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ISA by WorldStrides

Why choose ISA by WorldStrides?

As a leader in international education for over thirty years, International Studies Abroad (ISA) by WorldStrides is dedicated to providing university and college level students the opportunity to discover, learn, and enjoy a way of life other than their own. We offer a diverse portfolio of education abroad programs across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Pacific. Our worldwide team provides high-quality experiences for university students at an affordable price. Each year thousands of students participate in our programs, including; Internships & Service-Learning, Veritas Christian Study Abroad, and EuroScholars undergraduate research.

Scholarships

ISA Scholarships

ISA by WorldStrides Diversity Scholarship

This scholarship is offered for summer and semester programs and is intended for students with identities historically underserved in education abroad. This can include, but is not limited to, individuals who identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, Alaskan Native, American Indian, Native Hawaiian, LGBTQIA+, First-Generation College Students, U.S. Military Veterans, students with disabilities, and/or students at Minority-Serving Institutions.

Value
$2,500 - $5,000

Diversity & Inclusion

Our team is committed to providing exceptional support through identity-focused advising and resources for students, university partners, and staff. We have developed our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee to help serve all students and stakeholders, particularly the needs of underrepresented student populations. Our country-specific diversity pages offer information about the societies and cultural history of our destinations. This information can be used to start your reflection about how your intersecting identities relate to the host community context.
ISA by WorldStrides is devoted to facilitating quality programming to students with varying levels of neurodivergence. Our Health & Safety team is available to answer questions about insurance and medication, as well as provide students with materials on overseas access to support.
We are dedicated to facilitating quality programming to students with varying levels of accessibility. With our wide portfolio of program types and locations we’re confident there is a suitable and accessible program for each student. Accommodations abroad can be complex and take time, so those with accessibility needs should inform ISA of any accommodations requests as early as possible in the advising process. Please contact accessibilityteam@studiesabroad.com with questions or for more information.

Impact

We have partnered with Fill it Forward to engage team members and program participants in waste reduction practices. The goal is to encourage the elimination of single-use waste. Every QR code scan shows the impact of reusable bottles and unlocks a donation to environmental impact groups.
ISA by WorldStrides, a global organization, is committed to educate and serve communities worldwide. Our commitment is fueled by the passion of our team members and partners to make experiential learning accessible, while also being socially, environmentally, and ethically responsible. Together, we accomplish this by investing in initiatives to promote inclusion, diversity, and sustainability.

Reviews

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Abigail
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

ISA Valencia Summer

The 6 weeks I spent studying abroad in Valencia through ISA were the best 6 weeks of my life. My study abroad experience was truly incredible.
The classes were challenging, but they pushed me to grow both academically and personally. I learned so much, not just about Spanish, but also about the culture and history of the country. My professors were fantastic—engaging, knowledgeable, and passionate about their subjects. I genuinely enjoyed listening to them speak and attending class each day.
Housing was also a highlight of the program. I lived in a beautiful apartment that was equipped with everything we needed, and they even sent a cleaner every other week. We were immersed in a real apartment complex with local residents, which made the experience feel even more authentic and connected to the city.
Beyond academics, the program organizers did an excellent job of helping us connect with each other and with the local culture. They planned a variety of fun activities, from cultural excursions to social events, that made it easy to meet new people and truly experience life in the city. The staff was incredibly supportive, always available to help with any concerns, and made sure we felt safe and well taken care of.
I could not recommend choosing ISA more.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Although I loved my apartment, many of my friends lived with host families, and I think they got an even more immersive experience by being part of a local household and practicing the language daily. If I could go back, I would more heavily consider living with a house family.
Pros
  • friendly staff
  • effective classes
Cons
  • I was a bit of a walk from the school.
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Sammi
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Two weeks I will never forget!

