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Academic Studies Abroad (ASA)

Why choose Academic Studies Abroad (ASA)?

Any study abroad program can get you to a country and find you a place to live. It takes a certain kind of study abroad program, however, to provide you with all the tools necessary to ensure that your experience is both memorable and fulfilling. That’s why ASA provides students on all of our study abroad programs with such things as:

- An official transcript so that your credits transfer
- Guided excursions to other cities within your host country
- Personal attention before you depart and while you’re studying abroad
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Pre-departure and on-site orientations
- Assistance getting your financial aid to transfer so you can use it on our program
- And much, much more!

Founded
1999

Reviews

Mason
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Seville, Spain. Spring 2025.

I absolutely loved my experience abroad with ASA (Academic Studies Abroad). I was between a few different locations, and I would not have wanted my time abroad to go any other way. Once I arrived in Seville, it felt like a long road until I was going to go home. As I was leaving Seville, it felt like a long road until I was going to be back in Seville. It completely transformed my thought process on living away from home and making elsewhere home to me. As a Jet setter, a program with ASA that allows students to reflect weekly on their time, absolutely helped me slow down and see my world day by day. Reflecting after a long week was a great part of my experience, for it was something I never really did before. The Jet setter program allowed me to do this! The staff with ASA was extremely friendly and helpful in my adjustment, as I was very vocal of my struggles. They are a major part of the reason why I was able to stay, and once I settled in, it became the best experience of my life.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
My most nerve-racking moment was once I entered my apartment and heard the door close behind me. I overcame it with time and forcing myself out of my comfort zone.
Pros
  • Easy travelling
  • Friendly staff
  • Beautiful city
Cons
  • NONE.
Anabelle
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I had the most amazing study abroad with ASA!

I absolutely loved studying abroad and I know I wouldn't have had as good of a time with a different program! My program leaders were awesome and I loved meeting everyone in my program. I came into this not knowing a single other person and left so close with my roommates and with so many new friends from my program. I traveled with my roommates most weekends but one of my favorite trips was the one we took as a program. One of the reasons I enjoyed the program was because it was on the smaller size, so I got to get closer with students from all over the country as well as with my program leaders. Our leaders were so intentional and always had events planned for us to get immersed within Barcelona and the Spanish culture. This was truly an experience of a lifetime and I can't recommend it more!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Say yes, go talk to new people and don't be afraid to be alone! Some of my most fun memories were from saying yes to a random invite or talking to someone and making a new friend. Putting yourself out there is the best way to make the most of studying abroad!
Jadeyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad With ASA in Barcelona

I studied abroad in Barcelona with Academic Studies Abroad spring semester. My entire experience from beginning to end was unforgettable and something I will cherish for the rest of my life. This was my first time leaving the country, so naturally, I felt overwhelmed about what was to come. However, thanks to the support from ASA and the incredible friends I made in my program, I was able to adjust to life in Barcelona comfortably.

From the moment I arrived, I fell in love with everything the city had to offer. Between the culture, people, food, and stunning sites, I was truly mesmerized. I was also fortunate to study at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, located within walking distance to where I lived. The university offered a variety of academic courses that transferred to my home institution, as well as unique ones like Great Art Collections, which deepened my appreciation for Spain’s history.

If you have the opportunity to study abroad, Barcelona is the perfect home base for student travelers. And even if you choose another destination, I highly recommend visiting because it is one of the most magical places you’ll ever experience. I grew tremendously from my time there and cannot wait to visit again in the future!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My biggest piece of advice to anyone interested in studying with ASA is to take advantage of every opportunity they offer. ASA provided us with a detailed schedule of fun activities, including tours and workshops centered around Spanish culture. Because of this, I was able to visit Park Güell for free, take part in a Flamenco workshop, and even travel to Seville with travel expenses covered. Don’t pass up these opportunities because they’re absolutely worth it, and you’ll make unforgettable memories by saying yes to as much as you can!
Pros
  • Rich history
  • Walkable city
  • So much to do/see
Cons
  • Pickpocketing
  • No dryers
  • Sunday closures
Ky
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My experience studying in Sevilla, Spain

In Spring of 2025, I studied abroad in Sevilla Spain with ASA Study Abroad. During my time abroad I took part of the jetsetter program where I was given tasks that helped me think deeper and be more reflective of my time abroad. During my time abroad I could not have had a better time. The host family I stayed with helped when it came immersing myself in their culture like cuisines, siesta, meal times, holidays, etc.

