The program's staff was very supportive before and throughout my entire study abroad trip. When applying for the program, I would send an email and they would respond right away on any questions regarding the application process. While in Korea, the staff was very friendly and willing to help me out when I had any questions or needed their assistance, they consistently made themselves available and supported me throughout my study abroad experience. They organized many activities and it was evident that every staff member was genuinely eager about connecting and engaging with the students.
Studying abroad even for only 3 weeks with ISA was such a good experience. I was able to see so many sights in Barcelona and meet some amazing people. The program offered a trip to Valencia and Peñíscola that was included in the price of the program which was an unexpected surprise. I ate the most delicious food and had the best time on my trip to Barcelona with ISA. I was even able to use my study abroad experience to kickstart my travels throughout Europe once my program was over. This program and my time in Barcelona changed my life, I can't wait to go back and visit again.
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Take advantage of every single moment you have because once you come home, you'll be wishing you were back in Barcelona
My 2 week study abroad experience in Salamanca, Spain
Sep 5, 2024
Before I studied abroad, I didn’t really understand why everyone who had before loved it so much. My 2 week program took place in Salamanca, Spain and I stayed with a home stay. I absolutely loved the city; it was safe, beautiful, clean, full of history, and overall incredible. The ISA staff on site was so incredibly helpful with everything, and my host abuela was so welcoming and loving. I had not a single complaint throughout the whole program. Now I really understand why students love studying abroad!
Studying in Sydney at USYD was the best decision I could've made. Australia is one of those regions where you need a good amount of time rather than a 2-week vacation where you can plan a mid-semester break to New Zealand or a weekend trip down in Tasmania. We were placed in a great and safe part of the city which is at the outskirts of the CBD, but also near a shopping centre and 10-minute walk to campus. It is such a vibrant, multicultural, and touristy city that you'll never run out of things to do. While the courses at the insanely beautiful University of Sydney's campus are pretty vigorous, the professors, TAs, and students are kind enough to help and many resources are there to help.
What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
During our program's orientation in Cairns, I had the opportunity to try a tasting platter with 4 native Aussie animals such as kangaroo, crocodile, emu, and smoked salmon. Surprisingly, the emu was the most delicious to me, followed by the salmon, kangaroo (which doesn't have a particular or funny taste), and crocodile, which wasn't my favorite since it was too smokey and rubbery tasting.
Pros
Resourceful and caring staff both in person while on the program and online.
Sydney is an extremely safe city with impressive public transportation.
There is a mix of city, nature, and beaches.
What other participants should know
The front desk staff at our student housing wasn't the greatest or useful.
Courses at the University of Sydney are doable, but hard and set at higher expectations.
It is a bit hard to explore outside of Sydney if flying isn't an option and trains don't run in that path.
I studied abroad in Lille, France for one month. It was not without difficulties, but it was the best month of my life! I have dreamed of going to France since I was a little girl, and this exceeded my expectations. ISA was a program that helped me achieve this dream and guided me every step of the way. In Lille and the neighboring cities, I was able to see so much history and art, not only by myself, but also in one of my courses called World Class Museums. I had a French course which challenged me, but the teacher was very kind and understanding, and made the class fun to attend!
What was your funniest moment?
I got stranded in Belgium... Basically, our train was late, then it got cancelled, and then it was an hour late. I ended up having to get on and off about 5 trains. I met a girl from California and two French boys in the process. Looking back, it was hilarious and it was an experience that was scary and confusing in the moment but later, it was a fun story to tell, and I made friends!
Pros
Excursions- Paris, Bruges, Brussels, Amiens, Normandy with optional guided tours!
Immersion- being immersed in French language and culture, I learned SO much and my language skills are so much better.
Branching out- I gained so much independence and confidence. While ISA staff guided me every step of the way, there were many moments where I felt very independent, and surprisingly comfortable in a foreign country.
What other participants should know
Academic- I was placed in a French class below my level. It was very difficult to switch into a higher, appropriate level and teachers/administrators did not seem to care about my story. It gave me a lot of anxiety and frustrations.
I had an incredible four months in Sydney on the TEAN program attending the University of New South Whales. From traveling around Australia and to many "nearby" countries, making life-long close friends, making many memories, and experiencing moments that cannot be replicated anywhere else, these factors will stay close to my heart forever. This program staff not only creates a great orientation in the Great Barrier Reef and Cairns, Australia where you get to know Australian history, and culture, along with their incredible wildlife. This program feels like a dream from start to finish. I regularly studied and read on the beach (or other pretty campus locations), ate great cheap but quality local food, and spent time getting to love Sydney closely for all it has to offer.
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Do as much as you can!! Spend every day trying a new food place or activity, or even walk around, there is so much to explore solo or with friends, Sydney is a place with a lot to offer. My favorite activity was snorkeling everywhere I could, it's super easy to rent gear if you don't have it either!
Studying abroad was an exhilarating and eye-opening experience. It brought on many trials, but I am proud of overcoming my hesitations and facing them head-on. I benefitted from international travel by learning to become more independent and self-reliant. I’ve commuted to college every year, so it was my first time living away from home. It challenged me to be more decisive and outgoing. Because of this, I made great relationships and became more self-assured. Even navigating public transportation helped me to be more vigilant and mindful.
