I studied in San Jose, Costa Rica Fall 2013. I took intensive Spanish classes in the morning and electives in English in the afternoon. The university I attended was very small, which I liked, because it was easy to get around campus and I was able to meet people. On the weekends I was able to travel to the beach and other places like Monteverde. The ISA onsite staff is a great resource for ISA students. I had to go to the hospital while I was there and a staff member accompanied me to the hospital and made sure I was okay. There were also excursions that are included in the price of the programs that are really fun because you get to see the beautiful sites of the country as well as get to know the other students in your program.
As well as taking classes, I did an internship at a local children's hospital. It was an amazing opportunity because I was able to learn about the healthcare system and interact with the community. I am a Health Promotion and Education major so it was hard for me to find classes that transferred back to my major abroad. ALL of my classes went to my major requirements or general education credits. Overall, it was all that I wanted in a study abroad. I got to meet so many great people, learn about the culture and the Spanish language, and get credit for the experience!
Living in the city centre was extremely exciting, with plenty to do, you will most likely be busy from day to day. You will have class every day, which is extremely helpful in immersion. The fact that not everyone speaks English can be a challenge at first, but about two weeks in, you will be grateful for that, since immersion is the number one goal.
What would you improve about this program?
Personal financial planning; it is pricey to live in the city centre.
The second that I stepped off of the bus in Galway for the first time, I knew I was home. Galway is truly the most incredible place I have ever been, and I immediately fell in love. The laid-back, simplistic way of life in Galway is one that I will never forget. The Irish people are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. They were almost always willing to chat and lend you help when you needed it.
Galway is so rich in culture. From music to art to cuisine, there is so much life and beauty in the city that I will never forget.
When studying abroad, I think it is easy to underestimate the amount of time you will actually spend doing coursework. It is definitely not easy, but the reward of learning about the history of Ireland from a local or learning about the archaeology of Ireland by being able to physically go visit excavation sites far outweighs the work that you will put in. NUIG was a great school, and my experience with the professors was nothing but wonderful.
ISA was such an incredible program to study with, and I am so thankful that they are who I picked to go abroad with. The on-site staff was absolutely wonderful, and the cultural excursions that were planned with ISA were so much fun. Even from before I left for Ireland, the ISA staff was so helpful in any way I needed, and they were so encouraging throughout the entire process.
What would you improve about this program?
I honestly don't know that I have any changes that I would make with the program. My experience with the ISA program and in Galway in general was honestly the best experience of my life, and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
My time in Sevilla was incredible. The city itself is has so much to offer and is straight from the pages of a fairy tale, from its picturesque streets to its friendly inhabitant. My walk to school led me down along the river and through the park. During breaks between classes I would go picnic right across the street at Plaza de España aka Tatooine from Star Wars. Flamenco shows and tapas bars abound are an absolute must. Even the occasional bullfight is an experience worth having, if a little graphic for my taste. The ISA staff is incredibly helpful and personable. It was also nice that Sevilla has an airport, so that when I was able to pry myself away from the city I was able to easily travel to several other countries. Overall it was an incredible experience!
What would you improve about this program?
At first I thought that I wanted to live a little closer to school, but as time went on I began to love the walk and I was glad that I got to experience a little more of the city that way. If I had to change something, it would just be the ability to sign up for my own classes. I got to choose which classes I wanted to take, but I would have liked to see the times that they were being offered and decide from there. However, I understand that the schedules are a fluid concept and depend on which classes the group as a whole decides to take
In my time studying abroad with ISA I gained an immense amount of confidence which I have taken with me into the rest of my life and academics. I learned that I am capable of leaving behind a comfortable lifestyle and thriving in an unknown environment. I learned much about how I communicate with people, and gained the confidence to make lasting friendships quickly and easily. Summed up, I gained the confidence to experience this world I live in to the fullest and find my place in it.
What would you improve about this program?
While there was plenty of opportunities for me to participate in cultural exchanges with local people of my own age, all were optional. Because I only started going to these activities well into my program I feel I missed out on some time I could have used to really integrate myself into the local lifestyle.
I went to Madrid in order to fulfill my class requirements for a Spanish minor, and in my opinion I left with more knowledge than I could have hoped for. All of my classes were taught in Spanish, so I was continuously engaged in thinking and speaking in Spanish. I attended a small private university, Universidad Antonio de Nebrija, which allowed for small class sizes which benefited everyone trying to learn a new language. There is a placement exam on the very first day, so that the staff can make sure that every student is placed at the correct language level. As far as coursework, I personally didn't have that much because my classes were more focused on speaking.
