
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.
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MAXIMO NIVEL
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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 4 ProgramsCIEE College Study Abroad
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Your January in Cape Town program lasts 3 weeks and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in one CIEE course taught at CIEE Cape Town. Enhance your experience with extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in South African culture. Live and learn in Cape T
See All 38 ProgramsAdelante Abroad
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Launch your global career in 2026 with an internship in Spain or Latin America through Adelante Abroad. Gain real international work experience, strengthen your resume, improve your Spanish skills, and build a global network while living abroad. We offer customized internships abroad in 30+ profess
Arcos Learning Abroad
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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 6 ProgramsAIFS Abroad
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Study abroad in Barcelona, Spain with AIFS Abroad and earn college credit in one of Europe’s most popular student cities. With semester, summer, January Term, May Term and academic year options, you can study at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), or LCI Barcelon
See All 20 ProgramsIES Abroad
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Imagine learning not only while you’re sitting in class, but also while exploring the Van Gogh Museum, trying your first Stroopwafel, or on a bike ride for daily errands. This is what it's like to study abroad in the Netherlands! With us, you'll take learning outside the classroom as you visit wor
See All 3 ProgramsUniversity Studies Abroad Consortium
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The USAC program is based at the University of Alicante, which has a student population of 30,000 and offers two diverse academic areas: Intensive Language and Spanish and European Studies. Have the opportunity to study the Spanish language and the complexities of Spanish and contemporary European s
See All 10 ProgramsGo Abroad China Ltd.
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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 9 ProgramsInternational Medical Aid (IMA)
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International Medical Aid’s Pre-Med and Global Health Internships welcome undergraduates, pre-med and medical students, graduates, and healthcare professionals interested in learning from local teams. High-school applicants follow IMA’s high-school pathway, with activities suited to their age and pr
See All 15 ProgramsCollege Year in Athens
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If you have a keen interest in archaeology, you may gain experience and credit by participating in CYA’s three-week Winter Intersession programs. Voula Field School - Gain excavation experience by participating in the Voula Field School, an excavation at the site of Aixonidai Halai, one of the anc
IFSA, Institute for Study Abroad
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Usher in the new year with travel, learning, and cultural immersion in Barcelona, a cosmopolitan city and a global hub. The winter study abroad program of IFSA takes you to the capital of Catalonia, where you’ll take a three-week course and participate in a range of activities. The Social Media Mar
See All 4 ProgramsCEA
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Barcelona—Spain’s second-largest city—features a cosmopolitan atmosphere, a temperate climate, marvelous art, and fantastic opportunities to learn. Gaze upon Antoni Gaudí’s gothic Sagrada Familia church. Enjoy delicious tapas while socializing with new friends. Experience the thrill of soccer at Eur
See All 18 ProgramsWorldStrides
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Explore Bangkok, Thailand’s dynamic capital and a global hub for culture, commerce, and cuisine. Study at Mahidol University International College (MUIC), the English-speaking arm of Mahidol University, while taking courses alongside Thai and international students. Enjoy an affordable semester abro
See All 6 ProgramsThe American University in Cairo
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With more than 35 undergraduate and 40 graduate programs, you are sure to find the right one for you. At AUC, we offer a wide and diverse range of U.S. and globally accredited academic programs, designed to meet the needs of all types of learners. Explore sociology, Egyptology, gender and women’s st
HEX
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The 6-week online program is designed for university students and gap year students who are seeking workplace experience to build a portfolio for a successful career in innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology, across a wide range of industries and verticals. **Industry-Backed** Supported by r
See All 2 ProgramsEuroace
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Looking to boost your career while improving your Spanish? Why not combine both in an unforgettable and unique study abroad experience? At EUROACE, we partner with top companies across various industries in Valencia, Madrid and Barcelona, offering internship placements that enhance your academic s
Academic Programs International
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Italy is one of the most complex and enticing places in Europe. A contemporary, industrialized nation with an artistic and architectural heritage that few other countries can rival. It is also a Mediterranean country with a southern European sensibility, where traditional attitudes still prevail. Th
See All 7 ProgramsLorenzo de' Medici
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Istituto Lorenzo de' Medici invites you to study abroad in Florence, the capital of the Tuscany region and home to approximately one-third of the world's art treasures! Living and studying in the birthplace of the Renaissance is an unparalleled experience. The LdM Florence campus comprises 16 prope
Meiji Academy
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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 3 ProgramsJaLS GROUP
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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 4 ProgramsYour preferred location is likely to depend on what kind of experiences you are looking for when studying, both academic and personal—school isn’t just about book-learning, right? From cozying up in a pub to spending your weekends on the ski-slopes, or alternatively, extending your summer activities and spending Christmas on the beach, traveling to study makes it all possible. Whether you’re looking to study for the whole semester or are just after a winter break study abroad opportunity, there are plenty of countries and programs to choose from.
