Italian Study Abroad Programs in Spain

Je suis arrivée dans un pays où au début je me sentais étrangère. Très peu de relations avec les locaux comme si j’étais renfermée sur moi-même et ma culture. Pourtant, ce n’est pas ce que j’imaginais. Je m’imaginais sortir boire un verre un samedi soir. Tapear un peu, parler de tout et de rien. Ce que je faisais déjà un peu au Québec. Je cherchais une relation avec ma famille d’accueil, une ouverture de ma part, mais aussi de la leur. J’ai réussi à m’épanouir quand j’ai changé de famille. Cela a été le jour et la nuit. Ce changement m’a ouvert l’esprit et m’a permis de réellement m’encrer avec la culture. Connaître cette facette cachée dont seuls les locaux peuvent te guider à trouver le bon chemin. C’est ça que je cherchais réellement. Je suis tellement reconnaissante envers ceux qui m’ont accompagnée et qui me permettent de vivre l’expérience que je peux vivre aujourd’hui.

I had a really good experience with Forum-Nexus overall. The program gave me the chance to travel a lot, meet great people, and learn more about different countries in a way that felt interesting and personal. I liked that the staff was friendly and helpful, and the hotels were some of the best I’ve stayed in. Some visits were better than others, but the overall balance of academics, free time, and cultural experiences made the program worth it. I’d recommend it to other students, especially if they want to make friends and grow through travel.

This summer abroad program was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had as an undergraduate.” “It was thoughtfully organized, with a great balance of academics, cultural exploration, professional visits, and enough independence to grow on my own.” “The instructors were engaging, knowledgeable, and encouraged real discussion, which made classes feel useful beyond the classroom.” “I especially liked being able to connect what we learned to our travels.” “The staff was welcoming and supportive throughout, and I’d absolutely recommend the program to other students.

I believe if any student can participate in this program, they should take real advantage of it. They offer a lot of subjects, Economics, Art, Business, Culture, Design, Sociology, History, Political Science. The knowledge one gain is massive and in a lot of disciplines. I am really happy to participate the connections i made is totally worth it. Forum Nexus staff are very knowledgeable, they know what they are doing. not to mention that they are easily approachable and always prepared for any problems could occur.

My time with Forum-Nexus was fast-paced, exciting, and educational. It was the perfect mix of classes, studying, sight-seeing, socializing, and learning first-hand. I learned a lot from the International IQ class and it prepared me to visit each city on the itinerary. My hospitality internship allowed to me communicate and network with the international hotels and restaurants we stayed at and visited. Forum-Nexus allowed me to step-up and take advantage of being abroad.

During my time abroad I learned more about the world, myself and what i'm capable of than ever before. This was by far the most rewarding thing I have ever done and not a day goes by where I don't miss it. Ive made the best friends I could ever ask for, had some of the best food in my life, seen the most beautiful architecture and learned so much history about other regions its amazed me. I learned how to navigate new environments all on my own in countries where English was not a first language. Ive grown so much independently and mentally from this and will take it with me in my future success! For anyone that is on the fence about going abroad I strongly encourage that you won't regret it, the worst part about abroad for me was having to leave a place that I quickly called home!

Studying in Barcelona had been a dream! I took classes in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, and Spanish Art and Cultural Heritage at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. My 7 weeks in that paradise were filled with exploration, inspiration, and so much fun. From amazing people to the delicious cuisine, and stunning architecture to the colorful culture, Spain should be at the top of the must-visit countries list. My favorite activity, besides spending my day at the beach, was wandering around the city without a map and being amazed by the beauty hidden in every corner of Barcelona. Thanks to the Spanish Art and Cultural Heritage class, I learned even more about this impressive history and culture. CIS helped me through every step of adapting to studying and living in Barcelona. They planned fun events for us, such as various tours in famous parts of Barcelona, beach picnic and volleyball, wine tasting, tours to towns in Spain, and cooking classes. I stayed at Aparto Pallars, which is conveniently located near the metro station, from which you can take the metro anywhere. I'm so grateful for this experience, and I'm definitely willing to go back to Barcelona or any other program with CIS!

