IFSA (Institute for Study Abroad)

Why choose IFSA (Institute for Study Abroad)?

Ready to leave the familiar behind? IFSA (Institute for Study Abroad) has been helping U.S. and Canadian college and university students expand their boundaries and challenge their perspectives with study abroad for more than 30 years. With 120+ programs in Australia, China, Europe, Latin America, New Zealand, and the UK, and a focus on individual advising that carefully considers your goals, we’re here to help you go places.  
 
The IFSA experience isn’t about simply seeing a new culture—it’s about living one. That means you might be surprised at how much education can feel like an adventure. Why settle for seeing new things when you can learn to see things in new ways—ways that add dimension to your story and pay rewards for years to come. Learn more today at IFSA-Butler.org.

Website

ifsa-butler.org

Founded

1988

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Community Photos

Preparing to set up a tent during the camping trip

Scholarships

IFSA Scholarships and Financial Aid

IFSA is deeply committed to making study abroad accessible to as many students as possible. We believe that cost should never be a barrier: that’s why we offer financial support to a larger proportion of our students than any other organization.

Financial assistance is available for IFSA January term, semester, year, and summer programs. Scholarships include the IFSA First-Generation Scholarship and IFSA Diversity Scholarship, as well as program-specific scholarships in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and the UK. We also offer $2,000 IFSA State School Grants and IFSA Minority Serving Institution Grants to all qualified applicants.

Once you’ve started your IFSA program application, you’ll gain access to IFSA’s scholarship application.

Value

$500 - $10,000

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Reviews

The IFSA program at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch is exceptional. I was there for one semester over their winter and spring. The program coordinator provides amazing support as you adapt to a new culture and life style. IFSA plans trips in the local community to allow you to see and learn about things you might not get the chance to without them. Because of the initial orientation with IFSA, the students I met in my program became my absolute best friends. I would recommend this program for anyone who loves the outdoors and exploring. There were so many day trips and weekend trips in the canterbury region that I really got an in depth look into the culture and beauty of New Zealand. I also joined a lot of the UC clubs which helped me get out in the community to go skiing and volunteer. The housing that is offered is very close to campus, clean, and allowed me to meet so many people living in the same apartment complex. As someone from a more rural town in the US, Christchurch felt like a big enough city to do fun things and get everything I needed without feeling overwhelmed. If you are looking for the true city feel, I would recommend going on the Auckland IFSA trip instead. The public transport system in Christchurch is also very easy to use and cheap.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

I would advise you to really get out and explore the country in your free time. Make use of every weekend and get involved in the campus community. I would even say stay for a full year if you can, I wish I had spent more time in New Zealand. School wise the teaching style is very much teach yourself and minimal homework which is a lot different that what I was used to in the US. I would suggest keeping a good balance between studying and exploring so you don't get overwhelmed when midterms and finals happen.

Pros

Beautiful landscape
Lively campus community

Studying abroad in Barcelona with IFSA was a great experience. My favorite part about going through this program was that there were so many different excursions and activities that were planned for us students. This was a great way to get to know the city, and immerse yourself in the culture rather than trying to do it on your own. Additionally, there were no classes on Friday which made it easy to be able to travel and see other places outside of Barcelona and Spain. This truly made my trip being able to experience all different locations.

I can't recommend IFSA-Butler enough. My experience in Australia was amazing, and I give a lot of credit to Michelle, our program coordinator, for helping us get situated and introducing us to Sydney. Michelle did an amazing job planning fun events–not just during orientation, but also throughout the semester as well. We saw a movie in the Sydney Opera house, did a lunch harbor cruise, spent a weekend in the Blue Mountains, and more. Michelle and her colleague Nikki were super responsive, always willing to help, and were constantly on the lookout for more opportunities for us to explore Sydney! 10/10 for IFSA-Butler!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?

Scuba-diving in the Great Barrier Reef! My body was NOT a fan of breathing underwater at first, but with a few deep breaths, I was able to adjust and ended up LOVING my experience at the GBR.

