Global Experiences is dedicated to providing unique, challenging, and reputable programs throughout the world. As further testament to the quality of our programs and the service we provide, we offer the following testimonials from past program participants.

Browse by program location:

• Florence, Italy
• Milan, Italy
• Rome, Italy
• London, UK
• Sydney, Australia
• Ecuador, South America

Florence, Italy

	Name: From: Program: Location: Quote:	Kyle USA Language Training/ Business Administration Internship Florence, Italy – May, 2007 “Even though things might not always go as smooth as you had hoped, you’ve just got to learn to brush it off and go with it for then you’ve learned the Italian culture. Regret nothing. Make the most of what you are given, for once in life opportunities only come around once.”

	Name: From: Program: Location: Quote:	Jenifer USA Language Training/ Fashion Design Internship Florence, Italy – May, 2007 “Global Experience helped me get the internship I have always dreamed of...Living and working in Italy was a great learning experience. It helped me to become a better problem solver in many areas...[Future Employers] will be able to see that I have a great understanding of the industry and am able to handle tasks that maybe someone else could not handle.”

	Name: From: Program: Location: Quote:	LaDorian USA Language Training/Fashion Design Internship Florence, Italy “This was the best experience I have ever had. Coming to Italy has made an effect on my life, and will help me even further in my career as a fashion designer...I benefited greatly from interning abroad rather then in my home country because I was given a lot of hands on experience... I believe that this experience will help open doors tremendously with employment opportunities.”

	Name: From: Program: Location: Quote:	Erica USA Language Training/ Fashion Marketing/Merchandising Internship Florence, Italy “This looks great on a resume because you are thrown into such a different environment abroad and it shows qualities of adaptability. Also, language skills are prized in this ever-expanding world, and a stronger grasp of Italian can't hurt, especially since I want to work internationally. This is truly the best way to experience a foreign city. Not only do you improve your language skills and imbibe a brand new culture, but you also make lasting friends throughout the process. It is completely unforgettable!”

	Name: From: Program: Location: Quote:	Ana USA Language Training + Hospitality/Tourism Internship Florence, Italy – May, 2007 “I am now doing an internship not just to learn more about my field and make my resume stand out but also to learn from the way things get done in Italy, and to make even more new friends and to fill my brain instead of my notebooks.”
	Advice from Ana for future interns: "Be resourceful, self-sufficient, and creative." Click here to read the article Ana wrote for Florence for Fun.

	Name: From: Program: Quote:	Kit Patterson USA Italian + TEFL Certificate | Florence, Italy, 2006 "I had a good time in my training. I very much liked the actual teaching practice through which I met a banker who invited me to stay at her parents' farm in Italy, milking cows and eating fresh fruit. I am now in Istanbul on a 9 month teaching contract. I'm staying with a Turkish family right by the Marmara Sea. I think the best move I made--thanks to your help--was taking the 2 week Italian language component beforehand. My apartment was right above the mercato centrale, 2 minutes from Il Duomo. It was a 30 minute walk to the school in the morning, but that was a small price to pay for living in the center of the city. In addition, because my roommates were from the Italian language school, they were from many different countries--Slovenia, Greece, Bulgaria, Poland, Switzerland, and Turkey. Through the Slovenian I met French friends who I was later able to visit in Paris. Anyway, this experience, I can safely say, has been the best of my life, and so I send you a long overdue thank you for all of your work in making it happen! Ciao!"

	Name: From: Program: Location: Quote:	Justin USA Language Training/Art Restoration Internship Florence, Italy - August, 2006 "I decided to come to Italy because I love the culture and I think the people are very friendly, and perfecting my Italian was also very important to me. I was interested in Restoration and for me Florence was the best place to go to for that kind of work. I am here to learn the field and to get hands on experience with Art Restoration and that's exactly what I am doing. I would definitely recommend Global Experiences because they found me this very exceptional job and I am very grateful for them having done that. Without them I don't think I would have ever been in contact with the company I work for." Download our interview with Justin. (PDF, 2 pages)

	Name: From: Program: Location: Quote:	Keri USA Language Training/Fashion Design Internship Florence, Italy "From my internship through Global Experiences, I learned invaluable knowledge about the fashion industry over a 2 month span that I would have only learned through actually working along with a designer and seeing how the company functions." Keri has shared her portfolio with us! Click here to see some samples of what Keri accomplished during her time in Florence. (PDF file)

	Name: From: Program: Location: Quote:	Francesca USA Language Training/Fine Arts Internship Florence, Italy "Global Experiences is a great program for people who are at the point in their lives where they need a change and want to discover new cultures and lifestyles."

