Program Reviews

Last winter my child came to me proposing that instead of a traditional post graduation senior week at the beach she would like do do an educational tour abroad. She and a friend did their own research and felt that World Class Programs offered an option that seemed to be the perfect balance of education and tourism, free time and structure. We read reviews online like this one and since the organization is relatively new, we called and spoke with the director as well before applying. From the beginning of our interactions with the staff of the program we got the sense that their passion is planning the perfect travel experiences for students (rather than making a profit), and they have been top notch in terms of responsiveness and communication. As a parent I especially liked that we had a parent/child Zoom planning meeting before the trip, and during the trip the Director sent us detailed updates as to what the group was up to. My daughter checked in frequently and was just loving everything about the trip every time she called or texted. I wanted to take the time to write a review so that future parents researching programs can hear about our experience and have confidence in this newer organization.

I had only a few things on my bucket list for this trip (watch the 1am sparkle of the Eiffel tower, have crepes from a crepe stand, see the works in the Louvre, do some shopping, and walk along the seine like mamma mia) and as I look back on it I can say that I truly accomplished everything on it and much more. I came into this program thinking it would be like other programs, overly chaperoned, too structured, and little to no free time. I was very pleasantly surprised when I arrived and I got much more free time than anticipated and when I was in class or with the group I was always learning something while also very much enjoying my time here. The trip was well timed and I never felt like we were too busy or had to little to do. The classes that we took were relaxed while also helping us learn about culture in paris. The program staff were flexible when we wanted free time or if we wanted to learn something different in our classes! I would definitely recommend this program to someone who is looking to get into studying abroad before college and it would be good for anyone no matter how comfortable they are with traveling. I came with a friend which helped me get to know people but there were others who came not knowing anyone and we all became friends quickly and will remain friends even after the trip!

After taking a few years of French in high school, I was excited to visit Paris for the first time. World Class Programs gave us a trip that had everything we wanted to do and more. There was a perfect balance between structured activities (exploring downtown, walking to Notre Dame, visiting Versailles, going up the Eiffel Tower) and down time to explore the city on our own. I was able to practice and grow my French skills while learning life skills of living in a shared apartment and navigating a new city. I highly recommend this program as a great way to meet new friends and travel!

World Class Program’s Paris trip was wonderful. There is ample opportunity to explore as much of Paris as you wish, while still learning a lot. They supply ample support to make sure you don’t experience any issues. Emersion and language education takes a hit due to the tourist nature of Paris, however there are excursions that allow you to find yourself in more rural areas.However if you wish, the staff is open to suggestions of locations to go. As an example, they were very happy to bring the group to the house of my favorite author (Alexandre Dumas) just outside of Paris due to my request. The program covers nearly everything you could want during life abroad including hotel rooms, train and attraction tickets, and food. Additionally, the staff was very kind and helpful. Easily one of the best times of my life.

This is my second trip with this company. The staff are super helpful if you need accommodations or help with anything. There are a variety of classes and the teachers know the subjects, they are personalized and the teachers take suggestions to incorporate into class. There were a lot of activities outside of class and we got to go to different places. The staff are always concerned about safety but still having fun. It is a great way to experience dorm life before college. I defiantly plan on doing it again.

My daughter was part of the Florence 2021 crew and what an experience it was! I was elated to find World Class Programs online and learn about their real world learning process. My daughter "majored" in Italian and met with her teacher each morning at a local café. They spent their time conversing, shopping, and experiencing Italian culture all while growing and broadening her Italian language skills. She loved her teacher and the time they spent together. She minored in philosophy (which she also greatly enjoyed) and the entire group also had the opportunity to explore Tuscan cuisine cooking several times a week (I'm still jealous).
In their down time (and there's a great balance of "class"/free time) the group was able to explore Florence and experience the beautiful city as a local. They also spent their weekends traveling as a group - and I know that the trips were a highlight for my daughter (I mean who wouldn't love Cinque Terre?).
I would be remiss if I didn't mention Derek and his team. Derek walked the perfect line of being fun/entertaining while also instilling appropriate guardrails and rules for the group. I felt completely confident in his judgment and was thrilled with his communication before and during the trip.
Overall, it was an amazing experience and I can't thank World Class Programs enough for the amazing summer!

My daughter went on this trip in 2021 to Italy and I could not possibly feel better about recommending this program! There was an excellent combination of education and leisure, and I felt extremely comfortable about her health and safety with the staff members who were with her. They were able to see so many amazing things and the value for what we paid was unparalleled. Could not be more thrilled with this program and will be sending two kids with them next summer! Thank you to Derek and the staff for an amazing experience.

I am a parent of a program participant. My daughter has been home for a little over a week and has not stopped talking about her experience. We had hoped she would have the chance to assert her independence, have a chance to meet some potential friends with a variety of interests and opinions as well as experience a taste of a different culture. Our hopes were spectacularly exceeded. At first, the program may look a bit pricey, but almost everything is included once you are in the host country, including many unique learning opportunities. This is an incredible program and worth every penny.

What a great experience. The staff was world class. The program allowed the students to immerse in the Italian culture. They got to see many parts of Italy. Plus, learn about the country and food. Each student picks two areas to study. This allows them to learn more details about Italy that they want to focus. Being a parent, safety was at the top of my list. The staff answered all safety questions. Plus, the staff has been to Italy many times, so they know what to expect. It helped that they have a person from Italy to help with the program. This was the best experience.

I would definitely consider myself an adventurous person. I love venturing outside of my comfort zone and meeting new people. Being completely candid, the weeks leading up to the program were nerve racking. Good nerves, obviously, but this was the first time I was really genuinely nervous to do something I enjoyed so much; adventuring. Within the first 24 hours, I realized that these nerves were most certainly unwarranted. I was welcomed with open arms not just by staff, but by the students as well. We all instantaneously connected, and I was so excited to start this new journey with all of them. I came on the trip with my main intention being to improve my Italian skills. Not only do I feel 10 times more confident in my Italian, but I've walked away having learned so many lessons. In addition to basically becoming a pro at walking a minimum of 5 miles a day, I've eaten some of the best meals of my life, seen the most breathtaking churches and museums (and I'm not a museum or church person!) and created long lasting friendships with people all across the country. Alluding to the title of my review, I can indeed confirm that I did have the adventure of a lifetime. I was able to not only explore one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but live there for 3 weeks. Whenever my roommates and I were out, we would constantly say, "I want to go home." Not home as in our actual homes back across the ocean, but our "home" in Florence. Some of my best memories were spent in that city, and as I am currently writing this in Rome, I really truly can say that I am "homesick." One of the main takeaways from this trip is also the feeling of having a second family. For 3 weeks, I went from living with 10 strangers, to living with a crazy, caring, energetic, and amazing family. Throughout all the ups and downs, we all had one another's backs, every step of the way. I couldn't be anymore thankful to Derek, Catherine, and World Class Programs for giving me an experience I truly will never forget. As Derek said at the very beginning of the program, "I hope this will be the trip that you tell your kids, and grandkids about," and I truly can't wait for the day I get to do so.