Ono Sukui (Japan) Alliant International University (California)
“My first season and a great experience! We participated in the NAIA National Championship. This was AIU's best season ever. Our final ranking was 7th in the nation, and during this amazing season I scored 5 goals. It was a great experience for me as a player and also as a student because I had the opportunity to showcase my soccer and improve my English."
Carlos Stremi (IDEA 1998) Lewis University (Illinois)
“IDEA was the door to the most clear academic development opportunity in my life. My advice to future participants is not overlooking this opportunity. I used to think: ‘my English fluency, going away from my family…’ which are factors that are overcome during the career.”
Pep Ponset (Spain) Missouri Valley College (Missouri) “I am improving my English every day at Missouri Valley College . I am doing very well in all my classes. The soccer season was good and I was selected for the second team all-conference along with two other teammates. All at once, this is an experience that would be difficult to forget although it just started.”
Federico Cepeda (IDEA 2000) Lawrence University (Wisconsin) “I think that the IDEA Program is exceptional. With its help, studying abroad is not an obstacle as it used to be. And through the implemented scholarship system, anyone can find a good university in the USA . IDEA is gaining recognition in USA , which results in more and higher quality American universities.”
Jessica Silis (Germany) Dickinson State University (North Dakota) “The people here in Dickinson are really nice and I'm glad to have the opportunity of studying in the USA , like I've always wanted to, which wouldn't have been possible without IDEA. I'm enjoying every moment and I try to get the best out of it, regarding experiences and grades to create better opportunities for my future.”
Melisa Cansado(IDEA 2000) Tennessee Tech University (Tennessee)
“I think it's very important that IDEA exists because it opens doors for you to better yourself. I am also very pleased because I felt respected, valued, and taken into account by the entire staff at all times. The medical attention that we received was also first rate and I consider appropriate that there were women professors who accompanied us.”
Nicolás Yunes(IDEA 1999) Washington University (Missouri)
“With the help of IDEA I have achieved one of my goals, which was to study at Washington University , one of the most prestigious universities in the U.S.”
Juan Patricio Murphy (Argentina) University of Maine (Maine) “The university and its people helped me and continue helping me with everything I need. So, I adapted pretty quickly to the American student lifestyle. My studies are going well and if some problem comes up I can count on people who can help me. In football (soccer) it's going better than expected, and I was already chosen the best player on the team.”
Juan Manual Funes Bigé(IDEA 1998) University of Illinois (Illinois)
“IDEA gives you a unique opportunity in a highly competitive world, the chance to study with a scholarship in the U.S. At the same time, it allows you to familiarize yourself and take command of the international business language, connect with students from other countries, and get to know other large North American cities, not to mention the spectacular experience of representing a university in a particular sport.”
Juan Antonio Marquine (Uruguay) Spring Hill College (Alabama)
“Before participating in the IDEA Program I doubted about the possibility of obtaining a scholarship to study in USA . With the help of IDEA, I was able to obtain the so precious scholarship and many other opportunities. At the same time, I became friends with other students from different countries”.
Fabiana Mendoza(IDEA 2001) Missouri Baptist University (Missouri)
“If you are organized in your studies you can do well because professors understand and are flexible when you play a sport for the university.”
Daniel Cárdenas (Ecuador) Tennessee Wesleyan College (Tennessee) “I was able to play soccer and tennis during the program, which allowed me to obtain scholarships to compete in both sports for the college. It has been a great experience.”
Raúl Martínez (Honduras) Hesston College (Kansas) “I was my team's scoring leader during last soccer season. I am very happy with my performance. In regards to the Program, my expectations were met because it was a great experience that I will always remember. My dream of studying in the U.S. is being achieved thanks to the Program.”
Tanja Reiber (Germany) Brescia University (Kentucky)
"I like the university because of the nice campus and friendly people. In general, it didn't take me long to acclimatize and I am not homesick because I like it."
Carolina Painecura (IDEA 2003) Lindsey Wilson College (Kentucky)
“I obtained many scholarships offers and I choose for the full-scholarship that my college warded me. I am doing very well at the college where I am improving my English, learning about the culture, and meeting new people.”
Mirela Braghini (Brazil) Lindenwood University (Missouri)
“I think that the program is very good because it gives you an opportunity to achieve your objectives such as having a great experience living in the U.S. and playing the sport you like.”