	Name: From: Program: Location: Quote:	Emily USA Fashion Tour Florence, Italy "The Fashion Tour in Florence and Milan was a great experience. It’s great for anyone who is thinking about fashion as a career, or just an interest. You get to see everything from the history of fashion to shopping at the outlet malls. Its also wonderful to see Italy and experience the culture, it’s a trip that you wont forget."

	Name: From: Program: Location: Quote:	Cassandra USA Language/Internship Florence, Italy “Living in Florence, Italy was one of the best decisions I have made! My apartment, my roommates from all over world and my internship were all perfect for me. Throughout the three months, not only did we learn Italian, together my new friends and I became more aware of Florentine everyday life, as well as American culture! The journeys I made and the memories I have made me a more open-minded individual. I came back to America with a whole new perspective on Europe, Italy, Italians, culture and people in general. I wouldn’t change one thing and I recommend that everyone takes advantage of this wonderful opportunity.”

	Name: From: Program: Location: Quote:	Katy USA Language/Internship Florence, Italy Fashion Journalism "Upon my graduation from college, I, like so many others before me, had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do or where I wanted to be. Not wanting to make a commitment to your bland 9-5 schedule yet, I decided to take the road less traveled and go experience Italy for a bit. Best decision I have ever made. Period. Florence is gorgeous, the people are wonderful, the food is amazing, and the internship looks fantastic on my resume. I love being able to say that I was a contributing writer for an Italian magazine. How cool is that? I will admit, six months seemed a bit extended at the outset, but when it came time to go home I had no idea where those months went. What can I say? Time flies when you're having fun."

	Name: From: Program: Location: Placement: Quote:	Daryl Illinois, USA Language/Internship Florence, Italy Bakery, Culinary "I think this was a wonderful experience that I am so happy I had the opportunity to complete. I was placed in a popular, high volume bakery in the center of Florence with friendly and talented people to work with. My responsibilities were equal to those of the other bakers, and I felt like I had a purpose when I went to work."

	Name: From: Program: Location: Placement: Quote:	Kristen New York, USA Language/Internship Florence, Italy Law/Legal "As a legal intern, I was responsible for researching new legal issues as well as following up on old transactions. I managed communications between a Luxembourg Holding Company and it's New York contacts regarding real property matters. I also had the opportunity meet with clients and explain legal findings regarding my research. At times, I provided translations for clients who did not speak Italian. My assignments were always very interesting and challenging and with each new assignment, I learned more about international legal transactions. Choosing an internship with Global Experiences gave me more options within my legal career by providing me with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in an international legal setting, and the ability to perfect my Italian language skills."

	Name: From: Program: Location: Placement: Quote:	Jody USA Language/Internship Florence, Italy Sociology "I took part in the Global Experiences language and internship program in Florence in summer in 2004. In April I will be graduating from university (with a major concentration in sociology and a minor concentration in Italian studies). After I fell in love with Florence during the summer of 2004, I decided to return last summer 2005 to do an "Advanced Italian course" through my university (McGill university), to better my knowledge of the language and to catch up with old friends. When I arrived in Florence in May of 2004, I did not speak a word of Italian, I did not know a single person, and had never been to Florence before. After my two months there, I returned to Canada with a new found sense of maturity and direction; I switched the minor concentration of my degree (from anthropology to Italian), and dedicated my heart and soul (and of course my brain!!!) into learning the Italian language. I seem to have succeeded, for within a year and a half I have taken: beginners Italian in Florence, beginners Italian at McGill university, followed by intermediate Italian, advanced Italian in Florence, and now am taking 2 advanced courses in the history of Italian theatre and another course in Italian literature (both taught in Italian). This whole change in my life emerged from the positive experience I had with Global Experiences."

