GoAbroad
VerifiedProvider
4.7 / 5Overall Rating
1,356Reviews
78Programs
1987Year established

About WorldStrides

As a leader in international education since 1987, ISA by WorldStrides is committed to providing university-level students with the opportunity to discover, learn, and enjoy a way of life other than their own. We offer a diverse portfolio of study abroad programs across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Pacific. We continuously seek to provide high-quality experiences for university students at an affordable price. Each year, thousands of students participate in our programs, including custom programs, service-learning and internships, Gap year programs, Veritas Christian Study Abroad, and EuroScholars undergraduate research. We distinguish ourselves by maintaining our dedication to each student and our comprehensive on-site support offered through resident staff in nearly 75 program locations across the globe.

Visit Website

Follow Us

FacebookXInstagramYoutubePinterestLinkedInBlog
Last active 10 days ago
Contact Provider

WorldStrides Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about WorldStrides

4.7
1,356 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
962
4
374
3
16
2
3
1
1

Top categories

Social Life
4.7
Cultural Immersion
4.6
Program Administration
4.6
Living Situation
4.5
Health & Safety
4.5
Academics
4.5

Participated in a WorldStrides Program? Share your experience now.

Review this Provider

Showing 1-20 of 1,356 reviews

Vivian ArsenaultUnited States · October 2026
From: Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain with WorldStrides

Best Decision I Ever Made!

Barcelona was the best home base ever! So easy to travel to and from on the weekends. So much to do and so many different foods to try. The public transportation system was super convenient and easy to use. Would give advice to future travelers to talk to everyone and make meaningful connections!

Photos

Sanette MonegroUnited States · October 2026
From: Study Abroad at Korea University with WorldStrides

Loveee

I honestly loved my time in Seoul. It was an amazing experience and it really opened my eyes to what’s outside of the United States. I was also able to travel to Japan (twice) and Thailand, so I really got to see different cultures.

Lilian NevarezUnited States · October 2026
From: Study Abroad in Seoul, South Korea with WorldStrides

New World

Hi! My name is Lily Nevarez, and I am a Biochemistry student at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). I love cooking, makeup, K-dramas, learning new languages, and, most importantly, exploring and experiencing new cultures. During my study abroad experience, I had the opportunity to spend an entire Wintermester in Seoul, South Korea, where I studied at Yonsei University. Yonsei is one of the most prestigious and iconic universities in South Korea, and if you are interested in Korean culture and studying abroad, it is definitely a university I would recommend exploring. I really recommend going to Yonsei with Worldstries because I think it has a program in which you can learn about and study the culture at the same time, here below is a video of my day to day life.

Photos

Rory HetzUnited States · October 2026
From: Study Abroad in Seville, Spain with WorldStrides

My Spanish experience

I really loved living in Seville for a few months. The architecture is so beautiful, which was my favorite part because there’s not many historical buildings in the Unites States because of how young of a county we are. The food was amazing and the program made me feel more at home in a foreign place. I really loved the nightlife and the social aspect of traveling abroad because it made me feel like I was a part of a community. I would definitely go back to Spain in a heartbeat. I also really loved Portugal, so I would definitely recommend people to visit Europe if they ever get the chance!

Hannah BlackUnited States · October 2026
From: Study Abroad in Rome, Italy with WorldStrides

I would do anything to do it all over again.

Studying abroad in Rome, Italy for a semester through WorldStrides was an unforgettable experience. I loved being able to take business courses while also getting to experience Italian culture, travel, and everyday life in a new country. Living in Rome pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me grow more independent while making memories and friendships that I’ll always cherish. I would absolutely recommend WorldStrides to anyone considering studying abroad!

Anabela FlosaUnited States · October 2026
From: Study Abroad in Milan, Italy with WorldStrides

Best semester of my life!

