Study International Relations Abroad

Studying abroad in London was the best experience of my undergraduate education so far. Studying abroad was something that I never expected and it felt like fate when I found out that my major (Criminal Justice) was hosting a program in London with CEA Capa. Throughout my time in London, CEA Capa made the experiece extremely rewarding and memorable. From the excursions, shows, education, and travel advice, CEA Capa supported the entire program and did so extremely effortlessly. Being in London was my first time out of the country and I was so confident that I would be safe, know where to go, and what to do if something went wrong because the team was so helpful. CEA Capa has my highest recommendation and I wish everyday that I could go back to being abroad in London.

I chose AIFS Abroad because I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and experience a new culture through a program that offered support before, during, and after going abroad. I participated in the Barcelona Maymester program in summer 2026, and it was an experience I will always be grateful for. The pre-departure process was stress-free, which made preparing to study abroad feel much less overwhelming. Once in Barcelona, I loved exploring the city, trying new foods, going on excursions, and experiencing everyday life in a new culture. One of the most meaningful parts of my experience was learning to navigate a new city independently, as well as making lasting friendships with the people around me. I got to live in an apartment in the coolest part of the city all while living with my best friends. I was so grateful to be able to go to classes and become so independent in an unfamiliar city. I would recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking to experience a new culture, make lasting memories, meet new people, and grow both personally and professionally.

Studying abroad in Zagreb, Croatia, was one of the most transformative experiences of my undergraduate journey. As a Biology major on the pre-medical track at Spelman College, I wanted an experience that would challenge me academically, immerse me in a different culture, and allow me to explore medicine beyond the traditional classroom setting. Zagreb gave me all of that and so much more. During my time abroad, I had the opportunity to participate in clinical shadowing at KBC Sestre Milosrdnice, where I spent much of my time observing cardiology and cardiovascular procedures, learning about patient care, and understanding how healthcare professionals collaborate in a hospital setting. One of my most memorable experiences was observing the medical team's response to a complication during a cardiac stent procedure. Witnessing the level of precision, communication, and critical thinking required in that moment strengthened my interest in cardiovascular medicine and helped solidify my aspiration to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. However, my experience was about much more than medicine. Choosing Zagreb was intentional. I wanted to travel somewhere unfamiliar, where I would have to step outside my comfort zone, navigate cultural differences, and become more independent. From learning basic Croatian phrases to exploring the city, connecting with my roommates, and experiencing everyday life in a new country, each day taught me something valuable about adaptability and confidence. As a first-generation college student and a Black woman pursuing a career in medicine, this opportunity also reminded me of the importance of representation and making international experiences accessible to students from all backgrounds. Studying abroad is not limited to students majoring in international studies or foreign languages. STEM students can also find programs that complement their academic interests and professional goals. My advice to anyone considering studying abroad is to research your options, ask questions, and remain open to destinations you may not have initially considered. Some of the most meaningful opportunities come from choosing experiences that challenge your expectations. I returned from Zagreb with more than memories and photographs. I returned with a clearer understanding of the physician I hope to become, greater confidence in my ability to navigate unfamiliar environments, and a deeper appreciation for the global nature of healthcare. If I had the opportunity to choose again, I would choose Zagreb every single time. This experience did not simply allow me to explore another country; it helped me discover a new direction for my future.

IES abroad European Union was probably the best 6 months of my life. The highlight of my trip was being able to play lacrosse on the local Freiburg team. However, there were so many aspects of the program that I loved. I was able to live with German students in a shared housing, I gained valuable experience in living on my own in the city, and I was able to place into an internship and stay for an additional 7 weeks after my program ended. IES EU really values traveling during the program and there are both trips that you do with the program itself and ample time to travel to different countries on weekends throughout your stay. I was also able to get $2,000 in scholarship from IES which was absolutely incredible and boosted the amount of traveling I was able to do while there.

Studying abroad in general is life changing but studying in the Gold Coast was above that! It was an amazing experience that taught me so much about myself and the world. There is so much to do around the Gold Coast a sememster wasn’t enough!