Pros

IFSA-planned events
Instant community of friends
Housing close to USYD

Studying with IFSA in Pune, India, was an experience of a lifetime. I chose this program because my college mentor had recommended it to me when I struggling to find a program in India that fit my needs. Pune isn't always the first city people think of when they think of India, but it's definitely the best place to study abroad. The city itself is easy to travel around but is packed with enough places to visit that you'll never be out of things to do. There's a huge local student population so there's plenty of chances to make new friends.
The program staff in Pune were amazing, all of my program mates and I became very close to them especially our program director. Uttaraa was extremely attentive to our needs and if we had any questions about volunteering or tutoring she was always on top of it to find us the best options. Not to mention, the classes were steeped in a level of academic rigor that was similar to my home university, which I really appreciated. I genuinely felt like I was learning new and nuanced facts about India that really informed my view of the country as a whole as well as enhancing my view of the world overall.
My homestay experience was also amazing, I was housed with 2 other students in an easily accessible location and a more than welcoming host. Our host treated us like family and even bought 2 of us cakes on our birthdays and celebrated with us. She provided us tea before we would leave for school (IFSA program site provided breakfast, lunch was up to us) and amazing dinners in the evening. She would make something new everyday and it was yet another way for us to learn about Indian culture through our everyday interactions.
Continually, I grew really close to my friends in the program and since it was a small program, it made it easier for us to go out and experience this city together. We were all lucky to have gotten so close and we cherished our time together, but that would not have been possible without IFSA and the amazing resident staff.
I think IFSA really cares to make every part of your study abroad experience meaningful and tailored to your needs. There's not a detail that's overlooked and spending time in the vibrant cultural hub that is India is something I'll never forget! If you're looking for a program that is supportive and really challenges you to learn about the world around you, look no further. This is the program for you!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

I would say that you should try a new thing every *other* day. I say this because it can be easy to become overwhelmed with activities, social events, and navigating a new city. While you should welcome new opportunities with open arms, it's important to take time for yourself and do things that are comforting for you or remind you of home so that you can feel refreshed and ready for the adventures waiting for you.

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I studied abroad at Trinity College Dublin with IFSA in the spring of 2015 and had an extremely transformative experience. From the beginning, IFSA provided outstanding support. I remember being so sick that I had lost my voice during our orientation-- yet the IFSA staff was sure I was cared for and included in those initial days when community building with my cohort was so important.

Throughout the process, IFSA taught us the value of being independent in a foreign country while always ensuring that we had staff to rely upon. Notably, the IFSA Ireland Community and Culture Seminar provided me with the resources to understand culture shock, identify my own learning curve, and process the new cultural information I encountered on a daily basis. The experience enabled me to feel confident and empowered as I went about my daily life in Dublin.

Of course, IFSA-sponsored excursions were also a highlight. From our trip to Belfast to our outdoor adventures in Killary, we were able to experience different regions of Ireland and make lasting friendships in our cohort. I have many memories of exploring streets in Belfast, running obstacle courses in bogs, and frolicking in Ireland's renowned landscape. One tip for anyone considering this program: jump right into that bog and immerse yourself!

What would you improve about this program?

Australia

4.88 •8 reviews

If you are looking for a city and university that has everything, look...

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Alumni Interviews

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

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program because I had a deep desire to interact with India through a critical lens. Having Indian heritage, I've been to India a number of times to see family and tourist sites. However, I've always wanted to learn about India in a deeper way. When it came to selecting a study abroad program, I was struggling because none of the programs already pre-approved by my institution really met the level of academic rigor I was itching for. Like a knight in shining armor, my advisor came to me and informed me about IFSA's program in Pune. Although Pune wasn't a location I had ever thought of studying in before, after taking a look at the program details and classes that were offered, I felt as if no other program could fit me better.

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

Honestly, my university and IFSA really managed the whole process for me smoothly. I never at any point felt like I didn't know what was going on with the application process, the pre-arrival process, or what to expect once I'd landed. IFSA was always in touch with me through the admissions counselor, program advisor, and program staff about the status of my application and what documents and deadlines I had upcoming. If I had any questions about my documents or what I had to fill out, they always responded to me immediately and gave me advice on what to do next or guided me through it. If you're like me and have a million questions about any application process, you'll appreciate the support IFSA offers every step of the way.