After four incredible months studying abroad in Milan, Italy at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, I'm leaving with so much more than academic credits. This experience challenged me to think beyond the classroom and gave me a global perspective on business, communication, and collaboration. Taking courses alongside students from around the world allowed me to work with people from difterent cultures and backgrounds while experiencing international business in a way that simply can't be replicated in a traditional classroom. I am especially proud to have earned Dean's List during my semester abroad, recognizing that I could perform well academically while adapting to an entirely new country and educational system. Living in a foreign country pushed me to become more adaptable, independent, and confident. Navigating language barriers and unfamiliar environments reinforced the importance of effective communication and the ability to embrace new challenges. Beyond academics, I had the opportunity to travel to eight different countries, experiencing new cultures, perspectives, and ways of life. Exploring places outside the classroom showed me that some of the most valuable lessons come from immersing yourself in unfamiliar environments and learning from people with different backgrounds. These experiences broadened my perspective and reinforced how valuable travel is in developing curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world around us. I'm incredibly grateful for this once in a lifetime opportunity and for the experiences, friendships, and skills that I'll carry with me throughout my life. Thank you, Milano, for four unforgettable months!!!

Natalie ChumleyUnited States · October 2026
From: Study Abroad in Florence, Italy with WorldStrides

BEST DECISION I HAVE EVER MADE!!!

This specific program truly blew my study abroad expectations out of the water. The staff and faculty were so helpful and responsive the entirety of the trip!! There was so much freedom involved and I had to learn how to live and adjust myself into the new lifestyle that I soon became engulfed in. I felt one with the people, place and culture. Florence was truly a magical place and had pure charm. It was so central for travel and easy to walk from place to place. The teachers did an outstanding job of creating a classroom and learning environment that was collaborative with not only other students, yet the Italian culture as well. Classes were highly educational, yet I did not feel as if i was drowning in school or work. The opportunities of adventure and trying new things were endless, I learned so much!!! As for rooming goes, I was blessed with the best three random roomates that genuinely made my experience what it was. We traveled to many countries together and made so many fun memories that I will cherish for a lifetime. We have already had a reunion back here in the states!! Overall I met so many amazing individuals throughout my Florence journey. I miss the people and the place every single day and would not trade my experiences for the world. I hope to be back soon Firenze!!!

Photos

Olivia EversonUnited States · September 2026
From: Study Abroad in San Jose, Costa Rica with WorldStrides

transformative experience

Going to Costa Rica taught me not only how to have an open mind when experiencing other cultures but also how to appreciate and grow within my own. I’m so grateful for the everyone within and outside of worldstrides for helping me.

Jenna DavisUnited States · September 2026
From: Study Abroad in Athens, Greece with WorldStrides

My life abroad

Studying abroad in Greece was an amazing experience that allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone and experience a different culture firsthand. I loved being able to explore different parts of Greece, learn about its history, try new foods, and experience everyday life in a new environment. One of my favorite parts was getting to share the experience with other students and creating memories that I will always have. The trip also helped me become more independent and open-minded. Being in a new country encouraged me to try things I normally wouldn’t and appreciate different perspectives. I would definitely recommend studying abroad to other students because it is an opportunity to learn and grow in ways that you can’t always get from a classroom. If you are considering going, I would encourage you to take lots of pictures, stay open to new experiences, and make the most of every day because the trip goes by very quickly.

Photos

AJ FortonUnited States · September 2026
From: Study Abroad in Madrid, Spain with WorldStrides

My European Summer (ESPAÑA 🇪🇸)

While abroad in Madrid I had the opportunity to visit 5 total cities throughout the country along with 4 additional countries. The Worldstides program made this possible by assisting me in selecting the right courses, plan excursions, and support me on all my European adventures!

Ava LaPrestiUnited States · September 2026
From: Study Abroad in Florence, Italy with WorldStrides

My Abroad Experience

I had such an amazing experience studying abroad through WorldStrides! I attended the 15 week program in Florence, Italy. Not only did I get to learn more about the Italian language and culture, but I got to see beautiful pieces of art and architecture. The food was another bonus! With WorldStrides, I was able to choose from many different classes, and there were excursions included in my program price!

Lindsay AmayaUnited States · September 2026
From: Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain with WorldStrides

An amazing experience!

