Study Abroad Programs

One of the areas in which I have noticed the most personal development during my MD studies is clinical reasoning. As a second-year student, I am becoming increasingly interested in how individual pieces of information contribute to understanding a clinical problem. Working through medical scenarios requires more than recalling isolated facts; it requires consideration of the information available and an understanding of how different findings relate to one another. I have found this particularly interesting because it changes the way I approach studying. I am increasingly asking myself why a particular finding occurs and what it could indicate, rather than simply trying to memorise the information.

I went to Korea University over the summer and it's safe to say it was the best summer yet. WorldStrides was extremely helpful and accommodating throughout the whole process. Their excursions were a lot of fun and gave me the opportunity to meet other students that came with WorldStrides as well. The staff was always available when needed and knew what to do when asked questions. The summer was so much fun, I got to travel all over Seoul and make memories everyday! I cannot recommend this enough!

the faculty have been really approachable since i started at NAU. if i dont understand something or need help with a topic, i can actually speak to someone about it. that has made a big difference for me especially with the harder subjects

I've been having a great experience at the Suzhou school! The staff are very helpful and encouraging, particularly my teacher Sisi who is always friendly and patient, listening carefully and helping me with my spoken Chinese. I recommend this school to anyone wanting to learn mandarin ☺️

Ive been learning with Lily from LTL for the past 3 weeks and my Chinese has come on so far since the first lesson. Aside from language lessons, Lily also organised trips outside to sightsee which have been fun and informative and improved both my language skills and knowledge of Chinese history. I’m really glad I chose to do this course, I don’t think many other courses could’ve improved my Mandarin this fast.

LTL Language School responded to this reviewSeptember 23, 2026

So glad to read your review and kind words, Jessica :) We're delighted you've had a great time with us and we hope you keep improving! LTL Team

I spent three weeks in Chengdu and had such a good experience. Starting with the pre-arrival call with Ying 老师， everyone was super friendly and helped whenever they could: my suitcase was lost by the airplane and Ying as well as my teacher Panpan helped getting it back. Also, the team helped me book tennis lessons and had a lot of tips for exploring Sichuan (thank you @Ying @Panpan @Guilia @Ilaria). Regarding the lessons: I had group lessons with Panpan, the class was very small (3 to 5 students) and Panpan is an amazing teacher (and great dancer and cat mom:)) and so much fun! Not only did I learn a lot, we also had such a good time in- and outside of class. Shoutout to Alex and Stiles as well :)

LTL Language School responded to this reviewSeptember 23, 2026

Tennis lessons, a lost suitcase rescue and Panpan's dancing, quite the three weeks! We are thrilled Ying, Panpan, Giulia, Ilaria, Alex and Stiles all played their part. Thanks so much for taking the time and keep up the great work studying Chinese! LTL Team

My experience studying abroad in Barcelona with CEA CAPA was one of the best experiences I have had in college. I chose Barcelona because I have always loved Spain and wanted the opportunity to experience Spanish culture, travel, try new foods, and explore a new city. From the beginning, CEA CAPA made me feel welcomed and supported. Moving to a new country can definitely feel overwhelming, especially at first, but the CEA CAPA staff were always there to help and made me feel much more comfortable throughout my experience. One of the things I appreciated most about CEA CAPA was how safe and supported I felt while abroad. The staff were welcoming, approachable, and made it easy to ask questions or get help whenever I needed it. Knowing that I had people there who cared about my experience made being so far from home feel much less intimidating. I also loved that CEA CAPA helped create a community where I could meet other students and feel like I was not alone in a new country. I was able to become more independent while still knowing I had a support system if I needed one. Overall, studying abroad in Barcelona was an experience I will never forget. CEA CAPA gave me the opportunity to experience a new culture, meet amazing people, travel, and grow as a person while also making me feel safe and welcomed. I would definitely recommend CEA CAPA to anyone considering studying abroad, especially students who may be nervous about living in another country for the first time. It made the entire experience feel more comfortable, supported, and exciting.

My experience studying abroad in Barcelona with CEA CAPA was one of the best experiences I have had in college. I chose Barcelona because I have always loved Spain and wanted the opportunity to experience Spanish culture, travel, try new foods, and explore a new city. From the beginning, CEA CAPA made me feel welcomed and supported. Moving to a new country can definitely feel overwhelming, especially at first, but the CEA CAPA staff were always there to help and made me feel much more comfortable throughout my experience. One of the things I appreciated most about CEA CAPA was how safe and supported I felt while abroad. The staff were welcoming, approachable, and made it easy to ask questions or get help whenever I needed it. Knowing that I had people there who cared about my experience made being so far from home feel much less intimidating. I also loved that CEA CAPA helped create a community where I could meet other students and feel like I was not alone in a new country. I was able to become more independent while still knowing I had a support system if I needed one. Overall, studying abroad in Barcelona was an experience I will never forget. CEA CAPA gave me the opportunity to experience a new culture, meet amazing people, travel, and grow as a person while also making me feel safe and welcomed. I would definitely recommend CEA CAPA to anyone considering studying abroad, especially students who may be nervous about living in another country for the first time. It made the entire experience feel more comfortable, supported, and exciting.

