Leadership Study Abroad Programs

My time in Rome with CEA was the most amazing summer of my life. I came into the program knowing no one; I had no family in Rome, and I didn't speak Italian. But as soon as I met my roommates, we clicked right away and became the best of friends! Living together was so much fun; we'd do grocery runs whenever we needed food, which was the easiest supply run I have ever done since the grocery stores around our apartment were maybe two minutes away in each direction. We'd go out to dinner, trying local Roman pasta like Rigatoni all'Amatriciana, which became a favorite amongst our group; we'd get gelato practically every night! We even traveled together while we were there, heading off to different countries on the weekends when we found the time! Our group meshed so incredibly well and I had the time of my life with them. The memories we made are some of my most precious; we watched Off Campus together, shouting at the screen when someone did something wrong; we walked to the Colosseum in the middle of the night just because we wanted to see the sights; we watched FIFA on the Tiber River banks with other tourists and locals. It was so great that now it feels like a dream. The travel around Italy was so incredibly easy! Flying out of Fiumicino Airport took no time whatsoever when you were traveling within the EU and was incredibly easy to get to from our apartment in Prati. I got really used to taking public transport while I was there, and though it was intimidating at first, it was so easy after I got used to it. Taking the A line to Termini and the train to the airport was honestly a fun experience. I had a great time exploring the transportation options in Rome. Lastly, the administration in Rome for CEA CAPA was absolutely incredible! They made us all feel so welcome and were very conscientious of our needs, always making themselves available if we needed them! The professors were wonderful as well! My Art and Archaeology professor and Photography professor were incredible women and very skilled in their chosen disciplines! They took us across Rome to study sites and help us hone our skills to become better acquainted with history and photography. It was incredible to actually go into the Roman Forum and the Colosseum to study their history! My time in Rome was honestly the best time! I grew so much in confidence as I learned to live comfortably in a new culture. Everything from the academics to the lifestyle of the city was incredible and I can't wait to go back!

Thanks to World Campus International, I was able to experience various rather unique experiences in Japan - things that a normal tourist would never be able to experience. In Isa, Kumamoto and Uda, there wasn't a single day that wasn't full of interesting stuff. While for some the rather packed schedule might be a minus, I for one really liked it, since the activities showed you things you'd normally never be able to participate in, such as (just some examples): going to a local farm and planting rice, being part of an actual Shinto ceremony, going to various schools, and of course the best part: doing stuff with your host families. The host family aspect alone elevates this project to a perfect score for me. It is a really unique experience to fully immerse yourself in normal local life, and interact with locals. The people I lived with, I am eternally grateful to, and my time with them I'll forever hold close to my heart. The other participants along with the staff where also very pleasant to be around, and in the staff's case also very helpful and kind. My time spend in those 3 locations will forever stay with me as an unforgettable experience. If I could, I'd do it all over again without hesitation. I am extremely grateful that I was able to partake in this program.

It is difficult to find the words to describe what an incredible time I had in Paris with CEA Study Abroad. My life is forever changed because of my time in Paris. Meeting new people, experiencing new cultures, having to converse in a language I had never studied grew me more than I could have imagined. The CEA staff was extremly organized and welcoming, beginning to end and calmed the nerves I had landing in Paris. I will never forget my experience and will forever be grateful to the CEA team

Forum-Nexus was an amazing experience. I made many new friends, enjoyed the professional and cultural visits, and loved the balance between school and fun. The staff was amazing, and I would definitely recommend it.

Studying abroad aboard Argo en route from Fiji to Bali (via Palau) was an experience I don't think I will ever forget. In addition to academics I also learned how to sail, how to scuba dive, and (I think most importantly) how to live and thrive in unique and seemingly uncomfortable conditions. The program is one of a kind, as are all the people who you will embark on it alongside. I loved it!

Living in Prague for 2 months during the summer of 2026 was an unforgettable and life changing experience. I was given the opportunity to live in a major European city, housed in an apartment building alongside locals just minutes outside of the city center. I took two courses through CEA Education Abroad, one technical and one humanities course, both counting towards my chemical engineering major at the University of Michigan. Not only was I able to see the most impeccable works of art, architecture, and music I have ever encountered, I was able to do so with new friends that I made, and I am confident that those friendships will last a lifetime. I was also able to explore 9 additional countries thanks to CEA CAPA's travel-friendly schedule, and those travels made a huge positive impact on my view of the world. I gained a global perspective that I could only have learned through first-hand experience, and I made memories that will be with me forever.