Miguel Quinones (Colombia) St. Andrew's College ( North Carolina )
“During my last year of high school I was always looking for scholarships and contacting the universities and colleges in the USA, but never as effective as this, and now that I came with the program I realize that is a lot more easier because here they directly link the students and the universities.” Neilton Avila Pinto (Brazil) Dickinson State University (North Dakota) “Even though soccer is very different than in Brazil , the sport is growing in the USA . That's why the universities support the students by offering free room, meals, and studies.”
Marco Ferraina(IDEA 2001) Lambuth University (Tennessee) “It's a fabulous experience. I experiencing new things and learning about new cultures because my team consists of Americans, Irish, Canadians, Norwegian, and English members. In the U.S. , I am learning a different teaching methodology with professors that help you a lot, and above all I'm doing two things that you can only do here: STUDYING and playing FOOTBALL. With the help of the program I achieved what I always wanted.”
Juan Pablo Wunder (Chile) Hannibal LaGrange College (Missouri)
“Participating in the 2003 IDEA Program changed the course of my life. While in Chile, it was very difficult to play soccer and study at the same time. Therefore, I decided to participate in the Program. I've been at my university for one semester and I've had a great performance in both academics and athletics.” Marc Beck (Germany) Brescia University (Kentucky)
"I like it in the United States and I consider Brescia University as my new home. I do not want to go back to Germany after this year. I want to stay at Brescia for the next years and graduate here." Rene Sube (Mexico) College of the Southwest (New Mexico)
“It is a highly organized showcase with a great supporting network behind you. It allowed me to do what I enjoy the most that is playing soccer and at the same time get an education.”
Andrés Calabró (IDEA 1998) Western Montana College (Montana) “I was able to thoroughly achieve my objectives, which were learning about other culture and obtaining a scholarship. Besides from obtaining what I was looking for, I developed relationships with people from other countries, which I did not anything such as Malaysia , Serbia , and African countries.”
Otto González Mendoza (Ecuador) Shorter College (Georgia) “The IDEA Program is very good, it allowed me to understand the American university system. I was able to visit many U.S. cities and places I had not been before as a lifetime experience.”
Juan Crosa (Paraguay) Auburn University Montgomery (Alabama)
“During the program, many coaches from different parts of the United States participated. I also met a lot of people within a great environment. We all have the same objective: obtain a scholarship to study in a better developed country than most of our own.”
Juan C. Laudisi (Argentina) Lander University (South Carolina) “I satisfied my expectations because thanks to the scholarship I was able to improve my English and carry out my undergraduate studies at a North American University.”
Juan Javier Oneto Pereira (Ecuador) Lindenwood University (Missouri)
“I think it is a brilliant opportunity that the IDEA organization offers with the objective of being able to study in the U.S. while practicing football (soccer).”
Antonella de Palma (IDEA 2000) Iowa Wesleyan College (Iowa) “The program allowed me to obtain 4 scholarship offers, and because of that I feel that I reached my objective since it is what I came for. Being able to study in the U.S. will open many doors for me.”
Rodrigo Gomez(IDEA 2002) Lawrence University (Wisconsin) “The Program was a direct link to enter the educational system in the United States . Without IDEA, I would not have been able to enroll at Lawrence University where I am currently studying.”
Maria Noel Cabrera (Argentina) Tennessee Wesleyan College (Tennessee)
“I feel very comfortable at this university. By not being too big, they can offer me a personalized treatment. Everybody is so warm and friendly with international students that it makes one feel at home.”
Francisco Mosca (IDEA 1999) McKendree College (Illinois) “With the full scholarship that I obtained through my sport, I am able to study and major in a field that otherwise I wouldn't have been able to finance.”
Rosina Maccio (Uruguay) Martin Methodist College (Tennessee)
“I am doing great in all of my activities, both in my studies and sport, representing my university in tennis. The most important is that I was able to quickly adapt to the lifestyle in the United States .” Carlos Guillen (Spain) Brescia University (Kentucky)
“They offer you through soccer something that everybody participating likes. You learn about a new culture while doing what you like. The idea of the program is perfect.”
Fernando Gallegos (IDEA 2001) Columbus State University (Georgia) “I am very happy at this institution where I was able to make many Latin friends as well as from other parts of the world. I am pursuing a double major in Management and Economics. And we have a great chance at qualifying for the National Tournament with the tennis team this year.”
Agustín Arreceygor (IDEA 2003) Faulkner University (Alabama)
“The program was excellent. I was also able to meet and learn a lot from people from many different countries.” Tania Roux (Uruguay) Alliant International University (California)
“I am very happy at Alliant. The experience of playing soccer and going to school at the same time is amazing. I am doing well in all of my classes. There are many things and places to visit in the area.”
