Number One Best Choice I Made in College

ISDSI's well-organized program is designed for a student from any discipline. In fact, one of its greatest strengths is that it brings together scientists, writers, and political scientists, among others, to learn together as a cohort. The common bond is that they care about sustainability. Undoubtedly, most of what I learned in Thailand was enhanced by the group I learned it with.

The best part of the program for me was the significant time we spent outdoors and its focus on outdoor leadership. ISDSI does not require you to be an advanced hiker, camper, kayaker, or mountain climber. The program meets you where you are and helps you challenge yourself.

My second favorite aspect was the well-planned academic programming. From the history of Thailand to Thai culture to the many ethnic minorities to the changing economic climate among the ASEAN countries, I left with a life-long fascination with the history of southeast Asia, and a much better understanding of the regional politics.

When I selected this program, I was studying Spanish. I worried that choosing a non-Spanish speaking country would inhibit my long-term goal of going to the U.S. Peace Corps in a Spanish-speaking country (which I did--Guatemala). In the end, the choice was actually empowering. Learning a completely different language in a short period of time (4-6 months) was very empowering. I found I was able to quickly return to my Spanish and, at times, tried to learn the two languages side-by-side. So, if you're focused on improving your language skills by studying abroad, considering a new language like Thai.

Since leaving the program, I've gone on to be a Peace Corps volunteer, a community organizer, a policy analyst, and now an attorney. Not a week goes by that I don't discuss Thailand with someone. To study abroad through ISDSI was the best choice I made in college. Consider it.