We are excited to announce our ISA scholarship winners for Summer 2025! Congratulations to Cade, Amina, Drew, Amelia, Aubrey, Natalie, Vivian, Shea, and Sophia.
From exploring the vibrant neighborhoods of Buenos Aires to savoring the flavors of Spanish cuisine, our scholarship winners share what they’re looking forward to most while abroad. We asked them a few questions to learn more about their stories, too!
MEET OUR SUMMER PATHWAYS SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Cade B.
Home University: University of Central Missouri
Headed to: Granada, Spain
What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination? What inspired me to choose Granada as my study abroad destination was its rich culture and environment. Specifically, as a student with a minor in modern languages, obtaining an advanced level in the Spanish language has been a goal of mine, and I thought that there would be no better way to learn than by studying in a Spanish-speaking country. And Granada stood out to me due to its beautiful architecture and old yet rich culture. The University of Granada is also among some of the oldest universities in Spain and is quite prestigious, which led me to further choose this destination.
What does this scholarship mean to you? This scholarship means a lot to me, specifically, as a huge financial relief. I have always been very eager and enthusiastic about studying abroad, yet one thing that has always somewhat concerned me was how I would be able to finance my travels. However, with this scholarship, it relieves much of the anticipated financial stress I may encounter. I think that it also represents that my hard work has paid off and been recognized. It encourages me to continue to be hardworking and to pursue my educational goals. Ultimately, this scholarship has been a great encouragement, and I will be sure not to take it for granted!
What are you most looking forward to? While studying abroad, I am most looking forward to meeting new people and experiencing an entirely new culture. This will actually be my first time leaving the US, so I am very excited to be able to travel to a new country for the very first time. So, I hope to make new friends and experience their culture. I am also looking forward to trying their food and visiting different locations. Finally, I am really looking forward to getting a new sense of personal independence as this will also be my first time traveling solo.
Amina M.
Home University: Idaho State University
Headed to: Buenos Aires, Argentina
What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination? I was inspired to study in Buenos Aires due to the vast cultural mosaic that exists in the beautiful country. As I have always been drawn to areas of diversity and new cultural identities owing to my own experiences as a cultural and linguistic minority, it was clear to me that an area such as Buenos Aires would provide the cultural immersion I seek. Additionally, the unique duality of the particular program at the Universidad de Belgrano introduces an integration of medical Spanish and medical training that is otherwise lacking in my own area. Buenos Aires itself is a city with a rich blend of cultural influences, and I am more than ecstatic about embarking on this journey!
What does this scholarship mean to you? As a recipient of a Summer Pathways Scholarship, I am honored for the opportunity for financial freedom and ease of mind as I prepare to traverse the city of Buenos Aires. However, this scholarship means more than financial support for me. The aid provided also serves as a testament of courage, motivation, and faith in my ability to expand my academic horizons beyond international waters. It is a source of empowerment that motivates me further as I focus my studies on my personal development of the necessary skills to connect with diverse communities through language and cultural understanding.
What are you most looking forward to? I look forward to connecting to the local medical and cultural communities during the clinical aspect of the program. The opportunity to apply what I will learn in real-life medical settings will challenge me to think critically, adapt, and grow as a future healthcare provider. The adaptability and cultural competency I will gain in the Spanish language are unparalleled and directly transferable to my future practices as a multilingual dentist. Additionally, I am excited to explore Buenos Aires’ vibrant neighborhoods, all while tasting Argentine cuisine and soaking in the city’s artistic and cultural energy.
Drew O.
Home University: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Headed to: Valparaiso and Vina del Mar, Chile
What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination? I have always been fascinated by Chilean culture, and it has been one of my bucket-list countries since high school. Conveniently, this service-learning abroad experience also happened to be in Chile. I knew I wanted to learn more about healthcare in a Hispanic country because I want to be able to serve Hispanic patients more effectively in my future. Speaking with former students, I quickly knew this program was something I had to do.
What does this scholarship mean to you? My scholarship allows me to be free of financial burden during my time abroad. Instead of focusing on paying off my costs, I can spend more time preparing myself for my trip. Further, during my stay in Chile, I am freer to be absorbed in everything around me rather than letting the worry of money fill my mind and time.
What are you most looking forward to? I am most looking forward to being immersed in a new culture. I have never spent an extended period of time outside of the States, so I am incredibly excited to be a part of something new. I am eager to see how my experiences in Chile, both culturally and medically, will affect my life when I return.
Amelia W.
Home University: Ohio State University
Headed to: Barcelona, Spain
What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination? I chose Barcelona because it aligns perfectly with both my academic and personal goals. As a Spanish major, immersing myself in the language and culture has always been a dream of mine. I haven’t had much experience with international travel, so this opportunity is huge for me—it’s a chance to explore the world while pursuing my studies. Another big factor in choosing Barcelona is its reputation for being a very wheelchair-accessible city, which is super important to me as a wheelchair user. It felt like the perfect place to visit and explore.
What does this scholarship mean to you? This scholarship honestly means everything to me. Without it, studying abroad wouldn’t have been financially possible, and now I get to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s not just a trip—it’s a huge step forward for me both personally and academically. I’m incredibly grateful for the support that’s helping make such a meaningful dream a reality.
What are you most looking forward to? I am excited for everything! I’m especially excited to try the food—I’ve heard amazing things! I’m also looking forward to being fully surrounded by the Spanish language and experiencing a whole new culture and environment. I think being in a completely different environment is going to challenge me and help me grow a lot, both personally and academically.
Julia Z.
