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WorldStrides

4.89 Rating
1232 reviews
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Why choose WorldStrides?

WorldStrides has connected university students with transformative experiences abroad for over 35 years, from semester study at partner universities in Spain, Australia, and South Korea, to internships, service-learning, and undergraduate research programs across 25+ countries. Each year, thousands of students travel with WorldStrides, supported by on-site staff, dedicated access and inclusion advising, and scholarships for underrepresented students. With a 4.9 rating across 1,000+ verified alumni reviews, our programs are among the highest-rated on GoOverseas.

Website
worldstrides.com
Founded
1987
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Frequently asked questions

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Community Photos

Duomo
London
Doing cartwheels in the Sahara of Morocco!
Oveerlooking Barcelona at Sunset
At Gyeongbokgung Palace
Cafe date with friends
seeing the opera house from the ferry!
Feria de Abril, Seville
London
Morocco
La Giralda, Seville
Worldstrides trip to Morocco!
Backpacking through a riverbed
snowy glacier view
Crest before Angelus Hut
View of the cityscape from my hostel

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Community Awards

  • Go Overseas Award
  • Go Overseas Award
  • Go Overseas Award
  • Go Overseas Award

Scholarships

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WorldStrides Impact Scholarship

This scholarship is offered for summer and semester programs and is intended for students with identities historically underserved in education abroad. This can include, but is not limited to, individuals who identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, Alaskan Native, American Indian, Native Hawaiian, LGBTQIA+, First-Generation College Students, U.S. Military Veterans, students with disabilities, and/or students at Minority-Serving Institutions.

Value
$2,500 - $5,000
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Diversity & Inclusion 💙

Our team is committed to providing exceptional support through identity-focused advising and resources for students, university partners, and staff. We have developed our Community and Impact Committee to help serve all students and stakeholders, particularly the needs of underrepresented student populations.
worldstrides.com
Our team is committed to providing exceptional support through identity-focused advising and resources for students, university partners, and staff. We have developed our Community and Impact Committee to help serve all students and stakeholders, particularly the needs of underrepresented student populations.
worldstrides.com
WorldStrides is devoted to facilitating quality programming to students with varying levels of neurodivergence. Our Health & Safety team is available to answer questions about insurance and medication, as well as provide students with materials on overseas access to support.
worldstrides.com
We are dedicated to facilitating quality programming to students with varying levels of accessibility. With our wide portfolio of program types and locations we’re confident there is a suitable and accessible program for each student. Accommodations abroad can be complex and take time, so those with accessibility needs should inform WorldStrides of any accommodations requests as early as possible in the advising process.
worldstrides.com

Impact 🌎

We have partnered with Fill it Forward to engage team members and program participants in waste reduction practices. The goal is to encourage the elimination of single-use waste. Every QR code scan shows the impact of reusable bottles and unlocks a donation to environmental impact groups.
worldstrides.com
WorldStrides, a global organization, is committed to educate and serve communities worldwide. Our commitment is fueled by the passion of our team members and partners to make experiential learning accessible, while also being socially, environmentally, and ethically responsible. Together, we accomplish this by investing in initiatives to promote inclusion, diversity, and sustainability.
worldstrides.com

Reviews

Regan
20
Female
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Study Abroad in Seville, Spain with WorldStrides

Seville Review

Oct 23, 2026

I absolutely loved this team! They made my experience so much more enjoyable and memorable. Everyone was so welcoming, kind, and full of positive energy. You could tell they were genuinely excited to be there, and their enthusiasm was contagious. We constantly fed off their energy, which made every moment even better. Each person brought something special to the group, and I loved getting to know them all. They made everyone feel included and supported. They truly cared about us, and I couldn't have asked for a better team!

What was your funniest moment?
On one of our excursions, we went to a winery. It was like a dream, so perfect. We laughed and tasted wine, and it was amazing. I will never forget it.
Pros
  • Fun
  • Amazing people
  • Beautiful
What other participants should know
  • Ask for help
  • It's okay to be afraid
  • Do as much as you can
Lauren
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Study Abroad in Sydney, Australia with WorldStrides

Abroad in Newcastle Australia

Oct 21, 2026

I spend last spring in Newcastle Australia which is only about 2 hours away from Sydney. This experience was life changing. As a Biochemistry major I was able to take many science classes and criminology classes. I was able to travel along the coast and even go to New Zealand which was amazing. WorldStrides was very supportive and introduced me to some amazing people in Australia. I was able to scuba dive, sail, and go sky diving along with many other great things. This experience allowed me to meet so many great people from many different places.

