Program Reviews

I had an incredible time in Vienna! The city scene and cafe culture is so nice, and there are so many different exhibitions and attractions to go to. There are many student discounts, so that also made the city very student-friendly! Both the people in my program and locals in Vienna were all so kind and understanding (language wasn't an issue). I found my professors to be really helpful, and all of the IES staff were really resourceful. We didn't have class on Fridays, so I got to travel elsewhere with my friends during our free time.

My abroad experience was remarkable and I am very appreciative of IES's role in making my experience as special as it was. Before arriving in Barcelona, it was a smooth process to prepare for my abroad visa and documents. Upon arrival, IES staff members were waiting for us in the airport and in my residence hall. At the start of my program, I found friends easily through participating in IES trips and events. IES was very helpful throughout the semester and always made themselves accessible to students. In all, my experience was everything I had hoped for.

Studying abroad with IES was truly everything I’d ever dreamed of and more. It was an incredible experience that expanded my world in ways I never expected. I had the chance to meet some of the most amazing people who quickly became close friends, sharing countless unforgettable moments together. Beyond the friendships, I also had the opportunity to explore so much of Europe. Traveling to different countries and experiencing diverse cultures first-hand was beyond anything I’d imagined. This journey not only fulfilled a lifelong dream but also left me with memories and connections that I will carry with me forever.

Studying abroad opened my eyes to a new world of challenge, innovation, resilience, independence, and more. You will, just as I did, develop a unique set of skills that will be shown and carry with you throughout your professional career and life. Studying abroad will help enhance your understanding of your major, help you gain confidence, enhance communication skills, and so much more. I gained lifelong friends from this program. I just recently came back from a weekend visiting 3 of my friends that I met abroad!

In the Spring of 2024, I had the opportunity to study in Dublin, Ireland with IES Abroad's Dublin Writers Program. Not a day goes by that I don't wish I was back. Those four months were incredibly impactful academically, creatively, and personally. Studying abroad taught me independence, to trust myself. It gave me the freedom to explore and encounter the world on my own terms.

When I boarded the plane in January, I had no idea what to expect. I'd never traveled alone, never hailed a taxi, never lived in a big city. But the Irish are so incredibly kind and welcoming. Strangely, I never once felt out of place. Ireland was always home to me even before I touched the ground. I will always remember the shock I felt when I saw daffodils decorating the city. Somehow, those flowers symbolized the life and beauty I would experience in Dublin.

As for my professors, they were some of the kindest individuals I have met. All were clearly invested in our learning but equally as invested in our time abroad. Rather than simply being a course of study or the sole focus being placed on our time abroad, the two were equally married. Academic standards were high but the materials were meant to immerse us further in Irish history, culture, and literature. Through these classes, I gained a further sense of place. I will forever think fondly of discussing literature over tea, delving into Celtic mythology, and connecting the buildings I walked past every day to the history they stood through. I hadn't read many Irish authors prior to taking classes and I loved hearing these voices---voices that still felt intimately and genuinely connected to their location. It was incredible to learn about poets like Seamus Heaney from people who were friends with him. We were able to meet Louise Nealon, the author of Snowflake, which was chosen for One Book, One Dublin. Through in-class experiences and field trips, I truly got a taste of Irish history and culture.

I will forever cherish memories of riding the DART to the seaside, exploring markets, bookstore hopping, going to services in St. Patrick's Cathedral, walking the streets, and simply taking Dublin in. Walking the city, it became mine. I've never felt so intimately connected to a place.

Madrid was an amazing city to explore as a student. It had a variety of activities, from world-famous museums and parks, to a lively nightlife and food scene. I had access to cultural activities, a great group of fellow students, and easy access to travel Europe. I always felt safe in the city and really felt like I got to know it well. Classes were great and easily transferrable to my home university, although we did have a daily commute to class. IES provided support where needed. My housing was amazing as well. No complaints!

I loved my time in Salamanca. During the month I was there, I lived in the dorms at the Universidad de Salamanca and I attended classes at the university as well as at the IES center. I met people from all over the world with whom I still have contact today. The dorms are very safe and it was nice to have my own space, but because I shared a kitchen, I never felt alone. My kitchenmate is actually one of my closest friends to this day. The IES program does a wonderful job of planning activities and trips for the program participants. They help is explore the area while also offering opportunities to see places such as Portugal. The staff is so passionate about their jobs that it made the experience that much more enjoyable. The professors at the university are nothing but kind. Despite what level you are studying at, they are patient and truly want you to learn about their language and their culture.

I did this and one other program, Brown in Bologna. They each had lots of merits, it just depends on what you’re looking for, and I’m sure that can be said about any program. I liked the IES staff a lot, Milan is a great city, and the dorm I lived in and locals I met were great. I look back on this experience with extreme fondness. I think it depends a lot on how you use your time. The courses are the least interesting part of the experience. What’s special is meeting people, getting a cappuccino in the morning, walking around the city, visiting restaurants and museums, and enjoying yourself as you explore Italian culture. Be active and intentional about it, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy yourself as much as I did.

IES Abroad provided me with a great program, that allowed me so many new and exciting opportunities. I've always had a travel bug, and I was able to feed it by visiting so many new places and experiencing all new cultures. I am very introverted and I chose IES outside of my university's program options, so I was with all new people. Although it can be nerve-wracking at first, I learned to just be myself, and sometimes embrace my time alone. That first week abroad, everyone is excited to be there and meet one another, that is the perfect time to make connections. I was really worried about being surrounded by people that already knew each other, but it all worked out, and now these are some of my best friends.

I had an amazing time studying abroad with IES Internship Abroad! There was a lot of paperwork and tasks needed to get done before departing, however IES made it easy to organize myself by having a list of tasks and their due dates. They also held orientations that were helpful, covering topics around housing, safety, etc. They did their best to match me with a job that fit my major and other preferences, and they also did a good job assigning me to a great homestay in which I practiced my French lot. On top of that, they held excursions to visit other parts of Paris, which was a great way to explore more the farther parts of Paris and meeting others in the program. In the end, my French improved a lot, I was able to step out of my comfort zone which improved my confidence, and I left with great memories with lifelong friends!