Going abroad with WorldStrides was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I had so many opportunities to be immersed in the culture, whether it was through weekend trips, events in the city, or simply exploring Barcelona with friends. There was always something new to experience, and I felt like I was able to learn so much outside of the classroom. One of my favorite parts of the program was the freedom to explore Barcelona and other parts of Spain while still having the support of WorldStrides when I needed it. The staff was helpful throughout my time abroad and made the experience much easier, especially when adjusting to living in a new country. The organized activities and trips were also a great way to see places I probably would not have visited on my own. Living in Barcelona gave me the opportunity to experience a completely different lifestyle and culture. I was able to try new foods, meet new people, practice Spanish, and experience what everyday life is like in Spain. I also loved being able to travel to other cities and countries during my time abroad. Overall, studying abroad in Barcelona was an experience I will never forget. I made some of my best memories, became more independent, and gained a much greater appreciation for other cultures. I would definitely recommend studying abroad with WorldStrides to anyone considering it. It was an amazing experience, and I would do it all over again.

Laura ZhangUnited States · September 2026
From: Study Abroad in Singapore with WorldStrides

So much fun and opportunity!

Studying abroad in Singapore is the best decision I made during my college years. I got to explore my interests and travel to places I've always wanted to go to. I explored Bali, Johor Bahru, Shanghai, Seoul, Jeju, Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Phuket, Danang, and Hanoi. Got to try a lot of yummy food and experience various cultures. The Hawker Centers and other food courts have so much variety and new cuisines to try. Singapore is extremely clean, and people there are kind and respectful in public spaces. They are willing to show up around and invite you to their culture. Being apart of a study abroad program was nice because I got to connect with others in the program. I got to attend the program events and learned more about Singapore. For instance, we went to Gardens by the Bay, Cloud Forest, Oceanarium, Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, and had group lunches/dinners. I really really enjoyed my time there and would love to go back.

Everette PalmerUnited States · September 2026
From: Study Abroad at Korea University with WorldStrides

This summer changed my life!

I went to Korea University over the summer and it's safe to say it was the best summer yet. WorldStrides was extremely helpful and accommodating throughout the whole process. Their excursions were a lot of fun and gave me the opportunity to meet other students that came with WorldStrides as well. The staff was always available when needed and knew what to do when asked questions. The summer was so much fun, I got to travel all over Seoul and make memories everyday! I cannot recommend this enough!

Gaby GordilloUnited States · September 2026
From: Study Abroad in Milan, Italy with WorldStrides

I lived an unforgettable experience!

I studied abroad in Italy for my Spring Semester and going into this, I was incredibly stressed. But WorldStrides made all the difference in my experience. They provided all the resources that I felt I might need for any situation. They took us on some excursions during the semester and they were well planned and super fun! I would go on another study abroad trip with WorldStrides.

Emily YeungUnited States · September 2026
From: Study Abroad in Lima, Peru with WorldStrides

