Nutrition Study Abroad Programs

Coming to the American University of Beirut from the Kurdistan Region was a big step for me. Like anyone moving to another country, I had so many questions. What would studying in Lebanon be like? Would I find my people? Would I feel at home? Looking back, I can say that my experience at AUB turned out to be much more than I expected. Studying Nutrition and Dietetics taught me a lot, not only about my field but also about how to think, question things and look at problems from different perspectives. There were opportunities to get involved in research, explore subjects beyond my degree and connect what we learned in class to things happening in the real world. One of the things I appreciated most was being surrounded by people with different backgrounds and experiences. I learned just as much from the people I met as I did from my courses. But honestly, some of my favorite memories have very little to do with academics. Moving to Lebanon meant figuring out how to live independently, adjusting to a different culture and building a life away from my family. AUB brought together people from so many different places, and somewhere along the way, a place that was once completely unfamiliar started to feel like home. The friendships, long conversations, spontaneous plans and even the ordinary days on campus are things I still look back on fondly. AUB also gave me opportunities I probably wouldn't have imagined before coming to Lebanon. Through the MEPI Tomorrow's Leaders Program, I was able to explore new interests, meet people from different backgrounds and take part in experiences that pushed me beyond what I thought I could do. These opportunities helped me grow in ways that went beyond my education. Of course, living abroad wasn't always easy. There were days when I missed home, days when things felt overwhelming, and moments when I had to figure things out on my own. But I think those experiences were just as important as the good ones. If I could tell future international students one thing, it would be to come with an open mind and not be afraid of what you don't know yet. Give yourself time to adjust, say yes to opportunities, meet people outside your usual circles and enjoy the little things along the way. You might arrive with a certain plan, but leave with experiences and friendships you never expected. For me, AUB was never just about getting a degree. It was about finding my independence, discovering new possibilities, and growing into a person I hadn't quite imagined when I first arrived. And for that, I'll always be grateful.

I arrived in Lebanon as a high school graduate who had never traveled abroad alone, who did not speak Arabic, and who was full of nerves about what lay ahead. I expected to feel lost and overwhelmed, but the truth was exactly the opposite. The moment I stepped into campus, I fell in love, i wandered around campus for a week straight discovering new parts of it. People with warmth that I never really saw elsewhere, from first day on AUB became my home. Friends, teachers, and even strangers on campus made room for me as if I had always belonged, and the campus quickly stopped feeling like a place I was visiting and started feeling like a place I was meant to be. I found myself at AUB; I became a living part of this campus, and it became a living part of me. There were challenges along the way, as there always are, but each one made me stronger, braver, more patient, and more open to the world, and together they shaped me into the best version of myself. Had it was not for AUB, I could never imagine myself pushing through this journey... During my studies the country fell into war not once but twice, yet AUB was running, it was my first time witnessing the state of war, there were days where I wanted to leave, yet my professors and peers pushing through to ensure our academics don't fall behind made me stay. "Impressed" was an understatement, Amidst chaos AUB was here giving us glimpse of a bright future. It was this assurance which taught me not to give up. For what i must say this indeed has been the most rewarding and eye-opening chapter of my life, and it is the reason I call AUB my second home. Studying here was never just about earning a degree; it is about the experience of being a part of AUB, a community that welcomes you, believes in you, and changes you for the better. If you are standing where I once stood, nervous and unsure, I assure you to take the leap, because it will give you a home, a community, and a version of yourself you are proud of. I will admire this university, it will always be a second home I'd go back to.

