Program Reviews

I chose the summer program for Tokyo, and by the time it was over, I found myself wishing I'd stayed longer.

Initially, I was extremely nervous about the social scene since I went into the program not knowing anyone, but I made close friends that made me less afraid to try new things (like singing karaoke in front of people I didn't know well) and to practice Japanese. Being in crowded spaces usually scares me as well, but I got used to the trains faster than anticipated since we commuted to class every week. I fell into a routine fairly quickly. We'd often start our mornings with a convenience store run and eat and study some more before class. I also spent a lot of time in the cafe of the hotel we were housed at and even made friends with one of the people who worked there.

The IES staff was a great help as well. When I wanted to plan a trip to Yokohama with my friends, we asked the best places to visit and good ways to get there. They gave us a lot of helpful advice. I'm also glad I brought some good sneakers because we walked a ton every day!

IES Abroad presented me with an opportunity that I would've otherwise never been able to experience. Through their financial assistance and support, I was able to explore the city of London for a 3-week summer program, seeing firsthand landmarks I only expected to witness in movies/TV shows. During my time, albeit I was faced with days of loneliness and regret, I was able to meet new people who helped me out of my drought - some of whom I still keep in contact with. Through my provider, the summer of 2025 became a monumental one that I can look back on and proudly say, I did it scared and made it!

Spending Summer 2025 in Milan through the IES Abroad Internship Program was a transformative blend of cultural immersion, academic rigor, and professional growth. As a consulting intern at GEN USA, I worked on strategic client projects that sharpened my analytical thinking and cross-cultural communication skills. The 6-credit internship seminar added depth and structure, helping me reflect on my impact and connect real-world challenges to broader business frameworks. Living and working in Milan taught me how to navigate ambiguity, build trust across cultures, and approach consulting with both precision and empathy. For anyone seeking global exposure and meaningful professional development, this program offers a rare opportunity to grow with purpose and confidence.

My experience abroad was different than most, because instead of taking classes, I was working at an internship! I loved the flexibility this offered me, because I was able to explore Vienna and travel to new places! At my internship, I gained valuable career experience and guidance from my mentor. When I wasn't working, I had so much time to explore the city. Vienna is a cultural hub with so much to do, especially in the summertime. My highlights were swimming in the Danube after work, exploring the foodie scene, and going to so many museums!

Interning at Vatican News this summer was easily the best eight weeks of my life. I learned more than I ever thought I would, while also making life-long connections with other employees, with whom I still speak with today. I got to do so many incredible things, like go to embassies, interview celebrities, and experience Vatican culture first-hand. The IES program and staff was incredible, making me feel welcome since day 1. They took us on sponsored field trips, allowing us to dive deeper into Italian culture, while also teaching an Italian Lifestyle course, where we got to learn more about the day-to-day life living in Rome. I have no complaints, and would recommend Rome to anyone.

I completed the Remote Internship Program with IES Abroad, and I strongly recommend any student who has an interest in global education or wants to diversify their experiences. The program teaches you everything about cultural differences from one country/region to another while also gaining work experience. I loved the opportunity to work with a company and gain real-world experiences of what life is like in that country. Furthermore, the ability to gain work experience and network with fellow team members was also powerful. The program was an experience of a lifetime, and I am truly grateful to have the support of the program staff to help me. I strongly recommend it if you have an interest in diversifying.

Studying abroad in Barcelona with IES Abroad was an incredible experience. The program was well-organized, with helpful staff, engaging classes, and great opportunities to explore the city and Catalan culture. I lived in an apartment with other students, which gave me a lot of independence while still feeling supported.

Barcelona was the perfect place to study — beautiful, lively, and full of history, food, and festivals. IES offered fun excursions and cultural activities that helped me connect with the city beyond the classroom. I also had time to travel on weekends, which made the semester even more exciting.

Overall, I came back more confident, independent, and globally aware. I’d highly recommend this program to anyone looking to study abroad in Spain!

While I have been abroad, this was the first time I was abroad for more than two weeks. To be honest, it was nerve-racking at first, but once I got to know the people in my dorm and had a set class schedule, my time became more enjoyable. During the first week of orientation, we visited Ronda. We visited an olive oil plant and an old bull-fighting stadium. We also took amazing hikes into the hills past blooming almond trees and expansive views of open agricultural fields. After the hike, they gave us time to walk around and explore Ronda. I got stuck in a downpour, on my way to find a gluten-free cafe, but even that was exciting! While I did end up at a dominos, it is an experience I won't forget. There are a bunch of great food options available, but I need quick sustenance. Going to show that it took me a bit to adjust to Spain and get a solid footing, but that was okay! This was only one of many trips during my time abroad!

Because of study abroad, I have had the opportunity to learn about a place in class, through books, or from my parents, and then be able to see and experience it myself. I think this is an opportunity everyone should have, or at least consider for themselves.

Through studying abroad, you can learn things outside of the classroom. I had the benefit of knowing the language of my home city before even stepping off the plane, but others I’ve talked to learned language skills through their time abroad. Truly immersing yourself in the culture, language, and customs of a location is something you can't learn from a textbook.

My time abroad taught me a lot about myself. I never considered myself an independent person before living in Berlin, but after solo traveling and discovering towns in my free time, I have grown to do more things on my own, and it is very freeing and gives me a lot of new opportunities.

While studying abroad in Berlin, I was one of the presidency, marketing, and student affairs interns for an international university, where I primarily focused on online presence, social media operations, organization, and analysis. This hands-on experience will help me gain an international position at a bilingual company after graduation.

I was also a part of the student council while in Berlin, where I acted as a co-event planner and marketer, designing posters and graphics for the IES Abroad Berlin Instagram page and the education abroad center where classes were held. Throughout my time abroad, I acted as a social media correspondent for my study abroad program, IES Abroad, where I posted photos, stories, and videos throughout my time and travels abroad.

Studying abroad gave me a sense of independence I never would have gained by staying in my hometown. Living in a new country challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, adapt quickly, and rely on myself in ways I hadn’t before. I learned a lot about who I am while in Berlin, which is why it was one of the most rewarding and transformative parts of my college years.

Recently, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Vienna with IES Abroad this past spring semester of college.

At first, I was a bit skeptical as everything was happening so quickly. I was adjusting to a new environment, meeting new people (and repeating the same introduction over and over), and on top of that, beginning to learn a new language - German.

As the semester progressed, I became increasingly grateful to be in Vienna. I met so many wonderful people, many of whom I still stay in touch with, and gained a fresh perspective on many aspects of life. The IES staff were incredibly supportive and fun, and I genuinely enjoyed most of my courses.

One of the highlights of my experience was how much I was able to travel - far more than I could have back at my home university. I would absolutely recommend Vienna as a study abroad destination.