Although the face of travel changed significantly in 2020, it started to feel like we were inching back towards normal in 2021 thanks to the availability of a Covid vaccine. And although the onset of the Delta and Omicron variants tried to thwart our collective progress, meaningful travel soldiered on and brought fun (and safe) new experiences and travel abroad programs to the world of international education.
Two years of a global pandemic means that students and adventurers alike are getting tired of waiting out Covid and are ready to see the world again, even with all of its new rules and restrictions. There’s no denying that vaccine cards, mandatory quarantine, and PCR tests are just as necessary these days as your passport and visa.
And something else that’s as necessary as ever? Program reviews!
Top Rated Organizations of 2021
When you’re looking for meaningful travel abroad programs, scoping out participant reviews and ratings are a great way to gauge a program’s Covid readiness (plus everything else that’s important to you in a program abroad), and what you can expect on the ground. Or, if you feel better having your experience online, reviews and ratings are an excellent way to find out what to expect—directly from those who have already experienced it.
GoAbroad’s Top Rated Organizations of 2021 will help you begin a successful search for your dream experience abroad. Check them out below!
Top Rated Study Abroad Organizations of 2021
1. GVI
“I thought the course was very informative and interesting considering I would like to pursue a career with animal conservation or research. The modules linked very well, followed a logical manner and well split up well with videos.” - Duncan, GVI Alumni
2. HEX
“Best learning experience I have ever had! I feel like I have a new sense of my own capabilities which is far greater than before!” - Maddy Bennallack, HEX Alumni
3. The American University in Cairo
“The university offers very interesting classes that are challenging but very rewarding… Egypt is a beautiful country and I would definitely recommend studying at AUC and visiting the South of Egypt. It has been an unforgettable cultural experience!” - Leonie M, The American University in Cairo Alumni
Notable Mentions
Top Rated Internship Organizations of 2021
1. VACorps
“Cape Town had so much to offer- even with COVID restrictions and a lockdown…The activities were so fun and the support from VACorps was amazing.” - Nicole Jutras, VACorps Alumni
2. Child Family Health International
“This program was a wonderful exploration of global health. It is a good opportunity for those who are unsure if or how they want to pursue their medical careers as you are exposed to various jobs and paths.” - Todd, Child Family Health International Alumni
3. Intern Abroad HQ
“This internship has educated me on how to make a dramatic impact with limited funding and money.” - Mu Patrick Ho, Intern Abroad HQ Alumni
Notable Mentions
Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Organizations of 2021
1. GVI
“If you really want to feel connected to nature & feel like you are making a difference; GVI Jalova is a trip worth taking. Whether you are there for two weeks or two months, you will feel a sense of serenity whilst make life-long friends.” - Lauren Hunt, GVI Alumn
2. MAXIMO NIVEL
“Maximo made everything simple and safe. I had the time of my life and I wish I never had to leave. The host family was welcoming. Maximo staff was so helpful and my volunteer experience was unforgettable.” - Kylee Plemmons, MAXIMO NIVEL Alumni
3. DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage
“Coming to volunteer at DAKTARI Bush School was an experience close to perfection…Since the moment I arrived, I was welcomed by everyone in the best way possible.” - Emilio Zeballos, DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage Alumni
Notable Mentions
Top Rated TEFL Certification Organizations of 2021
1. International TEFL Academy
“My course instructor gave constructive criticism and this was very helpful with moving forward and completing assignments. This was also helpful with better understanding the course material and how to successfully complete lesson plans.” - Iesha Ross, International TEFL Academy Alumni
2. ITT International TEFL and TESOL Ltd
“Very well detailed and the course explains everything a student needs to know. They are also very responsive to email. I would recommend this course to those who would like to teach English.” - Juifel B, ITT International TEFL and TESOL Ltd Alumni
3. The TEFL Academy
“The well organized and designed website makes easy access to each unit, unit quizzes, and assignments. Clear explanation and instructions lead you with no confusion, the course are full of abundant learning knowledge, materials and resources.“ - Young Chen, The TEFL Academy Alumni
Notable Mentions
Top Rated Language Schools of 2021
1. That's Mandarin
“Excellent lessons, teachers are nice and make the lessons engaging and interesting. I wished we found out this amazing school earlier on. Lessons are well planned and it is easy to make progress”. - S Cutler, That's Mandarin Alumni
2. Europass Italian Language School
“I have really enjoyed my time at Europass. Teachers are not only extremely good at explaining things, but they show their passion and their ability to motivate students and create a fun learning environment.” - Jake Vernon, Europass Italian Language School Alumni
3. ELFI - Ecole de Langue Francaise et d'Informatique
“I really enjoyed my A1 class and I would highly recommend taking their courses. I felt like I was learning a lot and engaging with material relevant for interacting in daily life.” - Madison Wright, ELFI Alumni
Notable Mentions
Top Rated Gap Year Providers of 2021
1. Pacific Discovery
“I learned so many new skills and knowledge that I never would have learned in a traditional classroom setting.” - Courtney Baker, Pacific Discovery Alumni
2. The High Desert Center
