Teenagers Abroad - Student Testimonials

"The location was fabulous. Our residence was beautiful and close enough to a lot of places. I was very lucky that my roomates were so great!

This experience was one of the best things that ever happened to me! This program gave me a lot of independence. I used to not like that much responsibility, but this helped me bring out the best and taught me how to use independence. I made incredible friends and learned a lot of Spanish. Before going to Barcelona I did not really enjoy Spanish class but now I want to learn and becasue I saw the Spanish culture I was inspired.

The school was great! I learned more in a day then some weeks in school. The staff at school was great. I loved my teacher. Some of the activities were things I had done the previous week because sometimes they repeated activities, but what was so great was that because they gave so much independence I could go do some other activity that I would rather do or just go to the beach.

I bought a guidebook of Barcelona before I went to Spain. It was the smartest purchuse I ever made! Sometimes I wanted to go do something different than the program's activity so I would look at my book. I totally recommend "Barcelona Encounter" by Damien Simonis from Lonley Planet. It was great.

Another thing: ENJOY EVERY MINUTE! At first I was homesick, but I then started to look around me and see the beautiful city and regreted that I ever wanted to leave. Also, spend money carefully. I did not run out of money, but my friends did becuase some did not realize how much more expensive things were in Spain."

"I had the best time. The team leaders were wonderful. Barcelona is the best. Kids were great from all over the world. The lessons were very good. There was ample freedom to explore. the dorm residence was closeby and accomodations were great. I would have liked to have a fan in the room as it was very hot.

It was a wonderful experience for my 16 year old son. I liked the degree of freedom for him to feel independent. The classes were good. My son loved the kids and would have liked to stay for 3 weeks."

"I had an amazing time. I met some really great people and got to see a different side of the world while being immersed in the language. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who wants to do something memorable, exciting and even educational! Living in the residence was very fun.

Having a maid and a chef everyday made it feel like you were almost in a hotel - but not! I really liked my teacher, but I think the organization of placing students into different levels could use improvement. For the first week I was in a class with kids who were pretty low level of Spanish, and with some who were way better. The slower kids tended to slow the class down.

Teenagers Abroad staff were so helpful and upbeat. Margot Halendby the Director, really knew her stuff and really relaxed us all (including my parents) before I left for Spain. Gracias, Margot!
Future Advice: Be prepared to answer the questions "where are you from?" "how long are you here for?" and "what's your name?" a million times! Good practice for your Spanish, though..."

"The school was beautiful!
There were an infinite number of classrooms, and I never had more than 8 people in my class. The teachers were all amazing, and I had really good relationships with all of them. The school was equipped with computers with internet access, which was very convenient. There was also a nice cafeteria with a terrace outside and a cook, who served excellent spanish cuisine!

The apartment was great, there was a terrace and nice living room with a television, one bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen. The roommates were all amazing and made sure I felt completely at home when I arrived. I was sure to do the same with the new students. This experience taught me so much. Not only was I a fully independent person, I learned so much about Spanish culture from just experiencing life in Barcelona as a real Spaniard. I met tons of people, went to the discotecas, and had great relations with everyone.

The environment was very laid back, and I felt immediately accepted in the Barcelona lifestyle. I can only say positive things about all aspects of the program, it was truly incredible! If you are looking for a chance to be really independent and basically plan out your days how you feel like, this program definitely offers that.

If you are looking to be completely free and really interested to meet new people, there is a remarkable chance of doing that! There are so many people ranging from all ages, and from all over the world, that you will be having conversation with very diverse people, the atmosphere ranges from people all over Europe, Asia, North & South America. It is very exciting!"

Dear Margot,
Now that my "baby" is enroute to Biarritz, I wanted to send you a letter of thanks for the amazing service provided by you, Margot and Languages Abroad.

The first year we booked Paul on a trip through your program I was so uncertain. Your website looked great, and you had sent lots of information to help us feel at ease, but still, Languages Abroad was just an "elusive" entity that I couldn't see.

When I dropped off my son at the school in Montreux, I knew that the dreamlike descriptions were all real. Paul had a fantastic time, became very proficient in his language skills, and wanted to do it all again. Thankfully, Languages Abroad had stayed in communication with me regarding transportation, permissions, etc. and I was totally at ease. It was a no-brainer as to who we would contact the second summer when Paul wanted to again continue his French studies.