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

One piece of advice I'd give to someone going on my program is to manage your time and expectations. Studying abroad is a very exciting experience and you're bound to learn a million new things about the world around you, but it's important to know what you're stepping into and give yourself time to adjust. Make sure to pack/bring things that help you with self care (like a notebook to keep as a journal) so you can process all the new experiences in a healthy way while not getting overwhelmed. I think IFSA does a great job in accommodating and supporting students' needs, so always make sure to talk to your program staff whenever you want support!

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

Adrian Jennings

2015 Alum

Staff Interviews

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

Sian Munro

Program

IFSA - Study Abroad Programs in New Zealand

Job Title

Resident Director, New Zealand Programmes

Sian began her international education career 17 years ago at the University of Otago, welcoming new students while undertaking Masters’ research into the impact of international students on domestic students. A move to the UK for 2.5 years working for AIFS in London on gap year programmes, travel in the UK, Europe and a summer camp in the US followed, Sian returned to Otago in International Student Support before joining IFSA 7 years ago.

What is your favorite travel memory?

My time abroad was spent working and traveling with my closest friends. We learned so much about the world, ourselves and each other. I cherish the experiences we had even the not so great ones. Next year we are reuniting in Bali for another adventure!

One memorable trip was staying in Dubrovnik, renting a room in someone’s home. Our host recounted the siege of the centuries-old city from December 1991. Her family hid in a cupboard for days, which must have been terrifying. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen, made all the more stunning because of the tenacity of the people to rebuild, attract visitors back and be warm and welcoming hosts.

When I returned to New Zealand after 2.5 years overseas, the Immigration Officer gave me back my passport and said, “welcome home”. It was lovely to be home with a newfound desire to explore my own backyard.

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

In my role, I have become more aware of the unique place Aotearoa New Zealand has in the world, particularly when compared to a country as globally influential as the USA. I get to see my country through the eyes of students who are brand new to it and eager to dive into our culture and explore as many opportunities as possible.

While our organization has a vast geographical footprint, IFSA is an extremely collaborative workplace. IFSA colleagues share their knowledge of our field relating to best practice, research, and media reports. More significantly, opportunities and challenges facing our students and how we can most effectively connect with and support our students. As a result, I am constantly learning and growing as an international education professional committed to enriching the lives of our students while they are onsite, knowing it will have an enduring impact on them.

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

We had a student who developed an interest in cycling after riding a few trails during their semester in New Zealand. When the student returned to the US, this interest became a passion and she joined a not-for-profit organization fundraising and cycling across the US to build homes for Habitat for Humanity. We were fortunate enough that she became an IFSA student ambassador once she returned to her home campus until she graduated.

A couple of years later, she returned to New Zealand and worked for us as a Student Services Coordinator for a year on a working holiday visa. We see and hear lots of great stories from alumni by being connected on social media, but this was a great example of a study abroad experience going full circle!

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

Having the privilege of knowing the amazing impact all our wonderful Resident Directors and onsite staff have on our students in Latin America, the UK, and Europe, Asia and Australasia, it’s a very difficult choice!

I would definitely select somewhere I have never been before and a location completely different from the small city of Dunedin I live in, where a quarter of the 130,000 population are students and the climate is temperate. This would mean going to a country like India or China with a large population and a completely different climate, language, culture and cuisine.

The IFSA programmes in Pune and Shanghai explore these locations in a contemporary context which would be of significant interest to me as a social anthropology graduate.

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

There is a beautiful Māori proverb which says,

"He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata."

What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.

I have a fantastic team who enrich our programmes by fostering a strong sense of community and take an individual approach to our student’s learning abroad both inside and outside the classroom.

Our staff all have different topics we present on at orientation which we break up by enjoying outdoor activities in a beautiful open-air eco-sanctuary. I was at the hospital with a student and was not going to make it back in time for one of the briefings I am responsible for. Our team divvied up the briefing and familiarised themselves with their sections. I returned in time to see them do a fantastic job of presenting it!

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

From my perspective IFSA’s success comes from having a clear Mission, Vision and Commitments to underpin all the work staff worldwide undertake; from advising students about our programme offerings, working with our academic partners and operators in the US and our 19 programme countries, assisting students through the application and pre-arrival process, orientation, onsite support and programme delivery in both the academic setting as well as extra-curricular activities. While the Mission, Vision and Commitments might not be explicit to every student, as an organisation we have infused them into our programmes in a deliberate and meaningful way.