IES Abroad Reviews

One fear I had was not making friends with classes being online, but I had many group projects with friendly students that were eager to help me with anything and everything. Balancing schoolwork and fun was difficult at times, but I was surrounded by amazing resources. My experience was entirely shaped by my own ability to create opportunities for myself and make time to travel independently. What helped me the most was setting goals before I went abroad to orient myself and provide direction.

Berlin is an incredible city, so filled with history and culture! I felt at home very quickly at the start of my program, and I have to attribute much of that to the lovely staff at IES's Berlin Center. They welcomed us in with much care and support, and the faculty were really knowledgeable. My courses were striking and very relevant to my degree in International Affairs. I feel I've returned with a better understanding of the relationship between America and Europe, and how my identity fit as an American in Germany. The staff took us on day trips to Hamburg, Potsdam and Dresden, which were very enjoyable! They also provided opportunities to attend cultural events and visit local museums. Our pre-departure information meetings with the Center staff were very informative; learning about grocery stores and prepaid cellular providers beforehand saved me time during our first week of adjustment. The neighborhood our student apartments were in is a very cool area, and public transport across the city is great. I became really close with the other students in the program, and we bonded more because we lived in the same building. I'd highly recommend Berlin to anyone looking to visit Europe for the first time, and I'd advocate for any of IES's other programs in Germany as well!

I had the best time studying at the IES Abroad Writers Program in Dublin, Ireland. Given the status of Covid-19, my program size was not very big, but I met so many people in and outside of my program. From the relationships I built with my professors, to the amazing people I met, these were just two of the best reasons why my abroad experience was amazing! I was able to travel in and outside of Ireland with friends which was so much fun. I loved being a part of the culture of Ireland which really made my experience so much better! Even though I was homesick a few times, Ireland became my second home very fast which really helped me in that sense. I always felt safe wherever I went and was given multiple contacts in case of an emergency. My living situation was more than what I could have asked for, and the staff was so supportive and friendly to all the residents in the building. Overall, this was one of the best decisions I have ever made as a college student. I will always remember this experience and cannot wait to share it with more students in the future!

Studying abroad on the IES Metropolitan Studies in Berlin was one of the best times in my life. My cohort was the first ones back since the pandemic so many things were different, so please take my review with a grain of salt. However, I had the most fun ever. The group that came was much smaller than a typically year so as a result we all got to know each other quite well. We all lived in the same apartment buildings so we frequently collaborated on meals and gatherings. This worked well for my program as it was nice to live in a community of others from the States and allowed for an easier transition into Germany. We had many planned trips through IES which were a lot of fun and the classes were incredibly interesting as they used the city of Berlin as a case study. Overall can't recommend enough, the staff were incredible as well and so friendly. You will truly be supported on this program if you decide to go.

IES was a great program in which I learned a lot about not only my future ideal profession, but I also learned about the country's culture and how to engage in cultural competency in all fields. I was given the tools to independently succeed and did not need to check in with the program, but I always wanted to because I felt as if I had a strong community there at IES in which I could ask for advice or just go to them to share my stories. All of the people, from everyone who interviewed me to see my ideal placement to my teacher to the program I was placed in, all had very kind and understanding individuals who wanted me to succeed.

Studying abroad with IES programs was truly the best decision I've made in my college career. From pre-departure information, to housing, to help with travel plans and more, IES was there every step of the way! I decided pretty last-minute to do the program, so I felt rushed and overwhelmed, but IES made things clear and simple for students. Once at the program, the staff and instructors were great. There were several course options, and all included many trips to museums and walking tours around London to bring our learning to life! I was able to take so many trips outside of London to explore England with friends that I made; I learned so much about myself in those short two months. My only complaint is that I wish it had been longer! I cannot recommend IES programs enough!

One of the most rewarding and exciting things I am proud to have done while in college is Study Abroad. In summer of 2021, I studied in London through IES Abroad for 6 weeks! This program was filled with so many great memories and opportunities for me! During this time I took two amazing classes that gave me more insight into London, England and more largely the United Kingdom.
I was also able to meet other college students just like myself and create beautiful memories with people and now close friends I will forever remember! From tea dates, to the portobello market, to the London eye, to watching the sunset at primrose hill and biking through the city of London, there were so many exciting venues to see! When you study abroad the possibilities are endless, you get to call a different city in another country your home for 6 weeks! 
While living in London, I also appreciated how diverse the city was and how open it was to cultures from all over the world! This was the most exciting part for me! In London, every neighborhood or borough was a touristy and niche with plenty of cultural boutiques and restaurants. I was also about 15 minutes away from Camden Market, a local market with clothing, art, food, and other vendors! 
At first I was very nervous and worried about adjusting to another city, and country. But, throughout my experience The IES staff was very helpful! They helped us students understand transportation, gave us safety tips, recommendations and also created events and opportunities for us to go outside of the city of London and visit other cultural locations within England! 

This summer I spent two months with IES Abroad through the UK today program and it was amazing! everything from our location in London, to our amazing classes with field trips to many famous locations, to our Friday trips to Cambridge, Canterbury, Hasting, and more it was all amazing. The only part I didn't enjoy was leaving because I knew I would miss the friends I made and the teachers and administration that went abroad with us. You'll have plenty of time to have fun and explore little known locations that the program heads will inform you about. This was my second time travelling in London, but learned so much about hidden gems in London from talking with everyone that ran the trip!

During my time at Impact Hub Vienna I was a Data Analysis and Market Research Intern. I was brought on to analyze multiple years' responses of their Members Survey and break down the questions by other variables of interest for multiple groups of people with different aims. An additional goal of my position was to research which organizations were running a program similar to the one my supervisor's team was looking to create and gather information about each program already functioning. Managing time differences and travel, my supervisors and I created a balanced schedule of meetings and independent work allowing me autonomy in the process of producing benchmark and final deliverables. I developed personally and professionally with the help of my supervisors and IES Mentor, Liz. I was able to gain additional data analysis knowledge through STATA work, hone my articulation skills in weekly meetings and presentations to team members, and virtually immerse myself in Austrian culture learning about popular food, music, history, economy, and political structure. I would definitely recommend this experience and had a great time with Impact hub and IES.

I spent last summer in London with IES Abroad and I loved every single second of it! I was there for just under 2 months, and took 2 courses with IES, both for my majors. The teachers were so knowledgeable and kind, and I felt like I took a lot away from their classes. The IES staff was so helpful in planning trips, whether it was for our entire program to visit the Dover cliffs or giving us advice and contact information to help plan a trip to Warner Brother Studios. I was so nervous about going overseas alone for the first time, but everyone was so kind and helpful, I acclimated in no time. I miss my time abroad every day, and because of my experience with IES in London I am even pursuing international careers in other countries after graduation! I cannot recommend this program enough.