Study Abroad Programs in North America

I went to Mexico to improve my Spanish skills and gain confidence moving and interacting in unfamiliar settings and situations. This program allowed me to greatly improve my Spanish - the month-long urban homestay was super helpful for that - and expand my skillset and knowledge of what I can do. In the course of this program I also complete a social work practicum at a local elder care home, and that allowed me to apply and further develop social work skills of empathy and communication, as well as to more completely immerse myself in the local community.

I did the "Liberal Arts, Migration, & Social Change" track of Augsburg's CGEE program, and it was amazing. It doesn't require you speak to Spanish, but it has a robust Spanish-intensive with different levels so it's accessible regardless of fluency. It's also a great networking opportunity. You'll see a lot of guest lecturers from all kinds of careers (professors, journalists, philosophers, interpreters, community organizers, agricultural/environmental experts, etc.), and you'll get chances to interact with them and sometimes exchange contact info after their visits. For example, I want a career in writing, and I traded contacts with a journalist who spoke to us! The program also offers a few short, free volunteering opportunities that you can add to your resume (I did this and it helped me land my first internship as an ESL teacher's aide). Finally, the regular professors in the program are always willing/prepared to write letters of recommendation: One of whom is helping me publish my first academic paper that I initially wrote for her class. Finally, it was an amazing social experience. Every person I met there was super interesting, passionate and driven (but perhaps most importantly, just a really good hang) As for stuff to do, there's a ton of bars/clubs, museums, gardens/farms, and a nearby waterpark :D. Some of the stuff we did while I was there included kayaking, arts and crafts, gardening, hiking, museum tours, movie excursions, bowling, ice skating, karaoke, concerts, and bar/club crawls! I think you'd have a blast if you're interested in any of the following: Latin American studies, Community Organizing, Multi-media Art, Art History, Geopolitics, Anthropology, Spirituality/Religion, Biology/Ecology, Agriculture, Literature, Philosophy, Writing/Journalism, Social Work, & Dance. (take the dance class if you can!)

As a first-generation, Mexican American college student, I had the opportunity to challenge myself, academically and personally, in a place I never been. I do not regret this decision at all. I took every opportunity that I was presented with; social media ambassador, internship at a human rights commission, and most importantly, building relationships.

I I initially went to study abroad to expand my knowledge and immerse myself in a Spanish-speaking culture to increase my development and support my future desires to work in social work specifically advocating for Latino Americans struggling in the US that go against social systems that continue to oppress the Latino community. My experience during my study abroad program turned out to be way more than that. The people I met both my peers, and the staff completely changed my outlook on life and social work in general, pushing me to strive for myself academically, socially, and culturally. I am forever grateful for the experience I encountered during my study abroad program in Mexico with all of our speakers I had the honor of hearing their stories and their struggles and their achievements throughout their life, dealing with various types of discrimination. The encouragement I received from the study abroad staff helped me tremendously throughout various personal struggles, especially it being my first time living away from home I could not be more grateful for what this program taught me in the person it taught me to become, and I am still becoming in my Host family will forever be close to my heart and it feels like I have a home wherever I go, and if I could, I would do it all over again

It is hard to write a short review for my time in Mexico because of how big of an experience it was-- not only because of how much I learned from professors and community members alike, but also from the sheer amount of fun and changes in perspective I was able to have in the short 4 months. Before I left for this study abroad experience I was terrified; I didn't know the language, or anyone else who was going, I had no frame of reference for what it was going to be like, and I was afraid that I would be so out of my comfort zone that I wouldn't have any fun. However, I felt right at home within the space that the professors and staff of Augsburg have worked so hard to create in order to make every student feel safe and welcome. There is a great emphasis on community and care for one another which can be felt through every aspect of this experience. Of course it was challenging at times, but the challenges were incredibly rewarding and allowed me to learn more about myself, others, and the world than I ever could have hoped (along with the help of my peers, who are now life long friends). I feel so lucky to have been a part of this program and hope that more students will take the leap and allow themselves to be cared for, inspired, and taught by everyone who works hard to make this such a special opportunity.

