Program Reviews

I came into study abroad eager and excited, looking to improve my fluency in Spanish. Without realizing though, I also came in treating study abroad as an item on a checklist, but it was so much more! From the warm & welcoming culture of the people, to the rich seafood, that I didn't know you could put in an empanada, to living a 10 minutes' walk from the beach, I fell in love with life there. My host family made me feel so at home and I loved walking and exploring the city every day. The public transportation was easy, though the Micro's were surely an adventurous ride!! Being immersed in this culture swept me off of my feet. Building relationships with the other students studying abroad, the local Chileans, and our residential director was a highlight for sure! While I knew that it was custom to kiss on the cheek when greeting, this still took me by surprise and I had to adjust. I would say that I started to get a bit homesick around week 6 and this probably lasted about a month or so, but our residential director did an amazing job with having these open types of conversations with us, always asking what kind of support we needed and having us reflect. But there was always something to do, whether a festival in Valpo or something hosted by UAI's student exchange team, so getting outside of the house and planning things to look forward to helps with that a TON! Honestly, my heart is still there, and I am seriously considering moving there. I visited the San Pedro de Atacama Dessert and it was stunningly breathtaking!...SO, if you're still debating, let this be your sign to say YES and DO IT!! ;) thank me later, I hope you have an amazing experience!!!

I was very nervous before going into this process, I'd heard all about the things of culture shock and not having the best host family, but I could not be happier to say that none of this was true when I went to Argentina. I had the best experience getting to Argentina, meeting my host family, and adjusting to the culture. My host family went above and beyond to make sure I knew how to work public transportation and exchange my currency. The university had amazing teachers and I enjoyed both of the classes I took during my time in Buenos Aires. I met so many amazing people there; from my program, other programs, and even locals that I still talk to today. This was probably one of the most memorable experiences I've ever been able to be a part of and I hope that I get the opportunity to go back to Argentina someday. I highly recommend to anyone looking to travel abroad to do it, even if you don't go to Argentina, go abroad somewhere. I promise you you will not regret it and you will make so many memories that you will forever hold on to, I know I will.

My experience in Heredia, Costa Rica was life-changing and I would do it all over again if I could. I stayed with a host family which was the best decision. I got to taste home cooked traditional meals rather than eating out all the time. There is something special about a hot home cooked meal and Spanish conversations with host families that makes study abroad unique.
I have gained so much confidence in my Spanish speaking skills as well as in myself. Traveling and discovering on your own takes you out of your comfort zone and lets you enjoy more.

My summer study abroad experience in Barcelona was truly unforgettable! It was a transformative opportunity that expanded my academic horizons, deepened my cultural understanding, and fueled a lifelong passion for travel! Barcelona's central location allowed us to easily travel to lots of different destinations, adding even more depth to the experience. An amazing aspect of this program was the opportunity to connect with new people. Choosing to live in an apartment with girls also in the program was one of the best decisions. It truly felt like we were immersed into the energy of the city and became part of Barcelona. I absolutely recommend studying abroad through ISA, you will not regret it!

My time in Florence, Italy with ISA was the best time of my life! I could not recommend this program more. I made memories to last a lifetime and I am so grateful for my experience. The ISA staff was wonderful and very helpful. The opportunity to live and learn in a new country is so special - getting to try new food, meet new people, and experience a new culture is all a great part of getting to study abroad. I encourage everyone to study abroad in any capacity as it is great learning experience for young people.

I highly recommend this trip. I think everything went as well as things could possibly go. My professor was funny, helpful, and very knowledgeable. I learned a lot in my class. It was challenging but not too hard. I felt completely safe in Barcelona. I was able to work out at a gym, go to the movies, go grocery shopping, and pretty much live my life how I do back in the United States. However, I was also able to see all of the museums, the sites, and get a good slice of Spanish culture. I had taken 3 semesters of Spanish which helped me greatly get around the city. This was my first time out of the country and the ISA staff gave me the best possible experience I could have hoped for.

I would recommend this program! I had the best experience at Florence. The ISA staff were very helpful, and I learned so much. My apartment was nearby the city center which made exploring so easy. Florence is a smaller to medium city that was full of amazing foo and people. I loved being able to travel to new places and meet people from other universities studying there as well. I participated in the Chat Pal club as well when I was there. This allowed me to connect with locals and learn about their lives.

My semester studying in Granada was one that I will never forget. The city, the culture, the people, the language was all enough to make me fall in love with the experience. I learned so much about myself while only abroad, I learned how to be brave, how to push myself and my friends to achieve really spectacular things, and how take in the moment for everything that it is. Granada is a beautiful place and I am so fortunate to have left with memories that I will never forget and lesson that will help me become someone that I am proud of.

I had such an amazing experience traveling to Florence to study fashion marketing! For me, going abroad has always been about getting to experience something that I could never do in the United States. I wanted to travel to a different environment to learn more about my future career, and also about the culture and beauty built around the world. I've always wanted to go to Italy, and after doing some research, I picked Florence because the city is known for its rich art and history. Everywhere I went, I was looking at art. I am so happy I pushed myself out of my comfort zone because I learned a lot about myself and have memories that will last a lifetime!

I went abroad to Valencia during the spring 2023 semester and it was one of the best experiences of my life! I learned a lot about Spanish culture, traveled around Europe & Morocco and met lifelong friends. While traveling, I was also able to complete credits at UCV for my kinesiology major. The classes I took were all interesting and we were given many resources if we ran into problems. Both of the advisors were also amazing and were there when we needed any type of help. I recommend going to study abroad in Spain!