Program Reviews

I studied abroad in 2022. It was the best experience of my life and part of that is thanks to ISA! I was paired with the best roommates in a charming, modern apartment. Studying abroad will allow you to meet such unique people and truly learn more about yourself in the process of learning the culture. Florence had something for everyone, whether it be the art, food, history, or nightlife. The city is walkable, so you never have to worry about finding a taxi! If you are thinking about studying abroad, DO IT! You will not regret it!

From the moment I arrived to the moment I left, I had to pinch myself. I was driven from the airport to my apartment which was on the beautiful square of Piazza Della Signoria. From here, I attended an informative orientation and met my peers who quickly became lifelong friends. We enjoyed the excursions offered through ISA as well as several self-planned trips. Beyond these leisurely activities, I gained invaluable knowledge at FUA. I felt truly immersed into the Italian culture. I would recommend it anyone!

Studying abroad in Sydney, Australia through TEAN was the best decision/experience of my life! Sydney is the most perfect city to study in, combined with the beaches, city, art, history, and awesome people. I enjoyed going to classes surrounded with students from all around the world which left me with friends from everywhere. The program also included several opportunities to explore Sydney and surrounding areas included in the cost! My program leader, Laura, always supported us and was there for us when we needed. I enjoyed going to surf lessons organised by the program, as well as a personal tour of the Opera house. There is no other place I could have imagined to study abroad, and I am so thankful I had the support from TEAN!

ISA provided many excursions and accommodations that made the experience amazing. Florence is an amazing place it felt like a dream. My favorite part was my roomates and I trip to Amalfi which again was very student friendly. I would love to go back I even made so many friends that live there that I would love to see again. I also gained so much knowledge about another culture and felt like I was fully immersed. School was amazing too. Classes were great and teachers were very hands on and gave great recommendations for things around the city!

Made so many friends that still keep in contact with me, along with long lasting cultural knowledge that was beautiful to watch and learn. I ache to go back to Korea every day, and I am so glad I chose Korea for my study abroad adventure. The food, clothing, and social areas were amazing, and I could safely walk by myself if I got home a little late! I’ve never felt safer than I did in Korea, and I felt like I truly belonged in the community I was apart of. The school spirit was awesome too, and the festival culture was so exciting to experience!!!!! 10/10 would recommend.

I had a great time getting a taste of a new environment. Being on the opposite side of the world comes with diverse cultures, dialects, and cuisine. I was able to experience life from a viewpoint different from my home and I discovered different parts of me. Melbourne has so many events going on during the day and night, truly feels like the city never sleeps. It is perfect for whatever your hopes and desires!

I experienced London through the Summer 1 session with ISA, and my experience couldn't have been more positive! This was my first time overseas, so I was a little nervous before departing but once I arrived and met with ISA's staff and the other students in my program, my worries went right away! ISA did a great job introducing us to the city through excursions, and the marketing class I took was academically enriching. By the end of the trip, London felt like a second home. Thank you again, ISA!

Studying abroad in Seoul as a McNair Scholar and a Benjamin A. Gilman Scholar was an extraordinary journey that not only enriched my academic experience but also allowed me to engage with high-level officials, diplomats, government leaders, and partake in a vital experience as an aspiring higher education administrator with a focus on global learning. South Korea, with its vibrant culture, technological advancement, and diverse landscapes, proved to be an amazing destination for my academic exploration.

I am immensely grateful for choosing the program that facilitated my study abroad experience. The support and resources provided by the ISA/TEAN staff were instrumental in making this adventure as smooth and enriching as possible. Their guidance, from pre-departure orientations to on-site assistance, was invaluable, helping to ease the initial overwhelming transition into a new country. The activities, orientations, and social events organized by the staff not only made me feel more at home but also allowed me to connect with other international students, forming lasting friendships.

One exceptional aspect of my study abroad experience was attending the CIEE Annual Conference in Seoul. This conference was not only an enlightening experience but also a crucial one for my aspirations as a higher education administrator with a focus on global learning. The conference provided a platform to network with professionals, scholars, and leaders in the field of international education and global learning. The knowledge and insights gained from the conference have been instrumental in shaping my academic and career path. It allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the global higher education landscape, exchange ideas, and learn from experts in the field.

Moreover, my study abroad program included an excursion to Busan, a picturesque coastal city. The private bus and guided tour provided a comprehensive exploration of the city, allowing us to experience its unique culture and stunning locations. Busan's blend of beautiful beaches, fish markets, and historical sites, such as Buddhist temples and colorful villages, made it an unforgettable addition to our study abroad journey.

