Thomas Balle (Australia)
Pacific Lutheran College (QLD)
"I attended the showcase in the US in 2006 and was successful
in gaining a scholarship to Dickinson State University in
North Dakota. The showcase was great. It was an opportunity
to play basketball with players from around the world, under
the watchful eyes of coaches and selectors from numerous
universities. I learnt heaps, made some great friends and
have been offered a scholarship. I start at Dickinson in
August 2007!"
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 .” |
