
Carson P
Forum-Nexus Study Abroad
AlumniI wanted to step outside my comfort zone, see the art and places I’d only studied in class, and grow as a person. Studying abroad felt like the best w...
Read Full Interview

Arcos Learning Abroad
250
Study abroad in the highlands of central Costa Rica, in the charming city of Heredia. Immerse yourself in the Costa Rican lifestyle while taking classes at the modern Latin University. Courses include Spanish for all levels, electives, certificate courses in English and Spanish, and internships. C
See All 3 ProgramsAIFS Abroad
50
Study abroad in London, England with AIFS Abroad and earn college credit in one of the world’s leading centers for business, fashion, media, theater and culture. With semester, summer, January Term, Spring Break, May Term and academic year options, you can choose from a wide range of programs and co
See All 4 ProgramsGo Abroad China Ltd.
178
Launch your global career with a paid internship at a Fortune 500, multinational, or high-growth startup in China — matched to your field, backed by 20+ years of placement expertise. Go Abroad China guarantees access to 2,000+ positions across 20+ sectors in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and six othe
See All 8 ProgramsMAXIMO NIVEL
739
Live and study in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Maximo Nivel offers the most intensive and professional Spanish Immersion program in Latin America. Learn Spanish on-site across 4 modern campuses in 3 of the most beautiful countries, or join online from anywhere in the world! Led by an experien
See All 2 ProgramsPhilotimo Med Abroad
44
Are you a dental student eager to gain hands-on experience and shadow leading professionals in one of the most historically rich countries in the world? The Philotimo Med Dentistry Internship in Greece offers an unparalleled opportunity to elevate your dental knowledge and skills. With 25+ hours of
See All 6 ProgramsJaLS GROUP
51
Hokkaido Japanese Language School, located in the center of the bustling and modern city of Sapporo, offers students the chance to study Japanese conversationally and culturally. No previous experience is necessary and classes are offered for all levels and age groups. Courses begin every Monday and
See All 3 ProgramsMeiji Academy
88
Meiji Academy’s Hokkaido School is located in the center of the bustling city of Sapporo, which offers delicious food, world-famous beer, and action-packed ski resorts. You’ll also find the vast stunning lands of Hokkaido on your doorstep, perfect for an adventure! Our courses cover: - Standard Ja
See All 2 ProgramsInstituto Hemingway
33
Study Spanish at our fully accredited language training center, located in one of the most interesting areas of Spain. Our educational programs provide a unique combination of in-class work and outside activities. We are not only a 'School for Spanish', but we are also an 'Institute for Languages an
See All 3 ProgramsCracow School of Art and Fashion Design
13
The Cracow School of Art and Fashion Design offers a two-and-a-half-year full-time program that enables students to release their full potential. At the school, students are in the heart of a vibrant community—alive with creative energy, surrounded by people who love what they do, have ideas and t
See All 2 ProgramsMente Argentina
8
Through the Mente Argentina: Wine Program participants will explore the process of how the Argentine Malbec is produced while experiencing the rich Argentine culture. Concepts that will be taught in this course include wine production, introductions to wine tasting techniques, knowledge of varieties
See All 2 ProgramsNosara Spanish Institute
7
Study Spanish in Playa Guiones and make time for yoga in Nosara. Choose group or private Spanish at Nosara Spanish Institute, then fit yoga around your confirmed class timetable. The yoga supplement is USD 100 per week and provides five passes for classes at Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort, about a 10–15 mi
Seville Abroad
3
Join one of our Educational School Trips to Spain with Seville Abroad, a unique and unforgettable experience that helps students develop a deeper love and respect for the Spanish language, while increasing their motivation and interest in future studies. Our educational tours allow students to lear
The Palestinian Center - Go Palestine
2
The Online Courses in Law, Human Rights, and Media in Palestine by Go Palestine offer participants worldwide the opportunity to explore key issues shaping Palestinian society from anywhere. Designed for students, professionals, and anyone interested in Palestine, these interactive courses provide cl
Child Family Health International
2
Participants get the chance to learn about tropical diseases in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca while improving their conversational Spanish language skills. They will also learn medical terminology. Service opportunities will vary, from work at primary care facilities to awareness promotion for rural dis
See All 2 ProgramsInternational TEFL Academy
0
Are you an American interested in studying Spanish and getting paid to teach English in Spain? Typically, it is extremely difficult for Americans and non-EU citizens to get a work visa to live, work, and teach English in Spain. What makes ITA's teach & study programs unique is that you can get a stu
Dante Alighieri Siena - Learning Italy
1
The Italian Language Experience at Learning Italy – Dante Alighieri Siena offers a flexible, immersive Italian language program open to students of all proficiency levels. Students may enroll for a minimum of 3 weeks and up to a full academic year. Each week includes 20 Italian lessons (50 minutes
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
0
Spend a semester or academic year at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and experience university life in Beer-Sheva, Israel. Study in English while becoming part of BGU’s vibrant community of Israeli and international students. Build an academic experience that fits your interests by choosing cour
Intern Abroad HQ
171
Intern in Spain with Intern Abroad HQ and experience award-winning, accredited programs in Valencia, Madrid, Barcelona, Tenerife or Seville. Whether you're a student, recent graduate, gap year traveler, or career changer, you’ll gain real-world experience in fields like Business, Psychology, Anima
See All 12 ProgramsWorld Unite!