	Name: From: Program: Location: Placement: Quote:	Lauren USA Internship Only Florence, Italy Italian Television Station "I am really enjoying my internship and am living in the center of town with a friend. So far I have gotten the opportunity to film in many beautiful locations in Florence (Piazza Michelangelo, the Duomo etc). Another [Global Experiences] intern and I completed a story board, filmed, and are now finishing editing a piece on Florence statistics. We are actually in the piece, and we have both been doing stand-ups (speaking parts) for other pieces as well. Hopefully our little private project will air tomorrow. Also, I participated as an "acting" part in a piece we filmed last week in Siena. I am having a great time, and this is great experience! It is unlike any internship I would have had at home with any relation to TV production. I actually spend about 25-30 hours at the company each week, but I still have a good amount of free time to be experience things around Florence."

Milan Italy

	Name: From: Program: Location: Quote:	Isabel USA Language Training/ Legal Internship Milan, Italy – February 2007 "Global Experience's Language + Internship program gave me the opportunity to meet amazing individuals from all over the world with whom I was able to practice and improve my Italian language skills and at the same time create great friendships. I also experienced what it is like to be part of the Italian professional world, which provided me with incomparable knowledge and skills.”

	Name: From: Program: Location: Placement: Quote:	Marielena New York, USA Internship Milan, Italy PR, Marketing "I improved my Italian speaking and writing skills immensely. I learned better ways to research and solve problems without being pushed every step of the way. I learned marketing skills and how to market a specific product to potential buyers. This experience has helped me hone down on what I would like to do with my life and in the future. Global Experiences gives you an international business experience that you cannot find elsewhere."

	Name: From: Program: Location: Placement: Quote:	Antonello Rhode Island, USA Internship Milan, Italy Public Relations "My position in Milan proved to be very challenging and enabled me to fine tune my Italian language skills in a practical work environment. One of the highlights of my position was a business trip to Genoa with the company's Managing Partner. I expect many doors to open in the future thanks to this experience. Global Experiences was great in facilitating my placement, providing an opportunity I may not have found otherwise, and helping me to earn a full semester of university credit from Johnson & Wales."

	Name: From: Program: Location: Placement: Quote:	Sindy USA Language/Internship Milan, Italy Sociology "I have just completed a 6 month language/internship course in Milan. Having the opportunity to live and work in Italy has always been a dream of mine and thanks to Global Experiences I was able to fulfill this. I completed my internship in the Marketing and Communications department of a real estate company and was responsible for all the translation into English on their new website. I also translated the company's first book and was involved in organising the launch party for this. The company has now offered me a 12 month contract with them, based in Milan, to assist further with the translating, the translating of their second book in the summer and also with the opening of their new office in New York. This experience so far has been amazing, and this is only the start. I would strongly urge anyone who is considering something similar, to do it, as it can be a life changing experience and if it is anything like mine, you will enjoy every minute, make many new friends and learn a new language as well. Good Luck!"

Rome, Italy

	Name: From: Program: Location: Quote:	Kyle USA Graphic & Web site Design Internship Rome, Italy "I had wanted to study abroad during college but didn't have the time to get away so this ended up being the perfect way for me to see Italy and experience the culture while also gaining some extra work experience while abroad. It sounds bizarre but not knowing where to go or how to act in another culture, or even how to speak the language is a really interesting and somewhat exciting experience - once you get over the initial panic attacks. I came from such a comfortable bubble and to be pushed out of my comfort zone was a very enriching and unique experience that I found to be extremely worthwhile. My internship was also an eye opening experience because it gave me a look at how a company in a different country runs and operates."

	Name: From: Program: Location: Quote:	Laurie USA Language/Internship Rome, Italy “I LOVE the school, met awesome people from all over the world. The living situation was eye-opening, crazy, very italian. My roomie has become my greatest friend ever, i love love love Rome and my internship. I recommend it to anyone really into learning lots of italian, being on there own...”
	E-Diary:	Click Here to read excerpts from Laurie's rather hilarious travel diary.

