Study Abroad Programs

I’ve had such a great time living and studying with LTL in Kunming. What stood out most to me was how adaptable the teachers are. I wanted to focus on practical, day-to-day conversation rather than just textbook grammar, and they tailored the lessons without hesitation. We even went out to local shops together to practice in real life, which did wonders for my confidence and my ability to actually chat with locals. The school is currently in a temporary space, so it doesn't look like a traditional campus, but honestly, it’s not a big deal at all and didn't take away from the experience. A huge shout-out to Savannah, she has been amazing. She was always super responsive with class questions, gave me great local tips, and even helped plan my itinerary for Lijiang and Shangri-La. She really went out of her way for me, and I genuinely hope we get to meet someday! Also, special thanks to Celeste and her fiancé, Erich, and Alex. They made Kunming feel like home. Between showing me around and just hanging out together, having them around made my days so much brighter and gave me the kind of real-life practice you just can't get in a classroom. Highly recommend LTL KunMing

Upon going with a random group of people to a different country I had little to no expectations. However my experience far exceeded anything. Spending time in Tokyo was one of the most eye-opening and personally expanding experiences I’ve had. I was based around Daikanyama, Iidabashi, and Shinjuku, and I could feel how much care goes into everything, from tiny cafés to the way the trains run. Being that far from home pushed me to be independent. I figured out the transit system and Japanese-only appliance labels on my own, and I got more confident every week. One of the biggest lessons was in cultural communication. Japanese communication is often more indirect and context-driven than what I’m used to in California. A lot of meaning lives in tone, timing, and what isn’t said. I learned to pay attention to body language, to bow and say thank you the right way, and to be patient and polite even when we didn’t share a language. Even a few phrases like “sumimasen” and “arigatou gozaimasu” opened doors, and people were so generous when they saw I was trying. When words failed, translation apps, pointing, and a lot of smiling got us through. It taught me that real communication is about respect and effort, not just vocabulary. I came home a more attentive listener and a more adaptable communicator. As someone who’s always loved art history, I was also blown away by how much art and design are woven into daily life in Tokyo. You don’t have to go to a museum to find it. Daikanyama and Shinjuku are full of minimalist storefronts, clean concrete lines, and quiet architecture that makes you slow down and notice the space around you. Then you walk into Asakusa and the traditional side hits you. Senso-ji and the old wooden streets around it show centuries of craftsmanship, and the contrast with the glass-and-neon energy of Shibuya a few train stops away is wild. Seeing old and new sit side by side, and feeling how each one shapes the mood of a neighborhood, changed the way I think about design and creativity. I spent my free days wandering, finding galleries, boutiques, and little corners I’d never have found on a typical tourist route. Some of my best memories came from getting a little lost and stumbling onto something beautiful. If you’re thinking about going abroad, do it. You’ll learn more about yourself than you expect, and you’ll come home with a bigger sense of what’s possible. I left Japan in July already planning my return.

There are a couple factors which makes me give Xplore Asia a great review including, but not limited to, the community, the instructors, the actual learning program, and the ongoing support post graduation. To say something brief about each: Community: Especially when living abroad, it is extremely helpful to have a built in community immediately on arrival. You could potentially split this up into two categories, being the Xplore Asia staff, and the Xplore Asia graduates. Both have very good cultures. The Instructors: The instructors did a good job of setting the expectations of what was to come, and had very positive attitudes. The Learning Program: This was a very reasonable course which taught you to core principles of teaching and how to adapt to the thailand culture Ongoing Support: In my opinion, this is the biggest asset Xplore Asia offers. There have been many times now, when I have reached out for support and have been met with prompt and detailed responses from a variety of staff.

My experience with XploreAsia was truly once in a lifetime! I completed my TESOL training in Hua Hin before going on to teach in Bangkok, where I had the opportunity to work with wonderful children of different ages. Meeting the students, taking part in cultural activities at school and learning about Thai traditions made the experience even more special. During my time in Thailand, I also had the opportunity to travel to some incredible places, including Bali, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam, as well as exploring Thailand's beautiful destinations and islands, such as Hua Hin, Koh Samui and Phuket. The culture, food and people were amazing, and Thai people were some of the friendliest I've ever met. One of the best parts was stepping outside my comfort zone, travelling solo, meeting new people, connecting with locals and experiencing a completely different way of life from the UK. My TESOL training also allowed me to meet an amazing group of fellow teachers who made the journey even more memorable. I would 100% recommend XploreAsia to anyone considering taking the leap! It's an experience that builds confidence, opens your mind to new cultures and makes you want to keep exploring the world. Not only did I gain valuable teaching experience, but I also gained independence, confidence and memories that will stay with me forever.

