what: the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally accepted student ID card. Since its launch in 1968, the ISTC has helped over 40 million students get the most out of their travel experience. Thanks to the ISIC, students, young people and teaching professionals have access to a global network of leading travel specialists offering low priced flights, travel tickets, insurance, accommodations, work and study abroad programs as well as special deals on entertainment, sightseeing and shopping in countries all over the world.

who: the International Student Travel Confederation (ISTC) was founded in 1949 during the first meeting of student travel organisations at the International Student Travel Conference, in Copenhagen. This meeting was a loosely knit federation that offered members a forum for exchanging ideas and to examine the needs of the expanding worldwide network of student travel agencies. Organisations that initially joined were often the non-profit travel departments of national student unions and were concerned with the well being of students who travelled internationally, the development of student products and international trading agreements. The ISTC is a not-for-profit organisation and its mission is: “to increase international understanding through the promotion of travel and exchange opportunities among students, young people and the academic community.”

UNESCO endorsed the ISIC and recognised it as the exclusive document for student travel and cultural exchange, as well as the only official internationally recognised proof of student status. Since 1968, the ISTC Association has maintained a close relationship with UNESCO and together they promote student travel, cultural exchange and international understanding.

why: access to a global network of affordable and specialised student services, the ISIC is a passport to more than 32,000 discounts and benefits, worth US$500 million worldwide. With this card it is possible to travel further, stay longer and experience more. Among the advantages offered by the ISIC card are: 1,200 discounts on flights, buses, trains and ferries; 2,800 discounts on entrance to the world's leading museums and cultural sites; 2,700 discounts on entertainment and attractions; 2,400 discounts on youth hostels and hotels; 21,000 discounts worldwide for bars, restaurants and shopping! The ISIC card allows access to a free 24-hour, multilingual ISIC Emergency Help Line but, moreover, represents an internationally recognised proof of student status.

sustainable features: you can make a valuable social and economic contribution to the countries you visit. The exchange of ideas and values is key to the international student travel experience and creates respect and understanding between different cultures, beliefs and traditions.