IES Abroad

IES Abroad

Why choose IES Abroad?

IES Abroad offers 140 programs worldwide for college students. We are a highly charged force of study abroad enthusiasts. Every day we have the privilege of witnessing how study abroad changes our students’ lives. We also believe that every student should have the opportunity to go abroad—especially in a fun, safe, and superior academic and cultural environment.

From our headquarters in Chicago to our 35 locations and the staff on-site, we all work toward the common goal of providing mind-bending, life-changing, opinion-altering study abroad opportunities.

We’re not ashamed to admit we’re a little bit obsessed with study abroad.

Scholarships

IES Abroad Scholarships

IES Abroad Scholarships and Financial Aid

Financial limitations shouldn't prevent you from studying abroad with us. That's why IES Abroad offers more than $6 million in scholarships and aid. IES Abroad offers a number of diversity scholarships and grants to provide opportunities for traditionally underrepresented communities in study abroad.

Value
$500 - $5,000

Diversity & Inclusion

Today, and every day, we celebrate who you are and who you will become. We take pride in simply getting to know you, and look forward to adventuring through this incredible world with you.

Studying abroad as part of the LGBTQIA+ community can present unique opportunities and challenges in exploring a new culture, so we have compiled resources on sexual orientation, gender identity, and allyship to help prepare you and support you along the way.
Going abroad, whether this is your first time or your umpteenth, can be a trip both literally and figuratively. Seeing something new or being someplace unfamiliar has its own challenges, especially when it comes to mental health and physical accessibility. With IES Abroad, you won't handle these concerns on your own.

We have not only compiled resources on mental health, physical health, and self-care to help prepare you and support you along the way, but we also have a dedicated Student Affairs staff that are available for you to contact from the United States and once in your host country.
Going abroad, whether this is your first time or your umpteenth, can be a trip both literally and figuratively. Seeing something new or being someplace unfamiliar has its own challenges, especially when it comes to mental health and physical accessibility. With IES Abroad, you won't handle these concerns on your own.

We have not only compiled resources on mental health, physical health, and self-care to help prepare you and support you along the way, but we also have a dedicated Student Affairs staff that are available for you to contact from the United States and once in your host country.

Impact

As part of IES Abroad's Global Good Commitment, IES Abroad employs sustainability measures in the following ways:
-Moving toward more sustainable Headquarters and Centers abroad
-Producing printed materials mindfully
-Hosting events and conferences in LEED-certified buildings
-Purchasing carbon offsets for staff air travel
-The formation of the IES Abroad Sustainability Team - a dedicated group of volunteers responsible for implementing sustainable practices across our organization. The team comprises of members across our Centers, departments, teams. It is truly a global effort, and we are better for it.

Reviews

Default avatar
Blake
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IES Abroad Granada: The Perfect Study Abroad Experience

When I first decided to go to IES Abroad Granada, I had no idea how it would go. I had never been to Europe before, and no other student from my program or person I knew from different colleges would be attending. It had always been a dream of mine to visit Europe, but I never expected to study abroad. When I first arrived, I immediately made friends that would last well beyond the conclusion of our program. While in Spain, I visited incredible places with my program: Sevilla, Córdoba, and Morocco; simultaneously, I traveled with the friends I made to Barcelona, Milan, and London. I learned about Islamic History and European Union Politics and expanded my knowledge of the Spanish language. I assimilated into the cultural norms of eating late, playing soccer, and going out with friends from the program and locals. I loved every minute of my experience and cannot stress enough how great it was to spend a semester in Granada, Spain.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
The most unfamiliar thing I ate during an olive oil tasting. We had tapas which were little free 'gratis' foods that we tasted while tasting different types of olive oil.
Pros
  • Went incredible places for free through the program.
  • Took interesting and relevant classes with professors from Universidad de Granada.
  • No Friday classes to allow you to get involved with events in the city.
Cons
  • Spanish classes were very early (8:30-9:00 AM) and could be up to two mile walk away if you did not use the bus.
  • Granada has no major airport so you had to take a 90 minute to 2 hour bus ride to Málaga if you wanted to fly direct.
  • It was up to 105 degrees during the summer.
Default avatar
Dara
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My time in Milan was unforgettable!