	Name: From: Program: Location: Quote:	Ashley Florida State University, USA Internship Rome, Italy “My work [in Rome] was varied and rich. While my core responsibility was to help redefine the company's marketing strategy, I was also able to participate in graphic design projects, photography initiatives, product development, new product rollout, and inventory control. While helping to create a new showroom, I even modelled some of the jewelry during a photoshoot in the nearby park, Villa Borghese. We also held late night brainstorming sessions trying to think of catchy slogans for Point of Sale displays for the products. The place was brimming with creativity.”
	In the News:	Thanks in large part to her internship in Rome, Ashley is now working for Italian Vogue in New York City. Click Here to read more about Ashley and her experience.

	Name: From: Program: Location: Placement: Quote:	Negin USA Language/Internship Rome, Italy Marketing/PR "Global Experiences provided a program that had allowed the perfect mix of independence and safety. I felt fully immersed in the new city, but when I came across the need for help or counsel, everyone from the program rushed to my side. I truly recommend this program to anyone considering life in Italy. Every aspect surpassed all of my expectations, and I am counting the days until I return."
	E-Diary:	Click Here to read more about Negin's experience in Rome.
	In the News:	Click Here to read more an article written by Negin about her internship experience in Rome that was published by Global Study Magazine. Click Here to read the article on Global Study Magazine's website.

London, UK

	Name: From: Location: Career Field: Quote:	Jessica USA, Western Illinois University London Summer 2008 Fashion Design "Global Experiences created opportunities I may not have had without my Internship in London.  They were able to match my interests and career goals with a wonderful and experienced employer. Without Global Experiences, I believe I would not have had this once in a lifetime opportunity, which helped me achieve my goal of interning abroad that I set for myself at the beginning of my college career. From start to finish Global Experiences made the entire process simple, organized, and fun."

	Name: From: Location: Career Field: Quote:	Pamela USA, University of Central Florida London Summer 2008 Health Services Administration “I love my internship!  There are challenges but you need to take advantage of the experiences.  My internship is very applicable to my goals.”
	Pamela’s Supervisor	“Pamela is great!  She is a quick learner-we want to keep her!”

	Name: From: Location: Career Field: Quote:	Erica USA, University of Texas London Summer 2008 Fashion Business “I learned so much in the past weeks at my internship.  I would have never learned all of this just in school.”

	Name: From: Location: Career Field: Quote:	Lauryn USA, University of Alamama London Summer 2008 Fashion Design “My placement with a major clothing designer was the best fit for me. He helped to teach me all the different facets of being a designer and how to run a business. It was an amazing experience where I met a wonderful group of people. A journey that is unforgettable.”

	Name: From: Location: Career Field: Quote:	Kayla USA, University of Wisconsin, Madison London Summer 2008 Psychology/ Social Services “I couldn't have asked for a more perfect experience while in London. My internship was amazing and the fact that I got to be in London while doing my dream job just made the experience that much more fantastic.”

	Name: From: Location: Career Field: Quote:	John USA, Queens University of Charlotte London Summer 2008 Government and Politics “Working in the British Parliament has been fantastic and just being in London is amazing. So much going on in this busy city, ranging from music to sports!”

	Name: From: Location: Career Field: Quote:	Aviva Canada, College Lasalle London Summer 2008 Fashion Design “I had the most amazing summer.  I couldn’t have asked for a better placement.  Thanks to GE for making it happen!”
	Supervisor:	“Aviva was a pleasure to work with in the studio.  She was very professional and diligent.”

	Name: From: Location: Career Field: Quote:	Holly USA, Xavier University London Summer 2008 Marketing/PR “Traveling is an education in itself. You learn things about yourself that you never thought you would know. You also are surrounded my people from all over the world and learn about their lives and cultures.”
	Supervisor:	“Holly was a delight to work with. She was enthusiastic about our audience and showed real interest in what she was doing. She was ready to offer a bit extra each time on the project work and completed the routine work accurately.”