Actually the best experience of my life

I actually can’t recommend this program enough. It seriously changed my life. First off, the staff from worldstrides alone should be enough to sell you. I felt more supported by the mentors in Lima then I did in my university in the states. Michelle and Christy are some of the most caring people I have ever met. They were incredibly helpful- I was absolutely sure I could ask them about anything and they would happily help. They went out of their way to make sure we had the best experience possible, from giving dance/surf class recommendations to accompanying a student to the hospital when they felt sick. My host mom, Doris, was absolutely spectacular. Not only was she so sweet and patient, she was also incredibly accommodating (and such a good cook). My roommates had dietary restrictions (One didn’t eat red meat, the other was lactose intolerant), and she worked hard to make sure everyone felt comfortable. She was so patient and helpful as we practiced our spanish. I still call her every other week! Besides the wonderful people involved, Peru as a whole is absolutely amazing. Go. Please. It has something for everyone. It’s one of the gastronomic capitals of the world, so the food is amazing. Worldstrides takes you on both included (Historical district, huacachina (with sand surfing)) and extra excursions. I was lucky enough to be able to go on the extra trips to the amazon (absolutely crazy), and to Machu Picchu. It’s a once in a lifetime experience. Lima is an amazing city with so many events, you’ll never be bored. I did everything from attend an interactive spanish-adaptation of the broadway show “Next to Normal” (phenomenal), to participate in Miraflores’ community zumba classes, to go to a circus, to march in Lima’s pride parade, to fish for piranhas in the amazon. I did the 2-month summer program, and it was spectacular. The first month, I took classes at Cayetano Heredia- Medical Spanish and Community Health. Weekdays were sometimes a little long, but all the teachers were SO supportive and amazing. You get to learn from and shadow practicing doctors and see how healthcare works in Peru, which is a FANTASTIC experience! We even got the opportunity to run a simulated clinical visit with actual actors. The second month, we got to volunteer with Aprendo Contigo, an organization that works to ensure hospitalized children don’t fall behind in schoolwork. We got to have the chance to see what we learned manifest in real life and have real patient interactions. I left wanting to come back as soon as possible, and legitimately considered staying in college for an extra semester just to be able to stay for a whole semester.

Photos

Jacki PetrowUnited States · September 2026
From: Study Abroad in Cusco, Peru with WorldStrides

An experience like no other

I really loved my experience with Worldstrides in Cusco. The program staff was incredibly knowledgable about the topic material, and also very helpful with local things to do and get involved with. I really loved my classes and also the location in Cusco, where there was so much to do, especially as someone who loves hiking, being outside, and traveling. My professors were also really engaging and clearly really interested in the class material and enjoyed teaching us. Overall, I could not have asked for a program which better fit my own interests and created such a positive atmosphere.

Maaya TakeuchiJapan · September 2026
From: Study Abroad in Sydney, Australia with WorldStrides

Study Abroad in Sydney, Australia!🇦🇺🦘🌊🐨

I had the most amazing experience studying abroad in Sydney. I specifically went to UNSW, which is super close to the beach. I was able to make best friends that I'll cherish forever, and together we made such amazing memories like surfing, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, and travelling to different parts of Australia, and even New Zealand! I'm so grateful for everything this experience brought me; I made lifelong friends, but also grew so much as a person and connected a lot with myself!! :) Even though it might be nerve-wracking at first to do it alone, be proud of putting yourself out there! In no time, you will make amazing friends and memories, and hopefully fall in love with Australia like I did :) Make the most out of your experience and say yes to all the activities you can.

Photos

Joseph BallardUnited States · September 2026
From: Study Abroad in Athens, Greece with WorldStrides

Best 4 months of my life!

I spent 4 good months in Athens, Greece and had the absolute best time of my life! The program I went through was with WorldStrides (duh) and they were extremely helpful. You have constant support online where you can text your on the ground world strides staff and/or contact the Worldstrides online support staff. The in person office was also a pretty short walk away so we had no issue getting help. Then there was Greece! Out of the 11 countries I have been to outside of the USA it was my absolute favorite. I will always consider it my home away from home for as long as I live and can't wait to go back!

Photos

Ana ButkusUnited States · September 2026
From: Study Abroad in Seville, Spain with WorldStrides

A Lifetime of Adventure in One Semester

Studying abroad in Seville, Spain at the Universidad Pablo de Olavide was the absolute best decision of my life. If I had to sum up my experience, I truly feel like I lived five different lives in just one semester. From day one, the program opened doors to experiences I never thought possible. I was able to fully embrace the vibrant Spanish culture, watch breathtaking flamenco shows right in Seville, taste amazing food, and meet some of the most incredible people.My classes at Pablo de Olavide were challenging, but incredibly rewarding. One of the absolute best perks of the schedule was having no classes on Fridays. That three-day weekend gave my friends and me the freedom to book a flight on a whim, explore six different countries, and immerse ourselves in entirely different cultures. Traveling the world with your friends is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Because of that flexibility, my memories feel endless: - Riding camels through the Sahara Desert - Exploring street markets in London - Eating authentic pasta in Rome - Creating a bond with a group of girls that I know I will have with me for the rest of my life I tasted unforgettable food, grew so much, and created memories that will last forever. If you want a program that challenges you academically while giving you the ultimate freedom to explore the world, this is it. It is an unforgettable experience that stays with you long after you fly home!

