ISA by WorldStrides

This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy through a three-week program with ISA and WorldStrides. I took a course called Wine Windows and Wine Business Walks, which was one of the most unique and engaging classes I’ve ever taken. The course brought us out into the streets of Florence and into the Tuscan countryside, where we explored wine windows, visited vineyards, and learned about the history and marketing of Italian wine directly from local producers. What made the experience even more special were the day trips that ISA and WorldStrides planned for us. We explored Pisa and took the classic leaning tower photo, wandered through the medieval towers and charming streets of San Gimignano, and soaked in the rich culture and stunning views in Siena. Each destination gave us a different glimpse into Italy’s diverse history and regional charm, all without the stress of planning it ourselves. Outside of class and excursions, Florence quickly felt like home. Whether it was sipping cappuccinos in the morning, getting lost in Renaissance art, or watching the sunset over the Arno, every day felt like a dream. This experience not only deepened my academic interests but also helped me grow personally and culturally. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to combine education, travel, and adventure in one unforgettable summer.

This was a wonderful program in a not-so-traveled part of Australia. When Americans think of Australia, they usually imagine Sydney or Melbourne. But Perth is quite the city gem. It's a very culturally rich city with fun activities, festivals, and museums. The area has plenty of nature, with Yanchep National Park nearby as well. There are plenty of fun places to go, and it is a large city to explore. The University is world-renowned, and the campus is beautiful. Everyone I met was so kind, and we were offered many opportunities to go out and explore the city and the surrounding area. I interned at Mosman Park Football Club as a Sports Trainer, and it was a fun way to meet people in the community, even see them out in the city. I was close with my mentor, and she still is a great friend of mine. The internship does not take away from your travel; if anything, they encourage it!

I did a 5 week program to Lima, Peru and absolutely loved it!! Michelle, our program director, gave us lots of information prior to departure and then she met us all at the airport for pickup! Overall, ISA gave us tons of resources and was in constant contact with our host families and our universities during the whole trip. They also planned many little activities that were optional which I appreciated. These were always local and such a good thing to squeeze in before class! During the weekends, I went on all the weekend excursions that they offered. Our program director knew most of the staff at the places/hotels we visited which comforted many of us and gave us the best experience. Overall, ISA gave us such an awesome group of staff members that not only challenged us, but acted as both our mothers and our friends all at the same time!