Student bloggers abroad

Celine De Backer (photo) - Barcelona, Spain

“I had two great roommates in my first three months, but unfortunately they left for California at the end of December. My landlady Antonia told me that three new American girls would be coming after the Christmas break. We were very curious. The first, Lauren Ann, barely spoke Spanish but chattered to my landlady non-stop. She doesn't understand English, so I was brought in to translate. Antonia asked me to explain to Lauren Ann that she had bought a large world map so that all foreign girls could show exactly where they live. In previous years there were already students from California, New York and Texas, and Antonia hopes to be able to visit all those places and the girls if she wins the lottery. Lauren Ann was very enthusiastic and immediately went to the map to indicate New York. She was quite confused because she couldn't find it. She didn't see it herself, but she was looking in China. I had to hold back not to laugh incredibly hard and gently pointed out to her that America was on the other side. Americans and geography, it's not the best combination."

Fien De Baere - Bratislava, Slovakia

“Bratislava is the place to be thanks to its cheap beer. English men to organize bachelor parties for their friends. Because so many men come here for that, there are already organizations that specialize in it. The parties are more hardcore than in Belgium. For example, they can empty an entire arsenal for 73 euros per person and they can enjoy 70° absinth in the bars. A drunken person sometimes does crazy things and that's how I was asked to marry. The setting was incredibly romantic. Bratislava has a beautiful centre with cobbled streets, flanked by 19th-century buildings that look like they came out of a Sissi movie. I had just finished a great day of shopping with my friend Margita when he came to see me. My knight in shining armour was wearing a white sailor suit and had brought some friends along for support. Then he asked the question: will you marry me? It was every woman's dream, only a pity that I had never seen this man in my life, just like his fifteen friends, who were already a little tired. Since it was his last days as a bachelor, I didn't want to disappoint him and replied that I was going to think about it."

Anouk De Ridder - Troy, United States

“The parties here are completely different than in Belgium. We started the evening in a couple of French boys' dorms, but it soon became too crowded and several people warned us that the police were coming. Then to the next location: a 'fraternity house'. The house was huge and only twenty students lived there. We asked what the requirements are to join a 'fraternity'. Nothing apparently, except paying money. A big difference with our student clubs, but they can drink just as well. After partying, meeting people and stealing drinks, someone came up to us to ask if we had heard of the afterparty. Whether you answer yes or no, apparently you're asking for a lift anyway. Indra and I were in the car with two American girls together and we drove to the house of JR, Jacob and Chris. First we sat on the couch and talked a bit, then suddenly all hell broke loose. Everyone else arrived at once, Brian turned on the iPod and everyone started drinking and dancing in a space of maybe 5 m². Then someone knocked on the door. Each minor took their drink, placed it across the room, and stood still. In the end it was a false alarm, but it was funny to see the whole routine.”

Here's an overview of just a few ISIC benefits
you can score in Spain, the United States and Slovakia:

If you are between 14 and 25 years old and have an ISIC, you are in luck, because now you will always enjoy a 5% discount when traveling with Renfe.

Enjoy a 35% discount at Aquopolis when you get your code with your ISIC, ITIC or IYTC.

City Brew Tours was founded in 2008. They offer unforgettable all-inclusive tours and beer-focused experiences in some of the best beer cities throughout North America. With over a decade of experience, City Brew Tours has created the ultimate craft beer experience that blends history, beer knowledge, transportation, and great food with unrivalled access to an area's top breweries and their beer. Save 10% off all-inclusive brewery tour tickets and gift certificates.

Located in Times Square in the heart of New York City, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium will bring your students face to face with the world’s most unbelievable and fascinating curiosities. Your students will learn about art, history, culture, science and more as they explore our over 18,000 square feet of astonishing artifacts, exclusive oddities, and exciting interactive exhibits! Plus, with Ripley's staying open until 1 AM, this is the perfect EVENING activity! So whether it's after a Broadway show or dinner, your students will have the thrill of experiencing the energy and excitement of nightlife that is New York City all wrapped up in a safe and fun environment. Rediscover wonder around every corner.

Spa Bardejovske Kupele has a long tradition of curative stays and belongs to the most beautiful places you can visit in Slovakia. Spa is situated in the north-eastern part of Slovakia, near borders with Poland. Services with discount for card holders are offered in the Wellness centre.

Take advantage of 20% discount on all-day and 4-hours ski passes at Pezinská Baba and Zochova chata.

Don’t have an ISIC yet?
Click here to order one.

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