Study International Business Abroad

Coming to the American University of Beirut from the Kurdistan Region was a big step for me. Like anyone moving to another country, I had so many questions. What would studying in Lebanon be like? Would I find my people? Would I feel at home? Looking back, I can say that my experience at AUB turned out to be much more than I expected. Studying Nutrition and Dietetics taught me a lot, not only about my field but also about how to think, question things and look at problems from different perspectives. There were opportunities to get involved in research, explore subjects beyond my degree and connect what we learned in class to things happening in the real world. One of the things I appreciated most was being surrounded by people with different backgrounds and experiences. I learned just as much from the people I met as I did from my courses. But honestly, some of my favorite memories have very little to do with academics. Moving to Lebanon meant figuring out how to live independently, adjusting to a different culture and building a life away from my family. AUB brought together people from so many different places, and somewhere along the way, a place that was once completely unfamiliar started to feel like home. The friendships, long conversations, spontaneous plans and even the ordinary days on campus are things I still look back on fondly. AUB also gave me opportunities I probably wouldn't have imagined before coming to Lebanon. Through the MEPI Tomorrow's Leaders Program, I was able to explore new interests, meet people from different backgrounds and take part in experiences that pushed me beyond what I thought I could do. These opportunities helped me grow in ways that went beyond my education. Of course, living abroad wasn't always easy. There were days when I missed home, days when things felt overwhelming, and moments when I had to figure things out on my own. But I think those experiences were just as important as the good ones. If I could tell future international students one thing, it would be to come with an open mind and not be afraid of what you don't know yet. Give yourself time to adjust, say yes to opportunities, meet people outside your usual circles and enjoy the little things along the way. You might arrive with a certain plan, but leave with experiences and friendships you never expected. For me, AUB was never just about getting a degree. It was about finding my independence, discovering new possibilities, and growing into a person I hadn't quite imagined when I first arrived. And for that, I'll always be grateful.

Wow...I cannot believe that just a few months ago, I was walking my route to la Universidad de Sevilla like it was just another day. I knew I wanted to go abroad from the day I started my college experience, but I was so nervous and homesick when I landed in Sevilla that I feared I had made a terrible mistake. I could not have been more wrong! Right from the start, the WorldStrides staff (especially Quique!) took us all under their wing and showed us the rich, welcoming culture of Sevilla. Our orientation was less about classes and more about immersing ourselves in the city, from touring the Catedral and Real Alcázar to trying our first tapas (espinacas con garbanzos, anyone?). My host mother was encouraging and helped me to practice my Spanish each day, and all of my professors were engaging and invested in student success. Most importantly, I met one of my best friends abroad in the WorldStrides program! We spent so much money at the Jester cafés there... By the end of my time abroad, I had connected with Sevilla in ways I could not have anticipated, and I grew in my confidence and open-mindedness. I spent my weekends navigating airports and metros in new cities I visited, tried plenty of foods I would not have spared a glance to back home (my host mom made great boquerones...), painted watercolor scenes around Sevilla in one of my classes, and learned to understand and walk alongside my neighbors across the world. I will never have an experience quite like this again - and what a bittersweet feeling that is. Thank you, WorldStrides, for gifting me with the opportunity of a lifetime! And to anyone reading this, if you are looking for a sign to pick Sevilla, this is it!!

I did 4 weeks of spanish classes and extended and extra two because of the quality and depth of my classes. I had multiple teachers who were all exceptionally knowledgeable and helpful. I would absolutely recommend these classes to anyone willing and wanting to learn spanish!

I loved the lessons! And learned how to actually use the Language. I had great teachers and made new friends. Now It also want to go to other places. I feel confident now to talk in Spanish even though I still make mistakes a lot.

Being in the heart of Berlin changed who I am. It made me more open to different experiences, and more willing to learn the darkest parts of history to look for hope in our current society. I learned why humans do the things we do and how we bounce back to reform society.

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.

This program was amazing. My advisor in Australia was fantastic and really made the trip better- Eugenia!! The day trips offered easy and low stress ways to explore Australia with food and transport all provided. IFSA staff were very open to feedback as well, I always felt heard. The housing was perfect for what it was to me and was in a great location near campus. Overall, I have no complaints.

I had an amazing time studying abroad in Greece with WorldStrides! It was an unforgettable experience filled with incredible memories, beautiful places, and opportunities to learn about a new culture. I loved exploring Greece, experiencing its history, trying new things, and meeting new people. Everything was well organized, and the experience allowed me to step outside my comfort zone while making memories that I will cherish forever. I am so grateful for this opportunity and would highly recommend WorldStrides to anyone considering studying abroad!

