Category: Alumni

My Surprising Experience With Reverse Culture Shock

August 15, 2016

I’d like to shed some light on something I didn’t quite understand when I read it in the ISEP handbook: reverse culture shock. This term could seem odd to you. Especially when the handbook describes it as culture shock, but in your home country. If you haven’t experienced a study abroad semester or year, you may be thinking, “How on earth can that happen?” I’m used to my home country and the culture it possesses. How can I feel disoriented in my familiar surroundings? Well, it’s definitely a possibility. … More My Surprising Experience With Reverse Culture Shock

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

How to Talk About Study Abroad in a Job Interview

July 11, 2016

You’ve submitted your resume and cover letter, and you’ve been selected for an interview. As you prepare, remember that studying abroad is more than an opportunity to see the world. The challenges of living in a different country build skills that make you a valuable employee, but how do you communicate that to your interviewer? In a competitive job market, study abroad experiences make you stand out, but you have to discuss them strategically. … More How to Talk About Study Abroad in a Job Interview

How I Started a Japanese Language Course on My Host Campus

July 1, 2016

Looking for a way to meet locals and make a difference on your host campus? Get involved in activities! You can even start your own, like ISEP alumni Ryotaro, a Toyo University student who studied abroad at Hendrix College. Here he tells the story of teaching Japanese on his host campus. … More How I Started a Japanese Language Course on My Host Campus

The Beginning of the End

June 7, 2016

At first, you might not even realize it’s coming. You’ve always known the date you’re set to return home from abroad, but it sneaks up on you. You just got used your new place. You made friends; some distant, some seemingly lifelong. You’ve been having fun, experiencing so many new things and meeting new types of people, both good and bad. You were so used to thinking you had more time to do everything on your list. But then it hits you: the beginning of the end. … More The Beginning of the End

5 Things to Know About Teaching English Abroad

April 13, 2016

Many people decide to pursue a teaching career abroad after graduating college to gain experience and assimilate into a different culture. Teaching abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I encourage people to take advantage of it. This semester, I have been teaching at Colegio Montfort in Loeches in Madrid. Here are some tips from what I’ve learned! … More 5 Things to Know About Teaching English Abroad

10 Photos That Will Inspire You to Study Abroad

February 26, 2016

There’s nothing like a photo of a beautiful new spot to make you wish you were traveling. If you’re considering studying abroad, a quick look at these photos is all the convincing you’ll need to see that studying abroad is the right step. These photos were all submitted in the Spring 2016 ISEP Photo Contest, and were taken by ISEP students and alumni during their study abroad experience. They offer a little travel inspiration, and a fun look in to what your own experience could be like! … More 10 Photos That Will Inspire You to Study Abroad