I am part of a program at my university that provides students with funding to pursue independent research over a summer. My project aimed to better understand holistic nutrition and medicine in a traditional context and compare it to the holistic culture that has developed in the U.S., largely through social media. My hope for this experience with Linguistic Horizons was simply that I would learn about holistic medicine from people with strong ties to a community that has it in its history, and that I would hear about the significance of nutrition in that culture. My expectations were more than met, and I will give the highlights of the trip below. My group met with Eva, an 80- or 90-something-year-old herbalist, and her apprentice, who explained the history and uses of more than 20 herbs, both traditional and contemporary. They went into the theory of plant classification, which drew parallels to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, and Unani. At the close of the session, we also experienced a spiritual cleansing with herbs and smoke. It was exactly the kind of passed-down tradition I had hoped to find, taught by those who grew up with it. It also helped answer the question behind my research. In the U.S., alternative medicine tends to define itself against Western medicine, often positioning itself as a counter to, or rejection of, it. In Peru, traditional medicine exists more humbly, without fighting for relevance among the locals. In this way, it is less divisive, with less pressure to fully accept or reject the practice. The most impactful part of this trip was the 3-day nutrition class with Felipe. I learned a lot about fermentation techniques, as well as alternative schools of thought around food. His opening remark was on the etymology of “diet,” which translates to “way of life” in Greek. As a class, we were invited to reflect on our relationships with food and meditate on how our diet has impacted our manner of living. We also did a non-food-related guided meditation that I still talk about almost a year and a half later. I was pleasantly surprised by how much of what we covered went beyond nutrition and into existentialism. These hours with Felipe, without exaggeration, have changed the way I view my relationship with the world around me and the materials I consume. Beyond this core curriculum, which also included a session on breath/bodywork with a holistic therapist, the group made numerous excursions for meals and hikes in the surrounding mountains. At one point, we ventured to see the stone structures built into the hills that were used to “refrigerate” food. I love nature, so I was happy to see the land tied directly into what we were learning about food. We also learned a bit about alpaca wool, and I bought an alpaca sweater that I wear all the time. The biggest excursion, if you can even call it that, was to Machu Picchu. It was unforgettable, of course. This trip would not have been the same without our fabulous local contacts, Francis and Erika. I believe Nicole (the Linguistic Horizons director) met these wonderful friends during her time in Urubamba, and I am so glad she did. They helped us navigate the area, arranged and assisted with local travel, were present at meals, and generally made the group feel like friends. I immediately felt like I belonged. The living arrangements were comfortable, and the breakfasts provided at our stay were satisfactory. I am not particularly fussy, but if you’re thinking of this program, know that hot water is only available at set times. That’s common abroad, so plan your showers accordingly. My one regret is that we were unable to shadow at the local holistic medicine/chiropractic clinic. That was due to unforeseen circumstances and not at all the fault of the program facilitators, but I was looking forward to it. I wish I could experience this program again for the first time. It was my first time abroad without family, and I was very nervous, but I really had no reason to be. Nicole was extremely available and communicative via WhatsApp even though she was not in the country, and Francis and Erika were eager to help while in town. I took this trip in July 2025, well over a year before writing this review, and my memories are still vivid and fond, which I think is a testament to the quality of the program. One packing tip: The weather in July was just right for pants/athletic pants at all times. I wish I had left my shorts at home, since they just ended up taking up space in my luggage. Overall, 10/10 for Linguistic Horizons, Francis, Erika, and Nicole.

Studying abroad in Seville, Spain, was one of the most memorable experiences of my college career. I was able to immerse myself in Spanish culture both inside and outside the classroom, from ordering food and drinks and communicating with my host family to exploring the city's streets, landmarks, and history. Living in Seville gave me a much deeper appreciation for the language and culture. Academically, studying in Seville gave me the opportunity to experience a different academic environment. I am a Spanish minor, so being immersed in the language greatly improved my proficiency and confidence. Practicing Spanish in real-life situations helped me become more comfortable with speaking and listening, especially with my host family, who only spoke Spanish. Adjusting to unfamiliar teaching styles and classroom expectations was an obstacle. At times, I found learning Spanish from a native speaker slightly difficult, but I am so glad I got to practice because it was ultimately very beneficial. I would recommend that students thinking about studying in another country communicate every question and concern with professors. It can be difficult to have a slight language barrier, even in an English class. Going abroad is still a college semester, even if it seems like you are exploring more than studying. Outside of academics, traveling was my favorite part of this experience. Seville as a home base made it so easy and exciting to plan trips to experience other places. I became so much more independent when needing to navigate train stations, airports, and the bus/metro systems. I would recommend budgeting and researching all your options when traveling to make it as cost-effective as possible. While waking up in a new country every day was exciting, there are also challenges that future students should know about. My biggest challenge when I landed in Seville was being away from family and friends, and the fact that I was the only student in my accommodation. I was lucky enough to have a small group to do everything with, but it was a little daunting to be separated from them. I think choosing to live in a host family was the best choice I could have made. It feels like I now have personal connections to Seville, and it made my trip so much more meaningful. In terms of packing, I would strongly recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes because you will likely walk much more than you do at home. My other recommendation would be to bring a portable charger too. The number of times my phone almost died while I was away from home was almost comical, and if I didn’t have a portable charger on me, I would have had trouble getting back. My biggest piece of advice is to take advantage of the experience. It is truly what you make of it. Fill your days with exploring, practicing the language, and learning new things about the city you choose to study in! I would encourage future students to try unfamiliar foods and participate in the cultural customs and activities. Step outside of your comfort zone and appreciate even the small everyday moments! Overall, I could not recommend studying abroad in Seville more. The experience helped me grow in so many ways while giving me a greater appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. I now have stories that I still share with my friends from home, and I have lifelong friendships with the people I spent my time with. I would strongly encourage anyone considering this program to take this opportunity and embrace it to the fullest.

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!

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!

Forum-Nexus was a wonderful experience, and I would rate it 9/10. I loved traveling to so many places, meeting new people, and learning through the classes and professional visits. The program was well balanced, and the staff were supportive and helpful. I especially enjoyed the independent cultural visits and the opportunity to experience different cities. Some professional visits, such as Heineken, felt a little long, and the Paris hotel was not ideal. Overall, I learned a lot, made great memories, and would definitely recommend Forum-Nexus to others.

My name is Kabba and I studied abroad in London, England during the Fall 2025 semester! I chose to study abroad because I wanted to explore an opportunity to grow by doing something out of my comfort zone. AIFS helped make my experience an unforgettable one by ensuring I was prepared before departure and providing me with support during my time abroad. I would recommend studying abroad with AIFS to anyone who is willing to expand their horizon!

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.