I went to Beijing with my classmates from school — all of us Italian, so we were in the same boat. I want to write about my experience because I read other reviews before going and they helped me a lot. So maybe this can help someone else too. I won't lie, the start was hard. The flight was long and the time change really hit me. For the first day or two I was just tired and confused, and I did not feel like doing anything. But after that, things got much better and I started to enjoy everything. I think this is normal when you travel so far. The classes were in the morning. I have to say, I did not expect to like them so much. Our teacher was really funny and she never made us feel stupid for making mistakes. She would explain words by acting them out, so sometimes she was running around the classroom or making faces, and we were all laughing. We played games too, like one where you describe a word and others guess it. My friend tried to describe "panda" by pointing at herself and looking sad. Everyone was laughing so hard that the teacher had to wait for us to stop. Because the mood was so relaxed, I was not afraid to speak, even when my Chinese was wrong. That is a big thing for me, because at school at home I usually stay quiet and never put my hand up. Here I actually wanted to answer. I still mix up the tones and I know I say many things in a strange way, but it did not matter. Nobody was judging. That feeling is hard to explain, but it made me want to learn more. The afternoons were for activities. We went to markets and saw a tea ceremony, which was more interesting than I expected. We also tried calligraphy, and I learned that I hold a brush very badly. The teacher i sthere was patient with me, which I appreciated. We walked a lot, so my legs were always tired, but in a good way. I liked that every day was different and we were never bored. About the food: it was different, but good. Some dishes I loved and some I didn't finish. That's normal, I think. I'm Italian, so I have strong opinions about food, and even I found things I liked. Things I did not love: the metro at rush hour is really crowded, and sometimes it was too loud and too much for me. By the end, being with the same group all the time was a bit much, and I needed some time alone. But I think that happens to everyone on a trip like this. What I will remember most is the small moments. One night a few of us sat outside and talked until late. One morning I walked alone before class and just watched the city wake up. Those are the things I will keep. So, my opinion: I'm happy I went. It was not a perfect holiday, but it was a real experience, and I think that is better. If you are thinking about it, I would say yes. Go.

LTL Language School responded to this reviewSeptember 23, 2026

We are so glad the relaxed atmosphere helped you find your voice and want to answer, even when the tones were not quite right. Thanks so much for sharing your story and we hope Beijing stays with you for a long time. Also great picture!! LTL Team

Two weeks. Fourteen days in a city I never see before, with people I never meet before, in a language I don't really understand. And now I think... wow. This was one of the best things in my life. I am 16, from Italy, and this is my little story about Beijing with LTL. Before I go, I was a little nervous. Two weeks is long time, and China is so far from everything I know. My friends say, "Why China? Why not the beach?" But I want something special, something vera — real! And now I can say: brava, me! It was the right choice. The first thing that surprise me about Beijing is... it is HUGE! Mamma mia, really really big! The roads are so wide, the buildings go up and up, and there are people everywhere. It's loud, it's busy, full of energy. Sometimes it was too much and I need a quiet moment still love it But most of the time I love it. I love to walk around and just watch the life. And Beijing is beautiful too. Not like Italy — we have old churches, small streets, the sea, il sole. Beijing is beautiful in a different way. It mixes everything: old temples next to glass towers, tiny shops next to big malls, bicycles next to cars. I really like this. Bellissimo. The LTL school is in the centre of Beijing, very close to the subway. I love this because after class we can go everywhere so easy. And the school organise so many activities for us! In the afternoon we do things together — we go walking in the hutong. we visit the Temple of Heaven , we see the 798 Art District. Amazing Great Wall! One time we even do tai chi and caligrapgy, very traditional. Every day is different, sempre qualcosa di nuovo. And the food! The school give us different food every day for lunch, and I really appreciate this because in Italy we are very very serious about food, so I was a little worried. But it was fun to try new things every day. Some dishes I love, some I don't understand at all, but I always try. This is part of travel, no? Of course, I miss Italy. I miss my mamma's cooking, my bed, my friends, and just speaking Italian without thinking. There are days when I feel a little sad. Ma passa presto — it passes quickly, because there is always something new or someone new to talk to. What I remember most are the people. I meet students from many countries, and we become like a little family. We laugh, we get lost together, we help each other. I also learn that I am stronger than I think. I can be far from home. Che bello! Two weeks go by so fast. I come back to Italy with a full heart, a lot of photos, and a lot of new words. If you think about this program — go! Non pensare troppo. Just go. You will come back different.

