Living and Learning International Reviews

I absolutely loved Living and Learning International's Rome program. I learned and grew so much while living in a new culture with strangers who eventually became the only people in the world that could relate to my life changing experience with LLI. Living in a convent with 31 other people was definitely challenging, and I did not get along with everyone. Italian culture is also somewhat of a shock. It feels cold and ignorant to my American brain as I became a local at the coffee shop around the corner from the convent but still was not greeted with a smile. The staff cared for me in a way I've never experienced, forcing me to think in different perspectives and allowing me room to make mistakes and come back from them. Although I had a hard time sometimes recharging alone, I left with lifelong best friends who continue to check in with me and I wouldn't change a thing about my semester abroad.

Studying abroad in Rome was an incredible opportunity to grow as a student and individual! Spending time in Pigneto was fantastic because it allowed me to truly learn what local Roman culture looked like. I had abundant opportunities to get to know the locals who lived in this neighborhood-even getting to play soccer with the kids at the neighborhood's elementary school! The professors were extremely knowledgeable on the subjects they were teaching, and I often found myself continuing classroom discussions with my classmates outside of our meeting times. One of the greatest opportunities offered by Living and Learning International was the opportunity to travel frequently. The staff members were always helpful when we had questions about travel but also helped us grow in our confidence as individual travelers!

I have so many wonderful things to say about this program, I could never fit it all. The staff was so kind throughout the whole trip. They were intentional about getting to know us, checking in on how we were doing, and sharing hard conversations. The classes were hard, but I learned so much in just one semester. Instead of just doing college in another country, they were so intentional about truly immersing us in where we were at. We gained so much cultural experience and came to truly love Ecuador!

I loved Ecuador with Living and Learning. I learned so many unique things about myself as well as culture and business life in Ecuador! I was able to meet so many great people who were with Living and Learning, but also friends who were locals from my internship as well as my homestay! Some of my favorite moments were being able to travel to the Galapagos Islands, Baños, and as well as visit a school in the Amazon Rainforest. I would highly recommend applying to study abroad and live and learn in Quito, Ecuador.

Gang- if you are looking for a study abroad community that loves the Lord, challenges you in your faith and your view of the world, and teaches you how to love another culture, this is the place for you. Ecuador is a beautiful country of insane landscapes, good coffee, and beautiful people, and you will not want to miss it. I cannot say enough good things about this program and its care for students and the love I have for this country. Truly the highlight of my undergrad.
Just a hack- start learning Spanish NOW.

This program really opened my eyes to so many new things, from the gorgeous landscapes (mountains, volcanoes, natural hot springs, the jungle) to being immersed in Ecuadorian culture. The people are so kind and welcoming and the Living & Learning staff do an incredible job of planning group activities and encouraging friendships among the student cohorts. The weather in Quito is also incredible (people call it "eternal spring") because of the higher altitude. I felt safe the entire time but there's always Ubers if you're worried about being in an unfamiliar place. All of my Uber drivers loved practicing their English with me while I practiced Spanish with them. Those were such unique and cool experiences! I'd highly recommend to anyone considering!

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.