Shaina
Female
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Study Abroad in Milan, Italy with WorldStrides

A Semester in Milan I’ll Never Forget

Oct 8, 2026

Studying abroad in Milan was the best decision I’ve ever made. From living in a city and traveling almost every weekend to trying new foods and meeting new people, I made memories that I’ll never forget. I miss it every day.
Coming from a small town in New Jersey, I was nervous about navigating public transportation and adjusting to such a different environment. However, the support of the WorldStrides staff, professors, and my peers made the transition so much easier. Everyone wanted me to succeed, which helped me feel comfortable, gain confidence, and make the most of my time abroad.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Say yes to new experiences, but also give yourself time to rest! There is so much to do and see, and so many people to meet, but don’t wear yourself out trying to fit everything in.
Also, document everything! There’s no such thing as too many photos. I kept a journal and filled it with photos, receipts, wristbands, postcards, and other little keepsakes. It’s such a fun way to look back on the experience and remember the little moments.
Pros
  • rying new foods and learning about Italian culture.
  • Meeting new people and building friendships.
  • Easy and good priced travel opportunities.
What other participants should know
  • Exhaustion from balancing classes, travel, and social plans.
  • Language barriers in some everyday situations.
  • Extra costs for weekend trips, meals, and activities
London
Duomo
Vivian
Female
United States
4/5
No, I don't recommend this program
Program:
Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain with WorldStrides

Study Abroad in Barcelona

Oct 1, 2026

Barcelona was the best home base! My experience was unique because I was able to meet classmates from all over the world not just other Americans studying abroad or locals from BCN. I was able to travel to 10 different countries over the semester. My program also included a trip to Valencia which was such a great experience to have guided tours and learn more about the culture. Advice I would give future students is to talk to everyone and make connections. Say yes to everything! Some of the best memories are the ones planned last minute.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Wandering around the famous Mercat de la Boqueria was such a fun experience. I ended up trying Sea Urchin which is something I never even thought of eating.
Pros
  • Having 7 other roommates
  • Public Transportation System
  • Traveling on the weekends
What other participants should know
  • Did not get hardly any of my housing deposit back.
  • Struggled to make friends.
  • Did not like the school I went to (CETT)
Oveerlooking Barcelona at Sunset
Doing cartwheels in the Sahara of Morocco!
Sanette
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Study Abroad in Seoul, South Korea with WorldStrides

Loveeee

Oct 1, 2026

I absolutely loved my time in Seoul. It was an amazing experience and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I miss Asia everyday. My program directors were amazing and was always there when I needed something. We also had fun trips and activities to do. Even outside of the program there was always something going on in Seoul for you to go to free or paid. Seoul is a beautiful city full of rich culture. Everyone should come visit South Korea at least once in their life! The people here are so kind and welcoming!!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
What surprised me was how I was able to get around with little to no Korean. Since I didn’t take a Korean class I only knew some phrases and with a translator app and gestures I was able to communicate well with Koreans that didn’t speak English. So don’t feel discouraged if you’re not taking a Korean class or you only know a little I survived 4 months perfectly
Pros
  • Nice people
  • Transportation isn’t too hard once you get the hang of it it’s easy to get around
  • Extremely safe
What other participants should know
  • Get stares as a foreigner
  • Train ends at 12 so plan your nights accordingly
At Gyeongbokgung Palace
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Programs

Displaying 1 - 9 of 75

Alumni Interviews

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

Ream Elkawaga

Program
Study Abroad in Granada, Spain with WorldStrides
Isa worldstrides study in spain

Why did you choose this program?

I had never been abroad before, but because I really found the Spanish language interesting, I felt that the ISA program in Sevilla would be a fun experience to really push myself into a new environment. Additionally, I’m a pre-med student, and finding opportunities abroad is a bit difficult considering my course-load. But, the history course taught by ISA in Spain perfectly fit my schedule and counted for a core requirement. I was able to both get a class out of the way but also enjoy my time somewhere different and extremely beautiful.

 

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

My university helped me out with getting initial paperwork done like the submission of the essays and passport information, and then getting me in contact with ISA so I can complete their separate application. My university also offered advice on the best flights to take and ISA introduced me to StudentUniverse which gave me a discounted flight and had me in contact with an agent to book my flight. I ended up also getting in contact with fellow students on the same program through my university’s study abroad office. That helped me plan a group flight and really made the whole getting there and back experience much smoother. I thankfully had no need for a visa at the time, but I was still given adequate information and all I really needed to do was complete what the ISA application asked for in terms of passport documents, personal preferences (roommates, allergies, etc.), and enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in case of any emergencies abroad. ISA also offered me a lot of information on what to expect in terms of culture, how to stay safe, what was best to pack, and so on!
 
 

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

I’d tell them to take more pictures. It sounds silly, but I do recommend being able to really capture the moments there and more importantly your actual self there. It makes the memories really stick and is a wonderful souvenir to look back on.

Possibly bringing a camera just for pictures or making sure you have storage on your phone for videos and pictures would be perfect. Also don't be afraid to take selfies or ask someone to take a picture of you. You're going to love looking back at them the moment you return home.

