Program Reviews

It's safe to say that my semester abroad changed my life for the better. While I loved traveling to beautiful countries, seeing amazing monuments, and learning about Roman history, my favorite part about studying abroad was the community I made. Everyone was so different in background, religious views, political views, etc. I was amazed how such a diverse group of people were about to get along so well. We challenged each other and supported each other. I learned many valuable life lessons from my peers and my RCs. I learned how to be more open-minded towards people, to be curious and not certain. I learned the importance of culture and how to truly listen to someone's story, Most importantly, I learned the goodness of God through my friends because they loved me unconditionally.

Every day I am so blessed to look back on such an incredible experience. I am so glad I took a leap of faith and went abroad because it has truly changed me as a person and the trajectory of my life from here on out. I never realized how much of a passion I had for other countries , especially Europe, and how valuable their culture has grown to be to me as well a their history. Walking in a city that seems to be stuck in time with many ancient cites still standing is a surreal experience. I loved having to adapt to the culture and learning their ways of life. It has made me me more appreciative of other cultures and has urged me to become more independent.

This experience has been so impactful towards my independence and cultural understanding. I also got the opportunity to see a whole new worldview. I met life long friends who changed my life for the better through this amazing experience. I would say one of the highlights of my semester was experiencing historical monuments and the prettiest churches with my peers. Before I went abroad I had never flown alone so this was a very new experience for me. I was nervous because I didn't know anyone else going. Living and Learning instantly made me feel welcome when I landed and the community you live in for 3 months is a special bond built with no one else. Ive made life long friends from all around the U.S. during my time.

The Baltimore Urban Studies program was a unique experience for me because there were plenty of opportunities for me to grow personally and professionally as well as being able to interact with a diverse group of people in an urban setting. I got to make precious memories with my roommates and we shared new experiences together throughout the city of Baltimore. Despite the ups and downs throughout the semester, it was a wonderful experience overall and I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is looking for a great adventure as well as an opportunity to grow spiritually.

This program provided space to learn about and engage with the city and people of Baltimore through experiences. It is cohort-based and very community-focused. The "Resident Coordinator" position functions as an RA and serves as a bridge between the program staff and the students in the cohort. The BUS staff is caring, attentive, and gracious. The semester went by very quickly, in large part because the BUS program includes both classes and an internship at a local organization. I was able to intern at a wonderful organization that has shaped me in unique ways. Overall, this program is a great way to get introduced to public health and how it intersects with urban contexts and Christian faith especially in Baltimore.

Baltimore Urban Studies is a unique, Christian-based program that focuses on public health and reconciliation. Since the first three weeks of the program are orientation, I was able to learn about the racial trauma of this historic city. I also visited all of the various internship site options and it was neat to see how organizations are working towards reconciliation. This program has helped me to see how public health can be connected to all careers through a faith based perspective. I interned at an urban forest that is actively being restored and it was so neat to be a part of the restoration process! The community at this program is amazing, and all staff are so supportive and caring. Coming to Baltimore has truly been one of the best experiences of my life!

My time with Living and Learning International was probably one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I learned so much about myself and the world that we live in. I could never have imagined that I would get to experience something like this in my life, but I am so grateful I have. Living and Learning does a great job making the cohort feel like a little family, and we all did so much together to help strengthen our bonds. From the classes that were small enough that we each got the chance to voice our thoughts and really learn, to all of the excursions we went on together. I made some of my best friends from Living and Learning and had some of the most incredible experiences of my life.

This semester abroad was the most influential experience thus far in my college career. The people, culture, Christian community, language immersion, and internship are just few of ways that this program impacted me. Living and Learning creates a safe environment for students who want to grow spiritually, be immersed, and adventure in one of the most beautiful places on earth. I studied abroad in Quito, Ecuador and the staff here cared about me and my cohort by loving us, pouring into us, and spending time with us. Not every day living in a foreign country is filled with easy things, but this community supported me every step of the way. With the safety of this beautiful community, I was able to push myself to climb actual volcanoes and spend the four months working on my language acquisition in a homestay. Living and Learning also has students complete an internship opportunity where I was able to use my major in real world application. I am studying Spanish education and LLI made it possible for me to have my first class before I have even graduate college. This internship was the best part of my semester, and I will cherish this experience forever. Living and Learning has everything from community, to academics, to a new adventure around every corner.

My semester abroad with Living and Learning was such an incredible and unforgettable experience. This semester immersed me in the culture and language of Ecuador. The classes, professors, and staff members encouraged me to go deeper into my Spanish studies, press deeper into my relationships with peers and my host family, and grow a stronger relationship with the Lord. The community within the program was like nothing I had ever experienced before. I felt so loved and supported as I experienced a semester that was full of newness and challenges. Having a supportive community made my semester the unforgettable experience that it was. Being able to study in an immersive environment and go on crazy trips like to the Galapagos is so cool, but creating long-lasting friendships with your peers as well as staff members creates a unique and sustaining environment where you can flourish on your study abroad.

I was a student in Ecuador a few semesters ago and it was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. The staff with L&LI is so supportive and some of the greatest people I have ever met. A great thing about this program is that there are so many trips built right into the schedule, and I was able to see so much of Ecuador and really feel immersed in all the culture and environments. The focus on Christian community is also just amazing. I really learned so much about my self and about the Lord through this program in ways that I never could have imagined.