My time in Milan was unforgettable, thanks largely to the experiences I sought out on my own. Being proactive truly brings out the best in the program. Exploring Italy's wineries, cities, and vibrant culture was incredible, giving me the chance to experience Italian life firsthand. Attending three operas for free and enjoying countless live classical music shows enriched my appreciation of the arts. Each trip, performance, and discovery made my time in Italy an experience of a lifetime, and I’m deeply grateful to have had this journey. However I must add that if you know you need the classes for your major, I wouldn't recommend it. You may not find the EXACT overlap you want for your major so I suggest taking classes that fit your electives and save you major requirements for when you're at your home school.

Default avatar
Westin
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Wonderful Program: Highly Recommend!

I absolutely loved this program, and it provided me with memories that I'll keep for the rest of my life! For a study abroad opportunity, there were plentiful course options at the IES center that cover a range of subjects, and the ability to take classes at local institutions expanded that even further. There were so many activities organized by the center for cultural immersion, and the community at those events was fantastic (that's where I met nearly all of my close friends in the program!). My living situation was nothing short of amazing as well: I stayed with a host family that was incredibly kind and kept me well fed, and I had a room to myself. The other living places, including student dorms and apartments, available by the program were quite nice too! If there was a problem (this did happen to several of my friends, mainly due to host family issues), the IES staff were able to accommodate a switch. My only critique is that the community of the student body was often hostile, cliquey, and unfriendly. Many students arranged to participate in this program with their friends, and this left them unwilling to meet new people or authentically experience culture. This program allowed me to change so much as a person, develop my independence, and become incredibly culturally literate!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
My phone was unfortunately pick-pocketed at a nightclub, and the moment where I realized that was terrifying. My phone was my primary method of communication and navigation, and it was exceedingly difficult to function without it in the days following, especially given the language barrier and my unfamiliarity with technology customs abroad. I filed a police report the next day, but nothing came about from that, so I did have to purchase a new one a couple days later. However, I was able to survive in the meantime by relying on my laptop, and everyone who helped me throughout this process was quite kind and understanding.
Pros
  • Transit System
  • Gastronomy
  • Kind Staff
Cons
  • Unfriendly Program Participants
Default avatar
Breshna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Experience

Studying abroad in Barcelona was an incredible experience, particularly due to the immersive language environment. I quickly improved my Spanish through daily conversations with locals and classes entirely in Spanish. My Spanish professor at IES helped me learn the language faster as well as understand some cultural norms. This was very crucial for my development as a person.
I was also very happy with my apartment, which was in a peaceful neighborhood. It had everything I needed and was close to public transport, making it easy to explore the city.
I felt very safe in this city. Of course, there are precautions to be taken, but if you are aware of your surroundings you will be fine. Whether I was walking home late at night or exploring new areas, I always felt generally secure.
The city itself has lots to do and is very rich in culture and history. There are many neighborhoods to explore. It also has great Mediterranean weather.
The biggest con for me was the academic program at IES. I wish there were more classes offered, as the course registration process was very difficult and competitive. I also would have liked some more advising around this process.
Barcelona gave me the perfect mix of language immersion, personal growth, and enjoyment. I’ll always cherish this experience!

Default avatar
Yasmin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Ciao!

Studying abroad in Milan with IES Abroad was an experience I will always treasure. I had initially thought I’d study in Paris or London, but I’m so glad I chose Italy! There were countless moments when I could hardly believe I was living in such a vibrant, culturally rich city.

