. Without a doubt this was the highlight of my time in Osaka. Getting to experience life with a family abroad is an eye opening experience and something I’d definitely want to do again. When being inducted to LTL, if you select to do a homestay, you can provider preferences for what kind of house you want to stay in, such as ‘being with other students or alone’ or ‘the families level of English’ – in my case, I was the only foreigner with a family where they spoke little English. After the month I truly felt I’d made a connection with the host family. Many nights after dinner we’d talk for hours, with a little help from google translate, on all manor of topics and discussing each-other’s culture. I’d play video games with the kids and join them on weekend trips to the river or out for food. The entire time I felt so warmly welcomed and accommodated both in my language ability and in comfort around the house. Being able to communicate with them became a massive motivator for me to put more effort into my studies! Many thanks again to the LTL Osaka team!

LTL Language School responded to this reviewAugust 27, 2026

Wow Luke! We are thrilled the homestay became the highlight of your month in Osaka! Hiyori, Naomi, Nanaho, Sae, Satoko and Hiroko sensei will all love reading this. Thanks so much for taking the time to write such a detailed review. Keep up the great work studying Japanese and we hope to see you back at LTL soon! LTL Team

My experience in this school so far has been very fun and exciting! Even though I’ve not participated in many group outings I feel like part of a welcoming community. All the staff are helpful and always up for a chat.Meanwhile, There are students from many different cultures and backgrounds, so the community is diverse and interesting. I like it very much.

Wuxi Schönberg Education Technology Co.,Ltd responded to this reviewAugust 26, 2026

Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a lovely review, Roman. We’re really happy to hear that you’re having a great experience with us and enjoying your learning journey.Meanwhile, we are also very nice to know that you know many new friends here. 😊

I'm so glad I decided to join Schönberg Education. I have the best teacher! Wang is absolutely amazing. She makes the classes fun and we spend time on various aspects including learning new content, revising existing content, speaking exercises and listening exercises. She mixes things up and there is never a dull moment. She took her time to really understand my goals and is always thinking of how to help me. She also encourages me to speak to locals in mandarin and sometimes accompanies me helping me to get the conversation started. This has really pushed me out of my comfort zone and as a result I've improved so much!!! It's unbelievable how much I've progressed in just two weeks! She is a top-notch teacher and I'm very much looking forward to the rest of the programme.

Wuxi Schönberg Education Technology Co.,Ltd responded to this reviewAugust 26, 2026

Hello Soraya, we’re delighted to hear that you are enjoying our class and had such a positive experience with Wang 老师，We’ll be sure to share your kind words with her — we’re very lucky to have such dedicated teachers on our team! Meanwhile, We’re so happy to have you with us together! 🚀