ISA’s Custom Programs division is celebrating its 15th year in service to U.S. universities for their faculty-led and partnerships study abroad programming. Join us for this series of 15 things as you imagine, develop, and implement your own custom programs abroad.
1. Barranquilla, Colombia
Every Sunday, spend the day with friends and locals by participating in Ciclovía: five hours when city streets nationwide are closed to cars but open to bicyclists, pedestrians, and joggers nationwide.
2. Belfast, Northern Ireland
As a host to many literary and film festivals and events, take the road less traveled by most tourists to Belfast, which provides an incredible and affordable setting for your study abroad programming.
3. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Spend your time, but not much money, to experience the vibrant art scene and intellectual nightlife in Buenos Aires. Check out street musicians, neighborhood tango shows, and the Ateneo – a concert hall come bookstore open until 3am.
4. Dublin, Galway, & Maynooth, Ireland
Éirinn go Brách [or abroad!]. A travel-intensive itinerary is welcome in Ireland, where you can see lots of sites on a budget. Experience the verdant countryside and easily integrate history into your global curriculum.
5. Florence, Italy
With the museum passport, Amici degli Uffizi, you can be a friend of Florence and explore the works of the masters as a part of your course or independently.
6. Florianópolis, Brazil
In this island metropolis, you’re in a big city while also a part of a tight-knit Brazilian community. With a neighborly attitude, Floripa [as it is affectionately known by locals] is dependably welcoming and safe.
7. Hyderabad, India
On-campus living is the way to go in India, where students can simultaneously feel at home and be immersed among local and international Hyderbadi people. The Tagore International House on campus provides the opportunity to make Indian friends, opening the doors to traditional ceremonies and festivities.
8. Lima, Perú
Did you know Peru gave the world the potato? In addition to this dietary staple, and due to the rich Peruvian history and expansive coastline, the cuisine in Lima has evolved from a fusion of local products and influences from Spain, China, Japan, the Caribbean, Italy, and West Africa.
9. Málaga, Spain
Get in, out, and around with ease in Málaga. With direct flights from New York to Spain’s fourth busiest airport, traveling from the States hasn’t been easier; and, the city is extremely well-connected throughout Spain thanks to the local high-speed train and bus station. With over 100 days of sunshine per year, pack your walking shoes and save on ground transportation.
10. Meknès, Morocco
Generous and frequent shows of local hospitality in Morocco affords the opportunity for intercultural engagement and delicious meals and tea.
11. Prague, Czech Republic
Eastern Europe is truly worlds away. Outside of the Euro-zone, the Czech Republic operates in the koruna or crown, and remained untouched by the destruction of World War II.
12. Reading, England
With a town built around a university, the local economy revolves around the student community and is appropriately affordable. Just a quick train ride from bustling and multi-cultural London, Reading exhibits a quintessentially English town.
13. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
The mellow attitude and welcoming people on this Caribbean island affords your students the opportunity to dig in and experience daily interactions with locals. Consider serving to learn in the Dominican Republic, where your lasting impact will be invaluable.
14. Shanghai, China
Shanghai represents the development model for how China plans to continue to grow. With a progressive mindset, and high-efficiency in housing and public transportation, students have said how Shanghai allowed them to feel “a part of something big.”
15. Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, Chile
In these Chilean twin cities, experience the best of both worlds. Valparaíso is best described as eclectic, while Viña del Mar exudes elegance. Take the metro along the coast to travel between the two, and you will be transported figuratively as well.
Melissa Stone is a Program Manager for ISA Custom Programs. Melissa works with programs in Belgium, France, and Jordan.
