Program Reviews

Studying abroad in Thailand was genuinely the best decision I ever made. If you are looking for an experience completely different from what everyone else is doing...go to Thailand! Almost every single weekend I was able to travel to different places within Southeast Asia. I went to a total of six countries while I was there and it was actually so easy to travel and get around. From planes to trains to buses to ferries, all modes of transportation are so close and can take you wherever you need to go! Also, the university you attend isn't placed at the heart of the city so you have the chance to escape the busyness every once in a while! No, your apartment will not have a kitchen, but that is never a problem! First of all, it's cheaper to eat out than it is to cook in Thailand and secondly, you are a 30 second walk from a bunch of authentic food spots. All factors considered, I would recommend studying abroad in Thailand with TEAN any day!

I had the pleasure of studying in Seville for two weeks during my Winterim term this year. Although the experience was brief, it allowed me to embrace all the opportunities that traveling abroad can offer. I forged meaningful connections with peers who shared my enthusiasm for exploring the world and immersing ourselves in a new culture. I was able to witness firsthand the values and traditions deeply rooted in Spanish culture. Additionally, I learned the true merit of stepping into the unknown—pushing myself out of my comfort zone and navigating new and unfamiliar circumstances. This trip was truly a perspective-shaping experience that left a lasting impact on me. I am grateful to the ISA program for making this possible and the ISA team members who helped ensure an immersive and enriching experience while abroad.

I decided to study abroad in Florence, Italy, Fall of my senior year of college. I was super nervous (and had never been to Europe), but I wanted to challenge myself! All I can say, is this experience taught me more about myself than I ever could have imagined. I traveled to 13 countries, met amazing lifelong friends, and ate the most fabulous food. I am truly aching to get back to Europe and explore even more. I was terrified to do this (as many other students are), but I promise, with all of the support from your program, you are more than prepared to take on the journey! There is no better time to immerse yourself in a new environment and live abroad than during college! You grow so much and learn a new appreciation for your host country, as well as your actual home! I have never been more proud of myself for leaving my comfort zone and diving into the most amazing for months of my life. I miss it every single day!

Studying abroad in Sydney, Australia was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. From the moment I arrived, Sydney lived up to every expectation and dream I had for my abroad experience. Waking up just minutes from the beach, exploring the iconic Opera House, and taking weekend trips to some of the most breathtaking places in the world made every day feel surreal.
Studying at UNSW challenged me academically while also allowing me the flexibility to travel weekly and enjoy everything my host city had to offer. While many people don't expect it, there was a bit of a culture shock with the Aussie slang and slower pace of life. Engaging with locals and other international students made the experience so meaningful and transformational. I will never forget the amazing Australians who welcomed me with open arms and showed me what Australia was all about.
Looking back at my four months in Australia, this experience shaped me into a more confident, independent, and open-minded person. Studying abroad pushed me beyond my comfort zone and gave me a new perspective of the world. I will always be grateful for this experience.

I cannot emphasize enough if you are even slightly considering going abroad- DO IT. The program in Athens, Greece was truly a remarkable experience. I was a little nervous to go to a country that uses a completely different alphabet & is very culturally different than America, however looking back I can't see myself studying anywhere else. My courses taught by Greek professors were super engaging & I will never forget the relationships I built with my professors & peers. Also making friends in this program was super easy- everyone who participates in ISA meets each other through program-sponsored events as soon as the first day you are in Greece. The cultural immersion experiences organized by the program were amazing- we took Greek cooking & dance classes (and even got to go on an overnight trip to the Meteora monasteries in Greece!) Everything about this country & program was fantastic- I will never forget my experience in Athens and 10/10 encourage you to go out of your comfort zone and study abroad with them!

Studying abroad in Athens, Greece was the best four months of my entire life. ISA made the application process super simple and the on-campus advisors helped facilitate the program while I was there. I studied at the American College of Greece and was able to join clubs like dance club and surfing club. There are so many activities on campus and everyone is super inviting. They took us on some amazing excursions like Voulagameni beach and Meteora. I highly recommend studying abroad with ISA as they have so many destinations to choose from and have programs for most majors!!

I studied abroad in Granada through ISA during July of 2024. The program covered language and culture classes, all taught in Spanish, and I was able to finish my Spanish minor with the credits earned. I picked Granada over Barcelona because I wanted a more localized experience in which I could be fully immersed in the culture, and that's exactly what I got and more. I stayed with a host family in their apartment, a 20 minute walk from my classes. Every morning I would take a peaceful walk to class with other students through the beautiful, old, safe streets of the city, watching the world wake up. My host family did not speak much English so I was able to practice speaking Spanish every day, and they were patient and kind while helping me learn. ISA always had organized activities like a guided tour of the Alhambra, the ancient Islamic palace and gardens, tours of the city, wine tasting, a Flamenco show, beach trips, and mountain hikes. Our ISA chaperones, Melissa, Lorena, and Angel were kind, supportive, and always in touch. I got sick at one point and they helped me get to and from the hospital, offering support and communication to make the process as stress-free as they could. Granada is a beautiful city filled with life, stories, good food, and good people. I loved my experience and can't wait to visit again someday.

Studying in Seville, Spain with ISA was the best decision I could have possibly made. I completed my study abroad at the study center in Seville and had small classes that made the studying part fun. My professors were amazing. Seville was a great location to travel from, and I traveled every weekend. It was also an extremely safe city, I felt right at home. My host family was perfect, and I would not have changed a thing. My favorite part of the program was our trip to Morocco. We camped in the desert and explored the city. It is something I will remember forever.

I had the best time with ISA in Granada! The ISA Staff is amazing and they are so supportive and also plan such great activities to help students get to know the city and make the most of their time. Granada is the perfect size because it is a city, so there are plenty of things to do, but small enough where it can really feel like home. Great to practice Spanish as it is not an international city like Madrid, so I really feel like I developed my Spanish skills. The University of Granada is very well-known and there are tons of students (especially erasmus), so there are tons of people to meet, activities to do, and opportunities to progress your Spanish. If you can, I recommend to live with a host family, this made me experience even better. The city itself if so beautiful, tons of of opportunities for hiking/nature, and so many hidden gems to explore (ask the ISA staff for recommendations). Cannot recommend this program and city enough!

I decided to study abroad in Australia due to the environment and how different all the plants and animals are from the rest of the world. TEAN allowed me to not only go abroad but discover all sorts of amazing things in both the environment and in social settings as well. Being able to go to North Stradbroke Island was incredible and set an amazing tone for the rest of my time abroad. Not to mention the orientation in Cairns. I got to cross two things off my bucket list in the first week of being in Australia: seeing the Great Barrier Reef and skydiving! I got to meet people from all over the world during my time in the Gold Coast, as well as make lifelong friends with locals. The people there are so incredibly friendly, it would a challenge to not make friends while there. I absolutely loved my experience, and it has left me with the desire to go back as soon as I can.