I lived in a homestay that ISA handpicked and I always felt like part of the family. The family did not speak English, but they did speak slower and explained things that neither my roommate or I understood. The apartment was small and cozy, but had everything essential for my 3 month stay. The host family made an effort to buy and make food that was typical of Spain so that I could experience it all. Two home cooked meals were provided each day (no one really eats breakfast in Spain), and on days that I had an ISA excursion the family made sure to send me with a meal. I also happened to be in Spain for Thanksgiving, which is not celebrated there, but ISA wanted to make sure that all of the students felt comfortable so they organized a Thanksgiving dinner for us.
Madrid is centrally located in Spain and the metro system around the city makes it extremely convenient to travel around Europe. I was fortunate enough to travel to Barcelona, Santiago, Paris, and Rome on top of the trips with ISA.
The 3 months flew by so fast and my time abroad is all I can talk about. I would not trade this experience for anything, and I am actually looking at graduate programs in Spain.
What would you improve about this program?
The only thing I would change is to explain the night bus system because I know the first time I used it I was very confused. I was just lucky I was with a friend who had already used the night buses.
Studying abroad in Valencia was hands down the best 5 weeks of my life. I went into my experience without any expectations, knowledge of Spanish, or preconceived ideas of what was ahead of me. Little did I know I would meet the most amazing people, learn to communicate with a lotttttt of hand gestures and facial expressions, and fall in love with a city I never even knew existed. I wouldn't change one second of it even if I could. Not only did I come back with exciting stories and memories, but I actually enjoyed the courses I took and no doubt learned way more than I ever would have if I had opted not to step out of my comfort zone. Because it was such a short time, every day was an adventure, whether it was a class field trip, an excursion with ISA, or a day trip with my friends in the program--I was always on the go. If you want a thrilling experience in a unique city immersed in a beautiful culture, Valencia is the place for you!
What would you improve about this program?
In all honesty, I would not change anything about this program. There was just the right amount of tourist excursions, cultural trips, and challenges.
Oh Granada.... I miss it so much! This experience changed my life without a doubt and it is very hard to decide where to begin. My overall experience was fantastic - I improved my Spanish, made amazing friends and explored Europe. I'm going to focus on three things that I wish had been different: My living situation, prior knowledge about my school's attendance, and cultural immersion. My host family was very caring and we lived in a large apartment complex like most people in Granada, however I was not expecting the lack of communication/involvement from my host family. I think that in Spain many host families are older ladies who need money and so they are not hosting for the cultural experience so much as they are for cash. I found this disappointing - although I could have pushed to do more with them. Secondly, one of the major reasons I went to Spain was to travel through Europe - I even bought a EU rail pass prior to leaving... Don't do that.... After arriving in Granada I learned that my school had a rule forcing you to attend at least 80% of your classes or else you can't take the Final test (a couple of my classes were graded with only 2 tests - each 50% of your final grade). The rail pass was a huge waste of money, was time consuming, and very restricting. USE RYAN AIR! Flying is much faster and more flexible so it should be able to fit into your limited amount of time to travel. Lastly, I was disappointed that the centro de lenguas modernas was its own little island of international students and I had virtually no interaction with Spanish students. If you plan to make Spanish friends, seek how to get involved on the main campus at the beginning of your trip! Overall, I had a great time. The people are wonderful, the city is beautiful, and you will experience a type of freedom you didn't know existed... Now i'm feeling really nostalgic. You will love it!
What would you improve about this program?
Ensuring that host families are excited to show the student around the city and to be involved in their student's lives.
I had an amazing time studying abroad in Peru with ISA. My home stay was great, the staff was always available, the excursions were really cool, and I was able to get credit for my majors while away!
Six Weeks. Once such a daunting number, now not enough time. Once a thought that made me want to curl up in a ball, now a period of time that is done and over with too soon. I never thought that I would be one to go and travel to a place where I knew nobody. How insane that I am sitting here now, on the other side of that big calling, having finished the race that God had set for me.
Veritas was the gateway to me being able to find myself. It allowed me to set aside my fears and live in a different country for the summer. The support that this program provided me was insanely amazing and not to mention the fact that I got my very own mentor while being there.
A normal day in Santiago: For me, I would wake up a bit early around 7 to the sound of my host mom knocking on my door. It was always quite a surprise when, after trying to roll out of bed, I realized I was inside a large mosquito net! After getting ready, I would eat my home-cooked breakfast and head to the university until mid-afternoon. From the university I would catch 2-3 conchos (public transportation) to get to the community I was working with that day. After a small 20 minute hike up the side of the mountain I would arrive at the church I worked with and be greeted by all the sweaty, dirty, beautiful children that I was blessed to work with. I taught bible study and attended their church service in the evening. I would then get home around 10 pm to find dinner waiting for me on the table and my sweet host mom waiting to hear all about my day:)
I am so excited for any that are choosing to look into this program! I once looked at it as just another study abroad program provider, but I now see it as people who really want to see change and growth in my life. I am currently planning my trip back to the Dominican Republic and can't wait to reconnect with the family I discovered on my study abroad trip last summer.
