Program Reviews

I spent 4 months in Barcelona, Spain during the spring 2023 semester and it was an amazing experience! The city is beautiful and the people are so kind and welcoming. I was able to learn so much about the culture and broaden my Spanish speaking abilities which was a definite bonus. The programming through ISA provided me with great resources to resolve any issues (no matter the size) as well as some great excursions to other parts of Spain. I also loved being so close to such a large airport so that weekend traveling throughout the semester was as easy as possible. I loved my semester in Barcelona with ISA and would recommend it to anyone!

I had a great experience with ISA in Galway! I participated in their service-learning program, where, instead of taking an academic course with a university, I interned with a local community radio station. There, I gained a lot of valuable experience working in radio, and I met a lot of incredible people! The program is structured amazingly, and places an emphasis on cultural knowledge and the overall impact of study abroad programs. I learned a lot from my coworkers about wider contemporary Irish socio-economic culture, and current relevant problems and debates.

I spent a little over a month in Málaga, Spain this past June and it was the best decision of my life! My ISA group had the very best guide named Iker who was a Málaga native & taught us Spanish while taking us on tours all over the city! He watched out for our safety by teaching us all about societal norms and how they differed from what we were used to. We went on phenomenal excursions including Sevilla, Córdoba, and the Alhambra in Granada! It was amazing to see different cities in Southern Spain and how they differed. I loved getting to live like a local and even participate in a local holiday celebration! I will never forget all of the wonderful people I met and everything Spain taught me.

I loved my study abroad experience because the teachers were supportive and let us explore. One of my teachers would even have tea time with us and offer us sweets as well. I appreciated the fact that we could be open with them. Not only were the teachers considerate, the places were so beautiful and I liked how we could visit places for free because of passes our teachers got for us. Not only did we visit the sites in Rome we also visited places all over Italy such as Florence and Assisi. Even though those visits were school related, it was still easy to go away and have your own adventure. Not only did we visit sites for school it was also easy to go visit other places in Italy during the weekend which was appreciated.

I studied abroad in Florence, Italy in the Spring of 2023! This experience changed my perspective on many things including passions, priorities, and travel. Immersing myself in another culture helped me develop a better understanding for others. The experience of being this far from home pushed me out of my comfort zones. I have become more mature, independent, confident, and passionate after studying abroad. I am forever thankful for the friendships I have made abroad because they are now friendships for a lifetime!

My time in Granada was nothing short of enchanting, wonderful, and outright life changing. This program allowed me to see a whole new side of the world, and I just can't wait to go back already! From dancing in the streets of Toledo to visiting the beautiful Alhambra palace, to having the opportunity for travel on a budget...it couldn't have been any better. I made some of my greatest friends through this program, and saw so many new things and places I never would've been able to without it. The onsite staff were amazing and helped my friends and I at any time that we needed them, and they took us on so many tours of the city where we were given the opportunity to learn more about the beauty that is Granada. My language skills improved tenfold, I met people from all over the world, and most importantly, I learned more about myself and grew as a person. So what are you waiting for? Granada is the place to be!!!!

ISA offered the perfect balance of guidance and freedom in my study abroad experience, making their resources for student success crystal clear. I absolutely loved attending excursions as the ISA staff were very knowledgeable about the history and amenities of Madrid and each city we traveled to. Outside of these events, the staff and my host family gave great tips and tricks for exploring independently and on a budget. One of my favorite parts of going to Madrid with ISA is that they have students in two different universities and a wide range of majors, allowing me to interact with students I wouldn’t have met in class. If you love a new adventure every day, I highly recommend heading to a big city like Madrid and taking the metro to wherever the map calls you!

The ISA program in Buenos Aires is a valuable experience! I cannot recommend going abroad, especially in South America enough. The city was welcoming and warm, and the metropolis always offered something to do. Whether you are more interested in music, art, science or history, Buenos Aires has options. The ISA staff (shoutout to Gaby) was always attentive and available to help with anything I needed. The University of Belgrano was housed in a safe neighborhood and had interesting course offerings. I was able to meet people from around the world there. It is a great environment to learn about Latin American culture and history, and the people are always friendly and willing to help you out with your Spanish.
With lots to do in the city, a whole semester can fly by, but I appreciated that the ISA staff also had recommendations for trips to do in all of Argentina. I fully recommend not only coming to Latin America but seeing as much as possible while you are here.
Even after a month back in the US, I find myself missing the life in Buenos Aires.

I had have the best experience studying abroad in Greece. For me, this was the first time outside of the United States so, I was a bit nervous but I was received with so much compassion and kindness abroad that I can now say that I have found a second home! Not only were the staff at ISA so helpful and supportive but, the community from the neighborhood and college were so inviting and welcoming! The food, the people and the excursions, I definitely will be back in Athens in due time! I recommend this program to future college students, take that leap, you wont regret it!

I had the most incredible experience with ISA during my time in Cusco! From the moment I arrived in Peru, I was warmly welcomed by the program coordinators who made me feel right at home. The academic aspect was equally enriching; the courses were thoughtfully designed and provided a perfect balance between classroom learning and real-world exploration. Beyond academics, the program's cultural immersion activities allowed me to truly understand and appreciate the local way of life, traditions, and customs. The support system in place, including the dedicated staff and fellow participants, created a tight-knit community that made me feel welcomed and connected. This journey has not only broadened my perspective but also given me lifelong friends from around the world. I'm immensely grateful for this experience and would wholeheartedly recommend this study abroad program to anyone seeking personal growth, academic advancement, and unforgettable memories.