England. Renowned for being home to some of the world’s most prestigious educational institutions, England is the perfect location for academics who want to study abroad in winter. However, it has plenty to see and do outside of school. London is the first iconic sight that springs to mind for visitors to England, and with good reason. Packed with museums, galleries, and cultural spots (think Buckingham Palace, the West End Theater, and Westminster Abbey), one semester might not be enough to explore it all!
London is also not the only city worth a visit, or the only place that hosts students. Cities like Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham also have a large student population, great schools and universities, and their fair share of cultural happenings. Wherever in England you choose to look at study abroad winter programs, be sure to check out each city’s German-style Christmas market, enjoy the cozy atmosphere in a local pub in the evening, and make the most of an opportunity to feel fancy with an afternoon tea.
Spain. With cultural hotspots like Madrid and Barcelona, Spain ought to be on every traveler’s bucket list, and studying for the winter is a great way to soak up some of Spain’s sunny culture. With many educational institutions becoming more international, entire courses in a range of subjects can be found in English. Alternatively, students can brush up on their Spanish or take the plunge and learn one of Spain’s lesser-known languages, like Catalan or Basque.
Students interested in history, art, and politics may also benefit from studying in Spain, which has produced some of the world’s most inspirational artists (Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Joan Miro, to name a few) and is continuously developing politically. Beat the summer heat and enjoy Spain’s winter traditions, from the festival of La Merce in Barcelona to countrywide Christmas and New Year activities.
Barbados. When thinking of the winter season, white, sandy beaches, lush, swaying palm trees, and the calming crash of waves seem to be a distant memory. So what if you’re not ready to wave goodbye to the summer sun just yet?
The beautiful caribbean island of Barbados is an unexpected winter term study abroad option! Most of the summer’s tourists will have long returned home, giving students the chance to experience day-to-day life in Barbados and to integrate with the local community. Although famed for it’s white-sand beaches and crystal-clear oceans, Barbados has so much more to offer all year round, including buzzing nightlife, delicious local food and a warm and welcoming local population.
College or university students are likely to be able to continue studying their major or minor subject when undertaking a winter study abroad program. They could also look into studying a particular speciality area relating to their course in order to gain a deeper insight. Alternatively, students could choose to study something completely new, testing the waters with a short-term study placement.
Foreign Language. Although the winter season might not seem long enough to pick up a foreign language, a short-term study opportunity could be the perfect way to get started! Or, perhaps you already know a couple of words and want to brush up on your skills. What better way than to study abroad, take an intensive language course, and have the chance to use it every day?
Integration is a fantastic way to rapidly improve foreign language skills. Maybe you didn’t want to go back home after your summer vacation and were inspired by the language and culture of another country—why not look into studying for the winter? Want to see a completely new place, get the school year off to a flying start, and learn a useful new skill? Foreign language study could be for you.
International Relations. For students interested in international relations and politics, studying abroad is a priceless experience. Seeing another culture and experiencing the political landscape firsthand adds an extra dimension to your studies and allows for a more empathetic and knowledgeable approach. Studying international relations for the winter would be a great way to kick off a new school or college year, and reflecting upon that first semester is sure to keep your motivation peaked for the rest of the year!
Interreligious and Interethnic Relations. On the same wavelength as international relations, interreligious and interethnic relations is another avenue for students interested in international culture to explore. This kind of study abroad program would be a particularly interesting way to learn about another religion or ethnicity, and how life is in a country that follows one or more different beliefs. The winter season would be a particularly interesting time to study this subject abroad, as it would allow students to see various end-of-year festivals and celebrations, whether religious or secular, undoubtedly very different to celebrations in their home country.