LTL Language School responded to this reviewSeptember 23, 2026

Coming back to Italy with a full heart, new words and the confidence to know you are stronger than you think - at 16, that is pretty special. Thanks so much for sharing your story and we hope Beijing pulls you back one day. Non pensare troppo! LTL Team

Thank you so much for this amazing week! Your class was my favorite part of every day. You are so kind and patient, and you always help us when we don't understand. You never get angry when we make mistakes, and you make us feel safe to try. I respect you very much. I learned a lot from you, and I will never forget this week. Thank you, teacher!

LTL Language School responded to this reviewSeptember 23, 2026

It was great to have you study with us, Ana :) Hope you come back again some day. Best wishes, LTL Team

I go to Beijing with my school group for one week. It was very cool! Every morning we have Chinese class. Every afternoon we go out and do fun things. We see many cool places in the city. We try Chinese snacks. We also play games with local kids. It was so fun! When we walk on the street, Chinese people are very friendly to us. One old man even speak Russian to us! I was so surprised and happy. He smile and talk with us a little. This make me feel China is very warm place. Before trip I already know a little bit Chinese. So sometimes I can help our teacher in class. Like I repeat things for other students or explain easy words. This make me feel very happy. Our teacher is very very nice and patient. She always help us and never angry when we make mistakes. I respect her very much. On last day she say she is proud of us. She give us small cards with our Chinese names. I keep mine forever. I learn a lot, make cool friends, and try new things. I already ask my parents if I can go again next summer!

LTL Language School responded to this reviewSeptember 23, 2026

Such a great picture, Aleks, and reading your review makes us so happy :) It was a pleasure to have you and your classmates study Chinese in Beijing with us :) Come back someday!! LTL Team

Hi everyone! I'm a student from Russia, and I just got back home after spending one amazing week in Beijing with a group from my school. I honestly didn't know what to expect before we left — I'd never been to China, and I was a little nervous about the language, the food, and everything else. But this trip turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life, and I want to tell you why. Every morning we had Chinese lessons, and every afternoon we went out to explore the city. I thought the classes would be boring or too difficult, but they were actually so much fun! Our teacher was incredibly kind and patient. She made us laugh all the time, and she explained things in a way that just made sense. Even though Chinese is really different from Russian, I felt like I was actually learning and improving every single day. The atmosphere in the classroom was so warm and friendly — we weren't just students, we felt like a little family. Nobody was afraid to make mistakes because our teacher always encouraged us and told us that mistakes are part of learning. I looked forward to every lesson, which is something I never thought I'd say about school! In the afternoons, we visited so many incredible places, but the highlight for me was definitely the Great Wall. I've seen it in pictures a million times, but standing on it in real life was unbelievable. It was so steep and so long, and I kept thinking about all the people who built it so many centuries ago. The view from the top was breathtaking — I actually got a little emotional. I took about a hundred photos, and my phone is now completely full of them! What I loved most, though, was how our teacher cared about us. On our last day, when we had to say goodbye, she started crying, and then a lot of us started crying too! She told us she was so proud of how much we'd learned in just one week, and she gave each of us a little card with our Chinese name on it. I will keep mine forever. I never imagined I'd get so attached to a teacher in just seven days, but that's how special this trip was. xie xie nin ! This week taught me so much more than just Chinese words. It taught me that people from different countries can become real friends, that stepping out of your comfort zone is worth it, and that Beijing is a magical city. I'm already begging my parents to let me come back next summer. If you're thinking about joining a trip like this — just do it. You won't regret it. 谢谢, Beijing! I'll never forget you. QuQ

LTL Language School responded to this reviewSeptember 23, 2026

Best week of your life?! That's quite a statement, but we're so glad it's true!! We loved having you study with us and we'd love to see you back again some time. Wishing you well back in Russia, and see you again!! LTL Team

I left my job to travel China for a couple months. I chose LTL to learn more and feel confident in having conversations in my travels. I had a minimal amount of Chinese knowledge coming in, but after one month of classes, I reached the intermediate B1 level! Wang summer was my teacher and she was amazing. She made sure that we learned a lot while also keeping class interesting. I will never forget my experience at the school and highly recommended for anyone interested in learning Chinese.

LTL Language School responded to this reviewSeptember 23, 2026

So glad you had a blast with us in Beijing, Cooper 🙂 We really enjoyed having you with us and hope to see you continue your strong improvement! LTL Team

Going abroad with CYA was truly a life changing experience for me. I got to immerse myself with the Greek culture and got to visit areas of Greece that I didn't even know existed through field study trips. For example, besides living in Athens, I had the opportunity to visit Northern Greece and see more of Greece's country side. Additionally, through the academics that CYA provides, I was able to take a modern Greek class and even got to learn a little bit of Greek. I will never forget my time with CYA and am grateful for everything it taught me.