I had the pleasure of studying in Seville for two weeks during my Winterim term this year. Although the experience was brief, it allowed me to embrace all the opportunities that traveling abroad can offer. I forged meaningful connections with peers who shared my enthusiasm for exploring the world and immersing ourselves in a new culture. I was able to witness firsthand the values and traditions deeply rooted in Spanish culture. Additionally, I learned the true merit of stepping into the unknown—pushing myself out of my comfort zone and navigating new and unfamiliar circumstances. This trip was truly a perspective-shaping experience that left a lasting impact on me. I am grateful to the ISA program for making this possible and the ISA team members who helped ensure an immersive and enriching experience while abroad.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Make sure to embrace all the little moments and savor them! There is so much to see and do that it can go by too quickly without moments of appreciation during your days abroad!
Pros
  • The food!
  • A flamenco show
  • Connections
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Madison
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Most Rewarding Experience of My Life!!!

I decided to study abroad in Florence, Italy, Fall of my senior year of college. I was super nervous (and had never been to Europe), but I wanted to challenge myself! All I can say, is this experience taught me more about myself than I ever could have imagined. I traveled to 13 countries, met amazing lifelong friends, and ate the most fabulous food. I am truly aching to get back to Europe and explore even more. I was terrified to do this (as many other students are), but I promise, with all of the support from your program, you are more than prepared to take on the journey! There is no better time to immerse yourself in a new environment and live abroad than during college! You grow so much and learn a new appreciation for your host country, as well as your actual home! I have never been more proud of myself for leaving my comfort zone and diving into the most amazing for months of my life. I miss it every single day!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Please, whatever you do, SAVOR EVERY MOMENT!!! A semester abroad sounds like a long time, but it flys by! The money comes back, but the experiences and time doesn't! I miss my little Italian life every single day!!!
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Elena
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Absolutely Life Changing Experience!!

I cannot emphasize enough if you are even slightly considering going abroad- DO IT. The program in Athens, Greece was truly a remarkable experience. I was a little nervous to go to a country that uses a completely different alphabet & is very culturally different than America, however looking back I can't see myself studying anywhere else. My courses taught by Greek professors were super engaging & I will never forget the relationships I built with my professors & peers. Also making friends in this program was super easy- everyone who participates in ISA meets each other through program-sponsored events as soon as the first day you are in Greece. The cultural immersion experiences organized by the program were amazing- we took Greek cooking & dance classes (and even got to go on an overnight trip to the Meteora monasteries in Greece!) Everything about this country & program was fantastic- I will never forget my experience in Athens and 10/10 encourage you to go out of your comfort zone and study abroad with them!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I ran the original marathon course in November from Marathon to Athens- coolest experience ever!!!!
Pros
  • Not expensive
  • People speak english!
  • Friendly to Americans
Cons
  • Housing
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Laila
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I love ISA!

Studying abroad in Athens, Greece was the best four months of my entire life. ISA made the application process super simple and the on-campus advisors helped facilitate the program while I was there. I studied at the American College of Greece and was able to join clubs like dance club and surfing club. There are so many activities on campus and everyone is super inviting. They took us on some amazing excursions like Voulagameni beach and Meteora. I highly recommend studying abroad with ISA as they have so many destinations to choose from and have programs for most majors!!

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Katherine Armstrong

Why did you choose this program?

I chose my program based on academics and excursions, along with cost of course. The main things I wanted to gain from a program were new experiences and credits that would transfer back to my home university. My program included 2 weekend trips plus day trips as well, and allowed me to visit new places. There were also many different courses offered which was a bonus.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

My program/university scheduled my classes for me, picked out my homestay, and gave me itineraries for all included trips. Once I arrived, I went to my class orientation where they gave out our syllabi and schedules. I also received housing information about a month before going on my trip from the program. I organized extra trips on my own, and I also took care of buying food I wasn't eating while in my homestay.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

I wish I had packed lighter. It is true you end up buying many items there and souvenirs. I was only gone for a month and came back with so much. I also think it's important to have an credit/debit card that works internationally but also have cash on hand. I exchanged money before my trip so once I was in Barcelona I already had euros on hand. I highly reccomend doing this at a local bank before you depart.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

