Social Sciences Study Abroad Programs in Western Europe

I appreciate that NAU offers a preparatory route for students who intend to pursue the MD programme. For me, the opportunity to consolidate my knowledge of the sciences before beginning advanced medical education was an important consideration when choosing this pathway. As I near the completion of Pre-Med, I feel that the experience has been a worthwhile part of my preparation for the challenges ahead.

At 19, I am still at the beginning of my academic journey, but I already have a clear ambition to become a doctor. I see Pre-Med as an important first step towards that goal, as I got inspired to start it by my older sister. I am glad to have the opportunity to prepare academically before progressing further, and I want to use this time to develop the discipline and knowledge required for medical school.

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.

Becoming a doctor has always been a serious ambition of mine, and starting Pre-Med at NAU in September made that ambition feel much more tangible. I am pleased to have an opportunity to strengthen my scientific knowledge and prepare for the next stage of my education. I know I will have plenty to learn along the way, but I am genuinely excited to be here.

I would study abroad 10000 more times if it was going to be like what I got to experience in Greece through World Strides. This program made studying abroad such an easy transition and really made sure we had every bit of support and cultural experience while we were there.

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.

I am very happy to have started my first year of Pre-Med at NAU, especially because I am studying alongside my brother. We enrolled in the programme together, as we share the same ambition of becoming doctors, and having the opportunity to pursue this goal side by side makes the experience particularly meaningful to me. We can exchange ideas about our subjects, discuss what we are learning and encourage each other to stay motivated when our studies become demanding. I believe having someone who understands both the academic challenges and the aspirations behind this journey is a real advantage. So far, I have been satisfied with my experience at NAU, and I am looking forward to developing my scientific knowledge and preparing for the MD programme. We both understand that becoming doctors will require years of commitment, discipline and hard work, but I am proud that we have taken this first step together and excited to see what the future holds for us.

it is now my first month at nau and it has been a really positive experience so far. im enjoying the pre med programme and getting used to the subjects and the whole study routine. i like that this is a first step towards my goal of becoming a doctor and that i can start building the knowledge i will need for the md programme. its still early but im happy with my choice and excited to see what the next few months will bring. very very glad i decided to come to nau

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!

Premed taught me that you cant always rely on the subjects you already know well. Biology was always easier for me but I had to put more effort into chemistry and some of the other topics. I started spending more time reviewing the material and going back to things I didnt understand the first time. The study resources were really useful for that because I could work through difficult topics at my own pace. Over time I became more disciplined with my studies and more confident about tackling subjects that used to feel difficult. I think that is something I will take with me into the next stage of my education.

Studying abroad in barcelona through API was the best experience of my life! I had the freedom to explore a new place and immerse myself in a new culture while also having the security of knowing I had API there to help me if I needed it! The housing was amazing and way nicer than I expected it to be. The program cost itself turned out to be incredibly worth it as it it included housing, multiple cultural excursions, and metro cards for transportation.

My study abroad experience in Seville, Spain was truly unforgettable. I had the opportunity to explore a new culture, meet people from different backgrounds, and experience everyday life in another country. I loved being able to travel around Spain and visit places like Barcelona and Madrid, while also making memories in Seville. Studying abroad helped me become more independent, confident, and open to trying new things. I would definitely recommend studying abroad to other students because it is an experience you will remember for the rest of your life!

Studying abroad in Madrid through WorldStrides was truly the best experience of my life! I learned so much about myself and about the world around me. WorldStrides staff were there with me every step of my process and were so welcoming and inviting. I lived with a host family and they were absolutely wonderful. Nebrija was a great university with the best professors. I'm so grateful for this experience and for WorldStrides help along the way!

I am currently in my second year of the Premed programme at NAU, and one thing I have really appreciated throughout my time here is the support whenever I need it. I tend to have quite a few questions about my classes or things I am studying, especially when I come across something I do not fully understand. It is reassuring to know that I can ask and actually get an answer rather than having to figure everything out on my own. That has made the online Premed experience much more comfortable for me and has helped me stay confident with my studies.

I really loved living in Seville for a few months. The architecture is so beautiful, which was my favorite part because there’s not many historical buildings in the Unites States because of how young of a county we are. The food was amazing and the program made me feel more at home in a foreign place. I really loved the nightlife and the social aspect of traveling abroad because it made me feel like I was a part of a community. I would definitely go back to Spain in a heartbeat. I also really loved Portugal, so I would definitely recommend people to visit Europe if they ever get the chance!

I tend to ask a lot of questions when I am studying, particularly when I come across something that does not seem completely clear to me. One thing I appreciate about the Premed programme is being able to raise those questions and explore the reasoning behind the material rather than simply moving on. Since the classes are online, I have also become more comfortable researching questions independently after class and returning to the subject with a better understanding. This has made my learning much more analytical and has encouraged me to be genuinely curious about the science.

Studying abroad in Greece was an amazing experience that allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone and experience a different culture firsthand. I loved being able to explore different parts of Greece, learn about its history, try new foods, and experience everyday life in a new environment. One of my favorite parts was getting to share the experience with other students and creating memories that I will always have. The trip also helped me become more independent and open-minded. Being in a new country encouraged me to try things I normally wouldn’t and appreciate different perspectives. I would definitely recommend studying abroad to other students because it is an opportunity to learn and grow in ways that you can’t always get from a classroom. If you are considering going, I would encourage you to take lots of pictures, stay open to new experiences, and make the most of every day because the trip goes by very quickly.

While abroad in Madrid I had the opportunity to visit 5 total cities throughout the country along with 4 additional countries. The Worldstides program made this possible by assisting me in selecting the right courses, plan excursions, and support me on all my European adventures!

The programme has helped me become much more independent with my learning. I have learned how to organise my time, work through difficult material and take responsibility for understanding topics properly. That has been one of the most valuable things I have taken from my experience at NAU.