Study Urban & Regional Planning Abroad

Coming to the American University of Beirut from the Kurdistan Region was a big step for me. Like anyone moving to another country, I had so many questions. What would studying in Lebanon be like? Would I find my people? Would I feel at home? Looking back, I can say that my experience at AUB turned out to be much more than I expected. Studying Nutrition and Dietetics taught me a lot, not only about my field but also about how to think, question things and look at problems from different perspectives. There were opportunities to get involved in research, explore subjects beyond my degree and connect what we learned in class to things happening in the real world. One of the things I appreciated most was being surrounded by people with different backgrounds and experiences. I learned just as much from the people I met as I did from my courses. But honestly, some of my favorite memories have very little to do with academics. Moving to Lebanon meant figuring out how to live independently, adjusting to a different culture and building a life away from my family. AUB brought together people from so many different places, and somewhere along the way, a place that was once completely unfamiliar started to feel like home. The friendships, long conversations, spontaneous plans and even the ordinary days on campus are things I still look back on fondly. AUB also gave me opportunities I probably wouldn't have imagined before coming to Lebanon. Through the MEPI Tomorrow's Leaders Program, I was able to explore new interests, meet people from different backgrounds and take part in experiences that pushed me beyond what I thought I could do. These opportunities helped me grow in ways that went beyond my education. Of course, living abroad wasn't always easy. There were days when I missed home, days when things felt overwhelming, and moments when I had to figure things out on my own. But I think those experiences were just as important as the good ones. If I could tell future international students one thing, it would be to come with an open mind and not be afraid of what you don't know yet. Give yourself time to adjust, say yes to opportunities, meet people outside your usual circles and enjoy the little things along the way. You might arrive with a certain plan, but leave with experiences and friendships you never expected. For me, AUB was never just about getting a degree. It was about finding my independence, discovering new possibilities, and growing into a person I hadn't quite imagined when I first arrived. And for that, I'll always be grateful.

Coming home a new person! The program was awesome from start to finish, I never felt homesick, and the art course was a highlight. Only the Paris hotel let it down. I’d recommend it to anyone and already tell friends to apply.

I arrived in Lebanon as a high school graduate who had never traveled abroad alone, who did not speak Arabic, and who was full of nerves about what lay ahead. I expected to feel lost and overwhelmed, but the truth was exactly the opposite. The moment I stepped into campus, I fell in love, i wandered around campus for a week straight discovering new parts of it. People with warmth that I never really saw elsewhere, from first day on AUB became my home. Friends, teachers, and even strangers on campus made room for me as if I had always belonged, and the campus quickly stopped feeling like a place I was visiting and started feeling like a place I was meant to be. I found myself at AUB; I became a living part of this campus, and it became a living part of me. There were challenges along the way, as there always are, but each one made me stronger, braver, more patient, and more open to the world, and together they shaped me into the best version of myself. Had it was not for AUB, I could never imagine myself pushing through this journey... During my studies the country fell into war not once but twice, yet AUB was running, it was my first time witnessing the state of war, there were days where I wanted to leave, yet my professors and peers pushing through to ensure our academics don't fall behind made me stay. "Impressed" was an understatement, Amidst chaos AUB was here giving us glimpse of a bright future. It was this assurance which taught me not to give up. For what i must say this indeed has been the most rewarding and eye-opening chapter of my life, and it is the reason I call AUB my second home. Studying here was never just about earning a degree; it is about the experience of being a part of AUB, a community that welcomes you, believes in you, and changes you for the better. If you are standing where I once stood, nervous and unsure, I assure you to take the leap, because it will give you a home, a community, and a version of yourself you are proud of. I will admire this university, it will always be a second home I'd go back to.

I chose AIFS Abroad because I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and experience a new culture through a program that offered support before, during, and after going abroad. I participated in the Barcelona Maymester program in summer 2026, and it was an experience I will always be grateful for. The pre-departure process was stress-free, which made preparing to study abroad feel much less overwhelming. Once in Barcelona, I loved exploring the city, trying new foods, going on excursions, and experiencing everyday life in a new culture. One of the most meaningful parts of my experience was learning to navigate a new city independently, as well as making lasting friendships with the people around me. I got to live in an apartment in the coolest part of the city all while living with my best friends. I was so grateful to be able to go to classes and become so independent in an unfamiliar city. I would recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking to experience a new culture, make lasting memories, meet new people, and grow both personally and professionally.

