Category: Pre-Departure

A Letter to Myself Before I Studied Abroad

July 15, 2016

Sara, a math major from Northern Arizona University, had her doubts about committing a full year to studying abroad versus a single semester, but after studying Spanish language and literature in Spain at Universidad de Málaga for a few months, she hasn’t looked back once. Deciding to spend a whole year away from the comforts of your home university can be an overwhelming thought to imagine, but Sara thinks you’ll be just fine (and so do we!). … More A Letter to Myself Before I Studied Abroad

9 Photos That Will Inspire You to Study Abroad

June 16, 2016

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a big-city lover or an overall adventurer, studying abroad offers endless opportunities. Visiting new places means more than just new sights and views. It means learning to be flexible when the train you planned to take is cancelled last minute, developing cross-cultural communication skills when you have to work through a language barrier, fostering independence through your first solo trip and so much more. But as this is all going on, the views are a great distraction. … More 9 Photos That Will Inspire You to Study Abroad

How The Tragedy in Orlando Will Impact My Study Abroad

June 15, 2016

I will soon step onto a plane and fly more than 5,000 miles away from my permanent home in Wisconsin to my new temporary home in Valparaíso, Chile. There haven’t been many times in my life I’ve been as excited as I am right now, attempting to imagine how different my life will be in just a few days. But simultaneously, I feel sad, scared and helpless because I’m beginning my international adventure as my home nation aches over the shooting in Orlando, Florida. This tragedy has broken hearts all across the United States, and mine is no exception. At this moment, there’s a call to action in this country. A call to contributing more than just “thoughts and prayers” to the cause. A call to honor 49 victims with real change. … More How The Tragedy in Orlando Will Impact My Study Abroad

A Letter to My Nervous Pre-study Abroad Self

May 26, 2016

Dear Leigh,

You’re about to embark on the journey of a lifetime! You don’t know it yet, but it will completely change your life. You’re going to make new friends and see other places that the world has to offer. You’re going to have so many fun times, but there will also be bad times. That’s okay, though; it’s completely normal. … More A Letter to My Nervous Pre-study Abroad Self

10 Tips for How to Get Your Student Visa on Time

May 12, 2016

You just got accepted to your study abroad program. The initial excitement is overwhelming! You pull up the consulate website to research the visa process. It immediately looks incredibly daunting, so you click out of the webpage and set your application aside because you are riding that acceptance high, and it’s time to celebrate! You have endless time to work on the paperwork. No worries, right? Wrong! … More 10 Tips for How to Get Your Student Visa on Time

5 Things to Bring From Home When You Study Abroad

May 11, 2016

When I go back to Indiana, I will be a study abroad ambassador for my home university. I already know that many prospective study abroad students will be asking me, “What are some things I should definitely buy while I’m still at home?” I know this question will be asked because I asked about 500 people this same question before I left the U.S. I was never really given direct answers, and most of the time I was told I could buy anything I needed in my host country and to just pack as light as possible. This answer was not good enough for me, so I have been racking my brain for months to compile a perfect list for all of you. … More 5 Things to Bring From Home When You Study Abroad

How to Study Abroad in France in 3 Easy Steps

April 7, 2016

Let’s be honest: figuring out how to study abroad isn’t always easy. When you think about what type of program type you want, what courses you need to take, what logistics need to be figured out, it can start to feel intimidating. That’s why we’re here to help. In this three-part webinar series, ISEP Program Officer Lindsay discusses program types, course information, logistics and more. … More How to Study Abroad in France in 3 Easy Steps