Studying abroad is one of the best decisions I could have made. I found it to be a great learning experience and a taste of independent life. I enjoyed the freedom of getting to visit any place in the city, as well as neighboring cities and countries. I traveled to 3 other countries and went on both CEA-sponsored trips. I had a blast in the academic center and made a lot of great friends. I liked the instructors that I had for my Thermodynamics and Architecture classes. They were not trying to trick us or fail us, and they did a lot to incorporate the city of Paris into the class content. I took the train and metro everywhere! I didn't realize how convenient it was to get around. I was used to NYC subways, but Paris metros were so much better. The transportation system everywhere (even in Switzerland and Germany) was very easy to figure out. Pros: the great food ease of transport not really a language barrier Cons: cost of souvenirs transportation doesn't run after 1 am

I’m very grateful to Ashoka University for giving me the opportunity to attend the HEC Paris Summer School. Being nominated for the program and spending two weeks at HEC was a wonderful learning experience, both academically and personally. The program gave me the chance to explore my interest in finance in a new setting, while living in Paris and meeting students from different backgrounds made the experience even more special. I truly appreciate the Office of Global Education for making this possible and for encouraging students to take up opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.

My time in Italy was one of the most amazing, life-changing, and enjoyable experiences I have ever had. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to visit Italy for the first time, especially since it was also my first time flying on an airplane. I loved how affordable the program was for everything that was included. We traveled throughout Central Italy, enjoyed amazing food and accommodations, and were guided by caring faculty and tour guides who truly wanted us to have the best experience possible. This trip gave me unforgettable memories, new friendships, and experiences that I will always be grateful for.

I had an unforgettable time in Italy with Molise Italian Studies. It was my first time visiting a country outside of the United States, so I was a little worried at first. However, the program was so well run and smooth that I soon had no worries whatsoever. Our guide, Andrea, was excellent and our trip would not have been what it was without him. I would highly recommend Molise Italian Studies to any one who is interested in Italian culture, history, or exploring another country.

My study abroad experience to Italy was incredible. I had met so many new amazing people and new connections. Our tour guide, Andrea, was very helpful, patient, and kind throughout the whole trip. I am very grateful to be chosen to attend this trip.

Hi, I am Sterre. This review comes rather late, but after returning to Japan two years later, I felt it was still worth writing. I went to Japan with World Campus in Session 3 of 2024. During those three weeks, I stayed in Abiko, Mito and Tama. The actual World Campus programme included a wide range of activities: tours, museums, school visits, company visits, workshops such as karate and kendo, and all kinds of interactions, activities and games with local communities, students, clubs and host families. At the end of every week there was an Arigatoo event. In my case, this involved eating a lot of good food, talking to everyone and anyone, and dancing the Kabouter Plop dance. The Arigatoo event can be scary or a bit daunting at first, but I enjoyed them very much. One thing worth knowing is that WorldCampus is not a typical travel organisation. You follow a structured programme, so there isn't a lot of free time for sightseeing. For me, this wasn't a bad thing, as I got to experience Japan in ways I probably wouldn't have as a regular tourist. My fondest memories are connected to the people I spent my time with. One of the biggest values of World Campus, in my opinion, is that it connects people from all over the world. On the one hand, you spend three weeks travelling with people from different countries. Some of these people have become good friends, and even after two years we still meet up in different countries whenever we happen to be in the same place. On the other hand, you get to spend time with host families. For me, these families have become my people in Japan: people I could reach out to when I was there. And that is something I appreciated even more after returning to Japan two years later. In the two years between my World Campus trip and my return to Japan, we didn't stay in constant contact, but the connection was never completely gone either. I sent a letter to my host families after about a year, and with one family in particular, I also stayed in touch through occasional messages. Then, when I came back to Japan for a five-month exchange, I made sure to visit all three host families I had met through World Campus. Just like two years ago, I was invited to stay with them, and we went to different places, had barbecues and dinners, visited museums, and simply spent time together. One family in particular, the family that lived closest to where I was staying during my exchange, has come to feel like much more than just a host family. They are people I can reach out to when something happens, people I can visit when I'm in Japan, and people I would also do a lot for. That, to me, is what made World Campus so special. I didn't just get three weeks of experiences in Japan. I made connections that lasted beyond those three weeks. I had a blast with World Campus. I would have loved to go again, maybe even for all 3 sessions at once, but unfortunately my schedule doesn't allow it in the near future. Even so, I am very happy that I was able to spend at least one session with World Campus. Two years later, I can honestly say that I am still grateful I went.

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.

This year I participated in the Osaka World Class program and I loved it! I experience many exciting activities with much to see and do. From sight seeing to eating delicious food, all of it was great. Hiroshima was one of my all time favorite places that we went to by far, it was a long day of traveling, but 100% worth it. I specifically remember the Hiroshima peace memorial, while it was a solemn memorial they still had a beautiful tribute to the lives lost. Informing others on how big this impacted their community and how they moved on from this. This program allowed the opportunity to immerse myself in an atmosphere where I can learn and understand the Japanese culture.