Although I saw significant self-improvement, other aspects caused some difficulties. Before going to London, I had frequent contact with ISA to ensure I would have consistent therapy and someone to administer my allergy shots. I was confident and felt at ease knowing there would be support for my mental health and physical health. However, there were complications with my therapy and shots, which hindered me from receiving treatment until the end of the semester. Ultimately, I advise incoming study abroad students to ensure specific measures are in place before traveling to their designated country. Hence, they are guaranteed support for their mental and physical health.
Despite these setbacks, I am thankful for my experience studying abroad and the chance to live in London. The city is full of activities and opportunities, so I encourage students to fully immerse themselves in the culture and meet people from different backgrounds. It broadens your perspective and truly changes your life!
What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
While visiting Edinburgh, Scotland, I perused an outdoor market where independent businesses sold homemade goods and handmade apparel. One vendor called The Insect Cafe was selling baked goods containing bugs. I tried the larva protein balls—they didn't taste like bugs, but the texture threw me off! I wouldn't eat them again, but the concept was interesting.
Pros
Lots of activities in Central London (many for free!)
England is full of history and historical sites
Opportunities to know people from many cultures/backgrounds
What other participants should know
Public transportation isn't always reliable due to strikes/delays
Words don't do it justice. Life-changing. Truly. I feel like I am an entirely different person from who I was before studying abroad. It was perfect down to every last detail. To be honest I didn't even do any extensive research on Granada or the program prior to going, I just was sure that I wanted to study abroad somewhere. In fact, not a single other person from my university was going to Granada, so I knew zero people going into the program. Naturally, I tend to go quiet in social situations, so I knew this new environment could be a challenge. Instead of falling into my old ways, I made a daily effort to push myself to meet new people and be more gregarious. This was the root of my growth, and it was massively facilitated by the staff of ISA Granada. Not only were my hosts passionate and welcoming, but the ISA staff organized dozens of events to help involve us students. The three coordinators, Angel, Marisa, and Lorena, made it abundantly clear to us that not only were they there for our every need, but they really cared about us individually. They were curious to hear how we were enjoying our experience and keen to suggest ideas for us based on our interests. My school held a pre-study abroad conference in the winter before I left, and when one of the coordinators asked me where I was going and who I was studying abroad through, the response was incredible. I told her ISA Granada, and her face lit up with excitement for me. She was elated to tell me how amazing ISA was and how much I had to look forward to. She did not exaggerate in the slightest. I hope that this review can serve to others as she did to me, encouraging you to study abroad with ISA, and be excited to do so. You will be so happy you did.
What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Caracoles! Also known as escargo or snail, this was a first for me. Angel from ISA Granada recommended numerous places to go around the city to try this dish, and I don't regret it at all. Delicious!
Pros
Incredible Staff
Amazing city full of culture and nature *And stupidly safe!!!*
New Zealand honestly exceeded my expectations. The country in itself is BEAUTIFUL. Auckland is obviously more of a city, but it's on the water and has lots of parks so you still feel close to nature! Getting to other parts of the country is really simple, with plenty of cheap flights and busses.
I really enjoyed the housing accommodation, living apartment style with two other flatmates. The University of Auckland campus is nice as well, very blended into the city but still with a campus feel.
Auckland has a lot of good food with a wide variety. I really enjoyed how easily we could walk downtown and find new cafes and restaurants!
If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would do even more hiking/spending time outdoors. There is just SO much to see, I wish I had more time. I definitely recommend joining clubs on campus that arrange activities, like the tramping (hiking) club, snow sports club, and scuba/snorkelling club.
Pros
Great for people who like living right in the heart of a city.
Great coffee culture, everywhere has good coffee.
Locals were so friendly!
What other participants should know
Not as close to nature as other cities in the country, you have to travel further.
A phenomenal program and place to go if you want to improve your social confidence, be less of a picky eater, try new styles and clothes, explore nightlife, and learn meaningful life lessons.
So much of making the most of your time lies in preparation. Pack properly. Don't bring a lot, you'll want to buy a lot there. Don't bring overly colorful clothes (You'll stand out a lot!). Account for mid/post-semester travel when booking flights. Flights to Japan, Taiwan, and more are very cheap compared to from the states.
Be involved in KUBA! Go to the cheering orientations, the dinners, and more. They're more expensive than a meal on your own, but they are amazing opportunities to make friends with both Koreans and exchange students from around the world. I regret not going to my group's MT (bonding event) despite its steep price.
If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I wouldn't have limited myself by staying within a friend group at the start. Making the most of social opportunities like KUBA and befriending as many of your fellow TEAN students as possible is the way to go. You'd be shocked how much drama can occur despite only being a 4 month semester, so be cool and be friends with everyone, it took time but by the end of the semester I was the happiest I've ever been.
Pros
Public Transportation
English friendly
School Spirit & Festivals
What other participants should know
On the expensive side
Stressful course registration
Dorm is at the top of a steep hill (not recommended if you have mobility issues)
