Study Environmental Studies Abroad

I studied abroad with ISDSI through the CEC program in the fall of 2024, and I returned to the U.S. with a new community, stronger research skills, and unreal experiences I will never forget. Regarding community, the people I met in my and other “sibling” programs, the fantastic staff at ISDSI who guided us through the semester, and everyone in between were the ones who made my time in Thailand special. I have many wonderful memories with CEC, and some of my favorites include visiting Karen villages, staying in homestays, exploring Chiang Mai restaurants, and snorkeling in the Andaman Sea. Academically, we learned how to conduct mini-research projects which helped me ask better questions in interviews and prepare for my future senior thesis. I would recommend ISDSI to other students because it is an immersive, hands-on, and challenging program in all the right ways. And, my biggest takeaway is I learned how truly supportive, inspiring, and uplifting a community can be, even when they were strangers only a few months ago. So, to CEC, ISDSI, and everyone involved in our program and beyond: Thank you for a truly life-changing experience.

Studying abroad in Sydney, Australia was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. From the moment I arrived, Sydney lived up to every expectation and dream I had for my abroad experience. Waking up just minutes from the beach, exploring the iconic Opera House, and taking weekend trips to some of the most breathtaking places in the world made every day feel surreal. Studying at UNSW challenged me academically while also allowing me the flexibility to travel weekly and enjoy everything my host city had to offer. While many people don't expect it, there was a bit of a culture shock with the Aussie slang and slower pace of life. Engaging with locals and other international students made the experience so meaningful and transformational. I will never forget the amazing Australians who welcomed me with open arms and showed me what Australia was all about. Looking back at my four months in Australia, this experience shaped me into a more confident, independent, and open-minded person. Studying abroad pushed me beyond my comfort zone and gave me a new perspective of the world. I will always be grateful for this experience.