Again, everything went smoothly and Paul did extremely well in the program in Monaco. This summer's schedule was a bit challenging with Paul wanting a French program beginning in mid-June. I chose to deal with another language program, just because of the dates of their offerings, and it was a mistake. Thankfully, I remembered to call Margot when plans weren't progressing well, and she pulled off the miracle of the summer.

Margot made call after call, trying to secure a spot for Paul so that he could study in France in June. Her efforts to offer programs beyond the standard postings of the website went far above what anyone would expect. Margot, you are amazingly resourceful, friendly, and customer-minded! I can't thank you enough for everything you've done to help -- even down to that last confirmation email this week, just to make this Mom feel at ease.

I completely trust Languages Abroad and Teenagers Abroad to provide the finest, carefully selected programs for my teen. It would be my pleasure to share this with any potential customer. Three years of success with the same program-provider speaks for itself. We can only hope that we'll have the ability to journey with Languages Abroad many times again in the future.

Please accept my heartfelt thanks. We love Languages Abroad!
Sincerely
Martha Burgess, Florida

"My daughter, Kelly Joy attended this program for two weeks in July of 2004. She turned 13 over there and what a way to celebrate becoming a teenager! She went with a modest knowledge of French and returned more fluent and confident. An interesting byproduct of her time there was a new interest in Spanish! Her roommates were from Spain, and when the group was not communicating in French the kids were all breaking in to Spanish. All in all the experience was very international, and she had a wonderful time at the beach, in town shopping, in class learning, and late into the evenings chatting with her new buddies. Kelly Joy is most anxious to return, and perhaps once she has finished this summer in Costa Rica she will return to France-- and then perhaps on to your programs in Italy and Spain!"

"The most vital service that Teenagers Abroad provided was taking care of all the small details allowing me enroll my 13 year old son in a worthwhile program and I would not have to worry about him. He loved learning French, meeting all of the other teenagers from all over the world, and being able to be a little more independent than he is used to at home, while spending time with other, like-minded teenagers. To me this his experience in Montreal was worth more than what I actually did in my own French class at the same time as my son! It's a fabulous experience I wish I would have sent my other two boys."

"Last year our daughter, Kelly, went to Monte Carlo and had a terrific time. If any prospective student (or parent) would like to discuss this program with us, we'd be happy to oblige! Our comments would be very positive since Kelly (and her friend Julia) learned a lot, made friends, and experienced France in a safe yet not too sheltered way. Additionally, we felt that you and the staff were very professional, and the program was very well run."

"We want to thank you for everything. I would love to recommend the Teenagers Abroad program in Costa Rica to any family who is looking for a quality program, reasonable price, fantastic staff and a great experience overall for their teenagers. It was a WONDERFUL program as far as we were concerned - and for Fiona, too!" 

"Our daughter Moriah had just a wonderful time in Spain with Teenagers Abroad. It was a great experience for her, meeting kids from all over the world and learning to live in a different culture. She is now improved at Spanish, but more importantly, is now a more enlightened citizen of the world.

Tarragona is one of the more beautiful and inviting cities I have ever visited, something of a much smaller version of Barcelona, with the same history, inviting feel, beautiful Mediterranean beaches, and great food. We had the chance to meet Moriah's host family, a charming couple who live inside the walled part of Tarragona, lived in a neighborhood so rich with history that they were able to show us photos of the Roman hallways under their home that lead to the nearby, still-standing circus, used by the Romans for chariot-racing.

I could not recommend them more as a host family, and cannot imagine why someone would send their child to live in Spain and miss this experience. Thanks again for your expert help in setting this all up for us."

"The Teenagers Abroad web site, staff and pre-departure information were excellent. Both my daughter and I felt that we were well informed about the program by the Teenagers Abroad director, how to prepare and what to expect. My daughter's exceptional host family made her six week stay a very positive one and we are grateful to them for that - all while spending time in this beautiful and quite interesting area of southern France. All in all, it was a great experience."

"The school was beautiful. There were an infinite number of classrooms, and I never had more than 8 people in my class. The teachers were all amazing, and I had really good relationships with all of them. The school was equipped with computers with internet access, which was very convenient. There was also a nice cafeteria with a terrace outside and a cook, who served excellent spanish cuisine!

