Former Featured Bloggers: Summer 2019
Jessica Doublesin
University of Arkansas
Valencia, Spain (ISA Internships)
Hey! My name is Jessica Doublesin and I am from Allen, Texas. I wanted to be an ISA featured blogger so I can share my love and passion for travel and to take you along on my experience abroad. I love to explore new countries and cultures and find the best foods and hidden spots in each city. During this internship I hope to gain more self confidence, work on my communication skills, and get better with speaking Spanish. I am excited to share this journey with you!
Audrey Easley
Seattle Pacific University
Seoul, South Korea (ISA Internships)
Hello!!! I am a Junior studying Visual Communication/Design at Seattle Pacific University in Washington. This summer I will be interning at a company in South Korea! I will be spending my days working at a food marketing company and exploring with my fellow interns. I hope to share with you what life is like living and working in the lively city of Seoul!
E. J. Hannah
Stevens Institute of Technology
Wellington, New Zealand (ISA Service Learning)
Hey there! My name is E.J. and I’m native to New Jersey. I’m a computer engineering major and philosophy minor at Stevens Institute of Technology. This summer I will be fortunate enough to travel across the globe to New Zealand! I’ll be service-learning at the local high school, teaching refugee students. While I’m definitely going to keep up my old habits of reading and rock climbing, I’m pumped to finally venture out on my own and make friends along the way. Stick around to hear about how I will immerse myself into the beautiful land and foreign culture around me!
Naomi Fletcher
University of Arkansas Little Rock
Heredia, Costa Rica 
My Name is Naomi, and I live in Little Rock, AR. I am a native Houstonian, so I guess you could say my first big adventure was when I moved here to finish college. I think one of the things that you could say about me is “Variety is the spice of life!” My current job- Coordinator of Fitness at UA -Little Rock, has no obvious connection to my degree- Master of Applied Psychology, or the other things I do for fun (reading, knitting, crocheting, and creating jewelry). I hope to achieve high Spanish fluency in Costa Rica!
Bethany Gillet
Concordia University Nebraska
Stirling, Scotland (Veritas Christian Study Abroad)
Hello! My name is Bethany Gillet and I am a senior at Concordia University, Nebraska studying Secondary English Education. I have four siblings and three stepsiblings and have moved around quite a bit. Currently, I am working towards my goal of teaching overseas after I graduate next May. When studying abroad, I hope to gain a new cultural experience, mission experience, and perspective of a different educational system. I feel that my big family and life experience makes me unique because I am very worldly. Running, traveling, and farming are my favorite activities to participate in!
Jeremiah Jackson
The Ohio State University
Salamanca, Spain
Hi! I’m Jeremiah and I’m from a Midwestern city called Lorain, Ohio. I’m currently a Junior at The Ohio State University where I study Creative Writing and Hispanic Linguistics. I have a passion for art and language and an interest in other cultures as well. During my time in Spain, I want to improve upon my language skills and cultural knowledge while exploring and photographing the many beautiful and culturally rich sites that the country has to offer. If I’m lucky, I’ll get to immerse myself in the community and learn about the various people who live there as well!
Brittany Johnson
University of Kentucky
Granada, Spain 
Hi! I’m Brittany and I just finished my first year at the University of Kentucky where I major in both Family Science and Dance. I’ve always been enamored with the Spanish Language so I’m thrilled to trade my Olde Kentucky Home for Granada, Spain this summer! I’m eager to see, learn, and discover as much as I can in the little time I have here. Back home, I can usually be found dancing or eating copious amounts of carbs and it doesn’t look like that has changed now that I’m in another country. It’s definitely going to be a crazy, wonderful ride. Stay tuned and experience it with me!
Alex Kearsley
University of Idaho
Christchurch, New Zealand (ISA Internships)
Hello! I am extremely passionate about animals and currently attend the University of Idaho working on a double major in wildlife resources and ecology conservation and biology. I particularly love reptiles and I am very excited to work with the New Zealand tuatara (an endemic and unique reptile to NZ). I also love the outdoors and nature and look forwards to explore New Zealand ecology! Overall, I can’t wait to share all my experiences!
