Program Reviews

My experience abroad was incredible. I met so many people and made some of my best friends abroad. Every experience was new and exciting. I learned more then I could have possibly imagined and wouldn't trade this experience for anything. I was able to discover so much much about myself and really put myself to the test leaving behind everyone I know and loved. This experience left me with a feeling of great accomplishment and Im already planning my next trip back!

There's a quote that overlooks where The Boatshed sits along Wellington Harbor. "It's true you can't live here by chance. You have to do and be, not simply watch or even describe. This is the city of action. The world headquarters of the verb-" - Lauris Edmon.

I got to do it, I got to 'be' and 'do' because of ISA. Even if you're a shelled-up introvert like me, you will be given the chance to experience New Zealand in a way that you may never have had if going in alone.

I was safe, but was exposed to adventurous wonder. I stood on my own, but never had to fear of being alone in a time of need. My ISA program pulled out all the stops to make sure that I had the best experience while abroad. Whanau, as it's called in Maori. Family. That's what we were in our own little way. Whether it was a white water rafting excursion or getting a question answered about how to adjust to the new courses in New Zealand, there was a network of support that was neither distant nor smothering.

So, have fun, whether it's becoming a turmeric latte regular at Fidel's and picking up a new book at the Pegasus Book Shop, or if it's bungee jumping in Queenstown during break. Take advantage of the program. You won't regret it.

I am extremely glad I went through ISA for Study Abroad. They are always there to help whatever may come up. They set up a great Itinerary so that when you first get here you make friends quickly. The people in your ISA group become family quickly. The excursions are well planned and a great time. If I had gone with a different company I fear I would have had a harder time getting to know people. They did everything well and helped me get to my housing which was amazing on the first day. I did independent housing which I recommend if you want to save money, stay with kiwis and avoid AUT's less than clean and quiet dorms. I have friends staying at WSA and dont mind it too bad but im really glad to have gone abother route despite the scary emails about having to do it on my own. If you're not sure who to travel through - ISA is a great choice. They will support you through it all. Orientation Presentations were the only thing I would have done without. You learn as you go but it helped knowing the grading scale is different. You wont regret ISA!

This experience completely opened my eyes to the universal similarities and cultural differences that other countries have with the US. After I travelled to various places I was able to see how people from all over the world live and how beautiful each unique country was. For anyone considering a study abroad program, if the opportunity presents itself I would absolutely recommend taking the chance. Living in a new environment is the best way to help you grow and become independent. This experience has allowed me to adapt better to situations that present themselves, given me a greater empathy for all people regardless of background, and simply helped me to become more outgoing and independent. It is one of the best decisions I have ever made and I cannot wait to continue to see more places all over the world.

This program completely changed my life. I met my best friend in the uni housing that I was put in and I met my current boyfriend in an anthropology course that I was enrolled in at Vic. I am moving back to Wellington in two days because I fell in love with it! I instantly fell in love with the green hills and little quirky flats that lie on the hills. The sunsets and sunrises captured my heart. The sweet dispositions of everyone around me cradled me and made the place home. The school was aesthetically beautiful, intellectually challenging and riveting as well as important and conscious. Kiwis in general seemed to be environmentally conscious and caring about the betterment of our planet. The inclusion and honoring of Maōri culture was heartwarming and beautiful to learn about. It was the best six months of my life from day one. I would highly recommend ISA to anyone as they are accommodating, helpful, fun, and the best program ever! My entire group was amazing and Fred was amazing!

I studied abroad for a semester in Galway, Ireland in Fall 2017. I went through ISA and had one of the best experiences of my life! ISA made the pre-departure planning process so easy and was so helpful with all of the questions I had. Once I arrived I felt 100 percent supported and eased into my new environment without any issues thanks to my resident directors. The housing I stayed in was comfortable and had everything I needed. I lived with someone from my program and other Irish students attending NUIG. It was the perfect environment to meet other irish and international students. My program had inclusive trips to the Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, a weekend in Dublin. It also hosted a number of events such as traditional music/dance sessions, story telling, and movie nights to learn more about the irish culture. I felt supported throughout my schooling in Ireland and our resident director was in contact regularly throughout my stay in case we needed anything. ISA was a pleasure to travel abroad with and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

I have had a great experience so far in Wellington. Right off the bat I got to meet a lot of cool people in my program during orientation, which made the whole transition a lot easier. I've made some incredible friends here and have gotten to go on so many fun trips around New Zealand - I feel like I've seen a really good amount of this country! Of course, I have had my ups and downs (all of which your friends will be there to help you through) but I wouldn't trade my experience for anything in the world. I made the best decision in coming to Wellington and I'm already getting sad to leave my new second home. I'm living a dream right now :)

My time studying abroad with ISA in Costa Rica is still one of the highlights of my life, and it's been over five years since I was there. The ISA team was very helpful leading up to my departure, upon arrival, and throughout the three months of the program. I always felt cared for, and enjoyed interacting with the fun, on-site staff members. There were so many great people in my program, too! I've been lucky enough to stay in touch with my best friends from the program, and we've traveled all over the USA to visit each other.

Costa Rica is a fantastic country for people who want to practice Spanish, since Costa Ricans speak a very "clean," easy to understand version of the language. The only downside of studying in San Jose, rather than some of ISA's other options in Costa Rica, is that many locals speak English - and there are plenty of English-speaking students as well. It's not as immersive of an experience as a smaller town would be. Apart from that, Costa Rica is incredibly beautiful, full of outdoor activities, and easy to travel around. I'd recommend this experience to anyone!

I happened to break my ankle while studying abroad and the staff was wonderful and supportive in helping me with my situation. I had a great experience in Malaga and built lasting friendships. This experience led me to travel after college graduation and then pursue a Masters in International Education Management. I would love to go back and relive all my experiences and visit with the family that hosted me!

A few months before I graduated I was struck with the paralyzing anxiety that life as I knew it was over and I would soon be entering into a decades long career that offered no flexibility, little vacation time, and zero opportunities for me to travel ever again. Ok, so I was being a little dramatic, but regardless, in that moment I resolved to delay my career for a few short months and instead, I flew to Costa Rica the day after commencement and spent two months studying Spanish, living with a local family and traveling throughout Central America. I chose the ISA Intensive Spanish program because it was incredibly affordable and placed an emphasis on language and culture immersion, something that I value when it comes to meaningful travel experiences. The ISA Staff were very attentive and supportive of my needs but not overbearing or intrusive. Costa Rica is a great country for solo-travelers and people who want to learn Spanish. I found the culture to be very welcoming to outsiders, easy to navigate and friendly. As a female traveler, I felt safe, I felt welcome, I felt comfortable in going outside of my zone to learn new things and engage with new people.