Photos

WorldStrides Programs

Browse programs you might like

Surfing the Gold Coast

WorldStrides

4.83

125 reviews

Study Abroad in Gold Coast, Australia with WorldStrides

Experience Australia’s Gold Coast, a world-famous destination where surf beaches, lush rainforests, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle create an unf...

Thai Boat Tour

WorldStrides

4.78

79 reviews

Study Abroad in Bangkok, Thailand with WorldStrides

Explore Bangkok, Thailand’s dynamic capital and a global hub for culture, commerce, and cuisine. Study at Mahidol University International Colleg...

Students in Seville

WorldStrides

4.65

69 reviews

Study Abroad in Seville, Spain with WorldStrides

Explore Seville, Spain, a city where Andalusian traditions, historic landmarks, and vibrant student life come together. Study at institutions lik...

Sydney Opera House

WorldStrides

4.76

58 reviews

Study Abroad in Sydney, Australia with WorldStrides

Experience Sydney, Australia’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, where iconic beaches, diverse neighborhoods, and a vibrant culture create an u...

Korea University Student

WorldStrides

4.56

57 reviews

Study Abroad at Korea University with WorldStrides

Study in Seoul at Korea University, one of South Korea’s most prestigious private institutions, while experiencing the energy of one of the world...

Park Guell

WorldStrides

4.47

55 reviews

Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain with WorldStrides

Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia, is a city where history, culture, and creativity come together. As a bilingual city, you'll hear bot...

hiking routeburn

WorldStrides

4.78

55 reviews

Study Abroad in Dunedin, New Zealand with WorldStrides

Explore Dunedin, New Zealand, a vibrant university city known for its rich academic history, welcoming community, and access to the country’s stu...

Friends in Florence

WorldStrides

4.8

54 reviews

Study Abroad in Florence, Italy with WorldStrides

Discover Florence, Italy’s Renaissance capital, where art, history, and academic exploration come together in a charming and walkable city. Study...

Surfing in Australia

WorldStrides

4.78

49 reviews

Study Abroad at University of Sydney with WorldStrides

Experience Sydney, Australia’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, where iconic beaches, diverse neighborhoods, and a vibrant culture create an u...

Hiking Near Auckland

WorldStrides

4.83

42 reviews

Study Abroad in Auckland, New Zealand with WorldStrides

Explore Auckland, New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, where urban energy, cultural diversity, and breathtaking natural landscapes c...

Retiro Park

WorldStrides

4.66

41 reviews

Study Abroad in Madrid, Spain with WorldStrides

Explore Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital where historic traditions, modern energy, and global perspectives come together. Study at Universidad Ant...

Friends in Granada

WorldStrides

4.48

40 reviews

Study Abroad in Granada, Spain with WorldStrides

Explore Granada, Spain, a historic city where centuries-old traditions, vibrant culture, and modern student life come together. Study at the Univ...

Hanfu with Friends

WorldStrides

4.92

36 reviews

Study Abroad in Shanghai, China with WorldStrides

Study in Shanghai, China, through a unique semester program featuring Fudan University, one of the country’s most prestigious institutions, and a...

Exploring Welly

WorldStrides

4.89

36 reviews

Study Abroad in Wellington, New Zealand

Explore Wellington, New Zealand’s artistic and cultural capital, where creative energy, scenic landscapes, and a welcoming student atmosphere com...

Churros & Chocolate!

WorldStrides

4.81

31 reviews

Study Abroad in Salamanca, Spain with WorldStrides

Explore Salamanca, Spain, a historic university city known as “La Ciudad Dorada” (The Golden City) for its stunning sandstone architecture and vi...

Day in Paris

WorldStrides

4.46

28 reviews

Study Abroad in Paris, France with WorldStrides

Explore Paris, France’s iconic “City of Light,” where history, culture, innovation, and global perspectives come together. Study at the American ...