0
We can arrange a stay with a coffee farmer on a family-run plantation on the lower altitude slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. This is an excellent opportunity for everyone to learn everything about the cultivation of coffee and the Tanzanian coffee trade while staying in the middle of a natural landscape
IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute
0
IPBio is launching a 15-day, all-inclusive expedition that combines biological research and conservation volunteering with a truly immersive experience of Brazilian culture, history, and Amazonian traditions. By exploring the region through both scientific and cultural perspectives, participants gai
It’s not too late to sign up for an alternative spring break in 2016. Many universities and colleges sponsor different international activities for students to participate in during spring break. Not only will you be able to travel with your closest friends and classmates, but you’ll earn college credit AND collect some shiny, new stamps in your freshly minted passport.
Deciding to study or volunteer abroad during spring break is a relatively low-risk commitment too. Instead of packing your bags for a semester or summer abroad (or more), you will only be away from your teddy bear (er, comforts from home) for a week or two. Leaving home can be very scary and overwhelming, and testing the waters with a short trip like an alternative spring break is a good way to get a feel for travel without overdoing it.
Spring break can be a time to goof off and imbibe with your friends. But that’s so old school, and let’s be honest, do you really need to wake up full of regret from another night spent at the bar? Instead, choose to spend your time helping others or seeing beautiful new parts of the world.
There are a variety of spring break study abroad programs you can choose from. While you can opt to do a spring break program through your university, there are also plenty of other ways to make your spring break more meaningful abroad. Some of the most popular ones include:
Volunteering Abroad. Many volunteer organizations abroad are in need of extra hands to contribute to ongoing projects for their respective causes. Even with only one to two weeks, college students can have a positive impact on others during a spring break volunteer trip. Popular spring break volunteer projects include construction, teaching English, and conservation. Choose a cause that you’re passionate about, sign up for a program, and do some good for the people of the world!
Intensive Language Courses. If you are interested in speaking a foreign language (or already have one or two under your belt), you might settle on traveling to a country that speaks your second language natively. You can sign up for an intensive language course for spring break, do a homestay with a local family, and return home with more to show for your travels than a silly souvenir cup. Many college students study Spanish, French, or Italian abroad on their spring breaks.
Eco-Adventure Travel. If you want your spring break to be heavy on the adventure side, you might opt to sign up for a spring break travel program for young adults. Nothing wrong with being a college tourist! The exciting part about partaking in an adventure travel program abroad is you can whitewater raft, scuba dive, or trek safely alongside other spring breakers like yourself.
Before deciding what type of alternative spring break you’re ready to sign up for, identify your goals and motivators for traveling abroad over spring break. Is it just to have a good time? Awesome! Are you wanting to give back and help others? Superb! Do you want to capitalize on the opportunity by learning something destination-specific? Fantastic! Once you know the “why” behind the “what,” your decision making process will be extremely easy.
If you want to maximize your spring break study abroad experience and make the most of your alternative spring break, you must be prepared and plan ahead. Beyond researching your destination and committing some of the local language to memory, here are some other hyper-relevant tips to keep in mind:
It is important that spring break travelers are intentional with their time abroad, especially considering how brief the trip will be!
