Program Reviews

I had the most wonderful experience studying abroad at University College Dublin with ISA! Aside from loving every second studying at the university, I was able to have many experiences outside of Dublin. UCD quickly became home, and I will always cherish the friends and memories made during my time abroad. Excursions planned by ISA allowed me to see other parts of the country and connect with other students studying with ISA. I especially loved the flexibility and support of the program as I was able to safely take trips outside of Ireland during the semester. This experience was something I will always miss, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity!

My time abroad In Greece was so much fun. I have made friends for life; I don't know how I would live without these people. The on-site staff is super friendly, and they are very helpful. It was a fantastic time, I was there during the fall, and I think this is the perfect time to be. We had about a month and a half of fantastic weather where we spent most of our free time on the beach, which are very quickly accessible. Then we had lovely fall weather and even got some snow towards the end.

I never felt unsafe in the neighborhood where the dorms are super safe. It was also a pleasant walk from the school, so you got to explore the neighborhood a little, don't the way to the school. The school itself is very lovely; the teachers are all friendly and very helpful.

IMPORTANT, as an American, attendance was not something super important in college classes, but here is it. You need to show up, and if you're sick, you need a doctor's note to get your absences excused.

The ISA program in Valparaíso, Chile was fantastic. The ISA staff were quick to respond to any questions or concerns that I had and helpful throughout the entire program. Anytime you needed anything, they were there, but it was never so much that the program felt guided; it is still quite independent. Public transportation was quick, cheap, and reliable so you could get anywhere in Valparaíso or Viña Del Mar with ease. The host families are incredibly kind, adaptable with their exchange students, and an amazing support system to have while abroad. The option to have independent housing is also available if you would like, so the program is very customizable. The academics are also able to be unique to the individual student so earning credit at home should be no problem. Beyond that the cities are full of gorgeous colorful buildings, murals, and stunning ocean views. You are sure to find some great places to eat, shop, and spend time with friends. The locals are typically very helpful and kind. You aren’t too far from Santiago so you can have fun at the Capital or travel easily to different cities in the country. If you love nature, the lakes region, Atacama Desert, and Chilean Patagonia are incredible places to visit. This program was the best part of my college experience and I will always remember fondly. I highly, highly recommend this program to anyone interested.

Valencia was the best choice I have ever made. I studied abroad through ISA but I am a nursing major, and it was a little difficult to find a program that met my requirements so I could still enter nursing school. Valencia provided the opportunity to not only get into nursing school but learn so much about myself, how I handle difficult situations, and just be free to experience life and different cultures. I loved the friends I made, and the people I was with that made this experience the best.

My semester in Sevilla was the best time of my life. I met so many great people and had countless experiences that I will never forget. Each trip I went on was amazing, and I am already trying to figure out how to go back. My host family made the experience even better, and I cannot wait to see them again. You will not regret your decision to go abroad, and I truly believe it is the best decision you can make while you're in college. I miss being there every day, and I cannot wait for my opportunity to go back.

I absolutely loved my study abroad experience, and I am so grateful that I was able to do it following the COVID lockdown. I studied abroad at the University of Westminster located in Central London and stayed in an off-campus flat (but still under the university) in Shoreditch, which is in East London. It was super easy to both adjust to and navigate the city whether it was through the Tube or by bus. I loved both living and exploring in the city. I got to go to Kensington Palace, watch Hamilton live (my first Broadway show), a London basketball game, Buckingham Palace, and more.

All of my classes were experiential, so I not only got to learn a lot inside of the classroom through guest speakers, discussions with other study abroad or domestic students, or lectures from professors, but I also got the opportunity to explore London through an academic lens. Through my criminology courses, we had field walks where we learned about the history of criminality and the London underworld. I took Black London: From Tudors to Today where I went to the Museum of London Docklands, Black Cultural Archives, Bank of England, and the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. England, specifically London, has an extensive history of colonization, but is also incredibly diverse racially. Unfortunately, however, there were a lot of strikes by both the train and lecturers, and as a result, I did not have a consistent academic schedule.

Socially, I went to a couple of university-sponsored events, mainly through the dance team, but I primarily went to the excursions hosted by ISA. I went on the tour around London, Stonehenge, Brighton, Bath, the Shakespeare World Theatre, and Borough Market--all wonderful experiences that I am very grateful to have taken advantage of given that they are not close to London. I also went on a couple of day trips to both Cambridge and Oxford--both of which were doable because I lived close to train stations that went outside of London; I actually went to Cambridge with a couple of people through the ISA program. Overall, I am very grateful for my study abroad experience and would recommend it to everyone.

Something I was worried about with this program was being overwhelmed with school work and not being able to explore the city and learn through experiences, but the staff were very accommodating of that and while the work in classes was challenging for me (who isn't yet fluent in Spanish), I had more than enough free time and didn't feel burdened by the course load. That being said, I feel like I didn't learn that much in the actually classes, but they were still good experiences. My host family and staff were very willing to work with me and my schedule, they both wanted me to explore and learn as much as I could!

I signed up for the program not expecting much, other than being at a place I've never been before, and I got back more than I could have ever asked for. ISA program have created a wonderful community, where through that, I was able to foster meaningful friendships that I will forever hold close to my heart. I met some of the most open-minded individuals . Also, the locals were extremely friendly towards study-abroad students, and were willing to help out since I didn't speak Greek. I took classes with other international students and Greek students. The classes were taught in English, and students communicate with each other in English. ISA was very helpful in helping me pick my courses. On the weekends, we would go on organized excursion trips to different sightseeing spots in Athens, and the surrounding areas, as well as attending cultural classes like dancing and cooking.
Overall, it was a great experience and I'm so glad I did it.

Studying abroad has been one of the best experiences I could have ever imagined being a part of. When deciding to study in Barcelona I had no idea how fun and eye opening the experience was going to be. From the lifestyle to culture and atmosphere of Barcelona I couldn't have asked for a better place to live for four months. ISA was able to provide me with the best support and guidance before, during and even after my time abroad. During the application process ISA was there to help with any question or concern I had as well as during, as the office was right down the street from my residency. ISA even provided us with excursions and put together a soccer league which brought together so many students.

Participating in the Rome Study Abroad opportunity was a huge step for me. I was the first one in all of my family to go to Europe. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first arrived, but right away I felt safe and supported throughout the program. There was so much to do around the neighborhood and the transportation from our living quarters was great! I would highly recommend this program to freshman at Lewis University because it’s the only program a freshman can do their second semester. I would love to go back some day!