Home University: University of Tennessee Knoxville
Headed to: Madrid, Spain
What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination? As a Spanish major, it was important to me to pick a destination when Castellano is the primary dialect, challenging me to converse with natives and improve my fluency. Although I am only staying for 4 weeks, I chose the capital of Spain so that I can make the most of every minute, exploring the endless experiences the city has to offer. Madrid’s central location also means that if I decide to travel to other cities during my stay, I can do so with a short train ride.
What does this scholarship mean to you? Without the support of my university and ISA, studying abroad would not be a possibility for me. Balancing a pre-health course load, extracurriculars, and working to save up for my summer abroad can be extremely challenging, and so I am especially grateful for this scholarship opportunity. With the added financial freedom, I hope to say “yes” to every opportunity possible, explore the food scene in Madrid, and bring back some souvenirs to remember this experience by.
What are you most looking forward to? I know no one else going on my program, so I am mostly excited to meet new people from all over the world! I will be staying in the Residencia, which houses not only ISA students, but also international students. My classes at the University of Nebrija will also include international students, opening the cultural exchange to countries even outside of Spain.
MEET OUR IMPACT SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Aubrey H.
Home University: Northern Michigan University
Headed to: Rome, Italy
What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination? When I was looking into study abroad options, Italy stood out to me—it just felt like the right fit. I’ve always been a huge fan of art history, especially the Renaissance, so getting to study some of my favorite moments in art in the city where it all began is something I’m really excited about.
What does this scholarship mean to you? I’ve always dreamed of traveling, but this is my first real opportunity to do it. Thanks to this scholarship, I’m able to cross a few items off my bucket list while also staying on track to finish my degree.
What are you most looking forward to? I’m most looking forward to immersing myself in Italian culture while also getting to take advantage of public transportation. I can’t wait to see what this adventure brings!
Natalie M.
Home University: Ohio State University
Headed to: San Jose, Costa Rica
What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination? I was inspired to pick Costa Rica because I had heard of all the wonderful biodiversity and wanted to experience it for myself. Also, I wanted to broaden my horizons and travel to a place that I haven’t learned much about in school.
What does this scholarship mean to you? This scholarship means everything to me. Since I stepped foot onto campus my freshman year, I always knew that I wanted to study abroad, but was worried about the financial burden of the programs. Receiving this scholarship allows me the chance to be immersed in and soak up knowledge about Latin American culture and get the opportunity to really practice my Spanish, and gain a different perspective of the world by traveling.
What are you most looking forward to? I am most looking forward to seeing the biodiversity and experiencing all the country has to offer. I am also excited to practice my Spanish and really work towards my goal of becoming fluent in the language.
Vivian M.
Home University: Eastern Michigan University
Headed to: Florence, Italy
What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination? I chose to study abroad in Italy because of my deep family roots there—it’s a place I’ve always dreamed of visiting. The chance to connect with my heritage while immersing myself in a new culture felt like the perfect combination.
What does this scholarship mean to you? Receiving this scholarship means so much to me; it’s not only a way to support my academic and personal goals, but also a recognition of the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my studies.
What are you most looking forward to? As an interior design major, I’m especially excited to explore the rich history and stunning architecture that Italy has to offer. I know that experiencing these elements firsthand will be incredibly inspiring and impactful for my future career.
Shea W.
Home University: UNC Greensboro
Headed to: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination? As a political science student, I was drawn to Amsterdam for its rich history of progressive politics, international cooperation, and civic engagement. The Netherlands has long been a leader in human rights, sustainability, and innovative governance—all topics I’m deeply passionate about. Studying in Amsterdam gives me the chance to explore these issues in a real-world context and learn from a society that often serves as a model in political discourse.
What does this scholarship mean to you? Receiving this scholarship is both an honor and a huge relief. It not only eases the financial burden of studying abroad but also empowers me to engage with this opportunity fully. To me, it’s a vote of confidence in my potential to contribute meaningfully to the ISA WorldStrides program. It allows me to explore ideas, grow academically, and connect with new perspectives.
What are you most looking forward to? I’m especially excited to be in a city where international policy and history come to life. From visiting institutions like the Greenpeace organization to simply biking through neighborhoods shaped by centuries of history, I know this experience will be eye-opening. I’m looking forward to connecting with students and faculty from around the world, engaging in thoughtful debates, and letting this experience shape my understanding of the world in a lasting way.
MEET OUR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT WINNER
Sophia M.
Home University: University of Tennessee Knoxville
Headed to: San Jose, Costa Rica
What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination? Costa Rica was a destination that really caught my eye because it merges my personal and professional values. Through ISA, I saw an emphasis on community, empathy, and health equity that aligns with what I have seen through my own experience volunteering in Knoxville, TN. This program specifically allows me to take my experience a step further and create memories in a place I have never been, but one I will never forget. I wanted to be challenged so I could find the true health provider that lives inside me. Costa Rica is rich in culture and community, and I am lucky to be able to experience such a beautiful place.
What does this scholarship mean to you? This scholarship is truly an honor and motivation to continue to serve the world around me. I am very thankful that I was chosen to continue to spread compassion and get to see the resilience and strength in others. I have spent time serving my community, but I want to do more. This scholarship allows me to create connections I have not yet predicted and ones I will take with me forever.
What are you most looking forward to? I am most looking forward to the moments with those I provide for, as they will be my teachers. Every person I come across, whether they know it or not, will be teaching me something. Their stories are what I am most excited for. To be able to listen and experience lives adjacent and different from mine because we can only grow from experience. I believe this opportunity will be my most meaningful adventure yet.
ABOUT ISA’S SCHOLARSHIPS
ISA offers generous scholarships to help make study abroad a reality. No matter your program or term length, we have a variety of merit- or need-based scholarship opportunities for you!
There are also a number of university, local, and national scholarships you may be eligible for. Be sure to check with your Study Abroad and Financial Aid offices to see if they offer any scholarships or additional information.