What do you wish someone had told you before you went abroad?

Amanda: I wish someone had told me that going abroad can be and will be hard. I think people always hear the good stories about studying abroad (i.e. it was so much fun & I traveled everywhere) because they are nostalgic (like I am, most of the time!)

However, living in another country is not always easy. You will miss your friends/family (and certain food too), and adjusting to a new country, city and culture can be exhausting! I slept so much the first two weeks I was in Spain!

However, my best advice for overcoming these difficulties would be to say: "Sure you'll miss home, but this is a ONCE in a lifetime opportunity. Your friends back home are having a party this weekend?

Ya, well you're flying to Rome. There will be other parties." Studying abroad is always worth it. Don't let homesickness distract you from all the fun and adventure that is around you!

What is the most important thing you learned abroad?

Amanda: I learned to trust my instincts abroad. If I had a bad feeling about something or someone, I always trusted it. When you are living and traveling abroad, you will find yourself lost more than once. Always be aware of your surroundings and follow your gut feeling.

What made this experience unique and special?

Amanda: My experience abroad was made unique by my host family. I lived with a host Mom who only spoke Spanish which pushed me to practice the language constantly.

I also had three older host brothers, who would frequently stop by to visit. I always cherished the big family dinners we would have all together (my host-mom, brothers, their wives and friends).

Everyone was loud, cheerful and hilarious. They were so welcoming and I felt like I was truly part of their family. I always write to my host-Mom, and I plan on visiting her again soon.

Having such a personal connection to where you live can help make any experience abroad truly special. I always tell people that I left a piece of my heart behind in Sevilla, and it's true.

What made this trip meaningful to you, or how did this trip change your perceptions, future path?

Amanda: My experience abroad taught me the importance of slowing down and enjoying life. Before studying abroad, I was always busy and stressed out. Experiencing Spanish culture and enjoying such a relaxed way of life, I realized how I need to embrace this calm environment. Since studying abroad, I am much happier, and have a better understanding of what is important (like taking a break, having fun, and spending time with family/friends).

What should I pack for studying abroad?

Amanda: Besides the usual... I recommend a side-bag (that goes across your chest) to help prevent pick-pocketing and basic clothes that are easy to mix/match.

I would also advise you to bring a watch and wear it while traveling because it is risky to pull out your nice phone to always check the time.

Don't forget to bring flip-flops if you're planning on staying in Hostels. Also, slippers are a good idea because carpets are not common in a lot of European apartments/houses and the floors can be cold in the morning!

What position do you hold at ISA?

Chloe: I am the Program Manager for our Internship sites in Spain and Chile. I help students through the application process and tease out what kind of internship they are looking to find in their field of study that fits both their professional and personal goals.

Jumping into the field of international education has been fulfilling and opened my eyes to a wide range of career paths available to globally minded people.

Did YOU study abroad?! If so, where and what inspired you to go?

Chloe: My first international experience, a language intensive summer program in Santander, Spain; first sparked my love for travel and the Spanish language. Like so many others I was addicted and then studied abroad in Vienna, Austria and Toledo, Spain.

I desperately wanted to call myself fluent in Spanish and staying the year in Spain gave me the proficiency I desired and of course so much more!

Which study abroad destination is most underrated?

Chloe: I don't think it is a discussion of overrated and underrated, but rather all in the approach. Living in a tourist destination in Spain gave me this outlook; souvenir shops and train stations might seem like the most mundane locations but there is always something to discover if you are open to the experience.

I had interesting conversations in ticket lines, and observed new trends at the grocery store, and even met a friend in McDonalds. That said I believe you will always be happier if the extra effort is put in to think of what you want out of the experience. Before I went abroad, I identified two or three non-negotiable requirements that really enriched and guided my time in Spain.

What is one piece of advice you'd offer a returned study abroad student?

Chloe: It is a standard in the field to preach recording your time abroad, which I wholeheartedly agree with. Time goes by so quickly and you can only absorb so much. Writing it down will make those memories stick. Moreover, I believe it is really important to reflect on the experience once you have returned.

Taking the time to solidify the accomplishments you've made, personal, academic or professional will take you so much further in life.

I believe reflection can harness the momentum of learning and living abroad and translate it to everyday life after you return; whether it be going overseas again, tackling a hobby, or setting a new goal.

What makes ISA programs stand apart from other program options?

Chloe: The thing that sets ISA programs apart is the personalized support from beginning to end. From the minute you apply there is staff ready to help students start this exciting chapter of their lives.

Everyone at ISA has firsthand experience and knows how life changing and important this time is for students. We are dedicated to delivering the personalized attention students need but also give students room to flourish in their new experiences.