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The WorldStrides
Difference
Our First Year Abroad (FYA) programs offer your
students a specialized academic experience at one of our top
international destinations with 24/7 on-site support.
Our portfolio of study abroad programs is customizable to meet your university’s
strategic recruitment and retention goals, while providing first year students with the opportunity to connect with their cohort
and the world around them.
Meet Your Institutional Goals
Leverage WorldStrides' resources and expertise to help your institution grow in a non-traditional way by providing First Year Abroad programs for incoming or deferred first-year students. The FYA program not only provides your students with a tailored first-year program, but it also prepares them to return to campus as an experienced student with clear academic goals.
Recruitment
First Year international programs are a great way to boost your diversity initiatives by bringing in new cohorts of students who are interested in understanding the world around them.
Enrollment
Boost your overall enrollment numbers and meet your first-year enrollment goals. By utilizing facilities and resources abroad, FYA programs allow you to enroll more students.
Retention
Reduce enrollment melt. Student cohorts who develop a strong connection to their peers and develop a diverse worldview are more likely to thrive when they return home.
Academic Focus
Our study abroad programs can be tailored to align with specific colleges or majors, ensuring that your first year students return to campus ready to progress with their chosen degree plans. The courses associated with each subject area are a sample of what's available.
-
Business
We offer a range of introductory business courses available to first-year students. See below for a sample of the courses offered:
- Introduction to Marketing
- Introduction to Accounting
- International Business
- Principles of Microeconomics
- Principles of Microeconomics
- Business Math
-
Engineering & Computing
If your students are looking to begin their higher education in engineering or computing, they will need introductory science or math courses with labs. See below for a sample of the courses offered:
- Chemistry for Engineering + Lab
- Physics for Engineering + Lab
- Calculus I
- Calculus II
- Statistics
-
Humanities & Social Sciences
We offer several different opportunities for first-year students interested in communications, humanities, and social sciences. These are also great options to fulfill general education requirements. See below for a sample of courses offered:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Introduction to Communication Studies
- World History
- Culture and Society in Spain
- Media & Society
-
Natural Sciences & Environmental Studies
Students can get started right away with their introductory courses in sciences and environmental studies. See below for a sample of courses offered:
- General Biology
- Foundations of Chemistry
- Introduction to Earth Systems
- Introduction to Nutrition
- Introduction to Sustainability
- Survey of Human Geography
Program Spotlight: Universidad de Málaga
This is just one of our programs that can be customized to meet your university's needs when it comes to building your first year study abroad program.
Location: Málaga, Spain
University highlights:
- Guaranteed placement in select courses available only to our students
- Courses available for all levels of Spanish language
- First-year courses available in English
Why we love it:
- Walkable city with great public transportation, perfect for first-time travelers
- More than 40 museums to explore, including Museo Picasso and the only Museo Pompidou outside of Paris, France
- Located in El Palo neighborhood, just five minutes from the beach
Want to learn more?
Connect with our Campus Partnerships team!
Program Design Elements
These first-year study abroad programs are designed to provide the same benefits as an on-campus student experience, including co-curricular activities, mentoring, and cohort development. Plus, they are completely customizable. Universities can pick and choose the program design elements that best fit their needs. Here are just a few options available on all of our FYA programs to choose from:
Bridging Cultures Orientation
Upon arrival, all students will receive practical tips, culture-related content, and country-specific information to prepare them to make the most of their time abroad.
Weekly Cultural Activities
Cultural activities usually include tours of the city, cooking classes, dance classes, weekend or overnight excursions to another part of the country, and more.
Academic Support
Students have access to academic support at their host institution, as well as guidance and personalized support from our on-site staff.
Academic and Career Development
Students have access to the Professional Development Toolbox resource and can opt into the Global Professional micro-credential.
Student Support
On-site staff provide 24/7 support to students while abroad. Staff will assist in scheduling appointments, accompanying the student on a doctor’s visit if needed, and aid them in any other way
Peer Mentor Program
Students will discover more about their host country and life as a college student by pairing up with a local student over the course of the semester.
What’s Included
Our holistic approach means first year students will have access to the same support all our students enjoy, including one-of-a-kind support before departure, on the ground while they are abroad, and when they return home. Below is a list of what is included:
Comprehensive Advising and Support
Comprehensive Advising and Support
A team of helpful ISA staff members is here to support you through the entire study abroad process, from finding the perfect program through re-entry. The Program Advisors will help you choose your program based on your unique objectives. Once you’ve selected your program, you will work with your Program Manager on the application process as well as pre-departure forms and finances. Your Program Manager will also assist with academics, housing, visas, and city-living/cultural guidance.