Studying abroad in Zagreb, Croatia, was one of the most transformative experiences of my undergraduate journey. As a Biology major on the pre-medical track at Spelman College, I wanted an experience that would challenge me academically, immerse me in a different culture, and allow me to explore medicine beyond the traditional classroom setting. Zagreb gave me all of that and so much more. During my time abroad, I had the opportunity to participate in clinical shadowing at KBC Sestre Milosrdnice, where I spent much of my time observing cardiology and cardiovascular procedures, learning about patient care, and understanding how healthcare professionals collaborate in a hospital setting. One of my most memorable experiences was observing the medical team's response to a complication during a cardiac stent procedure. Witnessing the level of precision, communication, and critical thinking required in that moment strengthened my interest in cardiovascular medicine and helped solidify my aspiration to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. However, my experience was about much more than medicine. Choosing Zagreb was intentional. I wanted to travel somewhere unfamiliar, where I would have to step outside my comfort zone, navigate cultural differences, and become more independent. From learning basic Croatian phrases to exploring the city, connecting with my roommates, and experiencing everyday life in a new country, each day taught me something valuable about adaptability and confidence. As a first-generation college student and a Black woman pursuing a career in medicine, this opportunity also reminded me of the importance of representation and making international experiences accessible to students from all backgrounds. Studying abroad is not limited to students majoring in international studies or foreign languages. STEM students can also find programs that complement their academic interests and professional goals. My advice to anyone considering studying abroad is to research your options, ask questions, and remain open to destinations you may not have initially considered. Some of the most meaningful opportunities come from choosing experiences that challenge your expectations. I returned from Zagreb with more than memories and photographs. I returned with a clearer understanding of the physician I hope to become, greater confidence in my ability to navigate unfamiliar environments, and a deeper appreciation for the global nature of healthcare. If I had the opportunity to choose again, I would choose Zagreb every single time. This experience did not simply allow me to explore another country; it helped me discover a new direction for my future.

Forum-Nexus was incredibly well organized from start to finish. Travel between cities was efficient, and I still had the freedom to explore on my own. The Independent Cultural Visits pushed me to get out and discover each place. Laura did a great job in International Business, and I learned a lot. The teachers and staff were nice and caring, and Adam was the best! It was the adventure of a lifetime, and it showed me I can do new and scary things. I’d recommend it 100%. You won’t experience anything like it.

My time in Stockholm during the summer of 2026 was one of the best moments of my life! The entire program was well organized, and I always felt informed, prepared, and supported throughout the process. Academically, the opportunity to learn in a different educational environment, gain new perspectives, and connect what I was learning in the classroom to experiences outside of it. The courses were engaging and gave me the chance to grow both academically and personally. As someone studying abroad alone in a new country, I also felt safe and comfortable navigating the experience. This was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will always be grateful for, and I would absolutely do it again if given the chance!

I loved my time abroad with CEA CAPA in the wonderful city of Barcelona. I was able to fully immerse myself in the culture, learn a lot, and meet so many new people. I highly recommend it, it was the best semester of my college experience!

This summer I joined Green Building Solutions (GBS) in Vienna, and it turned out to be one of the best learning experiences I've had. The topics that stayed with me most were energy modeling, life cycle assessment, and parametric design with Grasshopper and Ladybug. I work with LCA every day in certification projects, so going deeper into the method with people who teach and practice it was exactly what I was hoping for. The site visits were a real highlight. We walked through actual projects and had honest conversations with the people behind them, which no textbook or software tutorial can give you. The organizers made everything easy. The accommodation was great, everything ran on time, and the evening sports were a nice way to get to know the group. Thank you to the GBS team and everyone I met there. I'm bringing a lot of this back to my work in Cairo.

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.

College Year in Athens responded to this reviewSeptember 25, 2026

Hi Daisy, thanks for sharing your experience with CYA! We are thrilled to hear you felt supported throughout your semester and had a chance to immerse yourself in the culture. We hope you can visit again soon!

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!

College Year in Athens responded to this reviewSeptember 25, 2026

Hi Emily, thanks for sharing your experience with CYA and these amazing photos! We love hearing you had the chance to explore both inside and outside of the classroom. Hopefully you can visit again soon!

My time in Barcelona was one of the best experiences in my life. Out of all the cities I visited when I was abroad, Barcelona was by far my favorite and I was always so excited to come back from traveling. I loved the people, the metro, the city, and the beach. There was always something going on to have the best time of your life.

