I really loved my experience with Worldstrides in Cusco. The program staff was incredibly knowledgable about the topic material, and also very helpful with local things to do and get involved with. I really loved my classes and also the location in Cusco, where there was so much to do, especially as someone who loves hiking, being outside, and traveling. My professors were also really engaging and clearly really interested in the class material and enjoyed teaching us. Overall, I could not have asked for a program which better fit my own interests and created such a positive atmosphere.
What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I had fish eggs for the first time, which I had never had before! Cuy is also sold in Cusco (Gunea pig), but I don't eat meat.
This was an amazing and rewarding experience. Traveling to Buenos Aires never really felt like an option to me before and this program offered me the opportunity to go somewhere new, experience a unique culture, and learn about the language. The class was intense, and it didn’t always feel fun, but the professor was incredible in her support and belief in us. Additionally, outside of class there was much to do and see with friends from the program or by myself. I felt safe, could navigate easily, and knew that I had a support system in my host family and program leaders and classmates.
I had the most amazing experience studying abroad in Sydney. I specifically went to UNSW, which is super close to the beach. I was able to make best friends that I'll cherish forever, and together we made such amazing memories like surfing, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, and travelling to different parts of Australia, and even New Zealand! I'm so grateful for everything this experience brought me; I made lifelong friends, but also grew so much as a person and connected a lot with myself!! :)
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Even though it might be nerve-wracking at first to do it alone, be proud of putting yourself out there! In no time, you will make amazing friends and memories, and hopefully fall in love with Australia like I did :) Make the most out of your experience and say yes to all the activities you can.
Pros
Made amazing friends that I still keep in contact with
The university I went to (UNSW) had super fun events, very often
The activities, like surfing, planned by WorldStrides were such good experiences!
Studying abroad in Seville, Spain at the Universidad Pablo de Olavide was the absolute best decision of my life. If I had to sum up my experience, I truly feel like I lived five different lives in just one semester.
From day one, the program opened doors to experiences I never thought possible. I was able to fully embrace the vibrant Spanish culture, watch breathtaking flamenco shows right in Seville, taste amazing food, and meet some of the most incredible people.
My classes at Pablo de Olavide were challenging, but incredibly rewarding. One of the absolute best perks of the schedule was having no classes on Fridays. That three-day weekend gave my friends and me the freedom to book a flight on a whim, explore six different countries, and immerse ourselves in entirely different cultures. Traveling the world with your friends is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Because of that flexibility, my memories feel endless:
- Riding camels through the Sahara Desert
- Exploring street markets in London
- Eating authentic pasta in Rome
- Creating a bond with a group of girls that I know I will have with me for the rest of my life
I tasted unforgettable food, grew so much, and created memories that will last forever. If you want a program that challenges you academically while giving you the ultimate freedom to explore the world, this is it. It is an unforgettable experience that stays with you long after you fly home!
What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking moment for me was when I went cliff jumping with my friends along the coast of Mallorca. We were in the most beautiful place surrounded by crystal blue waters as we all held hands and decided to jump off of a cliff 20ft. down into the clear water. I was nervous, but it felt SO freeing. I don't regret it one bit. I am actually proud of myself for getting out of my comfort zone. This ended up being one of my favorite memories.
Pros
Traveling was more affordable through budget airlines when already in Europe. Got to experience six different countries!!
Made an International friend group.
Tried so much amazing food!
What other participants should know
The university was a bit out of the central city so the commute was around 30 minutes by metro. But it was cool to meet local students!
The homestay food can be hit or miss. Just communicate your wants and needs.
I loved this trip because it connected me with people from all over the world, and now I have friends in so many different places. I also took a traditional Korean fan dancing class while I was there. It was so interesting to learn a dance from a different culture and perform it for people. I was a bit intimidated by the train system when I first got there, but I got the hang of it very quickly. Trying new food was another intimidating but great experience. I found some of my new favorite dishes in Seoul. Overall, I had such an amazing experience, and I would 100% do it again.
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice is not to underestimate how hot Seoul is in the summertime. Pack the right clothes for the weather, and invest in a hand fan 100%.
