Program Reviews

Sol Education abroad is a unique program because it offers complete Spanish language immersion and cultural immersion. When I arrived at my host family's home, I had to speak Spanish to communicate with them and my classes were in the Spanish language as well. One of my main goals was to become fluent in Spanish and I can proudly say that I have reached that goal! The staff was very helpful throughout the whole process and even went out of their way to inform us of local events going on and volunteer opportunities as well. They were very easy to get a hold of with any questions and when I needed to visit the doctor they helped me through that whole process. The program offers a variety of cultural events that are included in the program and the classes are wonderful and small, so they are very student-focused. There are also opportunities to take classes with locals. I took a French class my second semester with locals and it was a very rewarding experience. I found that the location was perfect, being a small city full of some of the richest culture in all of Mexico. The people of Oaxaca are some of the sweetest people you will meet and it is very easy to make friends with them. I met some of the best friends I have now during my 9 months in Oaxaca. I volunteered in tutoring in English and also in ministry and my days were full of adventure and getting to know more and more about the different people in Oaxaca. Oaxaca is rich in indigenous culture and I got to visit and serve in various villages during my time there and learn about their traditions and languages. I had the opportunity to travel to Queretaro, Mexico City, Acapulco, Puerto Escondido, and various other villages and locations within Oaxaca. Traveling in Oaxaca is very simple and considerably cheap. The food as well is cheap and easily accessible and absolutely delicious! Oaxaca is a very safe place, I never once felt endangered, even when I was traveling. Everything is within walking distance or a taxi ride if you want to go further away to visit other locations in Oaxaca. The host family was my Oaxacan family while I was there! They served me some of the most delicious traditional Oaxacan food and I had such a great time getting to know them and playing with their kids. The difficulties I encountered were culture shock during the first two weeks I was there and I got sick and had to visit the doctor a few times. When I was sick I was provided with everything that I needed and I recuperated quickly. Overall, this experience opened my eyes to so many possibilities and a new perspective on life. It reignited my passion to study foreign languages and cultures and completely transformed my future including my degree. I grew so much as a person, as a global citizen, as a woman, and professionally as well. I acquired skills that will be valuable in all of my future jobs and in future situations. In fact, I got a job right when I got back as a Spanish-speaking customer service representative at a company that sells phone services. The job was offered to me before I applied and there are a variety of other doors that have been opened to me through this experience. Sol Education abroad provided me with a life-transforming experience all within reach of a college student that completely supports them self at a cost that was actually cheaper than attending my home university! I have no complaints at all, it was everything I expected and a whole lot more! I definitely have been recommending Sol Education Abroad to all the college students I know and I will be a Student Ambassador this school year as well! I don't want anyone to miss out on the chance to study abroad with full Spanish immersion if they are wanting to do it, because with Sol there is nothing holding you back!

Before studying abroad, I did my research. I wanted a program that offered a true language and cultural immersion experience all at an affordable price. SOL Education - Oaxaca exceeded my expectations and more.

Pre-departure, SOL was very helpful in choosing my program length and classes. If I had any questions, they were always reachable by phone or email. The course descriptions they provided made it easy for me to receive college credit through the program as well.

Living with a host family really enhanced my experience. My host mom was very helpful, always packing lunches and making sure I was comfortable in her home. It was great to have a Spanish speaker around to practice 24/7.

The excursions and cultural activities were by far my favorite part. Included in the program fees were transportation/lodging to some of the most beautiful locations in Oaxaca, including Hierve el Agua and Puerto Escondido. The hike trailing and surfing lessons were perfect for any nature lover.

The cultural activities in Oaxaca included dance lessons, cooking classes, and tours of local museums. Since I traveled in July, I also got to experience Guelaguetza, an indigenous cultural event of traditional dancing and parades. It was a great experience to see the whole city celebrating for the entire month!

More than anything, I loved the opportunity to practice my Spanish and build lasting relationships on the trip. After returning home, I definitely have more confidence in my speaking abilities. I made great friends with the locals, my classmates, and even the directors as well.

I strongly recommend this program to anyone is looking for a quality immersion program. SOL helps you step out of your comfort zone all while creating a great support system in the process.

Sol Education Abroad is a wonderful company! I really enjoyed my directions in Costa rica. They were very knowledgeable about the area and what types of things there were to do. They were also very helpful with any questions I had.

Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful countries ever! I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves nature and relaxing.

I learned a lot in my course. My grammar improved, and I learn a lot about the culture. My professors were really interesting, and they enjoy was they do.

We had tons of opportunities to interact with the locals. W played soccer with ticos, and we played games with kids. We danced with some senior citizens, and I helped plant a fruit tree on campus.

My most memorable experience was finally seeing a sea turtle. My friends and I planned a trip to the northern part of Limon (the Caribbean side of Costa Rica). During July, the turtles nest on the beaches. I never knew how big sea turtles were, but now I have had the ability to meet one up close and personal. It was a ton of fun!

Sol is perfect for anyone who is looking to explore a Spanish-speaking country as well as make new friends along the way. I highly recommend it!

SOL was the most life-changing six weeks of my life! It has helped me love spanish so much more. It is the best study abroad program I could find and it has proven to be true! I wouldn't have wanted to spend my summer doing anything other than studying in Heredia, Costa Rica with SOL!