Studying abroad in Madrid was a fever dream. I couldn't be more satisfied with my experience. I lived with a host family, and they were the sweetest people ever. They cooked delicious meals for me and made me feel like part of their family. At the IES center, the faculty and staff were so accommodating and willing to help and support me as much as possible. When I was hospitalized, someone from IES came to visit me at the hospital, and my host family stayed with me. This shows how much they truly care about their students and how committed they are to supporting them. They also have an emergency line, which made me feel even safer. Overall, I felt safe, welcomed, and supported, and I was able to fully immerse myself academically and culturally.

I would study abroad 10000 more times if it was going to be like what I got to experience in Greece through World Strides. This program made studying abroad such an easy transition and really made sure we had every bit of support and cultural experience while we were there.

My semester abroad in Madrid with AIFS was genuinely one of the most memorable experiences of my life, and I would recommend the program to anyone considering studying abroad! From the beginning, the experience was well organized, and I felt supported throughout my time in Spain. Looking back, I am so grateful I chose AIFS because my semester became so much more than just an opportunity to study in another country. AIFS also offered a great variety of activities that allowed us to experience Spanish culture firsthand. These included tapas dinners, cooking sessions, and trips to beautiful cities like Granada, Toledo, and Segovia. These experiences gave us the opportunity to explore beyond Madrid while creating lasting memories with other students. I would recommend AIFS in a heartbeat! If you are nervous about taking the leap, I encourage you to go for it. My semester in Madrid gave me lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and personal growth that I will carry with me long after returning home. I would do it all over again without hesitation!

Forum-Nexus was incredibly well organized from start to finish. Travel between cities was efficient, and I still had the freedom to explore on my own. The Independent Cultural Visits pushed me to get out and discover each place. Laura did a great job in International Business, and I learned a lot. The teachers and staff were nice and caring, and Adam was the best! It was the adventure of a lifetime, and it showed me I can do new and scary things. I’d recommend it 100%. You won’t experience anything like it.

I think up until my semester at Korea University, South Korea felt like some far off fantasy. A place that I knew of but could never truly put my finger on. But, I can now say with full confidence that my time there was one of the best times of my life. I made the sweetest friends that I will keep for life, got to embrace Korean culture through excursions with WorldStrides and with friends that I made in Seoul, and got to grow as a person. I think the reassurance of having my WorldStrides program and onsite staff there to help me gave me the ability to have the fullest experience I could have had. I got to see some of the most beautiful sights, ask questions (even the silly ones), and always felt safe. If you are considering going abroad, especially to Seoul, you 100% should. The country and culture are wonderful and the onsite staff there will become an extension of your Korean family. :)

I am very glad that I came to Nagoya this summer. My Japanese skills improved immensely, I started a new martial art (though I'm still not very good at jiujitsu yet), I made many new friends, and I was able to see and do things I wouldn't have been able to otherwise. I liked how much free time we had; I and many of my classmates spent a weekend or two traveling outside of the program, and that was beside some very interesting field trips. Overall, I think this was a very good program.

My experience studying abroad in South Korea was so much more than I could have ever expected. Honestly, I went into it thinking I would just try a bunch of new foods and do some sightseeing. However, it ended up being so much more than that. I attended Hanyang University, where I met so many amazing people and formed friendships that I know will last a lifetime. One thing I quickly realized was that everyone around me was in a similar position. We all wanted to explore, try new things, and make the most of our time in Korea. Because of that, it was incredibly easy to connect with people and build meaningful friendships. Before I knew it, my schedule was completely filled. Every day brought something new, whether it was visiting a different city, trying a new restaurant, going on a hike, or simply meeting someone new. For me, this was far outside my comfort zone. I had never traveled internationally before, and I barely knew how to speak Korean. However, the people around me made the experience so much easier. I probably asked more questions than I could count, and I'm sure I annoyed a few people along the way, but everyone was always kind and willing to help. Overall, studying abroad in South Korea taught me that there is so much more to a country than what you see on the surface. Being able to experience Korean culture firsthand, explore new places, and share those moments with friends made the experience truly unforgettable. What I originally thought would just be a few months of traveling and studying turned into one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