“I have never encountered an organization so dedicated to authenticity and creativity, where the teachers respect the students as much as the students respect the teachers…It has been the greatest pleasure of my life to spend a year here.“- Seraya Talbott-Carey, The High Desert Center Alumni
3. Outward Bound Costa Rica
“I can't say enough for the amazing communication… I felt at-ease knowing our daughter was in great care, and I couldn't wait for the email and photo updates each week!” - Rachel Stevens, Outward Bound Costa Rica Parent of Alumni
Notable Mentions
Top Rated Teach Abroad Organizations of 2021
1. Teaching Nomad
“Teaching Nomad found me a superb job with a great location and excellent salary. I've beyond happy… This job was everything and more.” - Sarah W, Teaching Nomad Alumni
2. Premier TEFL
“I had a great experience learning with Premier TEFL and am looking forward to using my newfound knowledge to the best of my abilities. Thank you for the smooth journey.” - Jazmyn, Premier TEFL Alumni
3. Idioma Internacional
“They give their students as well as teachers a lot of support and guidance to grow and learn. I have loved my time with Idioma Internacional, and I am excited to continue and see what is next!” - Meg Osnes, Idioma Internacional Alumni
Notable Mentions
- Interac
- i-to-i TEFL
Top Rated High School Abroad Organizations of 2021
1. Travel For Teens
“The energy of the entire TFT team was so positive, dedicated and truly made the trip the success that it was. Beyond the impressive organization of the trip’s schedule, the friendships I made on my trip are ones I hope to have forever.” - Mila McGonigal, Travel For Teens Alumni
2. World Class Programs
“I had so much fun getting to know the other people on the program, and the classes were a blast… The staff is some of my favorite people ever, everyone made me feel safe, valued, and engaged.” - Katy Pearson, World Class Programs Alumni
3. Arcos Journeys Abroad
“The classes were great, the outings were fun,...The trip, the program and staff are great!! Everyone is very straight forward. The trip was exactly what they said it would be. We were all very happy!” - Ester Levite, Arcos Journeys Abroad Alumni
Notable Mentions
Top Rated Adventure Travel Organizations of 2021
1. International Medical Aid
“The safari was amazing. The tour guide knew a lot and brought us to the right places to see all the animals. The places we stayed at were comfortable, clean, and nice.” - Taylor Barker, International Medical Aid Alumni
2. Adventure Treks
“The activities and community are both diverse and enriching… You will be introduced to a community that values fun, safety, and teamwork while still getting the chance to develop your own skills and take reasonable risks.” - Jessie Sullivan, Adventure Treks Alumni
3. Viamonde
“I had a terrific season of work and play with Viamonde, expect a full day of fun and challenges with a little bit of downtime to enjoy here and there when the camps are on.” - Baladeva Brown, Viamonde Alumni
Top Online Programs of 2021
Some of the most highly rated programs of 2021 were online! With Covid still holding back most students from traditional on-site experiences, online programs have been an excellent (and worthwhile) way to adapt to the changing landscape of international education. These were the outstanding programs that stood out amongst the rest.
Top Online TEFL Course
- Best Online TEFL Class For Teaching Abroad in 2022!
- “My instructor was very knowledgeable and helpful at all times. I appreciated her constructive feedback and it helped me throughout the course.” - Jordalin Jenkins, Best Online TEFL Class For Teaching Abroad in 2022! Alumni
Top Online Study Abroad Program
- The Experiment Digital International Virtual Exchanges
- “In this program I learned about many fundamental points on subject, it also helped me to expand and open my mind to the world, as it completely changed my behavior and gave me new lights to be able to carry out projects that can make a difference and inspire others.” - Carla Terrazas Castellon, The Experiment Digital International Virtual Exchanges Alumni
Top Online Internship
- Virtual Internships | Intern Remotely with a Global Company
- “I got the help I needed to find a placement that would best fit me and help grow my connections overseas!... Without this program, I wouldn't have been able to find an internship on my own with a company outside the US.” - Becca Zakreski, Virtual Internships | Intern Remotely with a Global Company Alumni
Top Online Language Course
- Online Chinese Learning: 1-on-1
- “I have taken courses at That's Mandarin over the past years off and on… I find the teaching methodology effective: story and theme-based. I had searched for many schools and this is the one I have found most suitable.” - Fatima Bahir, Online Chinese Learning: 1-on-1 Alumni
Top Online Volunteering
- Wildlife Veterinary Medicine Online
- “The courses and content is really affordable for the amount of effort and hard work that seems to go into them and I would definitely recommend to anyone who is interested or anyone who cannot feasibly visit South Africa themselves.” - Izzy Beardwood, Wildlife Veterinary Medicine Online Alumni
Notable Mentions
- The TEFL Institute - Online TEFL Course
- Online Business School - Online Study Abroad
- Premier TEFL - Online TEFL Course
Need more help making your travel dreams a reality in 2022?
- Ask our Online Advisors to match you with programs that fit your interests & get recommendations in less than 24 hours!
- Read tips on How to Pick the Right Program Abroad for You
- Use MyGoAbroad to save and compare your favorite programs and organize your travel plans
- Browse our Travel Article Directory or sign up for 20 Days of Travel Inspo to stay motivated and inspired!
Are you an international educator that wants to make it on our 2021 list? Contact us to start gathering more reviews now!
*Selection Process: Our Annual Top Rated Organizations and Programs are based on both quantity of reviews collected and overall ratings, as well as other measures of quality and participant satisfaction. All reviews counted were published in the 2021 calendar year.
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