Program Reviews

IES Barcelona did an amazing job of walking us through all of the tasks we had to complete before we flew abroad. From the visa process, to packing tips, to culture and safety modules, I felt very prepared to head to Barcelona for the semester. The classes they offered all transferred back to my home university seamlessly, and most of the professors were very kind and wanted you to succeed. IES staff planned many events to immerse us in Catalan culture and learn about Barcelona history. Overall, I really recommend IES Barcelona for your study abroad experience.

I had an amazing time studying abroad. My classes at the IES center were all in French, which was difficult at first, but the professors were helpful and forgiving. The classes were challenging for me because they were taught in French, so I was learning new material while concurrently trying to improve my French skills. Specifically compared to my friends in other study abroad programs, I felt the classes were harder than average. Although, luckily for me, my GPA from abroad didn't factor into my overall GPA at my home university. The center where my class were was so great! It was in an amazing location with so many restaurants and shops nearby, as well as a metro stop and bus stop. I always went out to lunch during my lunch break and ended up finding some favorite spots on the charming street which the center was on. Also at the center, there was always free coffee, a printer, a mini library, and the offices of the staff. Overall I had a great time, and my French skills improved a lot!

My time in Sydney with IES Abroad was a memory I'll keep for the rest of my life. Although it had its hard moments (don't underestimate how much homesickness or a hard class can hit you), there were so many amazing experiences I got to have, like seeing quokkas in person or building a group of friends from all over the world. It was a great opportunity to expand my horizons and learn who I am as a person without the safety net of the same people and places I've always known. One of the best parts is being able to customize your experience based on your goals abroad, whether your focus is personal, professional, or academic.

My time in Milan and Europe is something I will always remember! Initially, I was overcome with nerves, but by the end, I had made many new friends and had some amazing experiences. While the initial planning was stressful at times, I appreciated how easily I could get help when needed from my advisors. I loved how easy it was to travel from Milan, which isn't something you can say for some other cities. My travels allowed me to gain new perspectives, and I will forever be thankful for these experiences.

I had such a fantastic time being with IES in Sydney. I enjoyed being surrounded by so many people my age, and I could get to know the culture! It was a little tricky being one of the only people of color in the area, but I felt so welcomed and loved, and many people wanted to know about my background, making for a great exchange of culture. I loved traveling around Australia too. Being able to go to places like the Great Barrier Reef, Perth, Melbourne, and even Bali! I was able to understand everything that Australia had to offer!

I spent a semester in Rome, Italy, with IES Abroad! My experience was incredible! As an Italian minor, Rome was the perfect, easy choice for me to immerse myself in Italian culture and the language. I lived in a lovely apartment in a residential neighborhood of Rome, only a ten-minute walk away from the Vatican. I passed Castel Sant’Angelo and the Tiber River every day on the way to class. I had the opportunity to take unique classes: Italian language, Culture and Cuisine, Archaeology of Rome, and Cinecittà Studios to Real Locations. All of the classes have classroom days and field study days, where the class would meet in different parts of the city. The professors I took wanted nothing but success for the students and were so supportive throughout the semester. The staff at the IES Center offered fun trips and programs throughout the semester, like gelato making, wine tasting, olive picking, and more! I was also lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel around Europe on the weekends and visit cities like Granada, Stockholm, and Florence.

I was able to meet great friends from all around the United States, as well as friends from Argentina. The IES abroad staff made the study abroad experience so comfortable, and we all became a big family. I really liked having other students from the United States in my program since we could explore together and go on adventures in a group. Having the support of the Buenos Aires staff from IES to navigate issues such as going to the doctor, getting SIM cards, and other issues made the adjustment process to the city so easy.

I had one of the most memorable experiences of my life being abroad with IES Abroad at Nanzan University. My homestay made me feel like part of their family, and I still call them every month to catch up with them. The food in Japan and at my school was incredible and so affordable. I made so many new friends from people in my program, but also local students. The CJS program at Nanzan does a really amazing job offering opportunities for students to meet with local students as well as helping abroad students make the most of their experience. Outside of school, IES abroad took us on many different field trips that helped me understand the Japanese culture in a new way. I couldn't recommend it more!!

Being abroad was a truly amazing experience, but I would be lying if I said it was always galmorous. IES Rome was always helpful and provided support before, during, and after the program. There wasn’t a whole lot of information about what the first few days would look like, but once we arrived at the airport in Rome, we were greeting by friendly and eager IES staff. The first week was structured and layed out in detail so there would be no confussion. One of my biggest concerns was that I wouldn’t meet new people, but, esspecially during the first week, there were so many opportunities to meet new people. One of my closest friends from my time in Rome is someone I met just from us ditting next to each other on a bus on the second day of orientation. In all, being abroad will be the experience you make it, so always keep and open mind and try to stay as in the moment as possible.

I had such an amazing experience in Nantes. I met new friends who I can't imagine living without now and we explored the city together for 4 months and had so much fun. From trying new restaurants to buying gifts for secret santa at the christmas market to getting drinks at the 'chat noir' bar and gossiping together. I can't express my gratitude to IES enough for bringing me such amazing friends who I got to experience such a great city with. If I hadn't taken the leap of faith to study abroad, I never would have meet some of my best friends.