Discounts on everything from museum entrance fees to airfare to meals in restaurants. Council Travel and STA Travel issue the card, as do more than 550 universities.
Many universities urge that students buy the card before traveling abroad.
William E. Nolting, the director of overseas studies at the University of Michigan, says the university requires the card for study abroad programs because of the discounts it provides and, more importantly, for its health, evacuation, and other insurance benefits. Don't rely on the card's insurance alone, however. Coverage is thin and should only be used to supplement your own health insurance. Students agree that an ISIC card is a good investment. Bobby Delonis, a Georgetown University student who recently studied at University College London, used his card during his travels to get discounts at tourist attractions, restaurants, and museums.