Joining Forum-Nexus was one of the most enriching experiences of my life. Traveling across Europe while taking classes gave me a unique blend of academic learning and cultural immersion. Every city brought new perspectives, professional visits helped me understand international business at a deeper level, while group activities and friendships made the journey even more memorable. The program pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me adaptability, teamwork, and global awareness. I left with stronger career skills, a network of friends from around the world, and countless memories that I’ll cherish forever.

I am so happy, I will be recommend it to everyone at my home place. It has been so cool to basically have a guided yet laid back tour across Europe. You are all amazing, perfect balance of there to support us but still give us tons of freedom. Went to 2 professional visits, but they were super cool. felt I learned a lot and they were interesting. The independent cultural visits were encouraging us to get out and see the amazing sights is perfect. It made me appreciate where i was so much more. The accommodation was amazing!

It helped to open my mind and learn how to navigate being alone in another country. Also introduced me to new experiences. I loved the staff. I particularly loved the energy that Hugo brought as well as his wisdom. Professional visits were unique experiences that gave us opportunities not everyone would get part in. Hotels were really great. My level of international IQ certainly improved. I also have new perspectives given we have also seen the countries that we learned about first hand. I have much more of a grasp on the understanding.

I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad with CIS Abroad in Thailand during the fall of 2024, and I can confidently say that it was an experience of a lifetime. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to broaden their horizons. The on-site staff were exceptional, offering unwavering support throughout the entire journey. Their dedication truly made a difference. The cultural richness of Thailand is something I’ll never forget. Thanks to CIS Abroad, I was able to explore countless temples, enjoy local cuisine, and visit beautiful islands and vibrant cities. One of the program’s standout features is its encouragement for students to travel and immerse themselves in new experiences. The staff not only helped prepare us for academics but also ensured we felt confident navigating the country independently. This experience reshaped my perspective on the world. I had the privilege of meeting people from diverse backgrounds, which allowed me to learn and grow in ways I never expected. I also gained a sense of confidence that I didn’t know I needed, thriving in an unfamiliar environment where communication was often challenging due to language barriers. CIS Abroad goes above and beyond to support its students. From teaching about local culture to offering academic assistance (specific to Thailand), they foster an environment of growth and opportunity. Their consistent communication throughout the semester was invaluable. I wholeheartedly recommend CIS Abroad. It’s more than just an academic program—it’s a transformative experience that will empower you to truly live your best life while exploring the world.

Independent cultural visits went well. as expected. many of the ICVs were things i planned on doing. I was unimpressed by the professional visits they felt very uninteractive. Organization needs improvement, sticking to the syllabi. I am happy that I came here I have made amazing friends and I have been able to visit places that I would never have ever known about. IT was a great experience but somehow expensive for my budget.

From the moment I landed in Madrid, I knew I was in good hands with my resident coordinator, Miguel Blanco, and my host mom, Juani. These two individuals made my spring semester a time of learning, growth, and immersion, all in a safe and supportive environment. Don Miguel and the API team coordinated engaging excursions where we learned more about Spanish history and culture. I think our tour of an historic Moorish palace in Trujillo, Spain, was the most exciting moment of my trip—looking over the palace walls and seeing miles of greenery and the old city below truly put Spain’s age and beauty into perspective. I would not have seen such a sight had it not been for Don Miguel. While the excursions were amazing opportunities to explore the Iberian Peninsula, living with my host mom taught me how to enjoy life day by day as a Spaniard. Our daily lunch and dinner chats were some of my favorite moments from my trip because it was the best time to ask questions and learn more about the typical Spanish experience. She made Salamanca feel like home, and I loved living under her roof. When I remember my time in Salamanca, all I can do is smile. I am so grateful I had the chance to embrace the Spanish lifestyle and find peace in the Golden City.

