Program Reviews

To say that the ISA Abroad experience changed my life is an understatement. I came to Madrid in the spring of 2022 hoping for an immersive experience in Spanish to culminate my Spanish Minor from the University of Colorado. This program certainly exceeded my expectations. From the renowned education and hands-on coursework to the opportunities to bond, travel, and experience Madrid with my classmates, I couldn't have asked for anything better. With the flexibility of the course schedules, I was able to visit 11 different countries during my time abroad, my particular favorite being a week in the Sahara Desert in Africa (Morocco). This experience allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. I became more comfortable being independent in a (large) new city, went out of my comfort zone to experience new food and culture, and worked hard in school to complete my Spanish minor. I wouldn't change a thing about the program: The housing and activities are well-established and organized. Study abroad.... It will change your life and perspective!

I had such a great experience on this trip. Everywhere I went was historic and beautiful. The campus was amazing and the teachers were so nice. We got to go on field trips to the locals museums even though I was only there for a three-week course. I also got to join a school trip for my first time SCUBA diving! With my ISA group, we got to see many historic places such as the Acropolis, the National Archeological Museum, Anafiotica, the Acropolis Museum, Aegina, Cape Sunion, Lycabettus Hill, and more! In my free time, I got togo to Crete and saw the REAL labyrinth (the Palace of Knossos), the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Omphalos (what the Greeks believed was the center of the world), the Delphi Archaeological Museum, and the Sanctuary of Athena!

My semester in Florence was nothing short of amazing! Instead of staying in student housing, I chose the homestay option so that I could be fully immersed in the Italian culture. I took fashion design, leather handbag construction, clothing construction and styling classes, and what better place to learn fashion than the Home of Fashion?! I was truly in heaven with all of the fashion, food, and history. Traveling with friends and family to Rome, Pisa, Venice, Milan, and more put the cherry on top

I absolutely loved my program in Paris!!! ISA set us up so well to get to know Paris and get acquainted. They were so nice and fun, and really cared about us and helped us whenever we needed literally anything. They got to know us and had fun and joked around with us it more like they wanted to be our friends instead of just "chaperones". They encouraged us to get outside of our comfort zones and really immerse ourselves in the experience. I always recommend ISA to anyone wanting to go abroad!!!

I loved my time abroad in Florence. As someone with italian heritage, I fell in love with the culture, lifestyle, and language in Italy in a more tangible way living and studying there. My Nonno encouraged me to study in Florence, specifically, because they have incredible programs encouraging artistry and education, and the views, history and architecture surrounding you in the city are simply incredible.

Florence is more like a small town, than a big city. It feels like you're in a place you know and love, and you get to experience the everyday lifestyle of a Florentine as you stroll the streets, eat pasta, (and other regional dishes like bistecca fiorentina, lampredotto, tartufo, etc) drink one euro cappuccinos, connect with the locals, and visit the markets. It genuinely felt like a dream almost everyday.

I always felt safe walking alone to and from my apartment near Ponte Vecchio, and appreciated the easy access, and consistent business of the city around me as I ventured out on my own.

I was quick to make friends, and my only encouragement would be to branch outside of the American friends you will automatically create in your program! I connected with a friend and her friends, who were locals from Florence at a nearby restaurant, and continued to meet European students that I wouldn't otherwise have met if not for living in Italy at the same time. I opted for the Italian Language program that ISA offered, and they partnered me with an Italian student to work on my language skills and offer assistance in English as we learned together.

Florence hold a deeply special place in my heart, and I still have friends and owners in the city who I stay in contact with. I loved it so much so that I am considering going back to the University I studied at through ISA to get my masters in Visual Media!

If you're hesitating, go live 'la dolce vita'; I promise you will only grow and experience the beauty of a lifestyle entirely different than your own, and consistently find yourself beaming with the joy of living abroad and all the adventures ahead of you.

My study abroad experience with ISA was nothing short of amazing. From the outset, ISA went above and beyond to provide a comprehensive program. The professional development opportunities were invaluable, setting the stage for personal and academic growth. Even after the program, ISA Brought me on as a global ambassador, where I was paid to talk about my experience, and help other people discover their study abroad program. The excursions offered during the program were not just outings but immersive experiences.

What truly sets this experience apart, however, is the lifelong friendships forged. My study abroad friends, whom I met through ISA, have become an integral part of my life. The bond we share is not just a result of shared experiences; it's a connection forged for life. We are so close that we're planning a reunion soon!

ISA excelled in every aspect, ensuring that my time abroad was the best period of my life so far. From academics to safety, from housing to orientation into the country, every detail was handled. I only felt confidence moving into the experience because I knew ISA had my back.

I can confidently say that choosing ISA for my study abroad experience was one of the best decisions I've ever made. It's an investment in not just education but in a transformative journey that continues to shape my perspective and relationships.

I found the EuroScholars program to be incredibly beneficial to my academics and overall worldview. The research project I completed was engaging and challenging, and so many of the skills I developed there have directly translated to back in the States. My fellow international students, many of whom were from different programs, were fun and genuine and incredibly diverse. The program support by Usha Mohunlol was extensive and I always knew who to ask for help. Housing could have been of higher quality, but it was satisfactory given the great location and lack of quality housing in my city. I highly recommend the program to anyone who vies research as their desired career.

Study abroad changed my life. It not only expanded my knowledge in my studies, but allowed me to experience a new culture. I learned so much about myself that I never would've known if I didn't study abroad. I was able to meet people from other universities that became some of my closest friends. Florence was the ideal study abroad location. There was so much culture and there was an easy ability to travel to different places. I'm so thankful that I decided to study abroad. My college experience was greatly increased once I made the decision.

I had never been out of the country and here I was about to do it for the first time on my own. Not going would have been the biggest regret of my life. I did this program on my own in order to step out of my comfort zone and it was the best decision I have made. The friends that I made are still my best friends to this day. ISA helped me fall in love with Barcelona. The city is beautiful, lively, kind and there is never a dull moment. The University staff truly cares for you. I wish I was there.

Studying in Barcelona was one of the best experiences of my life. I have nothing but good things to say about it. The class structure took some time to get used to because they were different than the US but it was fairly easy to learn the ways they wanted the classrooms to run. I got to meet people from all around the world and even connect with people I would be able to meet up with in the states. I loved getting to learn about the world from a European point of view instead of the United States views.