The apartment was great, there was a terrace and nice living room with a television, one bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen. The roommates were all amazing and made sure I felt completely at home when I arrived. I was sure to do the same with the new students. This experience taught me so much. Not only was I a fully independent person, I learned so much about Spanish culture from just experiencing life in Barcelona as a real Spaniard. I met tons of people, went to the discotecas, and had great relations with everyone.

The environment was very laid back, and I felt immediately accepted in the Barcelona lifestyle. I can only say positive things about all aspects of the program, it was truly incredible! If you are looking for a chance to be really independent and basically plan out your days how you feel like, this program definitely offers that.

If you are looking to be completely free and really interested to meet new people, there is a remarkable chance of doing that! There are so many people ranging from all ages, and from all over the world, that you will be having conversation with very diverse people, the atmosphere ranges from people all over Europe, Asia, North & South America. It is very exciting!"

"A terrific program with lots of people from other parts of Europe and the rest of the world! My roommates were from Switzerland, Germany and France and our amazing counselor spoke Italian with us all the time. It was just magnifico!"

"My experience abroad was to say the least eye opening, it was the best summer of my life, and one that I am certain I will not forget. My host family was lovely, the school was great, and the city was beautiful."

"The entire experience was amazing. My host family was extremely nice, and very helpful. My host sister helped me to feel at home by taking me out with her friends, so I got to meet other kids my age who were outside the program. My host mother supplied me with everything I needed and requested. However, it was a bit challenging because she worked nights, so I didn't get to see her that often.

The school location was great, and I loved my professor, except everything got changed around on my last week there. Make sure to bring pictures and little momentos from home. They will become wonderful conversation pieces as well as objects that will help comfort you should you become homesick.

On the first day, face up to your feelings of awkwardness and go around and introduce yourself to almost everyone. You will appreciate it later on as you develop a wide and diverse group of friends to do things with. Other than that, your services were wonderful. Thank you very much."

"It was a lot of fun and I made awesome friends from all around the world. By the end, I really got used to everything and enjoyed every moment. I thought the activities were very fun and well thought out. I think that it would have been better if we had more time to ourselves and to go out though. The classes were of a very good size and were very helpful. The monitors were all incredibly nice and helpful."

"It was super! Montreal is a great city. The program is well organized and aims to give the student a true immersion language experience. I learned and refreshed my French tremendously. I would have loved to stay longer. The best service was that I was able to enroll my 13 year old son in a program so that I would not have to worry about him. He loved learning French, meeting all of the other teenagers from all over the world, and being able to be independent. To me this was worth more than what I actually did in my own class.

Teenagers Abroad are very organized and well run. They take care of all details. It's a fabulous experience I wish I would have sent my other two boys."

"I recommend this camp to everyone! I just had THE best time of my life there! I met so many new people and made tons of new friends! Everyone is amazingly friendly there and on my first day there at least 30 people had introduced them selves to me! Everyone is very independent but you'll never be alone! There are disco's almost every night and the camp is a short bus ride from many nice cities around the area!

I stayed in one of the medium quality rooms, the majority of the rooms were very nice, but I was in a medium one which is still not that bad. There were 5 people in my room and it was big enough and still lots of extra space, I also had a bathroom and shower in the room. The information from Teenagers Abroad was very helpful and it's what made my mom let me go! Thank you very much for all of you that helped me get there! Thank you!

Do you have any advice for students thinking of attending a Teenagers Abroad program? hmm...just be open to try new things and remember: "It's not better or worse it's just different. "I heard that somewhere and I think it's a good quote, haha."

"I had a great time. The classes were fun, I learned a lot,and made lots of friends. I'm seriously thinking about going again next summer! HF Life: I felt welcome, because my host family always talked to me as much as possible, and were really nice in general. Attending the program is a really good idea, because it's fun, and you learn a LOT."

"It was a once in a lifetime experience that I would recommend for anyone, young or old, looking to learn a foreign language while immersed in the culture at the same time. Words can't describe the experience I had!

"I thank you very much you personally took care of Anna and also that you have let us know you have put her on the plane. This is really very kind of you. We talked to her on the phone yesterday and she said, she has had a great time both in school and on the week-ends on the excursions you have organized. Thank you very much for it. She also said she has already made a very good progress in Spanish.