Big Ben!

WorldStrides

4.39

28 reviews

Study Abroad in London, England with WorldStrides

Experience London, England’s vibrant capital and one of the world’s most diverse and multicultural cities. Study at leading institutions includin...

Friends in Valencia

WorldStrides

4.64

25 reviews

Study Abroad in Valencia, Spain with WorldStrides

Explore Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, where Mediterranean charm, modern innovation, and rich traditions come together. Study at instituti...

Student in Rome

WorldStrides

4.68

25 reviews

Study Abroad in Rome, Italy with WorldStrides

Discover Rome, Italy’s Eternal City, where ancient history, vibrant culture, and everyday Italian life come together. Study at institutions like ...

Bridge Adventure!

WorldStrides

4.46

24 reviews

Study Abroad in San Jose, Costa Rica with WorldStrides

Experience San José, Costa Rica, a vibrant capital city where Latin American culture, modern city life, and natural beauty come together. Study a...

Get in Touch

Contact WorldStrides

Have a question? Send us a message and the WorldStrides team will get back to you.

Step 1 of 5Program

Which program are you interested in?

WorldStrides Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Hedvika Tichá

Hedvika Tichá

Interviewed in 2025

Staff

Originally from a quaint Czech city, Hedvika has studied in multiple European cities and explored South America extensively. She served as ISA Germany...

The impact it has on shaping future generations by building bridges between people and cultures. It's so inspiring to see how students transform during their study abroad experience.

Show Full Interview
Andy Osorio

Andy Osorio

Interviewed in 2025

Staff

Andy is the office manager at ISA Cusco by World Strides, with over 12 years of experience managing programs in Peru. A Cusco native, he loves introdu...

I love sharing my culture with my students. They get to learn something about my country and also end up learning about themselves. We have exchange activities with students from Cusco, where our students can learn or improve their Spanish.

Show Full Interview
Lizette Arredondo Castillo

Lizette Arredondo Castillo

Interviewed in 2025

Staff

Lizette, born in Valparaíso, Chile, has worked with ISA since 1996, guiding students through transformative study abroad experiences. A graduate of PU...

I always wanted to study abroad and meet people from other cultures. I did not have the chance to study abroad, but I was so happy to meet foreign students and be part of their abroad experience.

Show Full Interview
Michelle McRaney

Michelle McRaney

Interviewed in 2025

Staff

Michelle is an international education professional with a Business degree from Baylor University. Since joining ISA in 1998, she has led programs wor...

Studying abroad as an undergraduate student inspired me to work for ISA. I traveled on direct agreement programs through my university, without the support of an organization like ISA.

Show Full Interview
Shayla Bergene

Shayla Bergene

Participated in 2024

Alumni

Shayla Bergene is a first-generation college student from Wisconsin, now in her fourth year at Arizona State University. She works as an ISA Global Ca...

From a very young age, I knew I was going to study outside of the United States. I was always inspired to learn from other cultures, especially to study there, which I knew would be life-changing.

Show Full Interview
Katelyn Karwick

Katelyn Karwick

Participated in 2024

Alumni

Katelyn Karwick is a junior at Eastern Michigan University studying abroad in Paris, France through ISA. She now serves as a Global Campus Ambassador ...

If I’m entirely honest, one day I just decided to. I don’t know if it was some post I saw or something that reminded me of it, but I was determined ever since.

Show Full Interview
Laura Cristina Arredondo Vélez

Laura Cristina Arredondo Vélez

Interviewed in 2025

Staff

Laura holds a Master’s in International Business and works in higher education internationalization. Based in Medellín, she supports international stu...

I'm inspired to work for WorldStrides because my study abroad experience was challenging and life-changing. I want to help others have the best experience of their lives while studying in my hometown.

Show Full Interview
Tucker Wolf

Tucker Wolf

Participated in 2024

Alumni

Tucker is from Raleigh, NC, and is a Psychology and Spanish majors student at NCSU. Granada was his first time in Spain and second time in Europe. He ...