	Name: From: Location: Career Field: Quote:	Patricia USA, University of Central Missouri London Summer 2008 Interior Design "Eye opening and a true way to go from point A to point B in your life"”

	Name: From: Location: Career Field: Supervisor:	Lisa USA, University of Kentucky London Summer 2008 Fashion Merchandising “Lisa’s American personality suits well here.  She is strong and confident which is very advantageous in fashion.”

	Name: From: Location: Career Field: Quote:	Brittany USA, University of Giorgia London Summer 2008 Fashion Merchandising “Having this internship really confirms my career in fashion merchandising.”
	Supervisor:	“Very few young people want to work and want to accept that they need to start at the bottom and work their way up, with everything that involves. Brittany is willing to work hard and accept that she will need to work her way up. Also she has a very good personality. She will get on with anybody that she needs to.”

	Name: From: Program: Location: Quote:	Max USA Finance Internship London, UK – June 2007 How do you think this experience will help open doors to future employment opportunities? : "First, the company offered to have me come back next year! More importantly, the distinction of having international experience after my sophomore year of college is invaluable. My time in London was spectacular. An experience that I will remember throughout both my life and my professional career.”

Sydney, Australia

	Name: From: Program: Location: Quote:	Jennifer USA Finance Internship Sydney, Australia – June 2007 "You can travel the world and yet never truly understand it, but living and working in a different country lets you truly learn what makes that place special. You’ll find that it’s actually a lot like home."

	Name: From: Program: Location: Quote:	Katie USA Non-profit Public Relations Internship Australia “Global Experiences allowed me the opportunity to explore the world. I had never been abroad before and Global Experiences allowed me the resources to feel confident every step of the way!”

	Name: From: Program: Location: Quote:	Kim USA Psychology/Counseling Sydney, Australia “My experience in Australia was beyond my expectations. The internship and friendships will be everlasting.”

	Name: From: Program: Location: Quote:	Katie USA Internship Sydney, Australia “IT WAS THE BEST EXPERIENCE AND TIME OF MY LIFE!!!!! I have gained so much guidance from doing an internship that I can now take back to college and apply in my current and future studies. I am completely motivated even more in life and in searching for a career path that works best for me! It was so incredibly valuable to do an internship abroad DURING my college study because now I am even more motivated to study and to pave way for the career for which I will be most passionate. On a more personal note, the lessons I have learned and the bonds I have made from those I have become friends with during my time in Australia are the most important things I can take away from this experience! I would go back in a heartbeat!”

	Name: From: Program: Location: Placement: Quote:	Jessica Germany Internship Sydney, Australia Human Resources "The only reason for me to do this internship was actually that I wanted to improve my English. But once in Sydney, I learned much more. I was lucky to have a very interesting and diversified job and 'real Australian' colleagues, who taught me a lot about the Australian way of life. It was an important experience for furthering my career. Additionally I had enough time to explore this beautiful city with all the other interns. I had a great time in Sydney!!"

	Name: From: Program: Location: Placement: Quote:	Kate USA Internship Sydney, Australia Radio "I came to Sydney to see another part of the world, meet new and interesting people and get a sense for the Australian media. I work in the news room at one of the biggest radio stations in Sydney as a reporter and learned far more than I ever expected. My colleagues were overwhelmingly accommodating and friendly, and put an enormous amount of trust in me. Most importantly, I met wonderful people from all over the world, some of whom will be lifelong friends."

Ecuador, South America

	Name: From: Program: Location: Quote:	Sabina USA Spanish Language + Volunteer Experience Ecuador, South America “Traveling to South America was the greatest experience of my life. I lived with indigenous people, experienced big city culture, traveled independently & fell in love along the way...Global Experiences provided me with structure & confidence that I needed to make this once of a lifetime trip memorable.”

	Name: From: Program: Location: Quote:	Diana Nashville, TN, USA High School Ecuador Adventure Ecuador, South America "Thanks so much for organizing this trip for us. It really was amazing. No one at home understands the things we have seen! I had such a great time, and am even sort of sad to be home. The Galapagos was great-we saw tons of birds and sea lions, and snorkeled with sharks!"