Summer Lecas
Liberty University
Malaga, Spain
Avery Lorio
Samford University
Seville, Spain
¡Hola! Soy Avery o “Abril” en España. I am either cracking jokes or engaging in deep conversations. I recently made it out of Plato’s allegorical cave of ignorance and now, am more aware and appreciative of the cultures around me. I always have more to learn and know I will never completely understand the difficulties and trials of other cultures. I came to Spain with many high expectations of becoming fluent in the language, understanding a culture better, and to gain clarity about upcoming big decisions. I know this summer will be transformative, no matter what that may mean.
Madeline Lowry
Saginaw Valley State University
San José, Costa Rica 
Hello travelers, my name is Maddie, I’m so excited to be spending 5 weeks in Costa Rica this summer! My major is Occupational Therapy and my minor is Spanish for Health Professionals. I’m always looking for adventure and this trip is going to be full of it! I cant wait to share my time with the world!
Dana Luciano
The Ohio State University
Valparaíso & Viña del Mar, Chile (ISA Service-Learning)
¡Hola! Me llamo Dana Luciano and I am currently studying abroad in Valparaíso, Chile. While in Chile, I live with a host family on one of the large colorful hills near Pablo Neruda’s house.This is not my first time abroad in Latin America, and hopefully it won’t be my last since I’m applying to the Peace Corps. I’m here to immerse myself in a new culture and to participate in service-learning at an infant nutrition center. This short, loco, and intense summer will help me clarify my career goals, improve my Spanish, and build my resiliency.
Gabriel Luna II
University of Houston
Tokyo, Japan 
Hello my name is Gabriel Luna II, I come from Cypress Texas and go to the University of Houston to study Business. I am very excited to go on my first study abroad trip to Tokyo Japan. For this trip, I am hoping to use all my capabilities to adapt to a new environment outside my comfort zone, and get to see a whole new world than the one in Texas. I am also a radio host DJ at my schools student run radio station, where I do talk shows with students and guest at my school, and all around Houston. I look forward to sharing my experience as I journey to Japan for one month with ISA blog, along with memorable moments that I can not wait to share at home.
Sydney Lundgren
Texas A&M University
Florence, Italy
Howdy! My name is Sydney Lundgren, and I’m a 20 year old Architecture major from Texas A&M University. In addition to my studies, back home in Texas I’m a youth leader to some awesome 10th graders who help keep me young ;) I have a general affinity for big windows, Sundays, throw blankets, hanging plants, large dogs, and sunshine. During my time abroad, I hope to connect with all the people I meet – whether it’s the other students, professors, or locals, I want to learn everything there is to know about each and every one!
Kamryn Lyle
University of Georgia
London, England (ISA Internships)
Elena Manauis
University of Kentucky
Granada, Spain (ISA Service Learning) 
My name is Elena Manauis, I am a senior at the University of Kentucky pursuing a BA in Spanish and a BS in Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology with the hopes of serving Spanish-speaking populations as a physician. I was raised in 40 metropolitan Detroit by my two parents along with my two siblings. My father is an immigrant from the Philippines, brought to the US in the 70s. Due to the vast Spanish influence present in my own culture I have found Spain to be a comfortable, seemingly second home. This is my second time abroad in Spain, I previously spent a semester in Seville, Spain in the fall of 2017. This summer I have been given the opportunity to experience a different side of studying abroad in Granada, Spain where I have been placed in la Residencia de San Juan de Dios (a nursing home), as well as el Hospital de San Rafel. I’m beyond excited to give you a look into this side of ISA!
Kevin Mboma
University of Kansas
Seoul, South Korea (ISA Internships) 
My name is Kevin! I am a first year at the University of Kansas studying on the Pre-med track along with pursuing Psychology and Visual Arts degrees. I’m excited to work in and experience a new country. Hopefully, I will gain some more independence and foster new connections in this new environment. Some “fun” facts about myself, I know French and a little Korean, I used to play the clarinet, and I really like skin care!
Ben McGinn
University of Alabama
Wellington, New Zealand (ISA Internships) 
University of Alabama student from the southern suburbs of Chicago. Really hoping to see more beautiful sights than those aforementioned. I excel at utilizing beginner’s luck and losing my wallet.