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.

I went from Osnabrück, Germany, to Barcelona for my semester abroad, and now that I am halfway through my experience, I can already say that it has been one of the most exciting and unforgettable chapters of my life. At the beginning, planning everything felt quite overwhelming. Since I had never done anything like this before, it was difficult to know what to expect, how to organise everything and what I needed to prepare for. Of course, there was also some anxiety. Moving to a completely new city on your own, without knowing anyone, can feel intimidating at first. The first few days in Barcelona were truly overwhelming in the best possible way. It almost felt unreal that I was suddenly going to live in this amazing city for several months. Barcelona has such a special atmosphere. It is the perfect mix of beautiful beaches, relaxing spots, art, culture, and endless things to discover. I quickly realised how much there was to explore and that there was always something happening. Every weekend brings new activities, events and opportunities to experience the city. One of the things I love most is how easy it is to explore places outside Barcelona. There are so many beautiful destinations nearby that are perfect for day trips or weekend getaways. I have visited Blanes, with its beautiful beaches, as well as Sitges and Montserrat. One of my personal highlights so far was renting a car with a few girls I had met and driving to L’Estartit, which is well known for its diving spots. We booked a snorkelling trip there, and it was absolutely beautiful. Experiences like these make my time abroad even more special. Another thing I learned very quickly is that you are never really alone on an exchange semester. At first, you might feel like you are the only person arriving in a new city without knowing anyone. But the truth is that so many other students are in exactly the same situation. Everyone is looking to meet new people, make friends and discover their new surroundings. You just have to take the first step and be brave enough to approach others. I have already met so many amazing people this way, and some of my favourite memories have come from spontaneous plans and new friendships. Now that I am halfway through my semester abroad, I realise just how much I have already experienced and learned. At the same time, it feels crazy that there is still more to come! I am excited for the next half of my stay, for all the places I have yet to discover, the people I will meet and the memories I will make. My biggest takeaway so far is that going abroad can feel scary at first, but it is absolutely worth stepping outside your comfort zone. You learn so much about yourself, become more independent, meet people from all over the world and discover places you might never have visited otherwise. If you are thinking about going abroad, my advice is simple: take the opportunity, be open to new experiences and don't let the fear of going alone hold you back. You might arrive knowing nobody, but you will soon realise that you are surrounded by people in exactly the same situation. And trust me, the memories and experiences you gain along the way are worth it!

I really appreciated the attention I received, as well as the great space and classrooms. The idea of organizing outings is excellent; they are a fantastic way to learn more about the culture and practice our Mandarin. Regarding the classes, I really enjoyed Teacher Summer’s focus on conversation. Teacher Snow was also very attentive, making the lessons fun and helping me significantly improve my listening skills. Every day was truly enjoyable.

Blau Housing made my Barcelona trip last August 2026 even more memorable. From the friendliest staff and convenient location to the rooftop pool, gym and Spanish classes, everything made me feel at home. I loved having my own little kitchen, enjoying breakfast and coffee at See You, and coming back to the coziest bed after exploring the city. Even having a boxing gym nearby was a bonus! I only wish I had stayed longer. Definitely an accommodation I'd love to return to again and again.

I am happy to report that this was a reputable route to getting certification for teaching English as a foreign language. I started my course 4 months ago during summer and have now finished the course with a score of 83%. This is a major achievement for me and I am feeling particularly proud of myself and being able to complete this course at the same time as working. Everything provided to me was useful and I have made an effort to download everything available and to take notes of what I have considered to be important.

My study abroad experience with AIFS was absolutely amazing and the program I chose was extremely fun and interesting. I really enjoyed that AIFS offers Study + Travel programs because before this trip I had never been out of the country before. I think that the museum excursions, walking tours, film viewings, and other excursions were well thought out and extremely relevant to what we were learning in class. I enjoyed having a more hands-on, real world learning experience as opposed to just a formal lecture.

I have been enjoying my time here. I love the climate, it’s warm for a long time. I also like that my SSA group is on the smaller side since I have been able to become friends with everyone, and we can all do activities together. I also enjoy that many things can be in a walking distance, or I can take the tram. It’s fun being outside and seeing others be outside as well, lively environment! I have a good time with my host mother and am able to get more immersed into the culture!

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.