Program Reviews

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!

IES Abroad does a fantastic job of offering authentic experiences with the host country’s culture and educational system while catering to students with experience in the American education system. Orientation is in-depth for culture shock, language (whether or not you speak it), educational system, and so many opportunities to make friends with international and local students. IES offers a few faculty-led trips within the host country/surrounding area, which are incredible. They do a great job of picking cities with a rich history and that would be difficult for students to plan a trip encompassing the maximum number of highlights with enough time to enjoy the city. The staff also book tours of the cities with professionals who are always willing to speak at a lower level of fluency with students and explain concepts and events in several ways to that students all understand their point within the host language (if different that native language). Professors are the same and students can tell that professors genuinely enjoy both the subject they are teaching as well as interactions with students from all over the US and are very interested in comparing their experiences to students’.

My experience with IES Abroad Milan this spring has been nothing short of remarkable. The program offers a perfect blend of academic rigor, cultural immersion, and community outreach, providing students with countless opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.

One of the highlights of the semester was the community outreach programs facilitated by Professor Resnik, particularly our involvement with the local soup kitchen and Don Bosco High School. These initiatives gave us a chance to engage directly with Milan's local communities, broadening our perspective on service and making meaningful contributions to those in need. It was a humbling and rewarding experience that complemented our academic studies.

Beyond the classroom, the program organizes a wide range of activities and field trips that allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in Italian culture. From exploring Milan's art and architecture to discovering smaller towns and historical landmarks, every trip deepened our understanding of Italy's rich history and vibrant present.

The staff at IES Abroad Milan went above and beyond to ensure we were supported throughout the program, whether through academic resources, cultural events, or personal guidance. This holistic approach, combined with the exciting city of Milan as our backdrop, made for a truly unforgettable semester.

My time in Vienna through IES Abroad was the most influential experience I've had in my college career. I had the opportunity to meet life-long friends, explore new cities, immerse myself in new cultures, and take courses that challenged my worldview and helped me grow into a more compassionate and well-rounded individual. The people I met in Vienna are some of my closest friends. Our time traveling together cemented a bond that I will cherish forever. IES: Vienna also sponsors trips and provides information to aid students in traveling both in Austria and across Europe. IES: Vienna provides a space for its students to take academically rigorous courses that are designed to interact with the city of Vienna itself. My classes took trips to museums, parks, churches, and monuments to explore Vienese history and culture. IES guided us every step of the way through pre-departure, our time abroad, and as we transitioned back home. I would recommend the program to anyone looking to study abroad!

I had the time of my life this summer in Dublin. I was with other students from my university, but got to interact with the IES staff and students from other colleges during my time here. My classes were relatively easy, engaging, and the homework wasn't too bad. I wish I had had more guidance for our final projects but office hours helped clear that up. Stephen and Mark from IES Dublin were phenomenal. They were kind, informative, and happy to help in any way possible. I also liked the proximity of my apartment to city center. It was easy to walk around. I do wish my apartment was closer, since it was about a half hour LUAS ride to get to class every morning. And the area of our apartment was a bit sketchy. The cleanliness of the apartment was disappointing. The communal kitchens weren't cleaned despite being promised, and very little was actually provided despite what was advertised. But my personal room and bathroom was great and the city itself was wonderful. I loved our scheduled excursions as a group. I do wish the dining options provided were more dietary friendly though. But overall, my time in Dublin was incredible. I had so much fun traveling, making life-long friends, and getting immersed in the culture. Thank you IES!

I believe that despite the intense academic rigor and the overall stress caused by so many new aspects of living in Japan, that IES made it so much easier than it could have been. Their initial overview of customs and helpful services was invaluable; just having a consistent place to study or chat with like-minded students was a very nice offering to have. With all of that being said I feel that IES is a wonderful way to get acquainted with living in Japan, but be aware that there may be costs or attributes to your living experience that are surprising.