I arrived in Lebanon as a high school graduate who had never traveled abroad alone, who did not speak Arabic, and who was full of nerves about what lay ahead. I expected to feel lost and overwhelmed, but the truth was exactly the opposite. The moment I stepped into campus, I fell in love, i wandered around campus for a week straight discovering new parts of it. People with warmth that I never really saw elsewhere, from first day on AUB became my home. Friends, teachers, and even strangers on campus made room for me as if I had always belonged, and the campus quickly stopped feeling like a place I was visiting and started feeling like a place I was meant to be. I found myself at AUB; I became a living part of this campus, and it became a living part of me. There were challenges along the way, as there always are, but each one made me stronger, braver, more patient, and more open to the world, and together they shaped me into the best version of myself. Had it was not for AUB, I could never imagine myself pushing through this journey... During my studies the country fell into war not once but twice, yet AUB was running, it was my first time witnessing the state of war, there were days where I wanted to leave, yet my professors and peers pushing through to ensure our academics don't fall behind made me stay. "Impressed" was an understatement, Amidst chaos AUB was here giving us glimpse of a bright future. It was this assurance which taught me not to give up. For what i must say this indeed has been the most rewarding and eye-opening chapter of my life, and it is the reason I call AUB my second home. Studying here was never just about earning a degree; it is about the experience of being a part of AUB, a community that welcomes you, believes in you, and changes you for the better. If you are standing where I once stood, nervous and unsure, I assure you to take the leap, because it will give you a home, a community, and a version of yourself you are proud of. I will admire this university, it will always be a second home I'd go back to.

I came for educational vacations and could not have chosen a better place to improve my Spanish. Let‘s start with the organizational part: already before the trip we were given all the necessary information (Travel advices, necesarry utensils, schedules etc.). When arriving in Antigua and visiting the school for the first time, I was positively surprised. The building is absolutely beautiful and the teachers are amazing. They adapt to individual needs and are super kind. Within two weeks we progressed unbelievably much. I also highly appreciated the after school activities organized by Maximo Nivel: Salsa classes, cooking classes, walking tours and many more. This is also a good way to meet other students. I honestly made friends for life! I am very sad to leave and will definitely come back, but for a longer period of time. Excited to see what else is possible! Thanks everyone!

I had a wonderful experience at Máximo Nivel in Antigua Guatemala. I attended four hours of group lessons every morning, followed by two hours of private tuition in the afternoon. The quality of teaching was outstanding, especially thanks to Odelia and Mayra, who were both incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and motivating. I learned so much from them! The school was also exceptionally well organised, making the entire experience smooth and enjoyable. I can highly recommend Máximo Nivel to anyone looking to improve their Spanish. I would happily come back anytime!

When I first applied to Sevilla I was skeptical. Coming from a big school the normal was to study abroad in larger cities such as Barcelona, Florence, and London. What scared me the most was applying somewhere I would know practically no one, which turned out to be the best part. I quickly found my group within a few days thanks to Worldstrides cultural immersion experiences such as visiting the cathedral or going to a flamenco show. I became best friends with the girls in my program I was lucky enough to live with in the center of Sevilla, housing that you can only dream of. I spent my weekends feeling the true experience of being a sevillan, getting tapas with friends, volunteering to teach english at a local elementary school, and dressing up in our trajes for the feria de sevilla. to anyone hesitating picking a smaller city, i would absolutely recommend Sevilla 100 times over, the sense of community and support you get from not only the Worldstrides administration but the university is unmatched.

When people tell you that studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it can be hard to understand just how true that is until you experience it for yourself. Studying abroad genuinely changed who I am as a person, and looking back, I can say it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. My mom was born in Spain, and growing up, I always dreamed of experiencing even a small part of what her life was like there. Hearing all of her stories made me even more excited about the opportunity. Living in Spain allowed me to experience everything I had imagined and so much more. From the incredible food and rich culture to the late-night social life, historic sites, and overall lifestyle, I fell in love with everything about it. I was able to immerse myself in the culture both inside and outside the classroom, even taking a class entirely in Spanish. One of the most rewarding parts was the friendships I made, not only with local students in Seville, who I now have a reason to visit, but with people from Germany, France, Italy, the UK, and all across the United States. I came away with friendships that I know will last a lifetime. Seville's location also gave me the opportunity to travel and experience so much more of the world. I visited six countries during my time abroad, including Italy, England, and Morocco, just to name a few. Each destination offered a new culture, perspective, and experience that made my time abroad even more special. More than anything, studying abroad made me feel even more connected to a country that has always been such a meaningful part of my family's heritage. Being able to experience the culture my mom grew up in while creating my own memories and connections there is something I will forever be grateful for. If you are considering studying abroad, DO IT! It is completely normal to be nervous, but the people you meet, places you see, and person you become along the way make it all worth it. You truly will never get another opportunity quite like this one, and it is an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Studying abroad in Madrid changed my life forever- while this statement seems to leave every study abroad student's mouth, it really is the truth. I explored many different countries during my stay in Spain which opened my eyes to what the world has to offer other than the United States, but surely the most impactful part of my abroad experience was making Madrid my temporary home. I never thought a city could feel like home when I don't speak the native language, but Madrid is a place that speaks to you without words. The city itself is a beautiful place- well kept, rich in its culture, sights, and amazing eats but the city itself is alive. It is the most full of life place I have traveled to- everywhere you go everyone is present with the people around them, playing games, talking, laughing, sharing meals, dancing, singing, all of the above. It's a place that I will hold in my heart forever, a place that I wouldn't have been able to experience without a program like WorldStrides that made everything seamless. They made it comfortable to move to a foreign country and made our program feel like a family. Thank you WorldStrides and thank you Madrid for changing my life!