Crystal Miller
Kansas State University
Athens, Greece 
Hello my name is Crystal Miller and I was born in Fresno California raised in Las Vegas Nevada. I joined the Army after high school and I now live in Manhattan Kansas. I attend Kansas State University where I got my BA in 2018 in Family Science and Human Development with minors in Gender women sexuality studies, Nonviolent Studies, and Ethnic Studies. I am now in the the MA program at KSU for Family and Community Services with minors in community development, social justice education, conflict analysis traumatic studies, and traumatic studies. I love to cook and travel. Some would say I have wanderlust. I want to visit the wanders of the world. I’m a non-traditional disabled veteran student who is a social justice, and disability advocate. I’m just passionate about humanity, low income in the world and Veterans and mental health issues.
Lily Mowery
University of Alabama in Birmingham
Galway, Ireland (ISA Service-Learning) 
I am a college sophomore studying social work. I love reading, hiking, gaming, camping, writing, movies, and music. Of course, those things don’t make me unique, just nerdy. What does make me unique, however, is my real passion- service. Not just the service itself, but everything that goes into it- the psychological, social, and biological workings that make up social work. This is what I want the most out of my time studying abroad, to see how the intricate systems of social welfare are run in another country, and to discover the ways another culture deals with poverty or injustice.
Matthew Penziniski
University of Findlay
Glasgow, Scotland 
My name is Matthew and I have been an avid traveler for as long as I can remember. I view travelling as the one and only way you can fully be free and express yourself through everything you choose to do and experience. I hope to meet fellow travel enthusiasts and of course, those who love mathematics just as much as I do (why else study it?). Overall, I just plan to enjoy myself and capture moments that will make some remarkable, lifelong memories.
Danielle Smith
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Limerick, Ireland (ISA Service-Learning) 
My name is Danielle. I am currently a senior at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. I cannot wait to graduate May 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work! I am especially excited to travel to Ireland to fulfill my internship requirements, working with children. I hope to make life long connections and have an impact on just one child. I am a big fan of hiking in the mountains only to obtain photos of unrealistic views. I am a people person, which makes leaving the country so much more exciting! I have a passion for traveling and exploring other countries ideas and perspectives. I am eager to understand the unfamiliar territory of Ireland!
Rachel Smithley
Concordia University Nebraska
Cusco, Peru (Veritas Christian Study Abroad) 
I strive every day to live my life in a way that makes a positive impact and change in the lives of others. I am very passionate about social justice and youth/child ministry. I hope to be a mentor to children and be able to open the doors of opportunity for them to achieve their dreams. Mountains and oceans take my breath away, but nothing could ever take away my love of God. To him be all the glory!
Emily Stiles
The College of Saint Rose
Dublin, Ireland (ISA Internships)
Hello! My name is Emily Stiles and I am currently studying History and Political Science at the College of Saint Rose, minoring in writing and Criminal Justice. I have always wanted to travel and had the opportunity to visit Dublin once before. I was blown away by the city’s energy and historical presence. I was only able to stay for a couple of days and have been dying to get back ever since! I cannot wait to be able to fully explore all of the experiences that Dublin has to offer and to document them here.
Lydia Velasquez
Utah State University
London England 
I’m a student at Utah State University studying English with a minor in journalism. I’m from a small town in Maryland that is an hour north of Washington, D.C.. Despite being from and attending college in small towns, I am an absolute city person. Something I’m looking forward to during my study abroad is experiencing the culture of London alongside other students in my program. Also, I’m the music director for my university’s radio station, so I’m looking forward to taking a special look into the music scene in London and sharing my experiences of attending concerts while abroad.
Kerstin Westerlund
California Lutheran University
Meknes, Morocco
Bonjour and salaam-alaikum from Meknès, Morocco! I am a bubbly and adventurous Swedish-American college junior double majoring in Marketing Communication and Global Studies with a minor in French. I am originally from Seattle, Washington but I study in Southern California at California Lutheran University! Some fun facts about me? My name is pronounced sher-stin (it’s Swedish), I am nearly a professional at cheesy dad jokes, and I lived a year in Aix-en-Provence, France! I am so excited to be exploring the beautiful and vibrant country of Morocco, immerse myself in a unique and fascinating culture, and widen my worldview!
Rebecka Zwolinski
Marymount University
Barcelona, Spain 