Literature Study Abroad Programs

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!

I chose AIFS Abroad for my semester in London because I wanted to experience living in a new country while continuing my education, and I’m so glad I did. The staff were incredibly helpful and supportive, which made adjusting to life in a new city much easier. The housing accommodations were also a great part of the experience and gave me a place to feel comfortable while living abroad. Having an Oyster card to use on the Tube made it so easy to get around London and explore different neighborhoods, landmarks, and attractions. The Eurail pass was another great benefit because it gave me the opportunity to travel and experience even more while studying abroad. One of my favorite parts of the program was getting to explore London, visit museums and landmarks, and experience everyday life in a different country. I also made amazing friendships and became more independent and confident navigating new places. As a marketing and management student, studying abroad gave me a new perspective on different cultures and helped me grow both personally and professionally. Between the supportive staff, housing, transportation benefits, and opportunities to explore, AIFS made my experience really memorable. I would definitely recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking to study abroad, make new friends, and get the most out of their time in another country!

I took two excellent course (from a choice of 6) about Vienna ca 1900. Vienna at that time was perhaps the most important city in the world in terms of ideas and culture, from psychology, sociology, medicine, economics, law, philosophy, political science as well as music, art, sculpture and design. Truly remarkable. Both course were filled with relevant information provided by fluent, native-level English speakers who were well-informed and deeply interested in their subjects. Additionally, there were several very interesting site visits to relevant museums (of which Vienna has many?). The students were very diverse in terms of native country, age and interests. The web site for the university was a bit difficult to navigate at first, but was then very helpful in provide course curricula, readings, test preparation and supplements to the lectures. With Universitaet Wien now listed as one of the top 100 universities in the world, the cost for the two courses was quite minimal (although travel and lodging has to be added). I've already recommended this program to others and will continue to do so.

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!!

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!

After four incredible months studying abroad in Milan, Italy at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, I'm leaving with so much more than academic credits. This experience challenged me to think beyond the classroom and gave me a global perspective on business, communication, and collaboration. Taking courses alongside students from around the world allowed me to work with people from difterent cultures and backgrounds while experiencing international business in a way that simply can't be replicated in a traditional classroom. I am especially proud to have earned Dean's List during my semester abroad, recognizing that I could perform well academically while adapting to an entirely new country and educational system. Living in a foreign country pushed me to become more adaptable, independent, and confident. Navigating language barriers and unfamiliar environments reinforced the importance of effective communication and the ability to embrace new challenges. Beyond academics, I had the opportunity to travel to eight different countries, experiencing new cultures, perspectives, and ways of life. Exploring places outside the classroom showed me that some of the most valuable lessons come from immersing yourself in unfamiliar environments and learning from people with different backgrounds. These experiences broadened my perspective and reinforced how valuable travel is in developing curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world around us. I'm incredibly grateful for this once in a lifetime opportunity and for the experiences, friendships, and skills that I'll carry with me throughout my life. Thank you, Milano, for four unforgettable months!!!

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.

Studying abroad in Greece was an amazing experience that allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone and experience a different culture firsthand. I loved being able to explore different parts of Greece, learn about its history, try new foods, and experience everyday life in a new environment. One of my favorite parts was getting to share the experience with other students and creating memories that I will always have. The trip also helped me become more independent and open-minded. Being in a new country encouraged me to try things I normally wouldn’t and appreciate different perspectives. I would definitely recommend studying abroad to other students because it is an opportunity to learn and grow in ways that you can’t always get from a classroom. If you are considering going, I would encourage you to take lots of pictures, stay open to new experiences, and make the most of every day because the trip goes by very quickly.

I had such an amazing experience studying abroad through WorldStrides! I attended the 15 week program in Florence, Italy. Not only did I get to learn more about the Italian language and culture, but I got to see beautiful pieces of art and architecture. The food was another bonus! With WorldStrides, I was able to choose from many different classes, and there were excursions included in my program price!

If you get the chance to study abroad with CEA Capa, you should. Participating in Cal Poly's First Year GO Program, and venturing on my own to Sevilla, Spain, was the best choice I could've made. Before I left, I was nervous, unsure, and had never before left the country on my own. With CEA Capa, everything felt do-able. We were welcomed into the city, housed at a very pleasant residence hall, and got to take classes in a beautiful historic building in the city-center. Studying abroad with CEA Capa gave me the opportunity to see the world, immerse myself in Spanish culture, and build a variety of skills that I will carry with me throughout my life.

Going abroad with CYA was truly a life changing experience for me. I got to immerse myself with the Greek culture and got to visit areas of Greece that I didn't even know existed through field study trips. For example, besides living in Athens, I had the opportunity to visit Northern Greece and see more of Greece's country side. Additionally, through the academics that CYA provides, I was able to take a modern Greek class and even got to learn a little bit of Greek. I will never forget my time with CYA and am grateful for everything it taught me.

College Year in Athens responded to this reviewSeptember 25, 2026

Hi Daisy, thanks for sharing your experience with CYA! We are thrilled to hear you felt supported throughout your semester and had a chance to immerse yourself in the culture. We hope you can visit again soon!

I studied abroad in Italy for my Spring Semester and going into this, I was incredibly stressed. But WorldStrides made all the difference in my experience. They provided all the resources that I felt I might need for any situation. They took us on some excursions during the semester and they were well planned and super fun! I would go on another study abroad trip with WorldStrides.

I really loved my experience with Worldstrides in Cusco. The program staff was incredibly knowledgable about the topic material, and also very helpful with local things to do and get involved with. I really loved my classes and also the location in Cusco, where there was so much to do, especially as someone who loves hiking, being outside, and traveling. My professors were also really engaging and clearly really interested in the class material and enjoyed teaching us. Overall, I could not have asked for a program which better fit my own interests and created such a positive atmosphere.

Studying abroad is the adventure of a lifetime! With CYA, it was even more memorable. The program is located in Athens, in a safe, lively neighborhood. I felt immersed in the culture immediately, with tavernas and local grocery stores just steps from my apartment. The program not only offers opportunities and activities right there in Athens, but it also coordinates trips throughout Greece to further our exploration of the country. I loved how supportive and organized the program was. It made it easy to not only learn more about culture, history, and language while in Greece, but also to get the most out of our study abroad experience. I liked the size of the program because everyone gets to know each other really well, and it makes it feel like a family. The professors are extremely supportive and are always looking to make personal connections with the students. There are so many class options for any major or interest. A lot of the classes like to use Athens as their classroom, and I think this was one of my favorite parts. I loved meeting at the Athenian Agora or the Acropolis to actually see what we were learning about. I loved taking Greek language, mainly because my professor was the best! I learned so much from her, and she made learning the language possible and exciting. It was so fun going to the local coffee shops and practicing my Greek. CYA is a great program for anyone interested in Greece, history, arts, culture, the Greek language, or a program that takes the abroad experience to the next level!

College Year in Athens responded to this reviewSeptember 25, 2026

Hi Emily, thanks for sharing your experience with CYA and these amazing photos! We love hearing you had the chance to explore both inside and outside of the classroom. Hopefully you can visit again soon!

My time in Barcelona was one of the best experiences in my life. Out of all the cities I visited when I was abroad, Barcelona was by far my favorite and I was always so excited to come back from traveling. I loved the people, the metro, the city, and the beach. There was always something going on to have the best time of your life.