ISA Scholarship Winners – Summer 2023

Stacy W.

Home University: Central Michigan University

Headed to: Valencia, Spain

What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination?

I have always wanted to visit Spain, ever since middle/high school when I took four years of Spanish. My teacher would always share her adventures and experiences in Spain so I knew this was an opportunity I needed to explore. It is truly such a beautiful country with so much to see. Also, I have always wanted to try paella and recently found through research that Valencia is known as the “Birthplace of Paella.” The cuisine will be unforgettable, I can’t wait to try new foods! Finally, imagining being right on the Mediterranean Sea for the summer sounded like the perfect addition to my educational career as I enter my senior (and final) year of college in the fall. I couldn’t have picked a better city, to say I’m excited is an understatement.

What are you most looking forward to?

I am so excited to explore Valencia. My internship is in digital marketing, so part of my job will be to explore the city and take photos/footage of real estate properties for 8 weeks. My internship is so closely linked to my passions, I don’t even view it as work. I am blessed to have been matched with such a great employer. Outside of work, I can’t wait to visit the City of Arts & Sciences – “Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias.” Looking at pictures online, it is absolutely breathtaking. I already know I could spend hours there. Additionally, are also opera houses, sporting events, and festivals that I have every intention of attending if possible. I can’t wait to dive right into Valencian culture and be exposed to a whole new world outside of the United States. 

CeCe G.

Home University: University of Tennessee – Chattanooga

Headed to: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination?

I would say the main motivator I had for picking Ho Chi Minh city as my study abroad destination was that I wanted to go abroad to a place that was vastly different from my own culture. The reason for this is because I feel that traveling to a place that is so different from my own culture will be a humbling experience that requires a lot of personal introspection. Additionally, going to Asia has always been one of my dream destinations to visit. This program gives me the opportunity to fully immerse myself in Asian culture and their workforce.

What are you most looking forward to?

There are so many things that I am looking forward to that it is honestly hard to pick just one. If I could only pick one thing that I am looking forward to, however, I would have to say that I am excited for the connections I will make with the people in Vietnam. I am really excited to learn from Vietnamese culture and history. I feel like learning about their culture will allow me to have a new perspective on life. I am excited to have this life changing experience!

August H.

Home University: Missouri State University

Headed to: Granada, Spain

What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination?

I have wanted to spend time living in Spain since I was a high school freshman exploring los países hispanohablantes for elective Spanish. Old Spanish towns like Granada, in my view, represent the old world with its steady cadence and earthy, humanistic values, which can still be glimpsed through the cracks of a modern city. Looking at what kinds of service opportunities were available really sealed the deal.

What are you most looking forward to?

First of all, I’m excited to be through with one of the busiest semesters of my life. I could use a beach right about now. I’m also looking forward to meeting other travelers and locals and going for long walks with them throughout the city.

Bobbi D.

Home University:  Washington State University

Headed to: Madrid, Spain

What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination?

I chose Spain because I have always wanted to learn more about my Spanish heritage. I’m excited to immerse myself into the culture and to learn and grow while I am there!

What are you most looking forward to?

I am most looking forward to learning more about my major from my internship, trying new foods, and meeting new people!

Aya Z.

Home University: Westminster College (PA)

Headed to: Meknes, Morocco

What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination?

I am drawn to Morocco because of its history, food, music, and other cultural attractions. 

What are you most looking forward to?

What I am most excited for is to immerse myself in a new culture, experience new traditions, and meet people from different backgrounds.

Veda J.

Home University: University of Alabama at Birmingham

Headed to: Berlin, Germany

What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination?

I picked Berlin since I’ve already been studying both German and German history for quite some time, and there’s an old Weimar Republic-era tourist slogan that says that everyone should be in Berlin once, so I wanted to have my own moment there.

What are you most looking forward to?

I’m most looking forward to museum hopping while I’m in Berlin and finally getting to see some historic buildings.

Jordan G.

Home University: Texas Tech University

Headed to: Lima, Peru

What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination?

Growing up, my family would go camping at Garner State Park in Texas with one of my Dad’s longtime friends, Glenn, and his wife, Pilar. Pilar was born and raised in Lima, and moved to the United States in her early 20’s. When we were out hiking, floating the Frio, or making dinner at camp, Pilar would tell the most beautiful stories about her childhood. With great nostalgia she would recount her mother’s traditional homecooked meals, sights around Lima, and Peru’s extravagant national celebrations. With these stories, she would also share her family’s hardships, and the hardships of her friends and community. Their housing was often in disrepair, and they did not have reliable access to clean water. My personal skills and volunteer experience here in the states focus heavily on both of these issues, so when I learned that Lima was an option for service-learning and gave the opportunity to volunteer with the non-profit Techo, I knew I had to go.

What are you most looking forward to?

I am most looking forward to seeing the joy of the families who my organization is able to help through our projects.

Chrissy R.

Home University:  West Chester University

Headed to: Buenos Aires, Argentina

What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination?

I was inspired to pick Buenos Aires as my study abroad destination because I wanted to study Intensive Spanish.  I’m an MSW student and want to work with refugees and asylees when I graduate.  Improving my Spanish skills is essential to achieving my goals, and Buenos Aires is a beautiful city.  

What are you most looking forward to?

I’m looking forward to seeing the sites of Buenos Aires.  As a Catholic, I’m interested in attending Mass in another cultural context and language.