My experience with the Nomads Physical Therapy program was very positive and meaningful. One of the best parts of the program was having the opportunity to complete observation hours and gain experience in a different physical therapy setting. It allowed me to learn more about the profession while also seeing how physical therapy is practiced in Mexico compared to the United States. I found it especially interesting to learn about the similarities and differences between physical therapy in both countries. I was also able to understand how different challenges can affect patients depending on where they live, including access to healthcare, resources, and other factors that can influence their treatment and recovery. This experience helped me appreciate the importance of adapting care to each person's individual situation. Another great part of the program was meeting new people and making connections with other students and professionals. I was able to make new friends and create relationships that made the experience even more enjoyable. Everyone was welcoming, and I felt that I was able to learn not only from the physical therapy experiences but also from the people around me. The weekend excursions were also a very interesting and informative part of the program. They gave us the opportunity to explore new places, learn about the culture and history, and experience more of what Mexico has to offer outside of the clinical setting. Overall, Nomads Physical Therapy was a very good experience that allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. I gained valuable observation experience, learned more about physical therapy in different countries, met great people, and created memories and connections that I will carry with me in the future. I would definitely recommend this program to other physical therapy students looking for an educational and enjoyable experience abroad.

This is truly an amazing program lead by people who care about students and the importance of global perspectives. Me and 6 other students spent our time at Merida Yucatan, MX where we gained 75 verified observational hours shadowing licensed physical therapists in diverse and hands-on clinical settings. Cultural immersion was a pivotal theme in our time in Merida learning about the different yet important components physical therapy has to offer across borders. We also had the opportunity for weekend guided excursions to cenotes, Mayan ruins ,and local landmarks .This program not only created lasting friendships but also built my initiative, adaptability and global perspective necessary for my future in Physical Therapy! I’d highly recommend to anyone interested @nomad.physicaltherapy

Oaxaca clarified my ambitions for the future, made me reflect on my interpersonal relationships because of the depth of kindness that I found in complete strangers, introduced me to lifelong friends and some of the funniest and most dedicated people I've ever met, taught me about what community efforts can humbly accomplish, and brought back a piece of myself that was lost in a lot of rush and struggle that this new pace of life and focus on more pressing issues washed out. The SIT program coordinators and the excursions we took were highlights of the program.

This experience changed my life. I feel like I grew in ways here I didn’t know was possible. I learned so much both inside and outside the classroom. I met the nicest most amazing people and made memories to last a lifetime. I will be forever grateful for this experience.

The experience perfectly combined both academic exploration with cultural expsoure. Antonio was a great guide who was available for us at all times of the day. There was effective communication between us, the students, and those in charge.

I just loved the art community and vibe in Oaxaca!!! The students loved it too The family we stayed with was extremely warm and were interested in our lives and how we were enjoying our stay. The cultural trips were fantastic. I especially loved working on the "grabados" and the visit to the Hierve del agua.

NOTE: i traveled to arcos with a college so they handled most of the logistics of payment and insurance and such. I took only Spanish with Arcos and it was a very nice class that I honestly wish we had for a longer period of time. Sometimes I wished it was as long as the excursions that we took, which were absolutely amazing and the Arcos team had deep insight so that our guide was never overwealmed by the amount of students/questions. They were able to translate and answer questions about Oaxaca during excursions and even recommend things to do/places to go during time off.

I had a great time in Oaxaca. Toño and Eva were such great facilitators of the program, and living with my host family—Gude and Ramiro, as well as their kids Veronica and Husai—was a really special moment in my life. I am eternally grateful that they decided to open their home to me and David.

It was good I enjoyed living with a host family and being immersed in Spanish for the most part. I was also frequently impressed with the sites we would go to. I never felt unsafe and the experience allowed me to bond with my classmates

CIEE develops a person in many areas of life, not only specific to their academic advancement. I've learned to represent myself in a professional setting better as well as observe the importance of intercultural AND intracultural communication alongside my peers.

My Canada study visa experience was smooth and well-guided. The team provided clear information, timely support, and professional assistance throughout the process. I’m grateful for their guidance and highly recommend their services.

BrainEdge GoAbroad offers expert study abroad guidance with transparent counseling, scholarship support, and smooth visa processing. Highly professional and reliable service. Highly recommended for anyone looking for reliable, professional, and result-oriented study abroad guidance.

Though the two-week program is condensed, my kind teacher focused on practical skills. The homestay was the best part; my family was incredibly inclusive and helped me practice Spanish. I improved my language skills and formed great relationships. A tip: learning basic Spanish helps communication with your homestay family. Budgeting was my main challenge due to the amazing food and places to explore in Oaxaca.

The program offers an incredible experience. Paulina was a wonderful director, sharing her deep knowledge of Oaxacan and Mexican culture. My class with Professor Itzel was phenomenal. The homestay with Rosalva and her family was incredibly welcoming; I truly felt like part of their family. Don't let a language barrier scare you—everyone was patient and understanding.

The Arcos director was knowledgeable about Oaxaca, especially its art and culture. I highly recommend this program in Mexico; it was worth it! I learned Spanish and took a Spanish class, and I can't wait to return to see my host family and all of the excurison sites we went to.