WorldStrides Reviews

This trip was everything. I was pushed outside of my comfort zone constantly while knowing that I was supported and safe. Our directors were readily available and truly wanted to make the experience the best possible for each one of us. Any problems were handled swiftly, calmly, and remarkably. They worked hard to plan fun trips for the group to bond, adventure, and learn. Classes were intellectually challenging yet rewarding and a great opportunity to make Greek friends. (Some were quite boring like any class can be, and still a good opportunity to make friends!) In terms of living situations, dorming with seven other people was challenging and thankfully my roommates worked hard to create a fulfilling dynamic. We bonded over our fears, goals, and desire for adventure. I always felt safe and or had resources to get safe quickly allowing me to explore the neighborhood and Athens. Every day was a chance to explore my new environment and in turn, myself. I am so thankful and will remember my time in Greece forever :) Highly highly recommend.

It is cliche to say, but I had the most immersive, life-changing experience when studying abroad with ISA at the University of Westminster in London. For one, the city is a melting pot of various languages, cultures, customs, history, etc. I learned so much just by walking through the streets of London and getting out of my comfort bubble. ISA did awesome helping with any questions I had pre-arrival and while I was in London. There were many different excursions and trips planned within the city and in other surrounding cities in England. However, there was still plenty of time for me to independently explore the city with some friends that I met while doing the program. I love London and am so thankful that I chose ISA to lead me through this experience.

Milan was an amazing experience. I cannot talk highly enough about my time there and the program through ISA. The opportunity to attend an amazing university in Milan allowed me to create lasting relationships with other international students and professors. I had the ability to further my abilities in the Italian language and experience the culture first hand that Italy has to offer. There was lots of support from ISA staff if needed as well as independence to navigate a new city and explore.

Excursions and housing was amazing but there was not much language and culture immersion. I felt like all events were coordinated with other Americans and we rarely got to interact and learn with locals. The grading and attendance system was also not lenient or understanding at all and some of the professors were biased towards Americans. It was a fun experience that I would recommended but I did not learn as much culture and language that I hope for even when I was trying to make an effort in immersion.

Choosing to study abroad was the best decision I ever made. I truly believe this is something everyone should do! TEAN made this experience unforgettable for me; we traveled to the Great Barrier Reef, explored our host cities and had an incredible team of people supporting us the whole time. If I ever needed help with anything or wanted a recommendation for a great restaurant, my advisor was super nice and always helpful! You will not regret choosing to embark on a journey like this and TEAN is a great organization to do it with!

I fell in love with Australia the second I touched down in the Airport. I could literally feel the Aussie vibe just in that airport, everyone was so happy and nice and helpful, it was such a noticeable change in pace. I am so obsessed with the lifestyle of Australia, especially the Gold Coast that I fully plan on moving back there post-grad, not a day goes by I don't think about it. I created the most amazing life day-to-day there, from sunrise beach walks, to the farmers market, to going out for food and drinks at restaurants right alongside the water, it was perfect. If you like to live an outdoorsy, fit, happy, and healthy life, would highly recommend the Gold Coast! I could not have asked for a better experience.

My experience studying abroad in Salamanca, Spain was one of the most life-changing and formative experiences of my life. Studying at one of the oldest universities in the world was definitely an amazing experience, but this program provides so much more than that. Onsight staff provide excellent support and opportunities to travel around Spain and beyond. The city is the perfect medium-sized city (I think it's great for people who are not accustomed to city living). The nightlife and cafe culture offer limitless opportunities for social engagement. I also found professional outlets that have helped me apply for graduate school, such as volunteer English second language teaching at a local school. Salamanca is the perfect place for students who might feel like other metropolitan areas aren't the right fit. My experience abroad is something that I can positively say will stay with me for the rest of my life!

I spent July in Seoul, South Korea and my experience was like no other I've had before. I met so many lovely locals and other foreign study-abroad students. One of the most interesting aspects of studying at an international school was meeting students from places I know little about and learning from them about their cultures.

There were times when our groups of foreign students attracted unwanted attention from locals in forms such as subtle picture-taking. While this was an issue a few times, it was understandable given the diversity differences between South Korea and our primarily American groups. Overall, everyone we met was super nice and accommodating to us.

I found that knowing a bit of Korean was helpful for getting around and having small conversational exchanges but it's not necessary. The classes are in English and there is lots of help from the program to get students set on the right path.

I loved the course I took which taught me more about Korean culture and wasn't too difficult, which I appreciated for a summer course. The TEAN program and HISS also set up activities and trips that helped to submerge us in the culture. These were wonderful and ensured that even if we struggled to plan our own excursions, there was something guaranteeing we got out.

I never experienced culture shock or became homesick but many students did experience this. I would advise doing research before arriving in Korea to better understand cultural differences. It helped prepare me for my arrival and softened the effect of cultural differences. This is also important for people who aren't sure if they'll feel comfortable in the culture. Looking into the cultural differences (ie. loud speaking) can help choose the best fit for places to spend more extensive periods of time.

I (uncharacteristically) did not put a lot of forethought into my decision to study abroad at Stirling University, but on that random late December night it just felt like applying for this program was what I needed to do. And—as it turned out— I really did need this experience. Everything from my incredible new friends, the field trip to see Pictish cave carvings, and the flexibility of the program that allowed me to be able to join in on folk music open sessions in pubs all around the country was exactly what I needed in my life, and I will be talking about those memories for the rest of my life.

This experience was one of the best I have ever had. I went on this trip completely alone, not sure what to expect. I was nervous but filled with excitement. Upon my arrival, I was picked up by my host family at the ISA building. My first impression was that they were very kind, but I was nervous so we did not speak much at first. I was excited to be a part of a home stay, however my first weekend there, my family went on a trip, and I was alone. It was an interesting experience adjusting to a foreign country alone, but I managed. I do wish I had gotten closer with my family however.
I met the most incredibly people and made lifelong friends of both locals and other students in the program. The excursions were fun and educational, and the trips were well planned. My only regret is that I wish I would have stayed longer! Because of this program, I am going to be returning to Spain this summer for an internship in Madrid.