In addition to individual advising, you will receive virtual resources to help prepare you for your time abroad. This includes the ISA Student Portal, which houses your program application, pre-departure forms/resources, and the online orientation. The online orientation is a pre-cursor to the on-site orientations and offers city-specific resources about living in your host city, communication, packing, diversity abroad, how to be academically successful, and more.
24-Hour Emergency
24-Hour Emergency
The ISA Health, Safety, and Security team facilitates an in-house on-call system with a U.S.-based employee and manager who are on-call and available in case of emergency 24-7. ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time.
If you are a parent or student needing assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 512-480-8522 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week. Students who experience an emergency while abroad will also have access to on-site staff 24-hour emergency assistance.
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) for ISA students is jointly managed by our resident staff and HSS team. This team works to monitor risk at program locations, respond to any crises that may arise, and develop policies to further ensure the health, safety, and security of students abroad with ISA.
Airport Reception
Airport Reception
Ground transportation is provided from the airport as long as you arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time and at the appropriate airport. Upon acceptance into your program, you will receive the “How to Book Your Flight” form which outlines the specific details for airport reception.
Airport reception is not provided for most Intensive Month or J-Term programs.
Visa Support
Visa Support
Your ISA Program Manager will be available to help you with the visa process for your program country, if applicable. They will provide resources, guidance on necessary steps to obtain your visa, and deliver supporting visa application materials to you as needed.
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Classes are held at the host university and are taught by local and/or visiting faculty. Some classes will have additional fees that are not included in the program price.
Housing
Housing
Housing is guaranteed and included in the price of all ISA programs, with the exception of Pacific programs, in which housing is offered at an additional cost. Accommodation options will vary according to program site and session. For more details about ISA's housing options and applicable security deposits, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Bridging Cultures Orientation
Bridging Cultures Orientation
The Bridging Cultures Orientation will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. It is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.
Full-Time Resident Staff
Full-Time Resident Staff
The full-time resident staff is available to assist you with all aspects of your experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the Bridging Cultures Program orientation, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities, and much more. Staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and are dedicated to facilitating a positive and meaningful study abroad experience.
On-Site ISA Offices
On-Site ISA Offices
Most program locations have an on-site ISA office within the program city. The on-site offices provide you with an additional comfortable space in the city and serve as a common meeting place and resource center.
Internet Access
Internet Access
As an ISA student, you will enjoy free internet access at ISA on-site offices, computer labs at the host university, and/or your ISA housing.
ISA Discovery Model
ISA Discovery Model
ISA programs facilitate learning and development through co-curricular activities. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student learning are shaped by a teaching and learning framework we call the ISA Discovery Model.
According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery: 1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5. Environmental
Throughout the duration of your ISA program, we provide you with the opportunity to pursue these five areas of discovery through the Bridging Cultures Orientation, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities.
Excursions
Excursions
Organized excursions are included with each program to complement the academic component of your abroad experience. These complementary experiences are designed to engage student learning outside of the classroom in the five areas of the Discovery Model. Transportation and guided tours are included, as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast during multi-day excursions. Additional optional excursions may be offered during each program that are not included in the program cost.
Excursions are not included for Intensive Month, J-Term, and some summer sessions.
Cultural Activities
Cultural Activities
The ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities custom-designed to invite you to experience the local color of your host city, while learning about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Speaking the native language with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are only a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of the program city.
Insurance
Insurance
A Blanket Accident and Sickness Policy is included in the program and covers you during the official on-site period of the program. This is not an optional benefit; every ISA participant will be covered by this policy. A full description of coverage can be found on the ISA website.
We recommend that you maintain comprehensive health insurance while abroad. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions but is also beneficial if you have an injury or illness while abroad and require further treatment upon your return home. Please be sure to consult with your current insurance provider to confirm coverage policies while traveling abroad.
Official Transcript from the Host University
Official Transcript from the Host University
Upon completion of the ISA program, your host university will issue an official transcript with all coursework taken abroad. ISA's Academic Records Department will process and forward the official transcript to the appropriate office at your home university, and a photocopy will be sent to your permanent home address for your records. ISA will provide a cover letter to accompany the transcript with important academic information, including the host university's grading system and recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, translated course titles, and credit conversion recommendations.
Professional Development Toolbox
Professional Development Toolbox
The Professional Development Toolbox, available in the online orientation section of the student portal, will help you identify the skills and key competencies you have developed through your personal, academic, and cultural experiences. This toolbox helps you to articulate the transferable skills developed through study abroad in a way that shows potential employers or post-graduate universities the benefits our you will provide them as a direct result of your experience abroad.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
As an ISA participant, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships or grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad program. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Support & Funding page.