Studying abroad during your spring break has more benefits than Taylor Swift has followers. You will get an introduction to fabulous world cultures, learn more about yourself and your passions, and get a taste of the life aquatic (er, abroad) in a short amount of time. Don’t be surprised if you gain loads of confidence and start planning your next trip abroad before your spring break trip is even over.
Perhaps even more importantly, one benefit of studying abroad during spring break means you won’t be stuck sitting in your boring hometown eating Panda Express while half-heartedly skimming Netflix options on your couch (again).
While it is possible to earn college credit for your travels, it is not guaranteed. The possibility varies significantly from university to university. Our best advice is to start the conversation ASAP with your academic advisor to learn the steps necessary to secure course credit for your spring break travels.
So, what are you waiting for, Johnny gun-shy?! Start packing your bags, saving your money, and preparing for a week of more Snapchatting than normal.
Hear what past participants have to say about their experiences
Program: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America
I came for educational vacations and could not have chosen a better place to improve my Spanish. Let‘s start with the organizational part: already before the trip we were given all the necessary information (Travel advices, necesarry utensils, schedules etc.). When arriving in Antigua and visiting the school for the first time, I was positively surprised. The building is absolutely beautiful and the teachers are amazing. They adapt to individual needs and are super kind. Within two weeks we progressed unbelievably much. I also highly appreciated the after school activities organized by Maximo Nivel: Salsa classes, cooking classes, walking tours and many more. This is also a good way to meet other students. I honestly made friends for life! I am very sad to leave and will definitely come back, but for a longer period of time. Excited to see what else is possible! Thanks everyone!

Program: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America
I had a wonderful experience at Máximo Nivel in Antigua Guatemala. I attended four hours of group lessons every morning, followed by two hours of private tuition in the afternoon. The quality of teaching was outstanding, especially thanks to Odelia and Mayra, who were both incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and motivating. I learned so much from them! The school was also exceptionally well organised, making the entire experience smooth and enjoyable. I can highly recommend Máximo Nivel to anyone looking to improve their Spanish. I would happily come back anytime!
Program: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America
Becoming fluent in Spanish something I’ve always wanted to do. I did some research and made a decision to spend weeks 3 immersed in Antigua Guatemala study studying at Maximo Nivel and living with a host family… at 65 yo. It has been great from the start. The host family is super friendly and accommodating. The administration of the school is very professional. The language teachers are top notch & focused on you achieving results. There are plenty of options from group classes, private lessons, tutors providing support. I knew doing something like this would improve my Spanish speaking skills. Excited to take what I have learned and use it in my travels. I highly recommend.
Program: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America
Becoming fluent in Spanish something I’ve always wanted to do. I did some research and made a decision to spend weeks 3 immersed in Antigua Guatemala study studying at Maximo Nivel and living with a host family… at 65 yo. It has been great from the start. The host family is super friendly and accommodating. The administration of the school is very professional. The language teachers are top notch & focused on you achieving results. There are plenty of options from group classes, private lessons, tutors providing support. I knew doing something like this would improve my Spanish speaking skills. Excited to take what I have learned and use it in my travels. I highly recommend.
Program: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America
Becoming fluent in Spanish something I’ve always wanted to do. I did some research and made a decision to spend weeks 3 immersed in Antigua Guatemala study studying at Maximo Nivel and living with a host family… at 65 yo. It has been great from the start. The host family is super friendly and accommodating. The administration of the school is very professional. The language teachers are top notch & focused on you achieving results. There are plenty of options from group classes, private lessons, tutors providing support. I knew doing something like this would improve my Spanish speaking skills. Excited to take what I have learned and use it in my travels. I highly recommend.
Program: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America
It’s a really nice place in a great location in Antigua, and the prices are very reasonable and affordable. I found it very interesting. The teachers and the lessons were very professional.מקום ממלץ ביותר
Program: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America
I did 4 weeks for the Spanish Immersion Program here at Maximo Nivel. I am extremely happy with my time here, have learned a ton and met amazing people. I can´t thank my teacher Yenny enough for the in depth comprehension and the confidence I have speaking Spanish now. Will be returning for sure. Thanks Maximo Nivel!
