An expected love

I went to Madrid not knowing what to expect, where I could go, and who I would meet.

Even before the first day, ISA was able to set my worried mind at ease. We were led through the visa application process and travel planning step by step (this included an airport pick up by ISA-Madrid staff).

On that first day I met my host family, who I still Skype on the weekends, almost a year after my program started. I could not have asked for a more loving and fun family to live with. A single mom, with two kids, would work all day, then come home and cook for us. She treated us like her own and I would argue that we ultimately became family.

Not only that, but the excursions included in the ISA program were a great opportunity to see more of Spain and grow closer to the other kids in the program. Whether it was Toledo, Salamanca, or Granada: we found ourselves immersed in culture and history. I made friends that live all over the US, but I still talk to them and laugh at all of the pictures and memories of our incredible semester away.

Finally, the ISA-Madrid staff was so helpful. Their centrally located office was always open to us to study, hang out, and ask for just about anything. My friends would need to go to the doctor, get a new phone, or figure out where the best paella was and the staff was always there to help.

I had such an amazing experience on my study abroad and I can confidently say that ISA had a large part in molding that.