What inspired you to go abroad?
What inspired me to go abroad was the desire to step out of my comfort zone and discover a world beyond what I was used to. I wanted to meet new people from different cultures, challenge myself in a completely new environment, and grow both personally and socially.
I was also driven by curiosity, the idea of experiencing something unfamiliar, and creating meaningful connections with people from all over the world really motivated me. I knew it wouldn’t be easy at first, but I saw it as an opportunity to learn more about myself, become more independent, and gain a broader perspective on life.
Why did you choose ISSOS International?
Me at HMC
I chose ISSOS because I had heard so many great reviews about it, and my own cousin had attended the program and spoke very highly of the experience. Hearing firsthand how impactful and memorable it was made me really want to be part of it.
I chose St Andrews specifically because of its unique atmosphere; it’s a historic university town with a strong academic reputation, but also a very welcoming and close-knit environment. It felt like the perfect place to study, meet people from around the world, and fully immerse myself in the experience.
What was your favorite part about St. Andrews?
My favorite part about my host city was its unique atmosphere. St Andrews is a small, historic town, but it feels incredibly lively because of the students and the international environment. I loved how everything was close by, the university buildings, the town, and especially the beach, which made it really special.
What stood out the most was the sense of community. It was easy to feel connected, whether it was walking through the town, spending time with friends, or just enjoying the peaceful yet vibrant vibe of the city. It felt like a place where unforgettable memories could happen every day.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made my experience abroad extraordinary was the people I met and the personal growth I went through. Being surrounded by students from all over the world pushed me to open up, step out of my comfort zone, and see things from completely different perspectives.
It wasn’t just about the activities or the place, but the connections I built, turning strangers into close friends, even after a difficult start. Those relationships, along with all the shared moments, made the experience truly unforgettable.
At the same time, I learned a lot about myself. I became more independent, more confident, and more aware of who I am and how I connect with others. That combination of meaningful friendships and personal growth is what made the whole experience so special.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The counselors were honestly one of the best parts of the program. They weren’t just supervisors; they felt like big brothers and mentors. Anytime I had a question, a problem, or even just needed advice, they were always there to listen and guide me.
They helped me navigate everything from daily challenges to bigger social or cultural adjustments, and they made sure I felt included and supported in every activity. What made them extraordinary was how approachable they were; you could talk to them about anything, and they’d respond with patience, understanding, and sometimes even a bit of humor to lighten the mood.
They also encouraged us to push ourselves, try new things, and step out of our comfort zones, but in a way that felt safe and empowering. By the end of the program, many of us didn’t just see them as counselors, we saw them as friends, mentors, and truly like older brothers who had our backs throughout the whole experience.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
One thing I wish I would have done differently during my time abroad is to step out of my comfort zone even earlier. At the beginning, I was a bit anxious and hesitant, especially with meeting new people and joining activities, which made the first few days more challenging than they needed to be.
If I had been bolder from the start, I think I could have connected with people even sooner and made even more memories. Still, looking back, those first awkward moments taught me a lot about patience and resilience, so even that hesitation became part of the experience.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day at ISSOS started with breakfast, which was a great time to meet friends and get ready for the day. After that, we had leadership sessions where we worked on teamwork, problem-solving, and personal development exercises, these really pushed us to think differently and grow. Then came lunch, which was another chance to hang out with everyone and recharge.
Afternoons were dedicated to my elective class, I chose film, where I could be creative and learn new skills, followed by either activities or some free time to relax and socialize. Dinner came in the evening, and after that, we had night activities like games, dances, or other events, which were some of the best moments for bonding and making unforgettable memories.
It was a full schedule, but the mix of learning, creativity, and social time made every day exciting and meaningful.
Me during the F1 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
During my free time abroad, I really enjoyed just hanging out with friends and getting to know people from different countries. Sometimes we’d explore the campus, go on little walks around St Andrews, or just relax and chat in the common areas.
I also loved the spontaneous moments, like joking around in the dorm, playing sports with others, or even just trying the local food and discovering new things together. Those little, unplanned moments were some of the most memorable because they made me feel connected, happy, and fully part of the experience.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
At ISSOS, we stayed in dorm-style accommodations on campus, sharing rooms with other students. I had a really fun roommate, and living together made the experience even better, we laughed, joked, and supported each other throughout the program.
What I liked best about the accommodation was the sense of community. Being so close to everyone meant I could easily make friends, hang out, and share memorable moments, from late-night talks to spontaneous adventures. It truly felt like a home away from home, and having a great roommate made it even more special.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
One thing every future participant should know about ISSOS is that it will challenge you, but in the best way possible. You’ll be pushed out of your comfort zone, meeting new people, trying new activities, and managing life away from home, but that’s exactly what makes the experience so rewarding.
It’s also important to know that the friendships you make and the memories you create will be unforgettable. If you go in with an open mind, a positive attitude, and a willingness to participate fully, you’ll get so much more out of it than you expect. The program isn’t just about learning or activities, it’s about personal growth, connection, and making every day count.
Would you recommend ISSOS International to others? Why?
Absolutely, I would recommend ISSOS to others. The program provides an incredible mix of personal growth, cultural exchange, and unforgettable experiences. From the supportive counselors who feel like big brothers to the fun activities, creative electives, and the chance to meet students from all over the world, everything is designed to help you grow, learn, and make lifelong memories.
I’d recommend it because it pushes you out of your comfort zone in a positive way, helps you build confidence and independence, and gives you friendships and experiences that stay with you long after the program ends. It’s more than just a summer abroad; it’s a life-changing experience.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
I feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is the personal growth and broadened perspective it gives you. Being in a new country, meeting people from different cultures, and navigating unfamiliar situations teaches you independence, confidence, and adaptability in a way that staying at home can’t.
It also helps you see the world differently, you learn to appreciate other cultures, understand different viewpoints, and build meaningful connections with people you might never have met otherwise. Traveling abroad doesn’t just give you memories; it changes how you think, act, and see yourself in the world.
Me and my friend in st Andrews (im in blue)
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Now that I’m home, my time abroad has had a huge impact on my life. It helped me become more confident, independent, and open-minded. I’ve learned to step out of my comfort zone, connect with people from different backgrounds, and appreciate new perspectives, skills that I use every day now.
It also gave me a clearer sense of who I am and what I value in friendships and experiences. The memories, lessons, and relationships I built abroad continue to inspire me, push me to try new things, and approach life with more curiosity and positivity. Honestly, it’s an experience that continues to shape me even after returning home.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel means more than just visiting new places; it’s about learning, growing, and connecting on a deeper level. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone, experiencing different cultures, and forming genuine relationships with the people you meet along the way.
Meaningful travel also means challenging yourself, gaining new perspectives, and bringing those lessons back home to make a positive impact on your life and the lives of others. It’s not just about the destinations, but about the experiences and personal growth that stay with you long after the trip ends.