I studied at two universities; at the UABJO I studied alongside other American students and at the Mesoamericana I was the only American in otherwise-Mexican classrooms. My classes with locals were the most challenging because the teachers kept the class moving at a pace appropriate for the whole class, whether I understood all the information or not. The Meso did not have much experience with international students. So, my Spanish was good going in but came out even better because I was forced to communicate with university classmates and administration who knew little to no English. The challenges I encountered inspired and strengthened me and I thoroughly enjoyed the academics of this experience.

My site director in Oaxaca always responded promptly to my questions and concerns. She lives in Oaxaca and is available by phone, email, or can meet with you in person. When I came to her about academic problems with the Meso, she accompanied me for emotional support when I met with my teacher outside of class. My director helped explain the situation and propose solutions. Together, the three of us resolved the matter quickly and effectively. My director is bilingual in Spanish and English but often gave me the option to resolve my own problems because she knew I spoke Spanish and that I had come to practice it. I really appreciated that. If I was ever uncomfortable, though, she was happy to step in. My director organized fun group activities but wasn't overbearing. She gave us lots of opportunity to explore independently and I enjoyed that.

Sol was the most cost-efficient program my university had to offer, but no amount of quality was sacrificed. The academics were excellently challenging and engaging and the university administration was very attentive. Outside the classroom, I loved the cultural activities Sol arranged for us. These included dance classes, a beach trip, museum tours, and craft workshops. This was a great way to experience Mexican culture and bond with the other students in my group. At my host family home, I felt completely integrated. After a long day of classes or group activities I liked coming home to speak Spanish with my host mom over meals in a way that felt natural and non-threatening compared to a classroom. On weeknights and weekends I would go out with Oaxacan friends I'd made at school. My study abroad experience felt well-rounded and balanced nicely between academic and social components.

I always knew that Study Abroad was a must for me. I'm so grateful that my school uses Sol as their Spanish abroad program because I truly believe it is one of the best out there. Whenever we talked to students from other programs it made me feel a little luckier. The program is cheaper than most, so maybe you don't get to travel to Rome for a weekend, but you do get to do so many important cultural activities right there in Spain, like food tasting, flamenco, Arabic baths, horseback riding, bike riding...you even get to go the movies.

My host family was amazing, especially my mom. She was a wonderful cook but really so much more. Helpful, loving, supportive, understanding. I don't know what I would've done without her.

In terms of the social life, it is harder to immerse yourself outside of the group of Americans, but not impossible. Intercambios can help a lot with this. I got lucky because my host brother took my roommate and I out so he showed us popular bars and clubs. If you want to be immersed and really meet/be surrounded by Spaniards, break away from that big group of Americans and go somewhere other than Paddy's and Chupiteria. You won't regret it.

I spent an incredible semester studying abroad in Buenos Aires through SOL Education Abroad. My time abroad was certainly the greatest adventure of my life thus far and I know that SOL played a huge role in shaping such a positive, life-changing experience. Not only is SOL the most cost-effective program that offers the most cultural activities, it also provides fantastic personal attention and care that you can't get with any other group. The director Raul is truly one of the greatest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He really cares about all of the students, provides constant support, and ensures that your time in Buenos Aires will be very special. I promise that you will love your time in Argentina with SOL- I could not recommend this program more whole heartedly! Truly the best experience of my life thus far.

While my daughter was studying in B.A. I had the opportunity to visit her there and had a wonderful time. I was able to meet her adviser, Raul, and host Mom, as well as some of her classmates / friends. It was wonderful for me to see her using her Spanish language first hand. She was not only my interpreter, but my financial adviser for this trip as I have no Spanish training or knowledge of Paso use. I would recommend it for other parents as this will give you something in common to remember as they grow and move on in life, that experience / connection you will have is priceless.
I also had good communication with SOL itself as any time I called the main office I was welcomed to talk / ask questions without feeling rushed.
All of the staff were wonderful to deal with and compassionate (to me) for having a student leave home for this type of adventure (for the first time)......
Thanks for understanding it from a parents point of view.

I loved my time in Granada! Walking to school and seeing all the beautiful buildings, flowers, and even the graffiti was something I will never forget. I was timid at first staying with a host family, especially since my host mom didn't speak English and my Spanish was awful but Carmen was very patient and incredibly kind and I loved it! The cultural and excursions were amazing since they allowed me to learn a vast amount about Spanish history and culture as well as see and experience things I may not have known to do on my own. Our directors were very knowledgable, helpful, and personable and I love them! My classes were amazing as well; they seemed easy at first but I realized that I really was learning a lot and able to apply my studies in my daily life there. I also adored my teachers, they made learning fun and were very patient and good at explaining things. The nightlife was amazing also and I had do much fun going to discotecas and watching street shows. My only regret is that I didn't take advantage of the exchange programs to meet a student from Spain; I didn't make many Spanish friends. My biggest regret though is that I was only therefor one month! I miss it so much and can't wait to go back!

I randomly stumbled upon Sol online, as my University does not promote this particular program. I am so blessed that I did because overall I was extremely impressed. I would highly recommend the Sol Education Abroad program to anyone. The communication between the program administration and myself before, during, and after the program was very useful as I felt very prepared and comfortable. The activities the program planned helped me to immerse myself into the culture very well and learn all kinds of things. I do wish though when we were within our group that we were forced to speak Spanish to each other more. A lot more english was conversed than I expected, but overall I was satisfied with my learning of Spanish. I had the time of my life and grew so much as a person. I made lifelong friends that I will cherish dearly! Please give Sol a shot as you get so much for your money! :)