A primary objective of all ISA programs is to facilitate the learning and development of students. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Our efforts to promote student learning are shaped by an educational framework we call the ISA Discovery Model. According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery: Intercultural, Historical, Sociopolitical, Professional and Environmental. Throughout the duration of all ISA programs, we provide participants opportunities to pursue guided learning in these five areas of discovery through participation in ISA excursions, cultural activities and community involvement.
The ISA Blog Team strives to facilitate critical reflection and learning by utilizing the ISA Discovery Model via the ISA Student Blog. Each semester, the ISA Blog Team creates new and innovative blog prompts to spark ISA Featured Bloggers’ interest to write blog posts that reflect on the ISA areas of discovery. It is our hope to use the ISA Student Blog as a platform to encourage ISA Featured Bloggers to reflect back on what they have learned in these five areas of discovery.
Intercultural
ISA aims to increase student intercultural competence in cross-cultural settings.
Examples of blog posts on the ISA Student Blog that reflect on Intercultural discovery:
- Why Learning a New Language Abroad Is Making Me a Global Citizen
- Ten Cultural Differences Between Spain and the US
- Tips for Becoming More Like the French
- Belgian Frites: A Guide to Finding Your Favorite Sauce
- Hospitality and Culture in Jordan
See HERE for all blog posts in the Intercultural discovery category!
Historical
ISA encourages our students to have an appreciation of their host country’s history, architecture, and “Culture.” Historical discovery involves education in the rich history of art, architecture, language, music, theatre and dance, and the development within, and influence on, the local and global community. We facilitate this area of discovery by visiting museums, touring monuments, and attending performances.
Examples of blog posts on the ISA Student Blog that reflect on Historical discovery:
- 5 Important Historical Sites in South Korea
- Exploring the Top of the World: 10 Incredible Ancient Inca Sites
- Kilmainham Gaol and Ireland’s Living History
- Brief Histories of Great Britain’s Magnificent Castles
- How Study Abroad Awakened the History Buff Inside Me
See HERE for all blog posts in the Historical discovery category!
Sociopolitical
ISA programs intend for students to be well-informed about the sociopolitical reality of their program location. We strive to educate students so they can intelligently discuss important contemporary events. ISA wants students to articulate how current events impact host country nationals’ views of domestic and U.S. government policies, along with identifying the main domestic media channels and how they align politically and ideologically.
Examples of blog posts on the ISA Student Blog that reflect on Sociopolitical discovery:
- The Yellow Vests in Paris
- How Studying Abroad Has Changed My Perspective on Political Discourse
- Being an American in Seoul, South Korea
- Interviews on Privilege and Power in South Africa
- 5 Ways to Adjust to Life in a New Country
See HERE for all blog posts in the Sociopolitical discovery category!
Professional
ISA empowers students to use their time abroad as a means to explore their professional and career goals. Students receive the Professional Development Toolbox as a resource prior to departure, during their time abroad and after returning from their program. Our mission is to enable students to intelligently leverage their study, internship or service-learning abroad experience when pursuing post-graduate careers or continuing education.
Examples of blog posts on the ISA Student Blog that reflect on Professional discovery:
- Study Abroad: A Great Career Move
- The Inside Scoop on Interning Abroad with Time Out Magazine in Sydney
- Need to Learn a Language for Your Career Path? Go Abroad.
- How Studying Abroad Is Beneficial for a Pre-Med Student
- How Study Abroad Can Jumpstart Your Career
See HERE for all blog posts in the Professional discovery category!
Environmental
ISA provides opportunities for students to visit some of their host country’s incredible environmental wonders, as this gives students an appreciation of, and connection with, the natural ecology of the regions in which they are living. We have found that by developing an understanding of their local environment, students feel more comfortable, safe and healthy during their program.
Examples of blog posts on the ISA Student Blog that reflect on Environmental discovery:
- How Studying Abroad Has Shown Me That the Earth Is Something We All Have in Common
- Know Your Andean Camelids
- How Belgium is Doing Sustainability Right
- A Glimpse at Australia’s Wildlife
- The Many Animals of Ireland
See HERE for all blog posts in the Environmental discovery category!