Program Reviews

I loved the process of studying abroad with ISA starting from applying, getting credits approved, being in Costa Rica, and even coming back. Applying was easy by doing it online and ISA's employees consistently checked in on me while I was deciding. Their options for Spanish-speaking countries with classes that would transfer back to my school were great. Other options from other programs kept me from studying abroad with them. Being in Costa Rica was also the most fun summer I've had. I learned so much about the culture because of the cultural activities ISA had for us. We walked to the Jade Museum in San Jose, and I thought that was a nice touch because that's probably how locals get there (because it was so close, unless they had a car). I also did service-learning, which helped me get to know other locals from different backgrounds. When I returned to the US, I even chose to become a Global Ambassador so that I can speak about my study abroad experience with my fellow students and convince them to go with ISA!

I was very apprehensive when I first arrived in Spain, but once I arrived the ies staff was very helpful and made the transition process much easier. In addition, my host family was extremely patient with my speaking abilities, and they gave me tips about the life in Spain. I made some of my best friends from other schools that I would otherwise not have met. This experience has opened up my mind as I am eager to continue traveling and meeting new people. I will definitely return to Madrid at some point in the future. I hope that anyone who has the opportunity to travel to study abroad takes these opportunities because for me, it was life changing, and I now view the world very differently. I really felt like I was involved in the culture that I lived in.

It's really difficult to sum up such an amazing program in such short space. The people who work with ISA in Austin and in Florence are very helpful through every step of the way. I emailed and called the ISA Austin office so many times leading up to my semester abroad that I lost count, as did most of the people that I talked to. The excursions that ISA puts on are tons of fun, well organised and creative. My apartment here was great, it had a very central location and was actually very spacious considering it housed 6 girls total. The people you meet here will become some of your best friends before you know it. If you're looking for a study abroad program I can't recommend this one enough. If you're having doubts about studying abroad and aren't sure if it's for you, just do it. Even if it's not with this program, it will be one of the best experiences of your life.

So this is my second trip with ISA. 2 years ago, I went to Costa Rica with them. During my first trip with them, I didn't get my schedule or class times or excursion dates until a few days after we arrived in Costa Rica, making it hard to plan outside activities. We also didn't have a set time to be picked up from our flight, and details weren't sent out until about 3-4 weeks BEFORE classes started, leaving little to no time to book an affordable plane ticket. I asked about these issues I experienced the first time, and was told that any issues would be hammered out after a bit. 2 years later, I am running into the exact same problem. I am spending 14,000 dollars for 3 MONTHS in Spain, and ISA has been unable to provide me with when my Spanish class will be held, again, making it extremely hard to plan outside excursions. We were also scheduled to take a trip to Morocco, and that was something I was really excited about. It was only until I called the actual ISA office that I found there was not enough time to embark on that trip, and they were "planning on telling us" in about a week, aka about a month from the time we are expected to land in Spain. My program in Costa Rica was awesome, and I'm sure I will enjoy Barcelona, but if scheduling issues are a deal breaker for you, definitely don't enroll in this program. It's also extremely expensive, as my short 3 month semester costs just as much as a 6 month program in the same region.

This program provided me with the support I needed to feel ready for my semester abroad. Their orientation was a great way to get acquainted with the ISA Sevilla team and with all the students in the program. I thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to attend school at Universidad Pablo de Olavide. Although I took classes with other U.S. students, the courses were conducted in Spanish by Spanish teachers. This allowed me to go to a Spanish school and improve my Spanish speaking skills. Sevilla is a great location altogether; it is affordable, safe, and fun. As someone who went on the program 5 years ago I can confidentially say that my experience helped me professionally. It not only made me competitive as a candidate in the workforce, but it has allowed me to connect and interact with people from diverse backgrounds both within and outside my workplace.

It was one of my best moments of my life in recent years and I do not regret doing this program :) Everything is very different and Peru has many beautiful places. In addition to the things that I liked most is to try their variety of food. I also recommend a Facebook group to get advice and recommendations when they are in Peru. ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/exchangestudentinternationslima/ )

I am so happy that I was able to study abroad and spend everyday trying new foods, exploring beautiful architecture and practicing my Spanish truly made for an incomparable experience. I feel as if I became even more independent and appreciative of the small details that are important for a daily life. I woke up excited for the walks to class, and the walks to grab tapas with friends after a busy day of class. I challenged myself by speaking in Spanish both outside the classroom and in every class. That was definitely a change from my coursework incollege in the United States.
experience and through a graduate program I will have great success.
Many of the experiences I’ve had help in terms of understanding the cultural differences
between Granada and where I live in Massachusetts, but when asked to think of one specific
thing, I remember the first time I went into a tapas place and was completely overwhelmed
with the level of social interaction that was occurring. Everybody was standing up and talking
loudly while drinking their beer or wine and waiting for the tapa. My friends and I were the only people who found it strange that everyone was standing and that there was very little room between various groups. It was in this moment that I realized how heavily the culture in
Granada relies upon social relationships and the way that food and drinks are represented in
these circumstances, both with family and friends. That is truly unforgettable and no city compares to its antiquity and beauty.

Studying in Christchurch, NZ was easily the greatest experience of my entire life. I was able to further my chemical engineering education in a unique system of challenging courses while having the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful places in the entire world!! I met lots of Kiwis through classes and clubs that provided me with many authentic experiences. I helped out on a sheep farm, surfed, cheered on the local rugby team, drank heaps of flat whites, climbed mountains, and saw some incredible wildlife. Studying abroad in New Zealand provides an opportunity for growth on so many levels. I am so grateful for this experience as it has changed the entire scope in which I view life.

Being that this was my first time outside of the U.S., there are only two words that describe my study abroad experience - LIFE CHANGING. From the beginning this program was organized. I love that ISA offered a portal that keep informed on what needed to be completed to solidify our overall trip. Whether it be medical clearance to verification of flights, ISA ensure we were well prepared before embarking on this journey. The staff was very helpful, genuine, and accessible at all times. The excursions that were plan for us not only allowed us to learn more about the culture, but gave us a sense of gratefulness as Americans. If it was not for ISA, I would not have been able to meet amazing people from all over the U.S - but all over the world. ISA will always have a place in my heart and I recommend anyone who is interested in studying abroad to go through ISA. Overall, it was a formative experience that taught me flexibility, adaptability, and communicating betterDes in tough situations.

This course was an extremely good experience. The staff and teachers were super helpful and supportive. The living accommodations were not the best, but not too bad. I wish that more time was spent in the outback rather than in Mildura, the "home base" of La Trobe Uni. I made some really good connections and made some friends along the way. This program ended up being completely different than I expected and that is part of the beauty of it. I would recommend this program to my peers, but I would advise them to make plans to extend their trip and travel to other parts of the country while they are in Australia.