Public Health Study Abroad Programs

Applying to CYA and studying abroad with them was one of the best choices of my life. The program was diverse and captivating, the faculty were so supportive, and the academics were top tier. This program not only fostered my growth as a student but as an individual and global community member.

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.

Hola a todos, estuve una estancia muy bonita aquí en Arequipa y en las clases de Máximo Nivel. Sobre todo la clases de Dyana. Antes, tenía muchos profesores de español, pero, como ella da sus clases . . . ¡Era la mejorar de todas! Siempre alegre y sonriendo. El clima En la clase siempre era más familiar o como con amigos buenos. Así, nunca me senti como en una clase de escuela. Hacer las conversaciones y la gramatica no era trabajo . Pero tambien muy detallado Y muy bien explicado. Eran tres semanas que ya me hacen falta. Y tambien las clases de cocina con Nora. No solo la comida me gustó mucho. Ella lo hace de una manera. muy buena. Quizá, se podría dar a las estudiante estudiantes de cocina tambien dar un pequeño certificado que dice, que ahora tienen experiencias en la cocina peruana :-)

Dayana made learning Spanish fun. We laughed a lot and learned a lot. She was always encouraging and supportive. Dayana did a good job focusing on our errors with supplementary materials. Our group was very cohesive, in large part because Dayana brought us together. Best Spanish teacher ever!

I was pleasantly surprised with this whole experience! You all have been incredible. Maximo's culture is very welcoming + easy to connect with other people. I so so appreciate all of the support you've provided. Also, Pamela is fantastic!! I wish I could learn from her for longer. She is warm and a great, relatable teacher who has made me feel proud + confident in my Spanish level. My only regret is not staying longer!

Nely was a great teacher. We discussed many debatable topics and I learned a lot of new vocabulary. Everyone at Maximo was great from Patrick, Maia, Gabby and many others. Maximo really takes great care of all their students. I can´t say enough good things about Maximo.

I've been with Maximo a little over two months into my 6 month stay doing Spanish immersion. The locals, staff, and friends I have met here have been nothing short of incredible! Learning Spanish from native speakers and immersing yourself in the culture is the best way to do it. Cusco, Peru is such an amazing city full of history and wonderful nature. I cannot recommend it enough!

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.

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.

Heritage Greece had a profound impact on me, but the most meaningful part of the experience was the people I met along the way. Being surrounded by other young Greeks who shared similar values, ambitions, and a passion for their heritage allowed me to build genuine friendships and connections that I know will last for years to come. As the grandchild of Greek immigrants who came to Canada and often faced discrimination because they were different, I feel incredibly proud to carry on and celebrate the heritage they worked so hard to preserve. Heritage Greece reinforced that pride and showed me that being Greek is something to be celebrated openly and confidently.

College Year in Athens responded to this reviewSeptember 12, 2026

Hi Taeah, thank you for sharing your experience with CYA! We love to hear that you found the Heritage Greece program to be impactful. We hope you can visit again soon!

I arrived expecting to learn about public health, but I left with a new understanding of myself, my future, and the world around me. Through SIT’s Public Health in Urban Environments program, I studied Argentina’s health system, epidemiology, and social determinants of health while experiencing firsthand how culture, community, and inequality shape health. My independent research on access to dental care in underserved communities was especially meaningful. As someone pursuing pediatric dentistry, speaking with dentists and families strengthened my desire to make oral healthcare more accessible and culturally responsive. But some of my most important lessons happened outside the classroom. Living with a host family, traveling throughout Argentina, building friendships, and navigating a new environment pushed me beyond what was comfortable and made me more independent and open-minded. Study abroad didn’t just give me memories or academic credits it changed how I see my education, my future career, and myself. As a mentor, I hope to help other students take that same leap and make their experience their own.

I recently studied abroad for 5 weeks in Lima, Peru with WorldStrides. This experience genuinely changed my life, and the staff and accommodations provided to us by WorldStrides were a huge part of this. The on-site team was extremely supportive, and the additional trips planned by staff made my experience 10x better. I highly recommend using WorldStrides if you are considering studying abroad anywhere!

Overall I truly loved the program. I felt super comfortable and I give all of the credit to Expanish. From the moment I arrived at school until I left I really felt that they only had the best intentions for me.

Expanish responded to this reviewAugust 23, 2026

¡Hola, Abigail! Thank you so much for these kind words! :) We're so happy to hear you felt comfortable and supported from day one — that's exactly the experience we aim to create. Making sure our students feel cared for every step of the way is what Expanish is all about, and it means the world to know we got that right for you. We wish you all the best on your Spanish journey ahead. ¡Un fuerte abrazo!

I spent two weeks in Guatemala with Maximo Nivel. My Spanish level was minimal when I arrived. I felt like I was able to have a basic conversation and move around the city with the Spanish I learned. My homestay was very nice, and the staff here solved any issues I had; I would definitely do it again.

Living in Costa Rica for 4 weeks has been an incredible experience. It helped me integrate myself into the culture, language, and nature of the country. I was able to learn Spanish for 4 weeks with no Spanish to being able to form sentences and talk Spanish in tandem with not only my teachers but with the locals. The staff have been excellent in taking care of all my needs including changing accommodations, health issues, checking up regularly. This experience is 5 stars overall!

I am happy to report that I’ve had a magically adventurous time here, my Spanish has noticeably improved, my hosts were kind and accommodating, and the Maximo and Inca Trails staff were wonderful. Special shoutout to Martha and Susan! They are amazing teachers and people. I’m sad to be leaving but happy to be heading home renewed, inspired and closer to fluency. You all run an excellent program!

Studying abroad in Greece through CYA was one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. Living in Athens allowed me to experience everyday Greek life while exploring iconic landmarks like the Acropolis and discovering the neighborhoods such as Pagrati. One of my favorite memories was taking a field study to Thessaloniki, where we encountered pelicans on a boat tour and even had the chance to feed them by hand. I also loved traveling throughout Greece, trying authentic Greek food, and making lifelong friendships with students from around the world. This program helped me become more independent, confident, and open to new experiences, and I would encourage anyone considering studying abroad to take the opportunity.

College Year in Athens responded to this reviewJuly 24, 2026

Hi Molly, thank you for sharing your experience with CYA! We are so happy to hear you were really able to make Athens your home and found your time learning and exploring in Greece to be unforgettable. Hopefully you can visit again soon!

Studying abroad in Buenos Aires was one of the best decisions I've made. I learned so much through my classes, internship, and day to day life in the city. Being able to see public health from a different perspective helped me grow both academically and personally. The program staff were incredibly supportive, my host family made me feel at home, and I made great friends along the way. Of course there were adjustments, like getting used to the late dinners and navigating a new city, but those experiences became part of what made the semester so memorable. I came home more confident, more independent, and even more excited about pursuing a career in public health. I would definitely choose this program again and recommend it to anyone looking for a meaningful study abroad experience.