Program: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America
I knew no Spanish before coming to Maximo. Doing the Spanish immersion course was incredible. The teachers and the staff are all so kind and extremely patient! I would recommend this experience to anyone who is interested in challenging themselves. (Also Cusco is beautiful!)
Program: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America
My immersion program with Maximo Nivel was incredible. I did six weeks of group class for four hours a day, and over the course of those weeks I had five different amazing teachers who I am so grateful for. Then I began a volunteer program working with the kids of adolescent mothers which was one of the most fun and rewarding things I have ever done. Throughout the entire time (three months total), I lived with an amazing local family which I know feel like I am truly a member of. Overall, what an incredible experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone.
Program: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America
Being in Cusco was way better than I had imagined (and I had imagined it a lot hahaha)! Maximo just had the best and most welcoming team, with great teachers and an energizing environment. I already had a good level of spanish, but now I know a lot more and I feel confident to practice everywhere I go! I can't wait to be back here :)<3
I loved being at the Aauja site. Everyone was so welcoming and I felt so appreciated and felt like they were open to the information and therapy we could offer. All the cultural experiences were awesome. The elephant sanctuary was amazing and I loved seeing a temple first hand.
Program: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America
Dayana was great a great teacher! Also great to be in a class with the students of the same level and desire to progress. I had a great time and I cannot thank Maximo Nivel and thew international team enough for it!
Program: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America
me gusté de todos las actividades, Recelrá muchas atención todos los dias, del profesor y del personal. Aprendi español porque la profesora Martha es una excelente maestra. Es muy atenta y se preocupa por el bienestar de los estudiantes. Los profesores visten de forma adequada y con sus mejores galas. Me gustó mucho la cafeteria; tenía muchos bocadillos, tanto salados como dulces, a precios accesibles. Agradezco que haya café, leche y té disponibles. Regreso ao Brasil encantada y con todos en mi corazón. Agradezco a todos los que contribuyeron a mi felicidade en Máximo Nivel. Agradezco a Patrick, Maia, Reese, Gabby, Nico, Nora, Edson, Ni, Profesora Martha.
Program: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America
I really liked the theoretical classes, the dynamic classes and also the class outside, and especially the theater. I really enjoyed the week's activities, especially conversation. Thank you to Maximo Nivel
This was such a great experience, filled with memorable moments and unique opportunities for learning. Once we arrived, there were so many opportunities to explore the community and experience Thai culture beyond the classroom and clinic. One of my favorite activities was the cooking class, which was amazing. Preparing food offered a hands-on way to learn about the culture while enjoying the experience with our group. I also appreciated how our guides responded to our interests. When we expressed interest in visiting temples, they planned an opportunity for us to go into the community and explore them. Seeing the temples in person was beautiful and gave us a greater appreciation for the traditions and cultural significance of these spaces. Visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary was another unforgettable experience and truly a highlight of a lifetime. Being there was something I will always remember and felt incredibly special. Overall, this trip offered much more than I could have learned through coursework alone. The combination of cultural experiences, community exploration, and shared learning made it meaningful. I am grateful for the thought and planning that went into these opportunities and for the memories and perspectives I will carry with me moving forward.
I enjoyed each activity that was planned for us! I appreciated how our group leaders listened to our needs and were flexible with our schedule so that we could participate in all of things that we wanted to do. Each guide was kind and cared about what we were doing. Translations were timely and accurate!
This was a great trip! I really appreciated Pooi, Pan, and Amber's planning and adaptability. It was very well organized and I couldn't believe they managed all 25 of us. They were great at answering our questions and helping us around the city. It went very smoothly and I had the best time ever.


Truly wish experience was so amazing and it wouldn't have been without the help from the TherapyAbroad team they truly became like family to us and we all cried leaving them and saying goodbye at the airport. I cannot describe in words how meaningful this trip went to me, I will remember it forever.
I had an incredible time with this experience. I learned so much about therapy in another part of the world and about the Thai culture. It helped me to see from another perspective that will contribute to how I am as a future OT practitioner. The foundations we were at were very supportive of our learning, allowing us to think outside the box and feel like real OTs. I also think the cultural experiences (especially the elephant encounter) were extremely meaningful to being fully immersed in the culture and created memories that I will never forget.



Getting to see multiple parts of Thailand was incredible, from the clinical site to the elephant sanctuary to the adaptive rock climbing. I loved getting to see more of the country than just the square.
