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.
Studing abroad at Griffith University was the greatest decision of my entire life. Going through the TEAN organization was a blessing. TEAN is the way to do it, they offer immediate friends, support, and guidance. Without the TEAN program and the staff, my experience would have been lessened. I cannot express how incredible this experience was and I cannot recommend the TEAN program enough.
The Gold Coast of Australia is such a beautiful place. The community is very welcoming and the city is great for new cultural activities. It is also close to Sydney and Melbourne if you're interested in a quick weekend there!
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!
When I first entered university I had a good idea about things I would see and do. Unfortunately, I started the year COVID hit and my college experience has been completely lackluster and miserable. I was beginning to think going to college in general is just a terrible experience. However, I took a chance in my junior year and studied abroad in Seoul. It was everything I imagined college should be like and more. I would 100% recommend taking that leap of faith to study abroad, it will definitely pay off.
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.
Pros
Very safe to be out at night. I never felt unsafe at any point during my trip.
There is so much to see. I explored every day and was always seeing something new.
The food is far healthier than in the United States. There is far less sugar in everything.
What other participants should know
You should know basic Spanish otherwise it may be difficult getting around.
Stores are closed for siesta at random points in the middle of the day.
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.
I highly recommend every student pull every string possible to study abroad. My personal bias is to do so in New Zealand. I fell in love with the country of New Zealand and grew more this past semester than I have in my entire college career. Studying abroad gives one the opportunity to be exposed to many new phenomenons of life. Studying abroad pushed me out of my comfort zone forcing much growth in my personal confidence while providing me the opportunity to begin exploration of my role in the greater scheme of the world. While quite intimidating, this exploration was freeing and exciting allowing me to realize that one could spend lifetimes exploring. Studying through TEAN gave me the privilege to explore on my own while having the comfort of having the support of an onsite staff and a community of other students in the same position. Our onsite director was so excited to share the Kiwi culture with us, from dinners to Rugby games she was more than willing to provide suggestions for various activities. Additionally, due to the size of my field of study, I was able to make local friends that I am confident that I will stay in touch with for years to come. Every student should take the opportunity to study abroad.
And of course if for nothing else, go for the Lord of The Rings sites.
Pros
There are endless hikes, providing many free activities.
The housing set up in combination with the size of the school fits many personality times well providing personal space while being in community with many others.
UoA's semester schedule has a two week mid-semester break, allowing for much time to explore Fiji or Australia.
What other participants should know
The flight to and from New Zealand is quite expensive coming from anywhere.
UoA being a mix of live-in and commuter students can make it hard to make friends that are willing to hang out outside of class time.
The public transportation system in Auckland is not always reliable.
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.
Pros
Packed with culture
SO EASY to get around the city
AMAZING STUDENT LIFE
What other participants should know
flights in and out of Granada are scarce and expensive - (cheap and fast bus to Malaga!)
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!