Late-night kebabs, dancing to a mix of Spanish and English music, visiting cathedrals, strolling to the university, seeing castles, exploring aqueducts, learning to make traditional cuisine, and spending time with my host mom were just a few highlights of my incredible journey in Spain. I chose to travel to Salamanca through API Abroad. The University of Salamanca, one of Spain's oldest universities, drew me to the cty. Its blend of a slower pace of life and thriving social scene plus location in Castilla-Leon made it the perfect destination for my study abroad experience. Applying through API Abroad was a seamless and straightforward process. Each part of the application was detailed and provided clear guidance, walking me through every step. Before my departure, API sent a comprehensive pre-departure guide, covering essentials like cultural differences, packing suggestions, and descriptions of our host families and potential city excursions. The day of departure was filled with firsts—my first time traveling abroad, being on a plane, and traveling alone. Knowing that my program advisor would meet me at the Madrid airport was a huge relief. Miguel, my program advisor, greeted me warmly upon arrival, as did the other students in the program. The initial days in Madrid, filled with tours and bonding experiences, made the transition to Salamanca smooth and enjoyable. Orientation sessions covered everything from schedules and host family arrangements to cultural norms, available resources, and helpful guides. Living in Salamanca offered an authentic immersion into Spanish culture. My host family prepared traditional dishes like judías de verduras, pisto de verduras, hornazo, empanadillas, and more. We attended the Feria in September and visited the casetas. I joined bachata and salsa classes, learned to cook paella, tortilla de patatas, and torrijas, and biked across the city. Beyond Salamanca, I explored the aqueducts and castle in Segovia, and enjoyed a medieval market in León. These experiences deepened my appreciation for Spanish traditions and daily life. I attended classes through Cursos Internacionales at the University of Salamanca, with a schedule of classes five days a week from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The professors were incredibly kind and supportive, patiently explaining concepts and showing genuine interest in our experiences outside of the classroom. One professor, in particular, would remind us every Friday, “Recordad, haced cosas” (Remember to go and do things). This encouragement added to the warm, inviting atmosphere that made learning Spanish enjoyable and fulfilling. Miguel, our program director, was always available to address any questions or concerns. Whether accompanying me to the pharmacy when I was sick, recommending restaurants, helping me find glasses, or guiding us on program-organized trips, Miguel’s support was invaluable. He even organized a Thanksgiving dinner to ensure we felt at home during the holidays. The friendship among the other students in the program, who came from diverse backgrounds, also contributed to a supportive and vibrant community. My time in Spain helped me grow in countless ways. It strengthened my Spanish language skills, boosted my confidence, and made me more independent and open-minded. The friendliness of the people around me—my host mom, new friends, and program staff—eased any homesickness I felt. When I did miss home, their support made all the difference. This journey was transformative, and I’m eager to return to Spain someday. API Abroad and Spain were the perfect match for my study abroad experience. The program’s exceptional support, Salamanca’s charm, and the cultural immersion opportunities created an unforgettable experience. I wholeheartedly recommend API Abroad to anyone considering studying abroad—it’s a chance to grow, explore, and create lifelong memories. This journey not only shaped my academic and personal growth but also gave me a broader perspective on life, inspiring me to embrace new challenges and opportunities with confidence.

I am happy that I chose to participate because I made good friends and amazing memories and explored the world in a more independent way that allowed me to be more confident in myself as a person, friend, and traveler.

This trip truly changed my perspective on the world around me. I now am well informed on circular economy and the importance of keeping a sustainable lifestyle. I also have made many friends and connections that I will keep for the rest of my life.

I really enjoyed this program I had so much fun more than what i expected the staf was all awesome! all were very friendly and helpful no matter what was the situation they seemed very welcoming and caring

Honestly, had a very great experience I loved that we kept moving to different places. got to see and learn so much! I am happy that i chose to participate, this is once in a lifetime opportunity that i will always remember.

I love studying in South Korea! It was a bit of a culture shock when I arrived as this trip was a lot of firsts for me, like my first plane ride, time in an airport, and trip outside the country! The sunrises are beautiful, and the Cherry Blossom season is one of a kind. As a picky eater, Korea helped me find more foods to try and experiences I liked. If I had to do something different, I would travel more independently and get lost through exploring. The biggest advice I have is to give it a fair shot and do it. There will be moments when you'll get frustrated with not knowing what to expect, but take those in stride and be patient with yourself.

I loved this program. I enjoyed the fast paced nature of moving around and getting to experience so much. Hugo is upbeat and lively and it helped to get everyone excited and ready to explore. I am happy that i chose this program, I have got to learn and experience new cities. Lake gard was my favorites, overall all cities were great! I enjoyed the class formats and the IQ back to back. I would totally recommend this program and would apply for it again!