Studying in Malaga was truly an unforgettable experience. In the 'Summer 1' program I met extraordinary people and visited the most beautiful places in Spain. Malaga is a beautiful city. The city center offers amazing food, shopping, social life, and more. Additionally, outside the city center, the rest of Malaga is beautiful. Near UMA, El Palo beach was the best. My professor was amazing! Overall, I think this program was 100% worth it in every aspect, and I HIGHLY recommend taking up this opportunity if it's possible.
I went to Colombia to experience a culture and language different from the one I had grown up with in East Tennessee. From the coast with the oldest surviving city in South America to the south with the largest rainforest in the world, you can experience one of the most diverse cultures in the Latin world and come to love the people and way of life in Colombia. I also can't forget my favorite city, and home for nearly 5 months, Medellín. There you will find a city with the kindest people, diverse activities, perfect weather, and the greatest salsa dancers in the world. I got exactly what I wanted. You will truly get to see and experience a different culture, language, and people than anywhere else you can travel. Along with this, I gained a greater understanding of business on an international level that I would not have found elsewhere. If you want a unique experience different from the rest, you will surely find it here. I hope you will soon find yourself, as I did, in my second home. ¡Amo Colombia!
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
One of the biggest pieces of advice I would give is to be open to try, do, and learn new things. Most likely many of the things you will do and experience will be different. I also would say learning or knowing some Spanish ahead of time would help a lot.
Pros
Very different culturally
Learning Spanish
A lot to do
What other participants should know
It parts it can be dangerous (same as any big city)
There are parts of the country you most likely cannot go
Very little english speakers outside university (better if you know or learn Spanish)
My experience was unique because I had never been to Europe before studying abroad. This was my first time for everything in Europe, and I think that’s really special. I had never been so far from home before, and it definitely made me very independent and develop new helpful problem solving skills. I ended up having so much fun in my classes abroad, and with my new friends that I am now inspired to help others through the study abroad process. I also didn’t know a single person studying abroad and that was a little nerve racking for me because I didn’t know what any one in my program was like or even who my roommates were. However, I think that my program did an amazing job at pairing me up with girls that are like me, to make living with strangers a lot smoother. A note I would leave for someone studying abroad in Florence for the semester is to say yes to everything, and do as much as you can. The semester goes by so so fast it almost feels like a dream when you come back, so you have to make the most of your time and enjoy every moment.
What was your funniest moment?
The funniest moment I remember was when my friends and I had a family dinner at one of our apartments, and we were all laughing about something, per usual. Amidst the laughter and fun, my one friend loves to take photos and she ended up taking a really silly photo of me eating. And of course, she showed everyone and we all hysterically laughed.
Pros
amazing food
found cool friends / travel buddies
interesting and fun classes
What other participants should know
waited about 5 hours after landing to be driven to the apartment
I went abroad on a four week intensive program in Barcelona with ISA, and it was wonderful. Regarding ISA, they are organized and very personable. Using their site and portal was also so simple. The process seemed to be as easy as possible. On the trip they had three ALL inclusive trips provided and they were all so much fun. I met so many new friends and professors through this program. The courses were also challenging but fun; you could tell the teachers were into their content. The experiences I had were endless, and I would 100% recommend this trip to any college student looking to improve their Spanish drastically.
My experience of studying abroad truly felt like a dream. When I think about my time there, I feel so endlessly grateful for the life I lived and all of the lessons I have learned. I went for my spring semester junior year, I arrived in late February and left in late June. I experienced winter, spring, and summer in Korea and it was the most magical thing ever. School started in early March, and every day after classes my friends and I would go explore the city, go to cafes to do homework, shop for our daily necessities and so much more. Every day was filled with adventure and meaningful moments. I enjoyed the time I spent alone exploring the city, all of the precious moments between people, and the beauty of the city. I miss Korea and my life there, and I am so grateful for TEAN and all of their help along the way.
If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
One thing I would change is to book my custom-made laneige cushion foundation months ahead because it is so popular. I would do as much as I can because 4 months feels like a lot when you are at the start of your journey, but it flies by faster than you think. Savor every moment!
Pros
So many activities to do all of the time
It is a relatively inexpensive city to live in for short term living.
This Study Abroad experience was a dream come true. An important goal of mine was alway to study abroad and thanks to ISA, I was able to accomplish it. I chose Paris, France because I wanted to immerse myself in a new culture and continue my studies with the French language. The staff at the ISA PARIS office made me feel welcomed. They provided us with so many activities and opportunities to experience and learn about Paris. My homestay family was also very welcoming. We would talk over dinner, I practiced my French, and I learned so much from them. I had great professors at the Institut Catholique de Paris who helped with my written, oral, and comprehension skills. I visited dozens of museums and exhibitions abroad since I am an art lover. This was my first time traveling outside of the U.S. and though I was nervous, I learned that I love to travel. I visited many places in France and Europe. This was an eye-opening experience and I learned so much about myself. I really encourage people to apply if you can.