ASA provided a wonderful program which enhanced the experience through program events, kind-hearted people that were there for you every step of the way and proved a safe space. Truly am so lucky to have had such an amazing experience and encourage others to pursue study abroad. My one piece of advice would be to go beyond bars and coffee shops but attend local events that interest you and align with your hobbies. That is what I did and spent time playing fun board and deduction games with the locals.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
If you go anywhere abroad, specially during the spring, familiarize yourself with Nazarenos. Save yourself the mini heart attack I did because I only had the USA perspective of this isolated phenomenon that does not apply to other countries.
Pros
  • Great events
  • Lovely program directors
  • Great pairing with host families
Cons
  • Classes may intervene with events
  • You will spend a lot of money (prepare)
Kyle
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad in Seville, Spain

Studying abroad in Seville Spain was a very enjoyable four months for me. Spain is a country with a unique culture and Seville is a great city to go to experience this culture. The city is beautiful, clean, and the weather is very nice. Going abroad with ASA made the process of going abroad seamless, and participating in their jetsetter program allowed me to reflect on my experiences and make the most out of my time in Seville. The University that I attended while I was there, UPO, had a great class selection and offered several classes that I could count toward my major at my home institution. This was another thing that made it so feasible for myself to go abroad. If you are thinking about going abroad just know that it is very possible, and Seville is a great city to study in.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice would be to not have a strict itinerary when you go on weekend trips. Obviously, know when your flight is and where you are going to stay, but when you are in a different city dedicate time to not having plans, because in my opinion those are the times when you have the most fun.
Pros
  • Good/Cheap Food
  • Nice Weather
  • Walkable City
Cons
  • UPO is kind of far, not bad though.

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I was encouraged by the University of South Carolina's study abroad office and the School of Journalism and Mass Communications to choose ASA and study at Griffith College in Dublin, Ireland.

A benefit of this program and college was the ability to take my major-related courses abroad, rather than saving general education courses. Another deciding factor to choose ASA was the included excursions.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

Academic Studies Abroad provided airport pick-up, an on-site director, medical insurance, visa advising, pre-departure handbooks and orientations, pre-approved academic credits and financial aid assistance. The staff at ASA was there every step of the process and were quick to respond to questions at all hours of the day! You do have to organize your own flight information, however.

Although I met with my USC advisor and got courses approved, students do not register or schedule classes until arrival at Griffith College, so those are subject to change. Griffith College provided residence-hall living arrangements; meals were not provided, but a shared kitchen is.

Back at my home university, the University of South Carolina, the study abroad office provided a Pre-Departure orientation of their own to ensure that we as students were prepared and had all necessary documents filed.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

You think you can, but you cannot do everything. I figured four months in a different country would be enough time to try every restaurant, every cafe, every night-life scene, EVERYTHING - I was wrong. I, ironically, found comfort in being a "regular" at places; I started to appreciate the familiarity compared to the need for new.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Classes offered at Griffith College were typically 1.5 hours - 3 hours and often held 1-2 times a week, Monday through Friday. Most classes had discussion periods that were mandatory and reduced the size of the class to further think or ask questions about the lesson lectured on.

When we were not in class, we were visiting tourist attractions, trying new restaurants, grocery shopping or running errands for upcoming trips.

Every other weekend or so we would have an excursion, led by our on-site director, to another city (Howth, Wicklow, Galway, Cork, etc.) in Ireland. Some were personally directed by our on-site director (a local from Dublin!) while others were organized tours or buses, paid by our initial program fee.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

Compared to other study abroad destinations, I did not experience a culture shock and did not face the obstacle of a language barrier. I was not fearful of the foreign country I would call home, but rather, who I would be sharing and spending time with in the program. I was concerned about forming friendships, considering I had traveled solo, not knowing anyone in the program prior.

ASA already organized and established times/events/meals that gave students the opportunity to socialize and get to know each other beginning the first day. I think the biggest realization for me was that students that choose to study abroad tend to have similar personalities, motivations and goals - whether it be personal or professional. I had to remind myself that it wasn't only me who was nervous or clueless; we were all experiencing the same emotions and feelings. I am forever thankful for the other students in my spring 2018 program; the hall community immediately bonded us from celebrating birthdays to cooking meals together to sharing clothes -- to traveling the world!

What's your advice to other abroad students?

1. Meet people from the country! While I attended Griffith College, I met a few other international students here or there but did not form any close bonds or relationships with Irish students. Looking back, that is something I feel like I perhaps missed out on.
2. Even though you FINALLY learned the public transportation system, when you can - walk! Some of my favorite cafes or events around the city were ones we stumbled upon by chance. And NEVER stop taking photos - you're allowed to still be a tourist!
3. Try your best to budget - I found it useful to grocery shop and cook meals with my roommates during the week so that we could treat ourselves by eating out on weekends! Always look for promotional deals or specials!