ISEP Member Institutions Welcome Over 700 Students to Campuses Around the World

ISEP is pleased to announce that we currently have over 700 students on program around the world. Our students represent 53 countries and are studying in more than 30 countries worldwide.

The ISEP organization is grateful for our community, and especially the ISEP coordinators, for facilitating these opportunities. The coordinators worked closely with ISEP staff to ensure that all students were prepared for a successful international experience by preparing outbound students for departure and welcoming inbound students onto their campuses. Despite a challenging year, ISEP is proud to continue our 40+ year history of international exchange this semester.

We recently connected with some of these students to learn more about their experiences so far. Here is what they had to say:

“Studying abroad here in Spain has been hands-down one of the best choices and experiences that I have had up until now. Vigo, Spain is a smaller city as a whole and as such, the international community of students is very active and intimate. In my short amount of time thus far I have made incredible friendships and have been living a life that feels free, open, exhilarating, and new. I’ve had an amazing time exploring this beautiful country and getting to know other students from all over the world. I hope that anyone thinking about studying abroad will do whatever they can to try and experience this as well.”

— Ben Tuka, ISEP student from Colorado Mesa studying at Universidad de Vigo

“What I’ve enjoyed the most since I arrived here so far is the nature and landscapes. Utah State University is located in a valley and surrounded by mountains, it’s beautiful. I even had the opportunity to go to Yellowstone last weekend with other international students and it’s my favorite moment since I arrived. I love that while still studying and being in school you can travel and discover a whole new country.”

— Coline Lehnhoff, ISEP student from Université de Picardie Jules Verne studying at Utah State University

“My favorite thing so far in Seoul is the balance of big city life and nature. I love sitting next to the Han River and seeing the city lights reflect off the surface or relaxing on one of the many mountains in Seoul to see the entire city. One word of advice to those abroad or thinking about going abroad is to just put yourself out there and try. Nothing bad has come from me speaking in choppy Korean or accidentally ordering the wrong thing, everyone is very thankful that you try and participate in Korean language and culture. I have not had anyone dismiss me for trying and I think it makes the experience more memorable.”

— Emma Vacek, ISEP student from Nebraska Wesleyan University studying at Korea University

“Even if I was placed in my last choice of university and even if my exchange was postponed due to covid, I am so grateful to finally be here and surrounded by the incredible nature, the sweetest people and professors! I got out of my comfort zone and I can already feel that this experience is changing me forever. I’ve made local and international friends with whom I can travel around the country and explore the many interests the US has to offer!”

— Maéva Uldry, ISEP student from Université de Fribourg, Suisse studying at Appalachian State University

“What I have enjoyed most about my study abroad experience is all the cultural events I’ve been able to attend. I’m a huge fan of the fine arts so getting to see an Estonian ballet was a really neat experience”

— Faith Macwana, ISEP student from Virginia Wesleyan University studying at University of Tartu

“Although I have only been at NAU for two months so far, I was able to experience lots of "firsts”: whether it was attending my first college football game, hiking up the highest mountain in Arizona, seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time, swimming in Lake Powell or walking through Antelope Canyon - I could not even pick one moment as my favorite one. I love to spend time with my friends on the beautiful campus during the week and explore new places on the weekends. Flagstaff is a great starting point to do so!“

— Christina Slamanig, ISEP student from Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz studying at Northern Arizona University

“Studying in France has been a lifelong dream of mine, and in the month and a half I have spent here it has lived up and exceeded every expectation I had for studying abroad. This experience has begun to teach me so much about who I am in the world and also who I hope to be one day. My advice for other students thinking about studying abroad is this: do it. It is completely worth it, difficult at times, but it will open your eyes to things you might not get to experience otherwise.”

— Alexis Rice, ISEP student from Butler University studying at Université de Lille

"I can’t even believe how lucky I am to live all those events with my new international friends, here at Queens University of Charlotte. It has become a dream come true and every week has a lot to offer in terms of new experiences and cultural discovering. I went to Charleston, NC last weekend and I am heading to Miami, FL for Fall break. I am so looking forward to it! As my friends keep telling me, ‘we need to make the most of the ISEP experience!’. My only advice would thus be to start applying as soon as you can, it is an opportunity you will never encounter twice!”

— Hugo Jasniak, ISEP student from Université de Lille studying at Queens University of Charlotte

“I am spending the fall semester in Springfield, Missouri. I really love it and the campus is amazing, the city is surrounded by nature, lakes and big cities. Since I have been here, I spent a weekend camping next to the lake and I went to Los Angeles with my international friends, and it was amazing! I am loving this experience because I can learn and have fun at the same time!”

— Mattia Murru, ISEP student from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore studying at Missouri State University

“I’ve been living in Georgia for around 2 months now, and I’m amazed by how comfortable I am. Back home, I didn’t like going outside and didn’t feel comfortable going anywhere too far by myself. Here, I’ve explored downtown Decatur by myself, found things to do in Savannah, and now Jacksonville, Florida. I’m even planning small trips to Chicago, Seattle, and California by myself. This trip has done wonders for my confidence level, emotionally and academically. Well worth it!”

— Julian Mercury-Meredith, ISEP Student from University of Plymouth studying at Agnes Scott College