I studied abroad in Italy for my Spring Semester and going into this, I was incredibly stressed. But WorldStrides made all the difference in my experience. They provided all the resources that I felt I might need for any situation. They took us on some excursions during the semester and they were well planned and super fun! I would go on another study abroad trip with WorldStrides.

I actually can’t recommend this program enough. It seriously changed my life. First off, the staff from worldstrides alone should be enough to sell you. I felt more supported by the mentors in Lima then I did in my university in the states. Michelle and Christy are some of the most caring people I have ever met. They were incredibly helpful- I was absolutely sure I could ask them about anything and they would happily help. They went out of their way to make sure we had the best experience possible, from giving dance/surf class recommendations to accompanying a student to the hospital when they felt sick. My host mom, Doris, was absolutely spectacular. Not only was she so sweet and patient, she was also incredibly accommodating (and such a good cook). My roommates had dietary restrictions (One didn’t eat red meat, the other was lactose intolerant), and she worked hard to make sure everyone felt comfortable. She was so patient and helpful as we practiced our spanish. I still call her every other week! Besides the wonderful people involved, Peru as a whole is absolutely amazing. Go. Please. It has something for everyone. It’s one of the gastronomic capitals of the world, so the food is amazing. Worldstrides takes you on both included (Historical district, huacachina (with sand surfing)) and extra excursions. I was lucky enough to be able to go on the extra trips to the amazon (absolutely crazy), and to Machu Picchu. It’s a once in a lifetime experience. Lima is an amazing city with so many events, you’ll never be bored. I did everything from attend an interactive spanish-adaptation of the broadway show “Next to Normal” (phenomenal), to participate in Miraflores’ community zumba classes, to go to a circus, to march in Lima’s pride parade, to fish for piranhas in the amazon. I did the 2-month summer program, and it was spectacular. The first month, I took classes at Cayetano Heredia- Medical Spanish and Community Health. Weekdays were sometimes a little long, but all the teachers were SO supportive and amazing. You get to learn from and shadow practicing doctors and see how healthcare works in Peru, which is a FANTASTIC experience! We even got the opportunity to run a simulated clinical visit with actual actors. The second month, we got to volunteer with Aprendo Contigo, an organization that works to ensure hospitalized children don’t fall behind in schoolwork. We got to have the chance to see what we learned manifest in real life and have real patient interactions. I left wanting to come back as soon as possible, and legitimately considered staying in college for an extra semester just to be able to stay for a whole semester.

I spent two months studying Mandarin at Fudan University in Shanghai through GAC, and it was an unforgettable experience. My homestay family welcomed me like their own — we cooked together, watched Chinese dramas, and they patiently helped me practice every day. My teacher was engaging and focused on real conversation rather than just textbooks. By the end, I could confidently order food, ask for directions, and chat with locals. The GAC team also organized weekend trips to Suzhou and Hangzhou. I came home with real fluency and a deep love for Chinese culture.

I really loved my experience with Worldstrides in Cusco. The program staff was incredibly knowledgable about the topic material, and also very helpful with local things to do and get involved with. I really loved my classes and also the location in Cusco, where there was so much to do, especially as someone who loves hiking, being outside, and traveling. My professors were also really engaging and clearly really interested in the class material and enjoyed teaching us. Overall, I could not have asked for a program which better fit my own interests and created such a positive atmosphere.

Studying abroad is the adventure of a lifetime! With CYA, it was even more memorable. The program is located in Athens, in a safe, lively neighborhood. I felt immersed in the culture immediately, with tavernas and local grocery stores just steps from my apartment. The program not only offers opportunities and activities right there in Athens, but it also coordinates trips throughout Greece to further our exploration of the country. I loved how supportive and organized the program was. It made it easy to not only learn more about culture, history, and language while in Greece, but also to get the most out of our study abroad experience. I liked the size of the program because everyone gets to know each other really well, and it makes it feel like a family. The professors are extremely supportive and are always looking to make personal connections with the students. There are so many class options for any major or interest. A lot of the classes like to use Athens as their classroom, and I think this was one of my favorite parts. I loved meeting at the Athenian Agora or the Acropolis to actually see what we were learning about. I loved taking Greek language, mainly because my professor was the best! I learned so much from her, and she made learning the language possible and exciting. It was so fun going to the local coffee shops and practicing my Greek. CYA is a great program for anyone interested in Greece, history, arts, culture, the Greek language, or a program that takes the abroad experience to the next level!