Hear reviews from former participants and their parents!

 

“Every day is new. Every day I learn a few more words. Every day I learn more about myself…Things are going great! It was time to learn in a new way, in a new culture, and in a new language. I would recommend this to anyone who can. It forces you to understand and challenge yourself.

Studying abroad is like a maturity shot. It forces you to be independent, teachable, and flexible. I have learned countless lessons, including how to be a follower. All my life I have desired leadership, I was the planner. In Argentina, I have no idea what a day will bring, so I have learned to go with the flow and stay flexible.

Being immersed in Spanish is a unique experience and it is much easier than learning from a textbook. If you want to go, then take a leap of faith and go on an adventure.”

– Salena, Argentina semester returnee

 

“I had the time of my life, I really did. I found a second family down there and a whole bunch of really good friends. I was well taken care of! Thank you so much to you and your program for giving me that opportunity to study abroad and experience all the things I went through. It was amazing!”

– Ada, Argentina semester returnee

 

“My host family was wonderful. They made every effort to include me, and to give me new experiences, and help me with my Norwegian. I really enjoyed having siblings. It was amazing. Life-changing would be an understatement.”

– Marissa, Norway summer returnee

 

“It’s been about four months since I got home from Norway and I cannot believe how much I miss it! I just wanted to thank you all at Aspect again for all the help and guidance you provided to me and my parents before I went and while I was over there. I made such amazing friends. Three of my friends from Norway even came to visit me during spring break and we had such amazing time. I’m also going back for almost a month this summer. Due to spending so much time learning about Norway and Norwegian culture I’ve decided to study International Studies at [university.] I’ll be in the 3 year Global Studies Program and have a Europe and Eurasia area focus. 

I just wanted to thank you so much for making my trip to Norway such an amazing experience. I learned so much, not only about Norway, but who I am as a person and what I want my future to look like.” 

– Olivia, Norway semester returnee

 

“My exchange has been the most life-changing experience I have ever had, and I wouldn’t take it back for the world. What has occurred here has been extraordinary 🙂 I’m beyond grateful for everything.” 

– Levi, Italy academic year returnee

 

“[Study Abroad Advisor] Brianne helped me so much and I always felt her support. I know my parents spoke with her too when they needed help. Aspect was very supportive and flexible. 

[To the host family:] Thank you for becoming my second family and giving me another home. Throughout this year, I discovered another part of the world and so much of myself and I can’t thank you enough for giving me that opportunity. I’ll miss you! It was a great year, I hope to do it again in the future.”

-Abby, Belgium academic year returnee

 

“I’ve been meaning to thank you for being my [study abroad advisor] as I’m going through this adventure. Doing this exchange program in Norway is definitely the best thing that I’ve ever done, and I’m so glad that you supported me all the way through it. 

Thanks a ton, or as we say here in Norway, Tusen takk skal du ha!”

[To his host family]: [When] I met you all, your openness and kindness blew my mind. You treated me as a member of the family, you often referred to me as your “new son.” You taught me new things, were incredibly patient with me, and never got mad with me, even when I deserved it. I can’t believe how astoundingly lucky I am to have been able to live with you all and become a part of your family. I can’t express how thankful I am that you were able to make this experience of mine better than I could’ve ever imagined. I love you all as if you were my own family, because I consider you as such. I can’t wait for the next time I’ll be able to see you all. Tusen takk skal dere ha. Jeg elsker dere.

– Eric, Norway academic year participant

 

[He] has maximized his experience in every way he can: from learning the language, and integrating with a family and school, to diving inside himself and finding a love of poetry and artwork that had only just begun to blossom before this travel experience. So from the bottom of our hearts, thank you!”

-Amy, parent of an academic year returnee

 

“Thank you so very much for helping us get through this with ease. She had a fantastic exchange and will forever be changed because of it.”

– Lisa, parent of an academic year returnee

“It was a great experience. I had an amazing time and learned so much about the Japanese culture. My host family experience was excellent. They took great care of me. I can’t wait to go again.”