 

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

Each day was honestly exciting and productive. For me, I’d start my day early, say around 6 or 7 am. I’d get ready, make myself breakfast or head outside to grab something by whatever cafe is open. Then I’d head to class which started I believe at 8-8:30 am. I’d have class for a few hours, then a break where I’d go out to lunch or we’d have an excursion planned. Then we’d have a few more hours of class, and sometimes another activity like dancing salsa or cooking paella. And then I’d be off to hang out with my friends, take a stroll around the city, shop for clothes, souvenirs, or groceries and just enjoy myself. Whenever an exam was coming up, everyone would be upstairs by the study area taking notes and reviewing. Otherwise, everything was very relaxed.
 
 

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

I was very scared of being somewhere new and even more scared of being alone somewhere new. My feelings overwhelmed me and mixed with homesickness, and I found that the only way for me to process those feelings was to journal. I wrote down how I felt, and then I began to think to myself that I came here because I wanted to enjoy myself and this new place. So, I put more effort into reaching out to my classmates there and eventually I got closer to them as we explored and navigated this new experience together. Soon enough, I had completely fallen in love with Sevilla and felt that the people I met there were a happy part of my life. Despite the distance and the fact that we may never meet again in those same circumstances, I look back fondly on my time there.
 
 

What’s something about your experience abroad that you didn’t expect but you ended up loving?

Something unique to Spain were all the orange and lemon trees on every street. I’d never seen fruit trees like that in the states, so I’d just loved walking through the streets in the early hours of the morning and afternoon and admiring all the colorful fruit. They made Sevilla feel so much cozier, and sometimes I wish I’d see trees like that back here too.

I also loved walking over to el Parque de María Luisa and feeding the birds, especially the ducks. They were beautiful and really helped relax me by just watching them.

 

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Allison Ferris

Program
Intern Abroad in New Zealand with WorldStrides
Job Title
Resident Director
Allison has lived in New Zealand for five years and has worked for ISA for over two years. She has lived in three of seven continents and dreams of visiting Antarctica in her lifetime.
Allison Ferris

What is your favorite travel memory?

If I had to choose from volumes of memories, I would say that my favourite (so far) would be the cherry blossom season in Korea. Coming from East Coast Canada, our summers are relatively short and we are known for excessive amounts of snow. So in Korea, when I saw all these cherry blossom trees that were chock full of blooms and drifted down with the wind like snow falling softly to the ground, I felt at peace with the choices I'd made, nostalgic for home and mesmerized by a beauty I'd never seen before.

I remember roaming the streets or the park near my apartment just absorbing the fragrance from the blooms or taking photos.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Running ISA's Bridging Cultures Programme opened my eyes to the rich heritage of Māori, the first people in New Zealand. Over many BCPs, I have had the privilege to better understand te Reo-Māori language, waiata-songs and the importance of whānau-family which is not necessarily limited to your relatives.

I also understand that my country has a lot of room for growth in incorporating our First Nations people's heritage and culture, beyond a day of recognition or a few keywords and/or phrases. No country is perfect; however, New Zealand has arguably done a remarkable job in acknowledging failures of the past, while fulfilling promises made to the people.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

I'll never forget the bundle of energy that is Josh; an enigmatic combination of intelligence and excitement that made for a very exciting semester. Josh came to NZ and brought his love of airplanes with him, so what was the very first thing he did when arriving in the country? He managed to get himself the best seat on the plane...the pilot's seat..on the AirNZ long-haul flight to Auckland. Although it was largely for a photo-op, as soon as I heard the story, I knew then I had someone special in my cohort. Josh would later go on to correctly identify the aircraft model based on the sound of the engine while in air.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

Hands down, I'd jump at the chance for the ISA Galway summer programme - Irish studies at the National U of Ireland. Not only would this satisfy my dream to get to Europe, but it would also be an opportunity to learn about my family's history in Ireland. Way back when, longer than I'd care to admit, I researched our family genealogy, and I would love to find our family crest that I discovered so many years ago.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

I came to New Zealand as an international student; although older than the students that sign up with our company, I still wish that I had ISA to help navigate some tricky things that came up and just to answer questions as I had them. I always communicate with our students that we are available when they need us and sometimes that is days or even weeks into their semester. I am very proud of how my team and I are available to students and we always ensure students' questions are put up the chain until we get them an answer.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

A successful company delivers on the promises they make; ISA offers students a quality experience in countries across the globe and employs on-site staff to maximize that experience. In order to deliver on those promises, a successful company must be comprised of people who are actively committed to the job they signed up for. Here in the Pacific, the on-site staff have extensive experience in education and/or studied abroad themselves. Knowledge combined with passion equals a standard of care for our students from pre-departure to arrival and success at their site.

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Kayte O'Malley
Resident Director and Service-Learning Coordinator Galway, Ireland