What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Traveling by myself was very nerve-ranking, especially since it wast my first time traveling to a foreign country. I was nervous but I knew I had to overcome that fear and anxiety if I truly want to enjoy my experience. The way I overcame my fear was just by doing it since this, for me, was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I traveled to different countries and different parts of France. I met a lot of new friends from all over the world and made great memories. I am glad that I was able to overcome that because now, I have no regrets.
I went to study abroad this summer alone and was scared of not being able to make friends. ISA did an amazing job in hosting a get to know each other-like dinner to meet new people. That night I was able to meet my four closest friends! ISA provided so many resources and support to all their students to help them with navigating the new city and other cities within Italy during our field trips. Additionally, when I was sick the Italy ISA staff took care of me. I am so glad I picked ISA for my first time studying abroad!
What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The non-capitalist mindset. People are there to work and then go to dinner after work to socialize. They do not revolve their life around working.
Seriously, these months were the best of my life so far. Melbourne is an amazing city. There's so much art and good food, and there's always something to do. I attended the University of Melbourne, and the courses that I took were on the easy side, largely because I was doing what would count towards Gen Ed at my home university. The people in Australia are so friendly and lovely, and I felt very safe there, even in the middle of the CBD. I can't wait to go back someday. Make the most of your time there, or anywhere abroad!
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Have fun, experience as much as you can. There will be hard times, but they will be so worth it. It will strengthen you as a person and teach you so much about yourself and the world around you. Don't be embarrassed about not knowing things or not knowing how to do things, you'll only miss out. You can't push yourself every second, you'd burn out, but a lot of the things I was the most scared about were the most fun. And for anyone that goes to Melbourne, go to Philip Island! And any UniMelb people, look into the wakeboarding club weekend, one of my favorite things I did there.
Pros
Made friends for life
Saw and experienced amazing things
Lived somewhere safe, diverse, and full of opportunities
What other participants should know
It is a bit colder than I expected, but not terrible
You are missing out if you haven't heard the song "Sevilla Tiene un Color Especial" by Los Del Río. This song perfectly describes my experience in Sevilla with ISA. The song talks about how Sevilla has a special color, and I couldn't agree more. What made Sevilla so special? The people. The ISA staff, professors, and directors were all very nice; they made me feel like family and always helped, whether it was with academics or recommendations for shopping or food. Additionally, I had a host mom who helped me navigate Sevilla and travel throughout Europe.
The culture in Sevilla was fascinating and beautiful. For example, everywhere I went, people were singing or dancing to flamenco. Semana Santa was very traditional, and their tortillas were amazing. Furthermore, the classes were the most interesting I've ever had in my life. They were very active and engaging, and I learned so much. I even took flamenco classes! As I mentioned earlier, the professors were great!
Lastly, the people in Sevilla were very nice. I met many locals who included me in their plans and showed me around. Sevilla will forever have a special place in my heart. I learned so much by exploring a country very different from the ones I've been to. I would highly recommend people visit Sevilla, Spain, but only if it's with ISA.
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
I know studying abroad in Europe can be a lot of fun because it's easier to travel to many different countries. However, I recommend trying to travel as much as possible within the host city or country because I regret not traveling as much around Sevilla. There were so many things that I left undone in Sevilla.
Thinking about my experience studying abroad, I would say that this has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I got to explore the beauty of New Zealand, learn new things and also meet new friends along the way. The landscape is breathtaking, my friends and I would keep referring to it as a green screen because that’s how pretty it is. I got to see many vulnerable species such as the little blue penguin, albatross, and Kea. Got to visit the largest national park in New Zealand and went on a weekend trip to Lake Tekapo and made multiple stops to explore new places and try new food with the program, and our program director, Dee, was so welcoming and nice. Everything was very well organized and I had the best time seeing cool landscapes and wildlife. Beaches and mountains are very clean and accessible, within an 1 hour drive range. I would definitely go back again, if there’s an opportunity.
What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Weekend trips were one of my favorite moments during my time studying abroad. Most memorable one was when I went to Lake Tekapo and camp at Wanaka. In Lake Tekapo, my friends and I went hiking, swimmed at a hot spring, and watched the skies filled with stars at night. The skies were like a galaxy and I am very surprised that I got to see 9 shooting stars in total that night. In Wanaka, while we were camping, I was able to see the beautiful and magical aurora appearing. Although it was freezing cold, it was so worth it, and will always be the moment I cherish.
Pros
Convenient location; university, restaurant, museum, and grocery store were walking distance.
The botanical garden and some museums are free. There is also a student discount for some centers.
Beautiful landscapes; beaches and mountain are everywhere
What other participants should know
Weather can be unpredictable, make sure to have your rain jacket ready