The courses I took were incredible and truly enhanced my academic journey. From exploring the art of storytelling to diving into Italy's rich cinematic history, each class fueled my passion for both business and film. The Italian language course was especially meaningful, giving me a deeper connection to the culture. It was the perfect mix of academic challenge and personal growth.

I also loved how easy it was to get around Milan—public transport was efficient, and I had the pleasure of enjoying the city’s beauty every day. Immersing myself in Italian culture, from the food to the fashion to the way people interact, made me feel like I was fully living the Italian way of life.

Milan provided the perfect setting for my studies. From the excitement of spotting celebrities at Fashion Week to discovering hidden gems throughout the city, there was always something new to experience. And yes, I can confirm—gelato is a whole other level compared to ice cream!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I wish I went out more! I wish I was there for longer and explored more!
Pros
  • Yummy Food
  • Amazing Fashion Choices
  • Enriching Classes
Cons
  • Housing was a bit difficult to sort out at first
  • There were not a lot of chances to make friends
  • It is so easy to spend money

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Autumn Paone

Autumn is from Pennsylvania and studies neuroscience at Lafayette College ('22). She studied abroad in Madrid, Spain, during her sophomore spring with IES Abroad.

Why did you choose this program?

IES Abroad was exactly what I needed! I knew I wanted to study in Madrid to improve my Spanish, but I also wanted to take STEM courses. Most of the pre-approved programs at my college were based in arts and history, so I did a lot of my own research on science-based opportunities. I came across IES's Engineering, Math, & Science program that allowed me to attend a local university for STEM courses, as well as take cultural courses with the program. It was the best of both worlds! I had to petition for my program at Lafayette which was some extra work, but it was 100% worth it.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

Before departure, my IES advisor was very attentive and available for any questions I had; I typically received email responses or returned phone calls within 24 hours. They organized housing/roommates, class registration, and even medical appointments while in Spain. The biggest thing I had to organize on my own was the flight. I had to be at the Barajas airport during a specific time period on a certain day, otherwise, I would be responsible for getting to my living arrangements on my own. Acquiring a student visa was made easy through their ACCeSS program, but the convenience was due to the state I live in. I know this experience can vary!

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Unlock your phone! This is very specific, but I had a bad phone experience. I bought a new phone a few weeks before traveling (which apparently is a terrible idea unless you buy it unlocked). I had heard of people having trouble with this, but I was clueless as to what exactly a locked vs. unlocked phone meant (and the man who activated my new phone shrugged it off). After wrestling with the company for a month, I ended up having to buy the cheapest possible phone while in Madrid. My overall experience was amazing, but if I could do something different, I definitely would have figured out how to unlock my phone well before I traveled!

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Madrid has a multitude of new experiences, so each day/week is different and exciting! I had a fairly long commute, so most weekdays would consist of traveling to and from class which provided a great time to do some work. I lived in an apartment, so I would also walk to the supermarket during the week to buy groceries. On the weekends, I would travel or explore the city's museums, parks, and shopping. I also went to church every week in a beautiful cathedral which I highly recommend if you're religious! It also gave me an opportunity to practice more Spanish. The nightlife is also something to note. It thrived essentially every night, not just the weekends. There are an endless amount of restaurants, clubs, and bars to explore! On one of my favorite nights, my friends and I did a pub crawl; it was affordable and took us all around the center of the city. In summary, Madrid will never bore you!

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My fears were mostly outweighed by excitement before traveling abroad; it was when I arrived that things started to set in. My first day in Spain, everything hit me. I was overwhelmed with jet lag and emotions, and I started to fear that I would get too homesick or that I wasn't cut out for an abroad experience. This took me by surprise because I was never on the fence about studying abroad. I knew since high school that I wanted to be in Europe for a semester. When all these emotions hit, I felt lost and completely unprepared for them. Funnily enough, I overcame them by going to the supermarket! It was something so normal and manageable compared to the big picture (which appeared very unmanageable at the time). I got some groceries, made myself a nice dinner, and had a completely new mindset for the next day. I went into orientation with a clear head and an excited attitude. Of course, homesickness persists and that is completely normal, but I just reminded myself of the short time I had in Europe and that I needed to make the most of it!

