Academic Year Hospitality Study Abroad Programs

Overall I loved my time in Costa Rica but the unfortunate part about it was I was there for 2 months and the 2nd month we did not have any excursions or cultural events even though we paid so much money to be there and I feel like we were lied to on what everything would cost to travel individually. I think I loved my time in Costa Rica because me and my roommates made the most out of it even though we felt separated from the rest of the program because we were the only ones who lived away from everyone and we could not walk to our other friends home stays because our homestay mother would make us Uber once it was already dark we did not have the money to continuously do that if we just wanted to hangout with our friends. Also we were mislead about the internship transportation luckily I was in a group of 4 for my internship and we could split Ubers but even then I was struggling financially towards the end of the trip and had no idea that we would have to figure out our own transportation to our internships if I had known that before I would have never done the internship it was totally misleading. Lastly, I enjoyed my homestay but I hated having the same meals from lunch and dinner and when I told my homestay mother that we all did not like that she did not change it she continued to do it.

Making the choice to study abroad can be a very nerve racking and stressful process, but it can also be the most rewarding and fulfilling experience if you go with a program that puts your needs first. I traveled to Florence with WorldStrides this past spring and it was honestly the best months of my life. Program staff and support was accessible throughout my entire journey ever since the start of my application to even after my flight back home! One of my favorite things they provided us with was the chance to participate in included excursions, events, and activities. This helped me and my roommates get more involved around the city and allowed us to save a little money on travel. Overall, this was an experience I will remember for the rest of my life and I’m so thankful that I was able to learn so much about the city, meet people from all over the world, and return home with a new appreciation for the world around me!

I had so much fun studying abroad in Costa Rica through Arcos. My program director Angie was super caring! The university professors and the rest of Arcos staff were super friendly as well. I learned a lot of Spanish, ate really good food, made some new friends and explored really beautiful places.The study abroad had excursions and activities planned throughout the weeks. There was enough structure to have something to look forward to, but also enough flexibility to do something on your own!

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!!

It has been about 3 months since I came home from Study Abroad, and I still haven't found the right words to describe this experience! When I left for study abroad, I was stepping into the unknown - moving to a new city, far away from everything and everyone I had ever known. Some moments challenged me, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and forced me to grow in ways I never expected. Along the way, Ifound a new sense of independence, confidence, and trust in myself! What I will cherish the most are the people. The friendships I made, my roommates and forever friends who turned into family. They were there for every laugh, every tear, and served as a shoulder to lean on when I needed it most! I was lucky enough to do something most people only dream of. I got to experience cultures, traditions, and places that opened my eyes to how beautiful our world is! I left study abroad with more than just pictures and postcards, but lessons, stories, friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime!

I went abroad with this company, and it couldn't have gone any better. In any situation that was rough, they were always there to chat or help resolve the issue. Great company; would love to go again!

Studying abroad through SAI was the best choice I have made in my academic, personal, and career life yet. Not only are the staff and program well structured, but they truly allow you to be supported, make friends, and experience places/things you never would have expected. As a participant of the 2-city program, I experienced life in two cities of Italy, each unique but special. While La Spezia helped me settle into Italian culture and appreciate the slower pace of life, the hustle and bustle of Florence showed me why Italy is such a destination for people to experience. My 4 months flew by faster than I could imagine, and staying so busy and immersed (in the best way) now allows me to share about my time- and how I have absolutely no regrets. Being involved in the moment, taking time to talk to locals and do "non-touristy" trips/things, and keeping an open mind can shape your life and is truly what makes the experience. It's the little things. People watching. A scrumptious cappuccino. An immersive class experience. Studying abroad is, yes, about education and pursuing a career, but so much of the learning and growing for it are done outside of the classroom, often through unexpected moments. I always felt the support of SAI staff, and their focus on the student experience at a personal level created a sense of belonging and home away from home. If you are on the fence, just go! You won't regret it!

