Social Work Study Abroad Programs

I had the most amazing experience studying abroad in Sydney. I specifically went to UNSW, which is super close to the beach. I was able to make best friends that I'll cherish forever, and together we made such amazing memories like surfing, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, and travelling to different parts of Australia, and even New Zealand! I'm so grateful for everything this experience brought me; I made lifelong friends, but also grew so much as a person and connected a lot with myself!! :) Even though it might be nerve-wracking at first to do it alone, be proud of putting yourself out there! In no time, you will make amazing friends and memories, and hopefully fall in love with Australia like I did :) Make the most out of your experience and say yes to all the activities you can.

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.

I spent my semester abroad in Christchurch, New Zealand with Worldstrides, and it was an extraordinary experience from beginning to end. We began the program with a 4-day orientation in Queenstown where we got to meet all of the Worldstrides students in New Zealand and participate in special culturally immersive events, while also being supported in the transition abroad. Having the opportunity to befriend each other before everyone continued on to their respective cities (Christchurch, Auckland, Dunedin, and Wellington) is something that I came to realize was unique to Worldstrides. Many of us ended up visiting each other across the country throughout the semester, and I loved being able to show Christchurch to my friends from other cities. It definitely created a community from the start, and I knew wherever I traveled in New Zealand I could always reach out to a fellow Worldstrides student nearby! As for the city of Christchurch, I cannot recommend it enough. Living in the Uni accommodations created such a special environment that tight-knit friendships with students both in and out of the Worldstrides program. Another huge part of my Christchurch experience was our Resident Director, Gill. She was basically our parent away from home and she truly cared about every one of us–not to mention she was a blast to hang out with! She gave us a tour of the city and gave us all of her local knowledge. She checked in on us weekly and always went out of her way to be there when one of us needed some extra support. When I go back to New Zealand (because after this experience I most certainly will), Gill will be the first person I call. Academically, the University of Canterbury offered some of the most intellectually stimulating courses I’ve taken in my college career, and I was surprised by the relationships I was able to build with my professors and local classmates in such a short time. I ended up getting more involved at UC than at my home campus, and the clubs were so welcoming and open to study abroad students. The culture and environment of New Zealand truly encourages you to get outside, step out of your comfort zone, and become a part of something so much bigger than yourself. I’d do it again in a heartbeat!

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.

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.

Studying abroad was the best choice I've ever made. Worldstrides, as a partnership program, was the best. The first week, we met for orientation in Cairns, Australia, and they took care of hotel and excursion expenses (this includes the Great Barrier Reef). It was a great first week getting introduced to Australia and my program. They were very helpful before and during my time in Australia, always there for questions, concerns, and planning a handful of group activities + one overnight trip! They were truly a blessing while abroad.

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

My time as a University of Sussex student was a life changing opportunity. I got to grow and connect with people who I was able to explore with. I constantly reminisce on my time there and all that I got to do and for that I am grateful!

Studying at the University of Sussex as a Spanish exchange student has been one of the best experiences of my life. I felt welcomed from the very beginning, and the lecturers were always supportive and approachable. The campus is beautiful, the facilities are excellent, and Brighton is an amazing city full of culture and opportunities. I also met incredible people from all over the world, which helped me grow both personally and academically. This exchange has improved my English, broadened my perspective, and given me unforgettable memories. I would highly recommend the University of Sussex to any international student looking for a high-quality education and a truly enriching experience.

I did a year abroad from Australia at Sussex and it was genuinely an amazing year. Sussex is so progressive and community based, that there’s no ‘upper echelon’ groups or unapproachable people. Everyone at the uni is easy to talk to and friendly. Making friends was so easy. I joined the Salsa society; one out of literally a million choices of societies. Also, I’d argue that Sussex is as good as it is because you get to be abroad in Brighton. There’s no other city like it, so full of love and quirk. There’s ALWAYS something going on too, be it live music or festivals or arts or community activities. So bloody good and I’d go again in a heartbeat. Everybody really is in the same boat in Brighton and at Sussex, you’ll never feel judged.

Going to Bengaluru was an amazing time. I truly enjoyed the classes, the campus, and all of the inclusive cultural immersion that was included in my program. My program director was a great help at all times, and I truly consider him a great friend now. I wish I could have done an entire semester instead of just the summer program. It was a wonderful trip but it really felt too short!

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.