My time in Rome with CEA was the most amazing summer of my life. I came into the program knowing no one; I had no family in Rome, and I didn't speak Italian. But as soon as I met my roommates, we clicked right away and became the best of friends! Living together was so much fun; we'd do grocery runs whenever we needed food, which was the easiest supply run I have ever done since the grocery stores around our apartment were maybe two minutes away in each direction. We'd go out to dinner, trying local Roman pasta like Rigatoni all'Amatriciana, which became a favorite amongst our group; we'd get gelato practically every night! We even traveled together while we were there, heading off to different countries on the weekends when we found the time! Our group meshed so incredibly well and I had the time of my life with them. The memories we made are some of my most precious; we watched Off Campus together, shouting at the screen when someone did something wrong; we walked to the Colosseum in the middle of the night just because we wanted to see the sights; we watched FIFA on the Tiber River banks with other tourists and locals. It was so great that now it feels like a dream. The travel around Italy was so incredibly easy! Flying out of Fiumicino Airport took no time whatsoever when you were traveling within the EU and was incredibly easy to get to from our apartment in Prati. I got really used to taking public transport while I was there, and though it was intimidating at first, it was so easy after I got used to it. Taking the A line to Termini and the train to the airport was honestly a fun experience. I had a great time exploring the transportation options in Rome. Lastly, the administration in Rome for CEA CAPA was absolutely incredible! They made us all feel so welcome and were very conscientious of our needs, always making themselves available if we needed them! The professors were wonderful as well! My Art and Archaeology professor and Photography professor were incredible women and very skilled in their chosen disciplines! They took us across Rome to study sites and help us hone our skills to become better acquainted with history and photography. It was incredible to actually go into the Roman Forum and the Colosseum to study their history! My time in Rome was honestly the best time! I grew so much in confidence as I learned to live comfortably in a new culture. Everything from the academics to the lifestyle of the city was incredible and I can't wait to go back!

Applying to CYA and studying abroad with them was one of the best choices of my life. The program was diverse and captivating, the faculty were so supportive, and the academics were top tier. This program not only fostered my growth as a student but as an individual and global community member.

College Year in Athens responded to this reviewSeptember 25, 2026

Hi Tori, thanks for sharing your experience with CYA! We love to hear you found the courses to be impactful and had the chance to grow. Hopefully you can visit again soon!

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.

My experience studying abroad with CEA CAPA in Barcelona was truly amazing. I had high expectations going into the program, and they were completely exceeded. My apartment was in a great neighborhood that felt extremely safe while still giving me an authentic, local experience. It was also close to everything, which made it so easy to walk around and explore the city every day. I also had a great experience with my classes. My professors were extremely understanding and supportive, which made balancing academics with everything else that comes with studying abroad much easier. The CEA CAPA staff was incredibly welcoming and played such a big role in making my experience as great as it was. They offered so many activities, events, and opportunities that helped me meet people, experience Barcelona, and feel comfortable living in a city so far from home. Overall, studying abroad in Barcelona was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, and I’m so grateful I chose to do it through CEA CAPA. I would absolutely recommend the program to anyone considering studying abroad!

Leaving to study abroad in Barcelona was my first time ever leaving the country and exploring a new culture. I could not be more grateful for choosing CIS Abroad for such an amazing experience. From the very beginning, the CIS Abroad staff helped me prepare for the experience of a lifetime with genuine care, guidance, and support. That support continued throughout my time abroad. CIS Abroad made me feel safe by providing comprehensive resources for students, including access to therapy, medical care, and additional support whenever we were sick or needed assistance. Barcelona quickly became my second home, and studying abroad was truly one of the best experiences of my life. I grew personally and professionally, and created memories that I will carry with me forever.

Living and studying in Barcelona for four months was one of the best experiences I've ever had. The city itself is beautiful and full of live. I love how everywhere is walkable and you can get anywhere using the metro. There's so so much to do whether it's going to the beach, out for tapas, hiking in the surrounding mountains, shopping, or having a night out, Barcelona really is for everyone. CEA CAPA made my experience so smooth from start to finish.

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.

Molise Italian Studies responded to this reviewOctober 09, 2026

Grazie, Samuel! We are so glad to hear this trip made such an impact on you, and we can't wait to hear about your plans moving forward!

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.

Molise Italian Studies responded to this reviewOctober 09, 2026

Grazie Jay! We are glad you had a great trip and we passed along your gratitude to Andrea!