Study Sustainable Development Abroad

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.

I took a risk when I decided to accept my offer into this program. I knew it was a brand new program and I didn’t know anyone that was going to be there. I ended up making friends that will last a lifetime all while learning about sustainability issues and what it’s like to live in a different country.

Currently I now live in Norway and am pursuing my Masters in Computer Science. During my exchange semester, I met so many people and the classes I took really inspired me. Genuinely, I think the experience was somewhat live changing. The professors I met were also incredible. Even though I am a computer science major, I feel this experience would be good for any major.

My time at Richmond has been the best 3 weeks of my life. I've never felt freer and happier. I have made so many friends along the way that I will never forget, friends that I laughed with until we were all out of breath and crying. The history that London has is almost unreal, walking by churches that are older than America. Everyone was unbelievably kind, at concerts we were upgraded to front row seats, and in class we were given opportunities to see Oxford and York - both of which were some of the best moments I had with the friends I made. Our professor was always willing to answer two million questions, before Richmond I had never had fun learning. I'll never forget my time in London with Richmond and every opportunity it's given me.

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!

I initially thought that the experience would be much more academically intense than it actually was. This notion was based on the information in the syllabi. The seminar syllabus listed weekly required readings and even an in-class exam, but neither occurred. In the project class, the weights for each assignment were far from accurate, and the required word count was double what it should have been. I am not complaining that I did not have much work to do, but the syllabi should be updated to represent the classes accurately. The two individuals who led the program did a good job planning the experience and ensuring that students were in the know about the activities that would be done each day. However, some activities and site visits felt like fillers to make sure students did not have too much free time. The dorms and hostel we stayed at were overall very solid. The only negative was the kitchen at the hostel in Akureyri, which only contained a mini fridge, a microwave, and one burner. The food in Iceland is extremely mediocre due to its reliance on imported products. This means that produce and food overall were often below the standards of food in the U.S. On top of this, any above-average food you want to eat will cost you an arm and a leg, so eating out often is impossible if you want to stay within budget. One positive of Iceland is that almost everyone knows English. This made traveling and communicating very easy. Icelanders are known to be very honest and can sometimes be judgmental if tourists are not abiding by the country's norms.

I really enjoyed spending time with my classmates during the FUBiS program. Of course, taking classes together was an important part of the experience, but what I remember most are the moments we shared outside the classroom. Visiting the Olympic Park together was especially interesting because we were able to see an important part of Berlin while also spending time as a group. I also really enjoyed our trip to Potsdam. Walking around the city, seeing new places, and talking with my classmates made the trip feel very special. One of my favorite moments was going to a beer garden together after exploring Potsdam. We had time to relax, talk, laugh, and get to know each other better in a more casual atmosphere. These experiences made my time at FUBiS much more enjoyable and memorable, and I think they were a great opportunity to become closer to the people I met during the program.

SIT Portugal was a great study-abroad opportunity, where I was able to further my academics, gain cultural experiences, and explore new places. The support provided by SIT was wonderful! They were accessible and always answered questions, whether it was about needing help with school assignments or trying to find a doctor. Some of my favorite experiences abroad were the excursions within Portugal, to Porto (and the Douro Valley), São Miguel, and Alentejo. These trips included trying new foods, going for hikes, and exploring scenic areas. The trips were always well organized and action-packed. SIT Portugal also gave me so many wonderful friends; the cohort system allows you to live and go to classes with all of the people in your program. Making it easy to commute, grocery shop, and cook together. I truly felt that SIT Portugal provided us with all the tools to feel comfortable living in another country, making it enjoyable to try new things and explore. For example, in the first week we did a Portuguese cooking class, which helped us work on our cooking skills and learn to make traditional Portuguese food. The academics abroad were serious, but the amount of structured class time forced you to stay organized and plan activities, which I found incredibly beneficial. Additionally, the ISP period (Independent Study Project) is about the last month of the program, during which you have no classes. This period was great for so many reasons; first, it taught you how to manage your time on your own. It was also a great time to take a longer trip or travel to a couple of places since there was less structure (though you have to make sure you plan time to work as well!). Also, the project is completely your own, and you are able to research something that interests you. Overall, I found that SIT Portugal provided me with a wonderful abroad experience where I learned a ton, travelled, and had enough balance to do social things and explore.

Overall, I really enjoyed the summer courses. The teachers were very nice, and the courses very interesting. The field trips and class excursions helped me a lot in learning about local history and culture.

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.

When I first arrived alot had happened that caused me to be stressed and regret ever going abroad, but the Fubis staff was there to help me refind my footing, with quick responses to pressing questions, fun experiences that allowed me to temporarily forget my worries, a counselor to help me work through my problems and find solutions to balance my mental health. The dorms also had a great vibe, full of friendly people that built a great community I don’t think I could have survived without.