I wanted to study abroad because it felt like the perfect opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and experience new cultures firsthand. Learning and practicing Spanish was a key motivator, as I had always been drawn to the language and its rich heritage. Being immersed in a Spanish-speaking country was the best way to truly understand it. I was also eager to travel around Europe, exploring its diversity and history. Beyond that, I saw this as a chance to learn more about myself. It would be my first time completely alone in another country, pushing me to grow, adapt, and find my independence.

Show Full Interview
Kira Cordova

Kira Cordova

Participated in 2021

Alumni

Kira loves education, the outdoors, and traveling. They studied at Western Colorado University and Bilabo nature-oriented subjects and Spanish. Kira h...

I wanted to cement my Spanish language skills. I studied Spanish, and I knew I needed immersion to become fluent. I also wanted to travel; I had never left the United States before I studied abroad, and I wanted to see other countries. I also wanted to become comfortable traveling by myself. Study abroad seemed like the solution to all of the above!

Show Full Interview
Alayna O’Keefe

Alayna O’Keefe

Participated in 2019

Alumni

Alayna is a recent graduate from Arizona State University where she received a BA in Global Studies and a minor in Sustainable Tourism. She is passion...

I have a passion for travel and learning about history and culture. My passions even influenced what I chose to study in college. I have been lucky enough to travel internationally a lot with my family, but I always wanted to make it a goal of mine to study abroad and live and learn on my own.

Show Full Interview
Nicole Springer

Nicole Springer

Participated in 2015

Alumni

Nicole Springer is currently a senior at Iowa State University majoring in Child, Adult, and Family Services, with a minor in Chinese language. One of...

I have always loved traveling ever since I was a little kid. My parents were fortunate enough to be able to take us to Florida to go to Disney every Christmas. As I grew older, I was able to travel more and had some amazing opportunities.  I always knew that I wanted to go abroad specifically to China because I love the culture and the people and I wanted to know as much as I could.

Show Full Interview
Elena Conklin

Elena Conklin

Participated in 2015

Alumni

Elena Conklin is a recent music industry graduate from Ramapo College of New Jersey. She studied abroad in London, England, in the Fall of 2015. Elena...

The reason why I decided to study abroad was that I knew I needed some change in my life. I was going through personal struggles right before I applied to go abroad and figured that I needed a change of scenery, and I was completely right about that.

Show Full Interview
Jayde Hansen

Jayde Hansen

Participated in 2016

Alumni

Jayde is from North Carolina and she is currently attending the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. She hopes to work for a magazine publishing...

The hunger to break my routine. I hit a point in my college career where I thought, “Is this it? Do I just get a degree and continue on with a career?” I wanted to see new things, meet new people, and begin to experience my life in a different way. I was scrolling on my Instagram feed and I saw someone mention they were going to study abroad for a week; I thought to myself “This is exactly what I’m looking for. I’m going for it.” That same day I contacted my school only to find out that I called at the perfect time to attend orientation within the next two hours. That day, I chose Greece. It was my only choice.

Show Full Interview
Alexandra Inslee

Alexandra Inslee

Participated in 2011

Alumni

Alexandra is a self-proclaimed world traveler from the rural foothills of Northern California. She studied abroad twice during her undergraduate years...

I had two main reasons for choosing ISA. First was the price - ISA stood out as one of the most reasonably priced study abroad programs I found in my search, and their program in Meknes was less expensive than the other programs I was looking at in Morocco. Second, and probably most important, was the reviews. I was very involved in the study abroad community at my university and I was constantly hearing good things about ISA. The representatives who visited my campus were super friendly and had had great experiences, and when I mentioned the idea of studying abroad through ISA instead of a program sponsored by the University of California, my study abroad adviser loved the idea. She told me, "We have a really good relationship with them, they're great!"

Show Full Interview
Scott Carney

Scott Carney

Participated in 2012

Alumni

Scott is from Green Bay, Wisconsin but he currently lives in Fort Collins, Colorado. His academic experiences revolves heavily around international re...