"This was a great opportunity to work on my German and meet students from all over Europe. Accommodations were very good. I really liked the location and atmosphere. The staff was great and the activities were a lot of fun.
Future Advice: Do it."

"Juliet had a terrific time!

Future Advice: Don't be afraid to try something new and different! You will make lots of new friends from all over the world and improve your language skills at the same time."

"I found the programme offered a very pleasant way to learn German and make friends in one of the most beautiful cities of Europe. General Impression: Good, the location near the centre of Vienna is very convenient for outings. Future Advice: Establish contacts with other students, and explore the city which is beautiful.

Services Provided: We found the service very good: always immediate responses to our questions, and also special requests are immediately taken care of. What is very good and re-assuring about the programme also is that the parents receive very detailed information and test results about the achievements of the student: in this way parents can follow exactly where the student is in his or her development."

"My room was in a building on a hill, the room was comfortable and my roommates, great! The way of teaching and the environment are relaxing.
Future Advice: Be good and be prepared."

"I had an amazing time in Vienna. Classes were good and the people were great. I'm glad my first time in Europe was such a memorable one. Vienna is a beautiful city. The school was pretty on the outside. The teachers were nice. The food was awful however, I skipped lunch at the school several days.

Understand that the food served will be different than what you are used to. Look up information about the city you will be staying in. Make sure your converters will work if you need them. I thought the staff was very nice. The website also had a nice layout that was easy to comprehend and easy to find information. I wish e-mails would have been answered a little more quickly though. Everything on average was great!"

"I had a fabulous time learning German, meeting new people and finding my way around Vienna during my 3-week stay. This program is a fabulous way to improve language skills and meet people from all over the world. I formed many lasting and valuable friendships and had a great time.

The hotel I was housed in was not fancy, but it was comfortable enough considering very little time was actually spent in the rooms. The food, however, was horrible.
Future Advice: Go into it with an open mind. Branch out and try to find people from different backgrounds to get to know. Keep a good sense of humor so that if something isn't perfect you can look at it in a positive light."

Everything was great. There was no English spoken in the classes which was excellent for learning a new language. The staff were extremely accommodating and the teachers knew how to set an environment for people of all ages and learning styles.
Future Advice: Do it!"

"Great experience. Learned about the culture and politics of several countries due to the interaction with fellow students. Terrific teachers in a fantastic city."

"Good school facilities, all employees were warm and welcoming. School location was good. The couple who welcomed me into their home were great. The part of the city we were in was excellent."

"Spain was amazing. I'd give anything to be back there right this second. I met the most incredible people from all around the world. The classes weren't stressful at all, the monitors were really personable, and the city and night life alone made Spain worth going to. The only drawback is that you might get attached to the people you meet, not to mention Madrid itself. Going home nearly broke my heart.

The location and atmosphere were really nice. Classes weren't a burden at all. Just make sure you get placed at the right level. The people you meet in Spain will be some of the most incredible people you meet in your entire life. There isn't any sort of language or country barrier at all; I had friends from anywhere and everywhere.

As for sports and activities, we had a pool and a basketball court, took day trips, and also had free days where we could go into the city unaccompanied and do as we pleased.
Future Advice: Just...go. I promise you won't regret it."

"My experience in Barcelona was incredible. I met so many amazing people, saw so many interesting things and did so many fun activities. The friendships and memories I made in Barcelona will last forever! I loved the teachers and program staff. They were all so friendly and accommodating. I also really liked the location of the school...it was close to everything!
Future Advice: To definitely attend one. It was the best summer I ever had."

"It was a lot of fun and I made awesome friends from all around the world. By the end, I really got used to everything and enjoyed every moment. I thought the activities were very fun and well thought out. I think that it would have been better if we had more time to ourselves and to go out though. The classes were of a very good size and were very helpful. The monitors were all incredibly nice and helpful."

Mothers comments: "Just wanted you to know that Sam had a wonderful time, and loved the program!"

I had a great experience studying abroad being able to meet new friends and learn about new cultures, that I will never forget. Have an open mind of other people and their cultures so you can get to know them better and make new friends."

"It was definitely a worthwhile experience and my host family was gracious and lived in a nice house right next to the beach. Three weeks is the perfect length of time to attend such a program and make sure you request a roommate from a different country who speaks a different language than you do, for sure. I made lots of international friends also at the school and I'm keeping in touch with them by email weeks after the program ended."

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