I would wake up, have breakfast provided by my host mom, get ready and take the metro to class. I had two classes a day, four times a week. In between my classes I would go sight see or grab food depending on what I wanted to do. I then had my second class and after I would head home to unwind and I usually ate dinner at my homestay with my roommate. Many nights I would go grab tapas or drinks with friends I met on the program later in the evening too.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was language usage. I study Spanish but have never been able to go in the "real world" and apply it. I knew being in a homestay would give me a lot of practice and it did. I also met other people from my building and talked to them as well. I think just putting yourself out there and trying is the best way to learn any skill but language especially.
Write and answer your own question.

Should I go on the provided trips/tours?

The answer is 100% yes. These were how I made friendships that lasted me the whole trip but also even after I left. They had a diverse range of activities ranging from museum tours, paella making, boating, and swimming in the sea. I loved traveling with my program because they also gave students the freedoms to do whatever they wanted in the evenings but also providing us with activities all day.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Allison Ferris

Job Title
Resident Director
Allison has lived in New Zealand for five years and has worked for ISA for over two years. She has lived in three of seven continents and dreams of visiting Antarctica in her lifetime.
Allison Ferris

What is your favorite travel memory?

If I had to choose from volumes of memories, I would say that my favourite (so far) would be the cherry blossom season in Korea. Coming from East Coast Canada, our summers are relatively short and we are known for excessive amounts of snow. So in Korea, when I saw all these cherry blossom trees that were chock full of blooms and drifted down with the wind like snow falling softly to the ground, I felt at peace with the choices I'd made, nostalgic for home and mesmerized by a beauty I'd never seen before.

I remember roaming the streets or the park near my apartment just absorbing the fragrance from the blooms or taking photos.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Running ISA's Bridging Cultures Programme opened my eyes to the rich heritage of Māori, the first people in New Zealand. Over many BCPs, I have had the privilege to better understand te Reo-Māori language, waiata-songs and the importance of whānau-family which is not necessarily limited to your relatives.

I also understand that my country has a lot of room for growth in incorporating our First Nations people's heritage and culture, beyond a day of recognition or a few keywords and/or phrases. No country is perfect; however, New Zealand has arguably done a remarkable job in acknowledging failures of the past, while fulfilling promises made to the people.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

I'll never forget the bundle of energy that is Josh; an enigmatic combination of intelligence and excitement that made for a very exciting semester. Josh came to NZ and brought his love of airplanes with him, so what was the very first thing he did when arriving in the country? He managed to get himself the best seat on the plane...the pilot's seat..on the AirNZ long-haul flight to Auckland. Although it was largely for a photo-op, as soon as I heard the story, I knew then I had someone special in my cohort. Josh would later go on to correctly identify the aircraft model based on the sound of the engine while in air.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

Hands down, I'd jump at the chance for the ISA Galway summer programme - Irish studies at the National U of Ireland. Not only would this satisfy my dream to get to Europe, but it would also be an opportunity to learn about my family's history in Ireland. Way back when, longer than I'd care to admit, I researched our family genealogy, and I would love to find our family crest that I discovered so many years ago.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

I came to New Zealand as an international student; although older than the students that sign up with our company, I still wish that I had ISA to help navigate some tricky things that came up and just to answer questions as I had them. I always communicate with our students that we are available when they need us and sometimes that is days or even weeks into their semester. I am very proud of how my team and I are available to students and we always ensure students' questions are put up the chain until we get them an answer.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

A successful company delivers on the promises they make; ISA offers students a quality experience in countries across the globe and employs on-site staff to maximize that experience. In order to deliver on those promises, a successful company must be comprised of people who are actively committed to the job they signed up for. Here in the Pacific, the on-site staff have extensive experience in education and/or studied abroad themselves. Knowledge combined with passion equals a standard of care for our students from pre-departure to arrival and success at their site.