Program Reviews

Already attending a small college, when I looked at studying abroad I wanted to push my limits and looked into bigger schools. It was kind of intimidating but also really fun; I realized what I missed out on by going to a smaller school but also what I loved about the smaller size. Studying abroad was my first time out of the country but now I feel more confident traveling alone and can't wait to go back. Post-program I definitely explore new areas more and with a lot more confidence. Useful tips: just go with the flow, if things don't go as planned you can still find amazing experiences.

The University of Sydney is a gorgeous campus, the city of Sydney is a even more stunning, and the country of Australia as a whole will leave you breathless. I would recommend this experience to anyone who is even considering Australia. I made lifelong friends, engaged in cultural practices, and even learned to surf ( like a tourist). For me, it was the perfect choice because I wanted a place that was new from home, but also similar. It opened my eyes to the world and has led me to pursue a career in international relations. After taking a course called International Business Strategy and having the opportunity to asses the inner workings of an Australian based company, I realized that the only thing more rewarding than studying abroad would be working abroad. Please, if you have the chance, pursue this opportunity .

The University of Sydney is a gorgeous campus, the city of Sydney is a even more stunning, and the country of Australia as a whole will leave you breathless. I would recommend this experience to anyone who is even considering Australia. I made lifelong friends, engaged in cultural practices, and even learned to surf ( like a tourist). For me, it was the perfect choice because I wanted a place that was new from home, but also similar. It opened my eyes to the world and has led me to pursue a career in international relations. After taking a course called International Business Strategy and having the opportunity to asses the inner workings of an Australian based company, I realized that the only thing more rewarding than studying abroad would be working abroad. Please, if you have the chance, pursue this opportunity .

I really enjoyed my experience abroad! James Cook University in Cairns is a commuter campus so there was not much of a social aspect but I still had a great time because I met people through the place I lived. I had a traumatic accident while hiking and both the school and IFSA helped tremendously. I enjoyed the day trips through IFSA and orientation. I would recommend IFSA and Carins to other students.

I loved my experience studying at the ANU for a semester, it was the best time of my life. It was academically challenging and engaging, with new perspectives and interesting classes and opportunities. The social life is also very welcoming and fun, there is a lot to do offered by the University, clubs, and particularly the 'colleges' which is the 'hall' or dorm students live in. IFSA was for the most part a good program, the orientation was fun and helpful. However, IFSA was somewhat inconsistent with their communication and support, my transcript was not sent to my College for almost 6 months and the staff did not communicate well or keep me informed, as my specific program only had 2 students including myself we also did not receive the 'promised' trips and opportunities that are promised and organized for other programs which was disappointing. Other than that, my experience at the ANU was amazing and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in academics and an inviting and fun social scene. Canberra, as the capital, is very international and different from more popular locations like Sydney, but it is still a great place, though does get cold in the winter.

IFSA offers great support, but you must engage and take up their offers to meet up and chat etc. Studying abroad can be isolating if you don't know anyone on your trip (or even if you do)- so do not be afraid to reach out for resources. Personally, I found a community through joining a few on campus societies (major suggestion!) and a group that was associated with the university in addition to friends I made within and outside the program. Don't be afraid to branch outside of the host program and make friends with other uni students and get involved with the community. Edinburgh has great organizations for environmental improvement and food share platforms to reduce food waste I personally found cool. The farmers markets, museums, hiking, and botanical gardens are awesome and make to explore the wonderful city of Edinburgh beyond just the Royal Mile (and honestly go explore the rest of Scotland, the Highlands are incredibly beautiful). Make friends and take trips, in and outside of Scotland and make memories that you will keep forever. Sure, classes are "important" (they are ugh) BUT the Scottish system keeps contact hours with professors and class time pretty short to what I was used to (from the American system) so I had lots of time to explore and travel. The University also hosts cool speakers and guest lectures, so find your department of interest and go give it a shot.
There are so many ways to be engaged if you wish to follow that route on campus, with IFSA, and in the community. Likewise, if your prerogative is to get out and go to as many places as possible, that is also super doable (airport shuttle on the bridge by Princes St has a great deal for round trip).
TL;DR: I like the option for autonomy IFSA gave- offering support and connection if needed while encouraging independence. Great source for telling us about on campus resources and setting up a (temporary) home abroad.

This was a great program that was highly supportive and allowed for travel. They also took the time to get to know you. Lodging was great and I was steps away from the bus station. I felt very independent but also secure while in this program. They scheduled trips so you got to know the people in your program but it was also very open in the sense that you were able to meet a lot of people outside of the program.

Before, during, and after my abroad experience in Buenos Aires, Argentina, IFSA-Butler supported me in every way I needed. They helped me to organize all of my medications for travel, as well as counseling and psychiatry appointments once I arrived in the city. I was nervous that my mental health would prevent me from having a fulfilling abroad experience, but IFSA-Butler was there for me the whole way. My program advisors were incredibly understanding when I was having a difficult time finishing my final research paper and made sure that I was given all of the resources I could need. Not to mention the extraordinary excursion to Uruguay that we all went on together, bringing us together as close friends early on in the program. Even though IFSA-Butler was so instrumental to my success in Argentina, I still felt extremely independent - receiving guidance in every aspect of life abroad, yet making my own friends to travel around and explore with. The office staff was composed of many kind, funny, and helpful mentors that I miss seeing and interacting with, a year later. IFSA-Butler is a truly excellent program that supported me so I could have my own personal growth experience coming back from abroad. I learned that I am capable of so much more than I once thought and that is largely thanks to IFSA-Butler.

Going to New Zealand was by far the best decision I've ever made. I made many of my own personal trips, and opted into the ones organized by IFSA-Butler. The IFSA sponsored events were so much fun, and we had a big group of friends by the end of the first few days! If you set out to explore as much as possible, you'll have a great time. Make sure you're open-minded and have a sense of adventure plus a love for the outdoors and it'll be great!

First and foremost, had some of the best times of my life here. Let's enumerate some pros of the program first:

-It's designed to favor those seeking independence and personal enrichment via being able to form a cohesive identity in a different culture.
-Fantastic location: you want cenotes, beautiful beaches, arresting landscapes, fascinating archeological sites, you've got it. You've also got Cuba + Guatemala + Belize (plus the rest of México, which compared to the Yucatán peninsula is like a separate country) within striking distance.
-Extremely immersive homestay. Without exaggeration, I was treated like (and eventually became) another member of the family.
-Gracious and engaging program leaders (shout out to Francisco + Diana!). Individually tailored support system.
-Nice balance of different locales for the in-program excursions (Mexico City and San Cristobal de las Casas were highlights).

However, Mérida can be very polarizing. This paragraph merely serves to check your expectations; I personally found none of the following to be a turn off. However, if you have issues dealing with the daily grievances of living somewhere quite hot (it was already 102 degrees Fahrenheit in March at one point), want to take public transportation everywhere (the bus system is horrendous but Uber is very cheap and ubiquitous in Mérida), seek academic rigor comparable to that of a respectable U.S. institution (in my experience, classes at the local universities [those of the Modelo in particular] were reminiscent of high school classes), or prioritize studying in a more "mainstream," or stereotypical, segment of Mexican culture (i.e. in the central/northern part), maybe you should reconsider studying in Mérida.

All in all, if you want an atypical study abroad experience that will challenge you in very rewarding ways, look no further. You're bound to come back changed for the better.