We are excited to announce our ISA scholarship winners for Fall 2025! Congratulations to Libby, Angelica, Hunter, Jack, Julia, Kate, and Sophia.
From going to La Liga games at Santiago Bernabeu to reuniting with close friends in Rome, our scholarship winners share what they’re looking forward to most while abroad.
MEET OUR GO FULL-RIDE WINNER
Libby T.
Home University: University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Headed to: Malaga, Spain
What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination? I decided to apply for the Malaga, Spain, program because I wanted to be submerged in the rich culture that Spain offers. I would also like an opportunity to strengthen my Spanish-speaking skills because the language and culture fascinates me!
What does this scholarship mean to you? The Go Full-Ride Scholarship is genuinely life-changing. I am beyond grateful for the opportunities that this scholarship opens. I will never forget the immense impact that it will have on my future. This scholarship has eased my financial stress and will allow me to take every opportunity while in Spain without having to skip out on excursions or meal options. Now I can focus on my classes and make the most out of living abroad!
What are you most looking forward to? I am most looking forward to the cultural submergence and all the excitement, fears, and growth that come with new experiences. I am eager to meet all the unknowns and tackle every obstacle that arises. I hope to come back with the wisdom of perspective, and pockets lined with memories that will last a lifetime.
MEET OUR SEMESTER PARTNERSHIP WINNERS
Angelica F.
Home University: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Headed to: Madrid, Spain
What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination? I picked Madrid as my study abroad destination because my family from my dad’s side is from Spain. I see this as an opportunity to discover more about the Spanish culture and reconnect with my roots.
What does this scholarship mean to you? This scholarship is significant because it helps me alleviate the financial burden on myself and my family. It allows me focus on my studies while getting to know the beautiful city of Madrid.
What are you most looking forward to? As someone who has loved soccer for my entire life, I am looking forward to attending La Liga games in the Santiago Bernabeu and Metropolitano stadiums. I also hope to improve my fluency in Spanish and create long lasting memories by visiting the various museums, parks, and other sites in Madrid!
Hunter L.
Home University: Bridgewater State University
Headed to: London, England
What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination? I was inspired to pick the University of Westminster as my study abroad destination due to my familial ties to the city of London. A vast majority of my ancestors came from London and England, and I would love to be able to experience the culture they all came from.
What does this scholarship mean to you? This scholarship means a lot to me. As an individual from a less fortunate background having this assistance provided by the ISA team allows me to enjoy this opportunity, without the added stress caused from financial strain, and insecurity.
What are you most looking forward to? Personally, I am most looking forward to the different cultures I will get to experience not only in London, but in the countries surrounding England. Being in London allows me to travel with ease to other regions of Europe, therefore allowing me to explore and experience a vast array of cultures. Specifically, I am looking forward to the foods of these different cultures and countries.
Jack D.
Home University: Texas A&M University-College Station
Headed to: Rome, Italy
What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination? I lived in Rome for a few years after graduating high school, so I jumped at the opportunity to be able to see my friends I met there! I also encouraged my classmates to come with me since I am fluent in Italian and could be able to help them navigate the country and culture that I love so much.
What does this scholarship mean to you? My scholarship means the world to me. I’m working two jobs over the summer to help pay for study abroad, so it alleviates a lot of stress for me.
What are you most looking forward to? I’m looking forward to seeing some of my closest friends again after so many years, as well as living the European lifestyle with walkable cities, fresh food, and tight-knit local communities. Italy is such a beautiful country; the only thing better than the food is the amazing people there!
Julia L.
Home University: Iowa State University
Headed to: Granada, Spain
What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination? I picked my location and program in Granada, Spain, because I want to immerse myself in the Spanish language and culture, as well as be able to participate in service-learning. I have a Spanish minor, and being able to immerse myself in the language, I aim to gain conversational fluency and academic credits at the Universidad de Granada. I also participated in service-learning in Uganda during the summer of 2024 and will be again this coming summer through Iowa State University. When I learned there was an opportunity to combine service learning with a semester-long study abroad, I immediately knew I had found the program I wanted.
What does this scholarship mean to you? I am extremely grateful for being selected for this scholarship, as it is very helpful to make this study abroad experience more affordable and helps to remove the financial barrier that studying abroad also comes with. Because of the generosity of this scholarship, it will make this opportunity to study for a semester in Granada possible.
What are you most looking forward to? I am most looking forward to living in Granada for four months. I can’t wait to meet all of the new people and create memories and experiences. I am also looking forward to pushing myself out of my comfort zone to help myself grow. As well as take these new experiences and return home at the end with a new, broadened perspective.
Kate H.
Home University: University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
Headed to: Milan, Italy
What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination? I chose Milan because it sits at the intersection of fashion, culture, and global innovation. As someone deeply interested in branding, creative strategy, and visual storytelling, studying in a city known as a fashion capital is a dream. Milan offers not only access to world-renowned design houses but also a central location in Europe that will allow me to explore diverse cultures and creative industries. I wanted a place that would challenge and inspire me. Milan felt like the perfect fit!
What does this scholarship mean to you? Receiving this scholarship is an incredible gift. Not just in financial terms, but in the freedom it gives me to be fully present during my time abroad. I was committed to making this opportunity happen, but this support allows me to focus less on financial stress and more on immersing myself in my studies and the experience itself. I’m deeply grateful to the donors who chose to invest in my journey, and I carry that generosity with me as motivation to make the most of every moment.
What are you most looking forward to? What I’m most looking forward to is how deeply this program aligns with who I am, both as a student and as a person. Studying in Milan places me at the heart of the global fashion and design scene, directly supporting my goal of working in marketing and brand strategy for purpose-driven, creative brands. At the same time, this experience speaks to my passion for culture, travel, and music. As a lifelong singer with an operatic background, the thought of walking the same streets that inspired some of the world’s greatest composers fills me with joy. This program isn’t just about academic or professional development; it’s about personal enrichment. I can’t wait to explore, connect, and grow in a place that inspires me on every level.
Sophia M.
Home University: University of Kentucky
Headed to: Florence, Italy
What inspired you to pick your study abroad destination? I am studying in Florence, Italy, a culturally and historically rich urban environment. I selected this location because I am highly intrigued by urban design and sustainability initiatives, which my program offers several courses in.
What does this scholarship mean to you? Not only will this scholarship help offset the program’s financial burden, but it will enable me to travel more and gain additional international experiences that would have been otherwise unattainable.
What are you most looking forward to? I am excited to be immersed in an unfamiliar environment with the opportunity to meet new people, try new foods, and visit beautiful landmarks!
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.