#isaabroad

[the-real-nicol]

So I never really promoted that I had videos posted from my trip on YouTube. 😅So you can check those out if you’d like. Link in bio for my latest video. 😊 After finals I’m gonna be recording videos answering questions that I got about being abroad. If you have any questions that you’d like to ask, or video ideas. Put em in the comments. Thanks💕 • #YouTube #SouthKorea #StudyAbroad #ISAAbroad #한국 https://www.instagram.com/p/B_F9EoKhzfG/?igshid=gfwg2ua6v2kk

[the-real-nicol]

Throwback to pictures I never posted. Might be posting more of these in the future. • @isaabroad | @isaabroad_busan #ISAAbroad #SouthKorea #StudyAbroad (at Tongyeong, Korea) https://www.instagram.com/p/B-aVs_Fh4qi/?igshid=18zj1dk61ey78

[ccinthecity]

choosing where to go is hard, but which photo to share is harder

visit ISA

[usccostarica17]

The Big Return.

Three. The number of times before leaving the U.S. that I encountered the students and professors who would soon become some of the greatest and most interesting people I’ve ever met. Of course, being abroad in Costa Rica taught me about the amazing culture in Central America (and my love for plantain chips), but it also taught me that there is ALWAYS much to learn from those around you. This program was special for its unique hospital visits and project opportunities, but it was also different from others because I grew to know my University better in 3 weeks than I did in four years.

I’ve been home for a full day now, and I’m missing early mornings with my host family and the constant interaction from my roommates and classmates. And interestingly enough, I’m missing saying “Gracias” and “Hola” every 5 seconds because let’s face it, I wasn’t the Spanish Guru of the trip by any means. I almost ordered my coffee this morning, “Cafe con leche”.....seriously. 

There are so many things I want to say about the trip, but to keep it simple let me just say that I can tell that I’ve changed as a young woman and a student. I changed in ways I never really expected to but I’m glad that I did. Appreciating an entire culture and people different from yourself is humbling and puts your life into an accurate perspective. No, I couldn’t communicate with 90% of the people I interacted with while abroad but a kind glance and a willingness to learn takes your inabilities a long way. Also, I could go on for days about my admiration for my professors...I mean they’re just SO SMART!!! We had a lecture on Tropical Diseases, and we had to go around the room and tell our name and a little about ourselves. Their LISTS of achievements and the number of letters behind their names are just...well...incredible. I felt honored to have had the opportunity to learn from those who are so highly respected in our community. I strive to be like them!

So I want to say THANK YOU to the Study Abroad Office, my advisor, my professors, my classmates and my family for allowing me to embark on this journey. Receiving my diploma in a few short weeks will be a constant reminder of my hard work and my love for the University of South Carolina. 

Forever to Thee, Gamecocks! 

Pura Vida!

-Sydney Hayes