I had the best semester ever in Dublin, Ireland, thanks to the WorldStrides team. The experience was everything I dreamed of from meeting the best roommates turned forever friends, to studying at Trinity College, and exploring the vast countryside that Ireland has. The team set us up for success in every aspect, we had amazing housing only 10 minutes from the city center, and Amazing trips planned. We went to Galway and the cliffs of mother, and the mountains of wicklow to hold baby sheep. I miss my experience every day.

Studying abroad is one of the best decisions I have made! I was nervous to spend so much time away from home but as soon as we exited security at the Athens airport, the WorldStrides staff was there greeting us with smiles. They took us to our dorms and helped us acclimate to living in an unfamiliar place. The professors of all my classes were very understanding of our confusion and adjustment period. They supported me and made sure that the classrooms were a safe space, and I’ll always be grateful for them! Arguably the best parts of studying abroad were the people I met and the places I saw. One of my first days in the program I was adopted into a friend group, and they are still my closest friends today. They encouraged me to travel to many different places on my bucket list, accompanying me to many of them. As an avid fan of traveling, the support of my friends, professors, and WorldStrides staff to go explore new places was the best thing I could have asked for. I am no longer afraid of traveling by myself or of navigating a country in which I do not speak the language. I will look back fondly on my semester abroad in Athens for many years to come!

I had a great time during this program. I learned so much, both educationally and culturally. The classes were great, and the teachers and staff genuinely care. Dina made the transition so easy and was always just one email away whenever I needed anything. I met some great people who I am still in contact with and believe I will remain friends with for a long time. The location of the house was great and very convenient. However, I did think the housing could have been better. The bathrooms, especially, could use some work. All in all, I had a wonderful experience, and this program has been one of the biggest highlights of my life so far. One thing I wish we had done more of was introductory activities earlier in the program, such as visiting local markets and stores and learning how to navigate public transportation. I think having more of these activities at the beginning would have made the transition even easier and helped us become more comfortable in our new surroundings.

Becoming fluent in Spanish something I’ve always wanted to do. I did some research and made a decision to spend weeks 3 immersed in Antigua Guatemala study studying at Maximo Nivel and living with a host family… at 65 yo. It has been great from the start. The host family is super friendly and accommodating. The administration of the school is very professional. The language teachers are top notch & focused on you achieving results. There are plenty of options from group classes, private lessons, tutors providing support. I knew doing something like this would improve my Spanish speaking skills. Excited to take what I have learned and use it in my travels. I highly recommend.

Becoming fluent in Spanish something I’ve always wanted to do. I did some research and made a decision to spend weeks 3 immersed in Antigua Guatemala study studying at Maximo Nivel and living with a host family… at 65 yo. It has been great from the start. The host family is super friendly and accommodating. The administration of the school is very professional. The language teachers are top notch & focused on you achieving results. There are plenty of options from group classes, private lessons, tutors providing support. I knew doing something like this would improve my Spanish speaking skills. Excited to take what I have learned and use it in my travels. I highly recommend.

Becoming fluent in Spanish something I’ve always wanted to do. I did some research and made a decision to spend weeks 3 immersed in Antigua Guatemala study studying at Maximo Nivel and living with a host family… at 65 yo. It has been great from the start. The host family is super friendly and accommodating. The administration of the school is very professional. The language teachers are top notch & focused on you achieving results. There are plenty of options from group classes, private lessons, tutors providing support. I knew doing something like this would improve my Spanish speaking skills. Excited to take what I have learned and use it in my travels. I highly recommend.