Molise Italian Studies responded to this reviewOctober 09, 2026

Grazie, Samuel! We are so glad to hear this trip made such an impact on you, and we can't wait to hear about your plans moving forward!

I was originally very nervous about studying abroad. I almost backed out multiple times. However, immediately upon meeting the staff of USAC, I felt instantly better. The staff made me feel so safe and cared for. Any questions I had were answered promptly. Beyond that, the travel experience was amazing. I feel like I learned so much on this trip, not just about the world, but about myself too. I met some of my best friends on this trip, and we still keep in contact today. If you're considering traveling with USAC, go for it. Take the jump. Make it count.

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.

Molise Italian Studies responded to this reviewOctober 09, 2026

Grazie Jay! We are glad you had a great trip and we passed along your gratitude to Andrea!

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.

Molise Italian Studies responded to this reviewOctober 09, 2026

Grazie Luisana! We are glad you had a great trip and we passed along your gratitude to Andrea!

I studied abroad in both Pau, France and Madrid, Spain in the summer of 2015, and had a wonderful experience in both cities. Being that it was the summer, the university campus in Madrid was a little quiet, but I absolutely loved the classes I took with amazing professors. My Spanish improved immensely and the professors worked hard to challenge me in speaking, reading and writing. I lived in a small but nice apartment with a roommate from my home university, the University of Nevada, Reno (the USAC headquarters!). We lived right near Atocha, the main train station, making travel within the city and to other places in Spain convenient. Madrid in the summer is an incredible city, especially for a young person without a lot of travel experience, as it is quite safe and easy to navigate on foot and has quality public transportation. Madrid has plenty of nightlife for those who like to party, but plenty of high culture in the form of museums, historical sites and cuisine for the more bookish types like myself. One of my favorite memories is enjoying churros con chocolate with my friends at the famous Chocolatería San Ginés!

I spent 6 weeks studying abroad in Heredia, Costa Rica. I took two classes during my time there: Latin American Culture and Spanish for Health Professionals. I learned so much from the content of those classes as well as from my professors, host family, and the locals. While being immersed, I had the opportunity to see so much of the country and eat so much delicious food. This is an experience that I will never forget!

My study abroad program was an amazing experience! I really enjoyed making friends with locals and being immersed in the language so quickly. The extracurricular activities offered through the program were eye-opening, exciting, and gave me opportunities to experience the culture in ways I would not have on my own. The accommodations also exceeded my expectations and made the entire experience even more enjoyable. Overall, I’m very grateful for the experience and would definitely recommend the program to others!

I had the absolute best time while in Italy! I met so many nice people, ate the most amazing food, and traveled to nearby cities. My program coordinated many great field trips for our group to go on, including a castle, a cheese factory, and the Ferrari factory. I felt safe exploring and sightseeing, and loved being a part of the Italian culture! Such an incredible experience I will never forget! I am so glad I studied abroad in Reggio Emilia, Italy!

Studying abroad can seem scary and intimidating, however the Costa Rican culture and USAC staff made my journey so welcoming, easy, and fun! The staff were truly so kind and genuinely cared about their students. Any question, concern, or recommendations were happily answered and they followed up with everything. They made my experience so enjoyable and allowed me to fully focus on my academics and experiences.

I wrote this while I was abroad, and it felt correct to share in this space for anyone considering Viterbo. What a blessing to be studying abroad in Viterbo. Recently, I have been reflecting on what dropping into a community longterm offers. In having the opportunity and capacity to build a rhythm in a medieval Etruscan town, I am connecting with locals and learning so much about how life moves here in Viterbo. Italy, like the US has a lot of different vibes and paces from town to town and city to city. Viterbo is no different. Study abroad offers a unique opportunity to drop into a region and to feel out what life is like in a space very different than your own. Speaking Italian has offered me an incredibly unique lens to conversations with locals and those who are considered locals from other regions. Overall, they echo the same sentiments about Viterbo, something I have yet been able to see, and will need to process when I am away. Daily, everything closes down in the early afternoon, which is the hottest part of the day. It’s been incredibly hot overall, with some days reaching 38 degrees celcius. I feel I have adapted overall, but today was especially hot and last night was hard to sleep. As an anthropologist and musician, there have been so many opportunities to drop into playing music and connecting with historical sites, stories, and more. It was a bumpy transition into Italy as the student loan changes arrived on July 1st and I have been connecting with students who are expressing how their financial aid packages will be changing this fall. It’s a major moment of change in the world, and I am thankful to be experiencing it from a new space where I am gently adapting and becoming used to how many people enjoy smoking overall. I'll never be the same!

San Sebastián is a great place to study abroad if you live diverse cultures and languages, great food, great wine and cider, and many more factors. Right in the heart of the Basque Country, it has much to offer. You can go out for a nice night with your friends and have Pintxos and drinks, or visit the nearby towns that hold much cultural significance. No matter what you decide to do, you won’t be disappointed!

It was the best time of my life. I was able to learn so much not only from the amazing teachers but also from the welcoming community of Alicante. The field trips were also very fun, and ended with the most beautiful views of the ocean and the city. I am forever grateful for this opportunity and genuinely encourage everyone to study abroad at one point in their college career.