Pros
New Friends
New Food
Affordable
What other participants should know
Very hot
It was somewhat difficult to find food that wasn't spicy
Studying abroad in Athens with worldstrides was such a great choice! The staff was great and put on very good events that most of the students went to. They house you with location in the US in mind so I ended up living with and making many friends from around me back home. Athens itself was also a great choice and Greece was my favorite country I’ve been to in Europe. There’s tons of cool places to go to in Greece including islands and places on the mainland. Some of the adventures we did included going to the mountains to a winery for a tour and a trip to Crete. All of the events are very organized and well planned out but also allow you some free time to do whatever you want.
What was your funniest moment?
Generally just being around the friends I made there
I will forever be chasing the high that was studying abroad!!
Sep 17, 2026
Studying abroad in Barcelona through WorldStrides was one of the most meaningful experiences of my college experience. Spending a semester in Spain gave me the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, immerse myself in a new culture, and grow both personally and academically.
One of my favorite parts of the experience was being able to practice Spanish in everyday situations and learn from the people and culture around me. Living in a different country challenged me to become more independent, adaptable, and open-minded. I gained a greater appreciation for perspectives different from my own and developed a confidence that I know I will carry with me long after returning home.
WorldStrides provided an opportunity to experience Barcelona beyond what I could have learned in a classroom. From exploring the city to building relationships and navigating new experiences, every part of the program contributed to my growth.
I would highly recommend WorldStrides to anyone considering studying abroad. It is an experience that pushes you to learn, explore, and discover more about yourself while creating memories that last a lifetime. I'm incredibly grateful for my time in Barcelona and the impact it has had on my personal and academic journey.
What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I ate a slow-roasted baby pig out of a local's kitchen in a VERY small town outside of Madrid. But it was the best meat I've ever tasted in my life!
I had an absolutely wonderful experience studying abroad in South Korea for the summer of 2026. I highly recommend it to students looking to explore a completely new way of life, including meals, transportation, language, history, and so much more. My favorite part of the trip was traveling to Jeju Island or Busan for the weekend. My friends and I made so many memories playing on the beach, exploring new cities, eating delicious meals, and doing all the fun touristy things along with traditional activities locals did!
What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
The unfamiliar thing I ate while in South Korea was a type of shellfish that I wish I could remember the name of! It was charred and reminded me of a scallop, but on a much larger scale, and it was quite delicious!
My experience in Korea was a great opportunity to learn about Korean history and culture while experiencing it firsthand. One of the highlights was visiting the National Museum of Korea, where I was able to learn about Korea’s history and see artifacts that I had previously only encountered through books or online. I also enjoyed spending time with other participants and learning about their perspectives and experiences.
What made the experience unique was being able to combine cultural learning with real experiences outside of a classroom setting. I would recommend future participants take the opportunity to explore, ask questions, and engage with the local culture rather than simply observing. I would also suggest coming with an open mind, since some of the most memorable parts of the experience came from unexpected conversations and experiences along the way. Overall, the program helped me develop a deeper appreciation for Korean culture and gave me memories that I will carry with me beyond the program.
My study abroad experience was both challenging, and immensely rewarding. I met fantastic people and got access to unique opportunities I never would've dreamed of. I competed in a 24 hour long backpacking competition, I learned how to perform the Haka, and I connected with locals. Coming out of my experience, I feel like a more well rounded psychologist and person as a whole. Putting myself out there in a new country, town and community made me more open to jumping at opportunities and connecting with others. I would 100% do it all over again.
What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I was on my second ever backpacking trip with some new friends I had made a couple weeks before, and we were completing a very challenging hike up to our hut for the night. They were unaware at the time that I had an immense fear of heights, and a few of the scrambles that we had to do with our very heavy packs on were essentially clinging to roots and rocks off the side of a cliff. I made it through them using breathing techniques, however, coming off the scariest parts, I approached my friends and told them what Id felt. They sympathised with me and told me that I could lead our pack so that I could set the pace, and that I could let them know if I needed help at any time. I felt so supported and it really brought us closer together.
