The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is a globally recognized document specifically designed to provide students with access to a wide range of benefits and discounts. Issued by authorized organizations within each participating country, the ISIC card verifies full-time student status and unlocks a world of advantages, from travel concessions and educational resources to cultural experiences and entertainment options.
This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of the ISIC card, exploring its purpose, benefits, application process, and even providing a breakdown of a template for creating your own (non-official) informational card.
The Purpose of the ISIC Card
The ISIC card serves a multifaceted purpose within the international student community. Primarily, it functions as an official verification of full-time student status. This verification can be crucial when seeking discounts on travel fares, accommodation, and various other services. Additionally, the ISIC card facilitates access to exclusive student benefits, including discounts on museum admissions, cultural events, and educational resources. By acting as a globally recognized symbol of student identity, the ISIC card fosters a sense of community and belonging among students travelling or studying abroad.
Benefits of Owning an ISIC Card
Holding an ISIC card unlocks a treasure trove of advantages for students on the move. Here’s a closer look at some of the key benefits:
Travel Discounts: ISIC cardholders enjoy significant savings on various travel expenses, including flights, train tickets, and bus fares. Partner airlines, rail companies, and ferry operators often offer special discounts to ISIC holders, making travel more affordable and accessible.
Applying for an ISIC Card
The application process for an ISIC card is typically straightforward and can be completed through authorized issuing organizations in your country. These organizations are often universities, student unions, or travel agencies designated as official ISIC card distributors.
Here’s a general breakdown of the application process:
1. Locate an Authorized Issuer: Find an organization within your country authorized to issue ISIC cards. A list of authorized issuers can be found on the official ISIC website ([https://www.isic.org/](https://www.isic.org/)).
2. Complete the Application Form: Obtain the application form from the authorized issuer and complete it with the required information, typically including your full name, date of birth, student ID number, and passport details.
3. Submit Application and Required Documents: Submit the completed application form along with any necessary supporting documents, such as proof of enrollment and a passport-sized photograph.
4. Pay the Application Fee: There is usually a nominal application fee associated with obtaining an ISIC card. The fee amount may vary depending on the country and the issuing organization.
5. Receive Your ISIC Card: Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive your official ISIC card.
Important Note: It is crucial to ensure you apply for the ISIC card through an authorized issuer to receive a valid and recognized card. Applying through unofficial sources may result in receiving a counterfeit card that offers no benefits.
(Non-Official) ISIC Card Template Breakdown
While you cannot create and distribute official ISIC cards, you can utilize a template to design an informational card outlining your student status. This card can be helpful when seeking student discounts from businesses that may not be familiar with the official ISIC program.
Here’s a breakdown of a basic informational card template:
Front Side: