Program Reviews

I had such an amazing experience in Nantes. I met new friends who I can't imagine living without now and we explored the city together for 4 months and had so much fun. From trying new restaurants to buying gifts for secret santa at the christmas market to getting drinks at the 'chat noir' bar and gossiping together. I can't express my gratitude to IES enough for bringing me such amazing friends who I got to experience such a great city with. If I hadn't taken the leap of faith to study abroad, I never would have meet some of my best friends.

My time in Freiburg was perfect! The city itself is picturesque, small enough to feel like a home, but big enough to offer lots of great restaurants, cafes, stores, and experiences. There is also a great public transportation system, and it's right next to the Black Forest, so lots of hiking opportunities.

The program is on the smaller size, so I was able to connect with every person in the group, which I really appreciated. By the end, it felt like a big family! Academically, it was exactly what I was hoping for in a study abroad semester. We had lots of field trips that brought our classroom discussions to life, and the classes offered were both unique and engaging, covering topics I wouldn’t have been able to study at my home university.

Traveling was another highlight. I had the chance to visit so many different countries, with France and Switzerland just next door. The closest airport is about an hour away in Basel, Switzerland, and there’s a convenient bus that runs frequently, or you can easily take the train.

This study abroad program was amazing! For students interested in health, this is the perfect overlap between community engagement and healthcare policy. The initial draw for me was the ability to study healthcare in both London and Jamaica. London is amazing city to study in and there's so much to explore in the UK alone. It's also very easy to visit other countries from London. The professors for this program are amazing and want to see students succeed. There are many professional opportunities as the program requires a community volunteer placement - students engage with local residents and learn more about the UK's national healthcare system. Finally, students spend 10 days in Jamaica exploring local sights, trying new foods, and shadowing in healthcare clinics.

A year has passed since I was accepted into my IES Abroad program, and I still reflect on the incredible experience of spending my fall semester in Freiburg, Germany—a country known for its green cities and commitment to sustainability. Though I knew it would be a valuable opportunity, I had no idea just how deeply it would shape me.

Professionally, my time abroad ignited a stronger passion for urban sustainability, renewable energy, and human impacts on the environment. I even picked up GIS skills—something I ended up really enjoying! Learning these subjects in the breathtaking Swiss Alps was a dream, and being guided by German professors offered a fresh, inspiring approach I wouldn’t have found in the U.S. My German language skills also grew, and I hope to use them more in the years to come. The academic experience was truly unparalleled.

On a personal level, living as a local in Germany allowed me to soak up culture in ways I never expected. I explored more than 10 cities, tasting new foods, visiting museums, hiking scenic trails, and uncovering layers of history and tradition. The people I met, both from the U.S. and across Europe, became some of the most meaningful connections I’ve made. Forming friendships with people from different backgrounds opened my eyes to new perspectives, and for that, I’m endlessly grateful.

I arrived in Germany knowing no one, but I embraced the chance to step out of my comfort zone. Some of my favorite memories were solo adventures, wandering freely and discovering the world on my own terms. That independence made the experience even more fulfilling.

From a Freiburg specific note- I ended up living in shared housing with German citizens, gaining a glimpse into their life. I did get my own room, which was nice. The grocery store was awfully close to where I lived, so everything was walking distance and if it wasn't, there was a good transit system. One thing to get used to is everything being closed on Sundays. I would also note how loud Americans are. I know I speak loudly, but if you sit and listen to the community around you, not only is it more peaceful, you end up realizing how loud you can get (and how Germans will stare!) Sometimes, mental battles are hard to fight, as you are in an environment with people you don't really know, and no known safe spaces for yourself. You have to be confident, meet new people, explore, really find those supportive areas for yourself. I suggest small weekday trips to nearby cities if you have the time for it, as knowing small little cities around Freiburg made me feel closer to the city and country. My favorite was Staufen! Don't take the time you have there for granted, really appreciate being a local, and don't book every weekend away from your city. Get to know it.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

Choosing to study abroad in Sydney with IES Abroad was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The combination of a world-class city, immersive learning opportunities, and unforgettable experiences made my time there truly special.

What set this experience apart for me was the way Sydney became more than just a place to study—it felt like a second home. The city itself is incredibly dynamic, offering a mix of stunning beaches, vibrant neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The easy access to both urban and natural wonders meant that every weekend was a new adventure, from hiking the Blue Mountains to watching a sunset at Bondi Beach.

The IES Abroad program staff played a huge role in making this experience so unique. They went beyond just helping with logistics—they really made an effort to create a supportive and inclusive environment. The excursions they organized helped me not only explore Australia but also forge strong friendships with my fellow students. The field trips, whether it was learning to surf or visiting a wildlife park to feed kangaroos, made the cultural immersion even more exciting.

If you’re thinking about studying abroad in Sydney, my advice would be to fully embrace every opportunity that comes your way. Say yes to meeting new people, trying new activities, and stepping outside your comfort zone. I found that the more I explored and connected with others, the more rewarding my experience became. Also, take advantage of the city's public transport—it makes exploring Sydney’s diverse neighborhoods and nearby beaches super easy.

Lastly, don't be afraid to engage with the locals! Australians are friendly and laid-back, and some of my best conversations happened during spontaneous meet-ups at cafes or while exploring the city.

For future participants, just know that Sydney offers the perfect balance between academic enrichment and personal adventure. This city has something for everyone, and with IES Abroad’s support, you'll find yourself growing both as a student and an individual. My time in Sydney has shaped me in ways I never expected, and I’ll carry those experiences with me long after graduation.