Alumni and staff share what it's really like to go abroad

Carson P
Forum-Nexus Study Abroad
AlumniI wanted to step outside my comfort zone, see the art and places I’d only studied in class, and grow as a person. Studying abroad felt like the best w...
Read Full Interview
Lisa Hinterberger
Teach Explore Asia (XploreAsia)
AlumniI wanted to experience a completely different culture, step outside my comfort zone, and discover new perspectives on life. After spending many years ...
Read Full Interview
Logan Moore
SIT Study Abroad
AlumniI wanted to experience a new culture for the first time, as before this trip I had never traveled outside of the United States. Also, I saw this as a ...
Read Full Interview
Anastasiya Vinogradova
The Academy of Tourism Antalya
AlumniGrowing up, I lived in Thailand and practiced tennis, so travel and new cultures always felt natural to me.
Read Full Interview
Arseniy Ovchinnikov
The Academy of Tourism Antalya
AlumniI was inspired to go abroad because I wanted to gain international experience, improve my English, and learn from professionals in the hospitality ind...
Read Full Interview
Maria Huerta
European Centre for Career Education
AlumniWhat inspired me to go abroad was not just curiosity, but the need to understand the systems that shape people's lives beyond borders.
Read Full Interview
Andrew Messersmith
College Year in Athens
AlumniWhat inspired me to go abroad was all of the different opportunities that my university provides. I believe that spending a semester abroad can be an ...
Read Full Interview
Jonathan Ulicny
CES Maastricht
AlumniI was inspired to travel abroad because of my commitment to learning more about international cultures and interacting with individuals across Europe....
Read Full Interview
Vanessa Chairez
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
AlumniI was inspired to go about because it truly is a once in a lifetime experience and we are only this young once, so why not take advantage of that. It ...
Read Full Interview
Bethel University Global Studies
AlumniMy family has been my motivation and inspiration to go abroad. I come from a family where most of us are complacent with small, everyday life. My fami...
Read Full Interview
Kesa Ferguson
Academic Programs International
AlumniMy brother was my primary inspiration to go abroad; seeing his transformative experience in China showed me how much a global perspective can change a...
Read Full Interview
Lia-Mara Bösch
StudyInBali
AlumniWhat inspired me to go abroad was partly a requirement of my university, as we have to either complete an internship or study abroad for one semester.
Read Full Interview
John Peterson
Instituto Hemingway
AlumniGoing abroad was inspired by my desire to step outside my comfort zone and experience life from a different perspective. I wanted to improve my langua...
Read Full Interview
José Gonzalo Solís Baca
European Centre for Career Education
AlumniTraveling has always been a passion of mine, and the opportunity to experience other cultures deeply inspires me. Going abroad allows me to build genu...
Read Full Interview
Amal Azabova
European Centre for Career Education
AlumniAlthough I graduated some time ago and currently live in Prague, I felt a strong desire to return to a structured academic environment. I wanted to re...
Read Full Interview
Mikhail Mikhaylov
Learn Russian in the European Union
AlumniI wanted to deepen my understanding of the post-Soviet region through direct immersion, especially given my academic focus on conflict mediation. The ...
Read Full Interview
Elise Monroe
Academic Programs Abroad (APA)
AlumniI was always determined to study abroad because of the stories my dad told me about his own time living overseas. He once spoke French fluently, and I...
Read Full Interview
Makayla Ross
IES Abroad
AlumniStudying abroad was not a part of my original 4-year plan. I'd anticipate joining campus clubs, meeting new people and making lifelong friendships, an...
Read Full Interview
Grant Dockery
IES Abroad
AlumniThis was not my first experience studying abroad. I have always loved traveling and experiencing new cultures (I'm a big foodie). I also adore languag...
Read Full Interview
Eddie Kaake
CES Maastricht
AlumniI had known from a young age that I wanted to study far from home, but due to the illness of one of my parents, I was afraid to make that jump. After ...
Read Full InterviewExplore the destinations and program types travelers search for most
MyGoAbroad Deals
Submit a single application on MyGoAbroad to get exclusive discounts on travel programs!

Everything you need to plan and prepare for your trip
Advice, stories, and tips from the GoAbroad editorial team