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.

My time at the FUBiS program at Freie Universität Berlin was an amazing experience. It was not just about studying—it was a truly special time that opened my eyes to the world and gave me memories I will treasure forever. First of all, the academic part of the program was wonderful. The classes had a very well-structured curriculum, which made learning both clear and exciting. The professors were passionate and encouraging, so I was able to enjoy every single lecture without feeling overwhelmed. Active class discussions and well-planned activities helped me stay fully engaged and learn a lot in a short amount of time. Beyond the classroom, the best part of the program was meeting wonderful people from all over the world. We had great discussions in class, and after school, we explored Berlin together. Talking with friends from different countries and sharing our daily lives helped me learn so much about various cultures and broad worldviews. Also, Germany’s location in Europe was perfect for traveling! Thanks to its central position, my new friends and I were able to take exciting weekend trips to neighboring cities and countries. Traveling together, seeing new places, trying local food, and making great memories was pure happiness. Even though I was far from home, I felt so happy and comfortable because I had such kind and fun friends around me. Making friends from around the world, taking well-organized classes, and traveling across Europe made my FUBiS journey an unforgettable gift. If you want to experience great education, meet fantastic people, and enjoy traveling, I highly recommend the FUBiS program!

I have had a pleasurable time so far enrolled in the FUBiS summer program with FU Berlin. A well organized program in which I feel supported by their team. My courses are quite in depth for just 1 term of instruction and I feel I am learning a lot. I really enjoy excursion days, through them I have gotten to know the city a lot more and spent quality time considering my class topics. They are always available to help which has been a positive experience for me!

I think Fubis has been amazing. The whole university has made me feel a lot of things. Their teachers and professors are so nice and intelligent while the program is nuts. I do feel I have learned a lot from Fubis and from Berlin. I hope I could come back again in the future.

My experience at FUBiS has been amazing. The hole organization team was available in every moment, I appreciate all the activities that they proposed to us during the Term III. Particularly I liked the "Pathways to a better future" classes because of the professor's experience and topic knowledge. I knew Berlin as a tourist but coming here for a full month was a really nice and new experience for me. The experience of sharing dorm and being surrounded by people of different nationalities was the best part of this time and I hope to do not forget the amazing moments that I have had with the ones that now I can call, my new friends.

My four months in Brighton were amazing! The university had organised a great reception for all visiting students, which made it easy to get to know people from all over the world. While living on campus, I also made close friends with the people I lived with. I was mostly happy with all my selected modules, and found the teachers to be friendly and dedicated! Brighton itself is the perfect size for a semester abroad and full of lovely cafés, restaurants, pubs, and clubs. I definitely recommend Sussex for your exchange!

Choosing to study at the University of Sussex was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that has completely changed how I see the world. Within the first week there, I found myself surrounded by such an incredible group of people, making friends from Australia, the United States, Mexico, Malaysia, and England. Each of whom generously shared their cultures, perspectives, and ways of life with me. Some of my fondest memories were simple ones, such as evenings spent laughing at Falmer Bar, surrounded by good company, good food, and an atmosphere that always felt like home. Sussex's location made it the perfect place to explore new destinations. Not only was it close to countries across Europe I'd dreamed of visiting, but it also placed me within easy reach of some of England's most charming destinations including London, Lewes, Cambridge, and Bath among my favourites. Between coursework, I found myself constantly learning both academically, and experientially, gaining a broader appreciation for the world and my place in it. Brighton, just a short bus ride from campus, became my favorite escape when I needed a break. I spent countless afternoons discovering new coffee shops and catching up on coursework, or wandering along the waterfront. By May, Brighton was in full swing, its pier buzzing with visitors enjoying games, rides, and seaside food. As someone living with Celiac Disease, I was especially grateful for how seamlessly I could navigate both grocery stores and restaurants with an abundance of gluten-free options that made me feel safe, cared for, and included throughout my time there. Academically, Sussex exceeded my expectations. My favorite course was Positive Psychology with Rona Hart, where small class sizes allowed real connections to form and made participation feel natural rather than intimidating. We didn't just study psychological theory, we got to practice them by participating in techniques like goal setting, stress management, and resilience building in ways that I've carried with me well beyond the classroom. Overall, my semester at Sussex gave me more than education, it also gave me the most memorable experiences that I’ll cherish forever.

I had an amazing time during my study abroad at Sussex. Brighton was such a lovely town, with a lot of kind and interesting people. There is so much to do and so many cool experiences to have. I highly recommend coming to Sussex!