– JT, Tokyo summer language program returnee

 

“I did so much growing up while I was there. I recognize the areas I need to work on and improve now, and I am more independent. While I was there, the little things I accomplished were the most satisfying – even figuring out how to buy my own bus ticket, for instance!  I feel like I am more confident now because I know I can take on any challenge. My life in Ecuador is a part of me now. My experience completely changed me and I can’t imagine it not playing a role in my college admissions. Everyone who is thinking about doing this should do it. Even if you have just the tiniest seed of the idea, water that seed and let it grow into a beautiful flower and just do it! It was the best decision I’ve ever made in my life, for sure. My personal development, future plans, my college experience…everything has changed.”

– Aurelia, Ecuador academic year returnee

 

“She is doing very well, enjoying her family, school and friends. I am so happy for her. It has been a very positive, rich experience.”

– Kate, parent of a semester returnee

 

“My host family is wonderful and incredibly helpful, and I’ve also made good friends :)”

– Lauren, Belgium semester participant

 

“The host family is FABULOUS!!! We couldn’t be luckier to have such a fun and inclusive family. [She] is loving the experience. Thank you so much for all you’ve done to make this a wonderful experience for her.”

-Joan, parent of semester participant

 

“I’m having a great time! My family is so wonderful, and everything is so beautiful! I can’t even describe how happy I am. This is such a great opportunity. Thank you so much!”

– Cassidy, Italy academic year participant

 

“I would just like to thank you for everything you’ve done. I had the best time of my life in Japan and I couldn’t have done it without you.” 

– Sara, four-week Tokyo summer program returnee

 

“The exchange students and I are having so much fun in Argentina. This week was our trip to the Patagonia and it was such an amazing time. I have definitely already made some lifelong friends. This is the best time of our lives. Estoy enomorada con Argentina!” 

– Rachel, academic year returnee

 

“Aspect did a great job of coordinating the exchange, and the exchange itself was an amazing experience. I couldn’t have asked for a better host family, it was a great experience with them.”

– Dylan, Denmark semester returnee

 

“I really loved my host family. It was nice to have two sisters close to my age to talk to and spend time with. My host parents were cool too, and they are the best cooks!

I would recommend study abroad to just about anyone and Aspect is an awesome immersion program!”

– Tori, France semester returnee

 

“We were able to Skype last weekend and she took us on a virtual tour of her new place!  I think she’s doing just fine, at least every picture of her has an ear to ear beautiful smile. [I] think about her and miss her but feel mostly excited for her opportunities in Italy.

And, sending you a big thanks for all your hard work. [You] were awesome!” 

-Amy, parent of Italy academic year participant

 

“He had a great time [and] wanted to stay in Japan! He really liked his host family and they were very good to him. I cannot thank you enough for helping us with this whole experience. I think the independence he gained is invaluable.  Thank you so much!!  If you ever need someone to talk to me as a mother sending their 16-year-old over to Japan, I will be happy to be a reference!”

– Lisa, parent of a Tokyo language program returnee

 

“I couldn’t imagine a better family for him. His host parents take him somewhere every weekend for the most part and they include him in family activities. They seem amazing!”

-Lauri, parent of a Norway participant

 

“Her family takes really good care of her, and she is getting to know some of the siblings who come home to spend weekends with their parents. [The host mom] especially has been so sweet with her. So glad we found a good family for her!”

– Eliza, parent of Netherlands academic year participant

 

“My host family is wonderful and we’re all very close. I love going to school and I’ve made a lot of friends there, too. I’m learning a lot in class, and I’m also learning a lot of Swedish which is really fun, but also kind of scary. I really understand a lot more of what people are saying than I thought I would, and every day it gets a little easier. 

I really love being here and everything is going incredibly well!”

– Sophie, Sweden semester participant

“Going to Norway was the best thing I’ve ever done – I learned so incredibly much and did so many special things. This trip wouldn’t have been possible without you, and for that I express my utmost gratitude. I will absolutely never forget this experience or the people I formed connections with. I can’t thank you enough!”

– Elsa, Norway semester participant