IES Abroad Reviews

For anyone interested in Politics, International Relations, the EU, or traveling, this is a fantastic program for you!

We learned so much about the 7 EU branches and even had a Model EU final project (I represented Italia). I am still in touch with the 34 other students in the program.

It was really cool to see so many political sites, including the EU Parliament in Strasbourg, the Swedish Parliament, and the EEAS, Commission, and Council of Ministers in Brussels. We also went to a Ukrainian mission. Being able to visit these government buildings and interact with representatives made understanding the EU more real and comprehensive as opposed to reading from a textbook. I learned so much!

I loved my time in Santiago. I was there for two months in summer of 2025 and I participated in the health studies program with IES. I think this program did a great job connecting the clinical observations through UC Christus with the content and terminology we were learning in our Spanish for healthcare practitioners class. This program also included fun field trips to the nearby cities of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar as well as activities such as snowshoe trekking. I also had the opportunity to do some independent travel to the Atacama desert (however it is really chilly in the winter which is when I went) as well as Argentina and Uruguay. If this is something you are interested in I think this program really gives you the opportunity to do that.

IES Abroad Amsterdam has friendly staff that were always kind and responsive. I had tons of questions before my semester, and they were always helpful.

If you are a history major, Amsterdam is a great place to be; there are tons of museums, spanning a wide range of topics, with various language options. With IES Abroad, you can access almost any museum you want for free. It was so fun to explore the city using museums as my guide.

For travelers, Amsterdam has a big airport, that flies direct to most places. While the prices aren't as low as London, planning your trips in advance or being flexible will open up so many options to you.

For people who love night-life, there is an amazing scene in Amsterdam! Intimate bars, crazy clubs, Amsterdam definitely has options for however you like to spend the night.

Something to note, Amsterdam is often rainy and cloudy. I got very lucky my semester; it was sunny and beautiful almost the entire semester! Compared to my home college in Minnesota, the weather was wonderful even in February. Keep in mind your preferences while choosing a location. If you love a cozy rainy day, Amsterdam will provide!

Safety wise, I would say being smart is the most important thing. Only in the most busy spots of the city did I ever worry about my bags; pickpocketing is definitely less present here than Rome for example, but still be aware. I was never really scared for my safety when traversing the city alone as a woman.

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!