Seoul itself is a marvel, a city where efficiency and aesthetics are seamlessly integrated into daily life. The advanced technology and infrastructure in Seoul are beyond comparison, making everyday experiences more enjoyable. The city's vibrant atmosphere, bustling streets, and diverse activities offer something for everyone. From the captivating nightlife to leisurely cafe hopping, from shopping in the city to sightseeing, Seoul truly has it all.

My time in Korea has not only broadened my academic horizons but has also given me a deeper understanding of the culture and way of life in this extraordinary country. Despite the language barrier, I felt safe and independent, a testament to the welcoming nature of the people in Seoul. As a McNair Scholar and a Benjamin A. Gilman Scholar aspiring to be a higher education administrator with a focus on global learning, I couldn't have asked for a more enriching and eye-opening study abroad experience.

In conclusion, my study abroad journey in South Korea, particularly in Seoul, Busan, was a remarkable adventure that left a lasting impact on my personal and academic growth. The resources and support provided by the program, the vibrant city of Seoul, the diverse experiences in different regions of South Korea, the engagement with government officials, and the transformative experience of attending the CIEE Annual Conference made this experience truly unforgettable.

I loved my study abroad experience. I felt at home in Kingston. Living in Kingston is a unique experience, as it's about 45 minutes outside of central London, so it is a much slower pace of living. One of my main objectives in going abroad was figuring out if I could live comfortably in another country, and after this experience, it is safe to say that I definitely can. It was very intimidating going abroad to a country where I didn't know anyone, but it also caused me to step outside my comfort zone and helped me gain confidence when facing unfamiliar situations. London is such a unique, huge city, and you'll find that each area is completely different. When it comes to going abroad to London, it definitely is costly. I applied for scholarships through ISA/Tean and my home university, which helped fund my experience abroad. To anyone going abroad, I suggest researching the scholarships offered through your home and host university and scholarships offered by private companies. Going abroad is an experience I will never take for granted, and I cannot wait to go abroad again. I loved my study abroad experience. I felt at home in Kingston. Living in Kingston is a unique experience, as it's about 45 minutes outside of central London, so it is a much slower pace of living. One of my main objectives in going abroad was figuring out if I could live comfortably in another country, and after this experience, it is safe to say that I definitely can. It was very intimidating going abroad to a country where I didn't know anyone, but it also caused me to step outside my comfort zone and helped me gain confidence when facing unfamiliar situations. London is such a unique, huge city, and you'll find that each area is completely different. When it comes to going abroad to London, it definitely is costly. I applied for scholarships through ISA/Tean and my home university, which helped fund my experience abroad. To anyone going abroad, I suggest researching the scholarships offered through your home and host university and scholarships offered by private companies. Going abroad is an experience I will never take for granted, and I cannot wait to go abroad again.

I had an amazing experience studying abroad in Busan, South Korea. I felt that Busan, in comparison to Seoul, allowed me to immerse more into Korean culture and language.

As soon as I met everyone in my TEAN program, it felt like we shared a sense of community, and we got along with well with each other really quickly. When you're studying abroad, you're often surrounded by like minded people, who share a lot of the same basic interests as you! The resident director for TEAN Busan, Yeseul Park, is very kind, inclusive, and excited to help you get the best experience out of your program. I often felt that she went above and beyond to make sure that we were having an enjoyable and safe experience. Getting to talk to her and explore Busan and Seoul with her was a very happy experience. She gave a lot of helpful insights as a native Korean.

The program at PNU was exciting and allowed me to get close with students from all over the world. We spent a lot of time together, and quickly started to hangout during our free time. The PNU campus is beautiful and sits in between mountains. There are a ton of fun restaurants, karaokes, stores, and sports venues to visit near/on campus. In terms of the Korean classes, the teachers were ecstatic and helpful. They were so passionate about helping us learn and enjoy ourselves!

Looking back, I wish that I had known that when TEAN places you in the PNU summer program, it's not just TEAN students in the program. The trip begins with just TEAN students in Seoul, but when you get to PNU, you're immersed in PNU's program, with other international students. This was an amazing experience and made it better, I just remember that I was surprised when there were other international students in the program.

Overall, I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is looking for an immersive and exciting experience in South Korea! My experience truly helped me grow so much as an individual. I will never forget my 2023 summer in Busan.