Both of my brothers had previously studied abroad, so they had instilled into me the importance of immersing oneself into another culture and taking advantage of a special place in life where we are afforded the luxury of time and encouragement for exploration (aka college). From my point of view, in order to become a global citizen, one should encompass learning and living a life perspective outside of an American centrist view. I felt the passion to become better-rounded and equipped to handle potentially adverse situations, which is a common phenomenon in international programs when adjusting to a new culture.

Show Full Interview
Deirdre Scanlon

Deirdre Scanlon

Participated in 2013

Alumni

Deirdre is from Virginia and has a B.A. in English from Lynchburg College. She will be pursuing her M.Ed. in higher education in the fall of 2015, and...

Growing up, my mom always told me about her study abroad experience in Florence, Italy while she was in college. She described it as one of the best experiences of her life. Contrarily, my Dad talked about how he wished he had studied abroad. With these influences, it became a dream of mine to spend a semester in a foreign country. I would not call myself an adventurous person; I like my comfort zone quite a lot. However, I often find that my best experiences are when I push myself to go outside my comfort zone and explore something new. Studying abroad, especially with ISA, was the perfect way for me to do this, and it was the best decision I ever made.

Show Full Interview
Mandy Terbrueggen

Mandy Terbrueggen

Participated in 2014

Alumni

Mandy is from Florida and graduated from Florida Southern College in 2013. She is currently living in New York City and hopes to plan a trip back to E...

I had a strong desire to travel and wanted to do it in a setting where I could meet other people who shared the same enthusiasm of exploring the world as me.

Show Full Interview
Ben Schumann

Ben Schumann

Participated in 2015

Alumni

Ben is from Cleveland, Ohio and is currently finishing his junior year of university. Aside from Spain, Ben also did a month-long excursion to Bolivia...

I wanted to see Europe and improve my Spanish language level.

Show Full Interview
Paola Gamboa

Paola Gamboa

Participated in 2014

Alumni

Paola is a junior at the University of Texas at El Paso, where she has lived her whole life, majoring in organizational and corporate communication wi...

I decided to study abroad to expand my horizons. I had chosen to stay in my hometown for college, so I really wanted to explore what else the world had to offer. I chose to take it to the next step and apply to a summer program in beautiful Rome, Italy. I had grown up so sheltered and dependent, I wanted to test my limits and see what I was capable of.

Show Full Interview
Chelsea LeFave

Chelsea LeFave

Participated in 2014

Alumni

Chelsea is a senior at Georgia College in Milledgeville, Georgia majoring in Marketing with a minor in international business. Originally born in Onta...

I decided to apply for an international program for so many reasons. I have always had the travel bug and the desire to see everything the world has to offer. After learning a lot about doing business in other countries, from my minor in International Business, I knew that studying abroad was something I had to do. I never imagined however that I would learn so much about myself.

Show Full Interview
WorldStrides

WorldStrides

4.69Verified

Ready to Learn More?

As a leader in international education since 1987, ISA by WorldStrides is committed to providing university-level students with the opportunity to discover, learn, and enjoy a way of life other than their own. We offer a diverse portfolio of study abroad programs across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Pacific. We continuously seek to provide high-quality experiences for university students at an affordable price. Each year, thousands of students participate in our programs, including custom programs, service-learning and internships, Gap year programs, Veritas Christian Study Abroad, and EuroScholars undergraduate research. We distinguish ourselves by maintaining our dedication to each student and our comprehensive on-site support offered through resident staff in nearly 75 pr...

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Notable Mention - GoAbroad Top Rated Study Abroad Providers 2024
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Notable Mention
Innovative Student Video Finalist 2022
Innovation in Alumni Engagement Finalist 2022
Innovation in Diversity 2021 Finalist
Innovative New Program – Study Abroad 2021 Finalist

Have more questions?

We're here to help!

The GoAbroad team is here to support you as you choose the best program for you, and WorldStrides is also happy to answer any questions you have.

Trusted by millions of travelers worldwide since 1997