I chose AIFS Abroad because of the variety of programs that they offer. I went to Paris, France for a January term to take an Accounting class at the American Business College. The AIFS staff was super helpful with me. Even before departure, they were there for me helping me with my housing options and to coordinate my flights, during my program they invited us to different excursions and to the AIFS office in Paris to know the staff and after the program they were very interested in our feedback and reviews. During my program I stayed with a host family and it was such an amazing thing because i got to experience French culture first-hand while also sharing a little bit about my own culture. The American Business College is a place where students from different cultures and backgrounds share one same perspective on global business with an American point of view, which made everything easier for me. This program had a great impact in my life because it made me get out of my comfort zone and get to know so many people while earning credit towards my degree. I'd recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking to study abroad or intern while getting credits towards their degree. AIFS is very helpful, has so many programs available and a staff who is always willing to make the best for you.

My study abroad experience in Seville, Spain was truly unforgettable. I had the opportunity to explore a new culture, meet people from different backgrounds, and experience everyday life in another country. I loved being able to travel around Spain and visit places like Barcelona and Madrid, while also making memories in Seville. Studying abroad helped me become more independent, confident, and open to trying new things. I would definitely recommend studying abroad to other students because it is an experience you will remember for the rest of your life!

I cannot recommend this program enough. Everything from the housing, friends, social life, excursions, cost, and academics exceeded my expectations. I met so many incredible people I can't imagine my life without now. My perspective of the world broadened so much and I learned so much about the social and political climate of Latin America, though my classes and real world experiences. Do the study abroad you will not regret!!

I honestly loved my time in Seoul. It was an amazing experience and it really opened my eyes to what’s outside of the United States. I was also able to travel to Japan (twice) and Thailand, so I really got to see different cultures.

Hi! My name is Lily Nevarez, and I am a Biochemistry student at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). I love cooking, makeup, K-dramas, learning new languages, and, most importantly, exploring and experiencing new cultures. During my study abroad experience, I had the opportunity to spend an entire Wintermester in Seoul, South Korea, where I studied at Yonsei University. Yonsei is one of the most prestigious and iconic universities in South Korea, and if you are interested in Korean culture and studying abroad, it is definitely a university I would recommend exploring. I really recommend going to Yonsei with Worldstries because I think it has a program in which you can learn about and study the culture at the same time, here below is a video of my day to day life.

Studying abroad in Rome, Italy for a semester through WorldStrides was an unforgettable experience. I loved being able to take business courses while also getting to experience Italian culture, travel, and everyday life in a new country. Living in Rome pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me grow more independent while making memories and friendships that I’ll always cherish. I would absolutely recommend WorldStrides to anyone considering studying abroad!

This specific program truly blew my study abroad expectations out of the water. The staff and faculty were so helpful and responsive the entirety of the trip!! There was so much freedom involved and I had to learn how to live and adjust myself into the new lifestyle that I soon became engulfed in. I felt one with the people, place and culture. Florence was truly a magical place and had pure charm. It was so central for travel and easy to walk from place to place. The teachers did an outstanding job of creating a classroom and learning environment that was collaborative with not only other students, yet the Italian culture as well. Classes were highly educational, yet I did not feel as if i was drowning in school or work. The opportunities of adventure and trying new things were endless, I learned so much!!! As for rooming goes, I was blessed with the best three random roomates that genuinely made my experience what it was. We traveled to many countries together and made so many fun memories that I will cherish for a lifetime. We have already had a reunion back here in the states!! Overall I met so many amazing individuals throughout my Florence journey. I miss the people and the place every single day and would not trade my experiences for the world. I hope to be back soon Firenze!!!

Going to Costa Rica taught me not only how to have an open mind when experiencing other cultures but also how to appreciate and grow within my own. I’m so grateful for the everyone within and outside of worldstrides for helping me.