Juan Rigat (IDEA 2002) Brescia Univesity (Kentucky)
“There was nothing more difficult to achieve prior to coming to study in the USA than finding a university that fits my budget, that can get me admitted based on my level of English, and finding a coach who can offer me a scholarship for playing tennis. The Program was able, in less than a month, to let me study at a university that meets all my needs. Thank you very much to all the IDEA Staff.”
Daniel Chteinberg (IDEA 2000) Saint Thomas University (Florida)
“IDEA gives you the opportunity of obtaining a scholarship to study in the U.S. based on your strength in sports as well as graduating and obtaining a degree that is valued in any country. It's a great opportunity to grow and to get to know other cultures.” Santiago Uranga (IDEA 2000) University of Mary (South Dakota)
“If it weren't for IDEA, I wouldn't have been able to study in the U.S. The organization is excellent and the support that the coaches give to the candidates is first rate. Above all, I took many friendships that I made throughout the experience.”
Nicolás García (Argentina) Mid-Continent College (Kentucky)
“The experience of participating in the Program gave me a new vision of the U.S. and of its educational system.”
Pablo Russo (IDEA 2001) Spring Hill College (Alabama)
“I am doing very well in all my activities. I occupied my day between classes, studying, practices, and travel to play for my university tennis team. I also work at the university.”
Ezequiel Martinez (Argentina) King College (Tennessee)
“I am grateful for the opportunity I received. IDEA opened a very important door for me. I am currently studying, playing my favorite sport, and working at my university, while making lifelong friendships.”
Mariano Farji (IDEA 1998) William Woods University (Missouri)
“I am very thankful for the opportunity presented by IDEA, which has opened a great door for me. I now have the opportunity of graduating from an American university thanks to the program. I have matured at all levels: academically, athletically, and specially as a human being.”
Facundo Magnaghi (IDEA 1998) Southern Virginia University (Virginia)
“IDEA had allowed me to begin my studies in Ohio , continued in California , and it was now able to help me transfer and finish my studies in Virginia , where we won a National Championship. They selected me as the best goalkeeper in the whole country; in other words I was named All-American for which I am very happy.”
Nicolás Gieczewski (Argentina) Central Connecticut State University (Connecticut)
“I am very happy at my university here in Connecticut . We participate in the NCAA Division I league, which is highly competitive.”
Martín Baccega (Argentina) Martin Methodist College (Tennessee)
“The IDEA Program helped me a lot in accessing the American system playing my sport that is basketball. Playing for a U.S. team was something I used to look as impossible and achieving this now seems to be a dream that came true. Without the help from the Program, it would have been difficult to find a team on my own in the USA.”
Patricio Misitrano (IDEA 2001) Webber International University (Florida)
“I am graduating in May, for which I am thinking about my future employment. Tennis is going very well. I am the captain of the team since Fall 2001 and we have a chance to finish top 5 in the nation this year.”
Alejandro Kohan (IDEA 2001) Lambuth University (Tennessee)
“Since I decided to participate in the Program my life has completely changed, both in my personal and academic life. I obtained great achievements, which would have been impossible to complete in my country. Because everything is so well organized here I can study, play my sport, and work at the same time. I truly recommend the Program to everybody who has the opportunity to participate.”
Esteban Suárez de Lima (IDEA 2000) University of Montevallo (Alabama)
“I am currently in my last year. Everything I have gone through since my participation in the program has provided me with a great experience and maturity to achieve some dreams I always had and keep having.”
Claudio Rubí (IDEA 2001) Union College (Kentucky)
“I adapted very quickly to everything. Activities are coordinated in such a way that I can do anything I plan. I have classes every morning from Monday to Friday. Between classes I work for the university. We practice every afternoon from 3 to 5 and play games (two or three games per week). It is a totally positive experience from every perspective you may look at it.”
Martin Strah (IDEA 2000) Lewis University (Illinois)
This is a great experience, where you have the opportunity of learning about many things. We are doing excellent in soccer. We have created a close group with my teammates and especially other IDEA participants recruited by my university. Thanks to the scholarships I obtained, I am currently studying for a Masters degree at Lewis University just a few kilometers away from Chicago.
Ignacio Recondo (IDEA 2002) Columbia College (Missouri)
“I have a 3.6 GPA. I worked at the training complex and for the cafeteria during the weekends. The soccer season was very positive for me since I was voted “Player of the Week” in the NAIA and AMC. I am very happy to be here. The people at the university are first-class .”