I genuinely had the best study abroad experience through SAI in Florence. I was able to live with 3 of my best friends and we loved our apartment so much! Although we weren't right in the city center by thew duomo, we found that we loved being across the river as we were more immersed in the culture by being in a neighborhood filled with locals. Outside of our housing and classes, we had so many opportunities to do different activities whether it was a cooking class or a gold leafing class. I could not recommend this experience enough!

I went to study abroad knowing nobody, completely throwing myself into a different culture across the world, and it was the best choice I made in my life. I met the most amazing people in the most amazing place, and I would choose to do it all over again if I could. Study abroad if you have the opportunity!

I absolutely loved my time in Florence with World Strides! I had never been out of the country and didn't know anyone else going, so I was terrified, but the experience was amazing. World strides was really easy to work with and offered a lot of free activities in Florence, such as a cooking class and a weekend trip to Lake Garda. The staff were all really kind and welcoming, and I made very good friends in the program. I could not recommend this program enough!

I really enjoyed my internship at the hotel, especially working at the front desk. It was a great opportunity to improve my communication and customer service skills while interacting with guests from different countries. The best part of my experience was my amazing team. My colleagues were always friendly, supportive, and willing to help. They made me feel welcome from the first day and created a positive working atmosphere. This internship gave me valuable professional experience and unforgettable memories. I would highly recommend it to other students who want to build a career in the hospitality industry. I am very grateful to the Academy of Tourism and Business in Antalya for giving me this valuable opportunity and supporting me throughout my internship.

I think that this program is an accessible way for students to venture outside of their comfort zone in both their taste pallet and social interactions. In this program you will learn to make friends with people you might not encounter on a day to day basis.

Program is well structured and the pre orientation is super helpful, specially because going to a new country can feel overwhelming so the guide made it easier. The staff is very attentive to our needs and they host events and day trips to help us be involved in our new city

The staff at Umbra, whether professors or office administrators, is incredibly friendly and helpful for anything you may need. You will absolutely have opportunities to explore Italy between the trips planned by the student services team or from the trips that may be a part of your classes. Or even if you are looking for information about your own travels, the professors and staff members are full of great recommendations and bits of advice for your travels.

I would definitely recommend studying abroad with CIEE because information is always clearly communicated, the staff is super welcoming and friendly, orientation was very helpful, and I got to go on fun trips and activities with the program.

I absolutely loved CIEE! I would recommend them because they are extremely supportive, helpful, and kind. They offer a ton of opportunities for students to dive into that they would never have access to at home. CIEE helps students explore a new culture and community while making them feel at home!

The professors are really good to teach the classes and as persons, Sevilla is a beautiful place, all the activities CIEE has as trips, sports, and learning more about the community and culture of Sevilla. That is why I would recommend CIEE.

Had such an amazing study abroad semester with the Umbra Institute! Having participated in two of this program's community engagement commitments, I was able to learn more about Perugia's culture and the people through my major. Along with this, the professors I had cared deeply about our learning and were passionate about what they taught (especially props to Italian Prof. Livia). Likewise, I loved Umbra Institute for its tight-knit community, which I was involved in through a work study job as a front desk receptionist. Overall, the program provided me with so many opportunities to immerse myself with the school and Perugia as a city! If you are seeking a study abroad program that values fostering a close community, I highly recommend the Umbra Institute!

Had a great time with Umbra. They are very helpful and have always been there to provide help with resources and advice on how to navigate the city of Perugia. They have always been very transparent about class and schedules!

The city, the people, the classes, the staff— you cannot even begin to describe how incredible this program is and how it has changed my life. I have built long-lasting relationships while working and serving a community that now means the world to me. The smaller city vibe makes the most authentic experience possible. I always wanted to study abroad in Rome or Florence, but Perugia was the only city available. And thank goodness it was. Being at the Umbra Institute was the biggest blessing in my life so far. I was able to become very close with my classmates, professors, and staff members that would not have been possible in other places. I have found meaning and authenticity in my studies, balanced travel, a social life, and felt SO supported in my time here.