Two of my daughters went to the 2026 Osaka World Class program. They absolutely loved it! From exploring Japanese temples, to visiting historical sites, learning Japanese language and cuisine, to shopping, they enjoyed every day to the fullest.

Oh my gosh, where do I even start with this program? It was absolutely, positively, mind-blowingly amazing! Seriously, I can’t even begin to express how incredible it was. From the very first day, I was in love with World Class Programs. The energy, the staff, the excitement, the sheer awesomeness of it all was just overwhelming in the best way possible. First off, the people and teachers at World Class Programs were just the best. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, and it felt like I was part of a big, happy family right from the start. The instructors were super knowledgeable and passionate about what they were teaching, and it was so inspiring to see how much they cared about helping us succeed. They continuously went above and beyond to make sure we understood everything and were always there to answer any questions we had, no matter how silly they might have seemed. And the activities! Oh my goodness, the activities were just out of this world. We got to do so many cool things that I never even thought I’d get the chance to try. There were trips to places like Kyoto, Nara (to see the deer!!!), Himeji, Hiroshima (on the peace day festival) and Tokyo! We also played group games, and even some fun, unexpected surprises that kept us on our toes and made every day an adventure (don’t even ask me about the “karaoke” experience! Haha). I learned so much and had a blast doing it. It was, seriously, like being in a dream. But it wasn’t just the people and activities that made this program so amazing. It was also the environment. Japan. Oh Japan. Japan was just beautiful, with stunning views and a vibe that was both really chill and relaxing, and also energizing at the same time. It was the perfect setting for us to focus, learn, and grow, and I felt so lucky to be there. Every morning, I would wake up excited to see what the day had in store, and every night, I would go to bed feeling grateful for the incredible experiences I had. I also have to mention how much I learned. This program was not just fun and games; it was also incredibly educational. I took the Japanese history course for my major and Photography for my minor. I gained so much knowledge and skills that I know will be super valuable in the future. The way the information was presented was so engaging and easy to understand, and I felt like I was really absorbing everything. Being able to EXPERIENCE things rather than just talk about them was great. It was like my brain was a sponge, soaking up all the amazing stuff being thrown at it. And let’s not forget about the friendships I made. I met so many awesome people who I will never forget. We had so much fun together, whether we were playing “taco cat goat cheese pizza”, hanging out during breaks, watching movies, or just chatting about life. Even though we all just met, It was like we had known each other forever, and I felt so lucky to have them in my life. We even planned to stay in touch after the program ended, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for all of us. In conclusion, this program was just the best experience of my life. It was everything I could have ever hoped for and more. I learned so much, met so many amazing people, and had the time of my life. I will always look back on this program with fond memories and a heart full of gratitude. It was truly an incredible experience, and I am so thankful to have been a part of it. Thank you World Class Programs!!!

As a study abroad student in Japan, I am having so much fun! And I highly recommend this to others who might be interested in this! There are tons of fun and interesting adventures!! And the teachers are the BEST!! I’m currently in Japan and I leave tomorrow! I am excited to see my family, but also I genuinely don’t wanna leave Japan. I feel like I could stay here another week!

Let me tell you, World Class Programs is the way to go, especially the Japan program. If you’re wanting to experience a fun and exciting adventure that broadens your worldview, this is it. Throughout the three weeks, they not only made me feel safe and supported, but also like family. The staff were also super nice and helped you keep on going even when you were tired. We were all in it together! The activities were also all immersive and varied, so you get a good mix of history, culture, and souvenirs to bring home! If your a history buff, you’ll be especially happy!This is a program that everyone, atleast once in their life, needs to experience!

I went on a 3 week study abroad trip to Japan in 2026 and I had sososo much fun! I was nervous about traveling alone but all the staff were friendly and experienced in travel, so they took all the stress away. The whole trip all the staff were extremely kind, fun and understanding. They always accommodated everyone’s needs. I had lots of fun doing the classes and genuinely learned so much more than I knew before this trip. I felt like I was learning even outside of class in the funnest way possible, I feel like I might even be able to navigate a train station by myself! I really enjoyed free time and I bought so much stuff. I loved going to the malls and animate, my clothing and figure collection has grown substantially. This trip was genuinely a once in a lifetime experience and I had worlds of fun. My only con is that I wish we could have our own rooms the whole time, mostly because I’m a big introvert and I just enjoy having my own space!! Everyone on the program and not was so friendly and Japan is a great place to visit, especially with world class programs!!

This trip was a rich experience that helped me learn about the local life as well as enjoy the simple and fun experiences in Japan. From the quiet shops to the towering skyscrapers, every day was a new adventure. The nature in Nara, tech in Tokyo, and the cuisine in Osaka all stole my breath. It was an amazing trip and couldn’t recommend it enough. Not only that, but it teaches kids social skills and cues. Going to a different country will teach far more than we know.