Studying abroad for the winter is sure to offer plenty of exciting academic and cultural opportunities for students. It gives adventurous students the chance to approach their subject in a whole new way, learning a new perspective as well as deepening their knowledge, picking up new skills and getting a step ahead in their studies. Whilst studying at home is great for being guided in the right direction, studying abroad can open up doors that you might never have thought of before.
Students should make a plan regarding how to make the most of what could be a short frame of time studying abroad. The winter term will pass very fast, with many countries having a Christmas vacation from school or college. Whilst this gives potentially homesick students the chance to visit their families back at home, it might also mean missing out on experiencing holiday festivities in a new place—students studying abroad for the winter might have some difficult decisions to make!
However, if students can figure out what works for them in study abroad programs, winter could be the perfect season to travel. With so much going on all around the world and so much exciting new culture to see, what better way get the school year off to a flying start?
Hear what past participants have to say about their experiences
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.
I was unsure about traveling to Thailand at first. By the end of our first day, I was sure that this was going to be an amazing trip. By the end of the trip, I was overwhelmed with excitement by the amount of memories made and experiences had.
Studying abroad in London was the best experience of my undergraduate education so far. Studying abroad was something that I never expected and it felt like fate when I found out that my major (Criminal Justice) was hosting a program in London with CEA Capa. Throughout my time in London, CEA Capa made the experiece extremely rewarding and memorable. From the excursions, shows, education, and travel advice, CEA Capa supported the entire program and did so extremely effortlessly. Being in London was my first time out of the country and I was so confident that I would be safe, know where to go, and what to do if something went wrong because the team was so helpful. CEA Capa has my highest recommendation and I wish everyday that I could go back to being abroad in London.



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.
I cannot be more thankful for Pann, Pui, and Amber and their guidance throughout our trip. They really made this experience for me. The entire program program was flexible and adaptable to changes, very kind and welcoming, provided plenty of cultural experiences, and also very helpful as far as translation and providing cultural insight. I'll cherish it forever. Thank you!
They were excellent hosts that provided a great balance of education, cultural experiences, and fun! They were very open to any questions. The activities planned were great to do as a group, and meals were great for exploring culture.
I had an amazing experience with Therapy Abroad. Amber was a huge help when communicating with my client, and with her support, I was able to develop a really positive relationship with her. All of the activities were meaningful and gave me the opportunity to apply what I have learned in occupational therapy school in a completely different cultural setting. I also loved getting to experience Thailand outside of the clinical setting. The elephant experience was one of my favorite parts of the entire trip, and the food was so good. Before coming, I honestly did not know very much about Thailand, so it was really exciting to learn more about the culture, the people, and the environment while actually being there. Overall, the trip was such a positive experience, and I am very grateful for everything I learned and the relationships I made. I would absolutely love to come back to Thailand someday.



Overall, the trip with TherapyAbroad was lovely. Everything was so organized and it really strengthened our ability to be fully immersed in the culture and experience as a whole. I would recommend anyone travel with this program in the future.
My experience in Chiang Mai, Thailand, was one of the most eye-opening and special experiences I have ever been a part of. It was such a privilege to be able to work with the community and individuals there.
This experience was so incredible! I learned and experienced so much. I already want to go back and also this experience lit a fire in me to continue doing international experiences related to OT. The therapy abroad/progression facilitators were AMAZING and made the trip so smooth so that we could just fully immerse ourselves into the culture and fieldwork experience.

Alumni and staff share what it's really like to go abroad

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.
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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...
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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.
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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 ...
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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....
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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 ...
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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...
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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...
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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.
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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 ...
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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...
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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 ...
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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...
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Jon Shepherd
Bethel University Global Studies
AlumniMy first trip abroad was to Mexico when I was in college, studying Spanish. That experience changed everything for me; it brought the language to life...
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Anika Freestone
Phezulu Pre-Vet
AlumniI’ve always wanted to go to Africa, or specifically South Africa, to experience and work with its wildlife since I was a little girl. I’ve wanted to e...
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Mounif Ghrayeb
Forum-Nexus Study Abroad
AlumniI was inspired by a deep curiosity to experience the world beyond textbooks and classrooms. I’ve always believed that education doesn’t end within fou...
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Advice, stories, and tips from the GoAbroad editorial team