Write and answer your own question.

If you're ballin' on a budget, figure out your priorities before departure! Obviously, you don't want to be stressed and hardcore budgeting while trying to have fun abroad, but there are a few things you can straighten out in your head beforehand. My main expenses (other than tuition and housing fees) consisted of food, nightlife, and travel. The coronavirus prohibited me from traveling as much as I wanted to (definitely don't wait to start planning your trips), but that was very important to me. If I had ingredients in my fridge for dinner, I would eat at home and then go with friends to hang out and maybe get something small. I was still able to have a great time, bond with new people, and not feel left out, while still saving expenses for plane tickets and Airbnbs in new cities!

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Andrea Buidin-Ferrer

Job Title
Internship & Customized Program Coordinator
With a deep passion for the French language and culture and a goal to live and work in France, Andrea completed a Bachelor's and Master's degree in French (interwoven with multiple sojourns in France) and now calls Paris home (3.5 years and counting!).

She currently works at IES Abroad's French Studies Center as the internship and customized program coordinator.

What is your favorite travel memory?

When I was working as an English teaching assistant (with the TAPIF program) in Valence, France, two fellow assistants and I went on an impromptu week-long trip to Switzerland.

One of the fellow assistants had a family friend living in Zurich, so we were able to stay with her and her family, all the while learning about Swiss culture. We spent time sight-seeing in Zurich, hiked to the summit of Mount Pilatus, biked through the Emmental region, and took a day-trip to Lake Como, Italy.

To this day, this trip remains one of my top travel memories. All three of us had a fabulous "go with the flow" attitude throughout the week as we said "yes" to many opportunities that simply popped up along the way.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

When I first came to IES, I was an intern finishing up the final year of my Master's program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and everything was new to me. I arrived with the knowledge of study abroad that I had acquired during my own experiences in addition to what I had learned in the classroom and had gathered from talking with professionals in the field.

Now, after four years I have seen, first and foremost, how much study abroad has changed since I was in college--the exponential increase in the number of students going abroad, the diversification of those students abroad and the incredible strides made by companies like IES to provide the study abroad opportunity to as many students as possible.

Students today have grown up in a different world than I did--a world where social media and technology have greatly changed their experience abroad. I am constantly learning how to better understand students which, in turn, challenges how I think.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

I recently had an alumnus of our program contact me after having been back in the United States for a year. She was back in France participating in the TAPIF program and was spending a weekend in Paris. While chatting over some cappuccinos, it was inspiring seeing how this student had taken her study abroad experience and built upon it. She had matured enormously since her time in our program and it was fantastic to see her setting new goals and going for them.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would have to say the IES Christchurch program in New Zealand is the most enticing to me. I have never been to the southern hemisphere and the natural beauty that I have seen in pictures and videos of New Zealand give me the travel bug. I would love being able to take courses at the university there and have that fully immersive experience while also having the opportunity to explore the outdoors.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

IES Abroad is unique in that it has been around since the dawn of study abroad...1950! They have the hindsight to understand where study abroad has been as well as drive to understand where it is going. Their initiatives in diversity and inclusion have made studying in a different country available and feasible for hundreds of students who would not have otherwise had the opportunity.

Our team in Paris is an awesome group of individuals who are truly passionate about intercultural learning and sharing that with our students.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

For me, a successful company is one that places the satisfaction of their employees at the same level as the satisfaction of its customers. In a field like a study abroad where employees are in such direct, close contact with our university partners and students, it is crucial that we are being nurtured in an environment that places our professional and personal well-being as a priority. This then trickles down and through students who then receive the same care as we do.

Professional Associations

The Forum on Education Abroad Logo
Institute of International Education Logo
NAFSA Logo