Program Reviews

My experience with the IES Abroad Program in Milan, Italy was absolutely incredible! When I first started to look through my university's study abroad programs, I didn't see many for music. So when a friend pointed out IES Abroad's music programs in Vienna and Milan, I was immediately excited. Both Italy and Vienna can be considered birthplaces for music, as many important composers of the past were born or have worked there. I knew I couldn't pass these experiences up. Many of my friends also decided to apply to the same program, which made it even more exciting. The months after we were all accepted were a whirlwind. Finally, the day came to leave for Milan.
Arriving in Milan, I felt anxious but excited overall. When I arrived at the apartment where I would spend the next 3 month of my life, I was really impressed. The housing was in a really nice area with a historical landmark just down the street. My CA was also very welcoming and friendly.
Most of my classes were at the IES Abroad Center, except for my music lesson and orchestra. The teachers were all very friendly and very willing to help, especially my Italian Language professor. I really enjoyed every class I took, and I can say that I learned a lot in each class. Don't expect to be able to coast through the semester just because you're abroad.
Overall, I truly had a wonderful time in Milan, and I miss it every day, especially now since I am back at my home university. The memories I have mad in Milan will stay with me and throughout my life.

This was my very first time out of the United States and my first time even being on a plan. I knew that it was everything was going to be a new experience, but I did not anticipate the emotions I would feel. Being a young black woman surrounded by Italians was quite overwhelming in the beginning. Our program told us that Italians do have a staring problem, but I felt like it was on a whole other level! I knew that because I would be experiencing a lot of new things (food, fashion, art, and traveling), i specially choose a course of study that I knew that I would enjoy. Through all of the struggles and stress that I experienced abroad, being apart of the music program kept me happy and upbeat. The things that I was going through did not matter once I enter the class room, it was rehearsal time. I had amazing opportunities to perform around Milan, Italy and had amazing professors that worked had worked in conservatoires prior to this program. I was getting a high quality music lessons and gained more experience with preforming. With everything new and moving around me, music never failed to keep me grounded. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to be apart of this program.

IES Amsterdam was the most incredible time of my life. This city provided unlimited amounts of opportunities to get involved in the community and explore the in's and out's of this city! The staff was extremely helpful in providing us with the knowledge of what was going on every week and providing options of all different interests and costs. They facilitated our academics, housing and periodic events in new parts of the city to keep us engaged. Amsterdam is unique in that it doesn't look like any other city in the world with the canals and the architecture. Considering how small Amsterdam is, there are so many different pockets to explore and each area has a different vibe to it! Its incredible to be in such a historically significant city and I had an amazing time in Amsterdam and everyday I wish I could go back.

I went to Barcelona through IES last year without knowing a single person. I landed in Spain overwhelmed by the fact that I did not know anyone and that I was in an entirely new place. So I decided then to go into this experience with a completely open mind and by the end of my semester, I was flying home with an entirely new outlook and perspective. Study abroad gave me the opportunity to travel the world and truly immerse myself in the culture and history of a place thousands of miles away from me. I learned about art, politics, and life abroad. I also spent a lot of time getting to know my professors and they were always willing to give out recommendations and advice. Overall, it was an incredible experience and I encourage people to push themselves out of the comfort zones and adventure!

I highly recommend IES to anyone looking for a trustworthy study abroad program. I went abroad with IES Arles for the summer of 2018 and I had an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. The staff and administrators made themselves very available and accessible in various ways to provide a fun and safe environment. Professors and administrators encouraged students to push the limits of our comfort zones in terms of language barriers. As a result, I experienced rapid growth in my understanding of French language and culture. We had a couple locals that were our tour guides who showed us around the city, introducing us to their favorites spots to grab a bite, study, attend community events. On Fridays, trips were organized to explore neighboring cities and neighborhoods. I was also in France during their World Cup victory, making the experience even more memorable! I could only do a summer abroad with my schedule, but I definitely would have done a year abroad if I could have.

I had the best time studying abroad with IES in Siena. I loved being in a smaller city because I feel like it gave me the opportunity to become completely immersed in the culture, and I was given more opportunities to practice my Italian language skills. IES truly went above and beyond my expectations through all steps of the study abroad process, from the initial applications to the last day I spent in Siena. All of my classes were very interesting and not something I could have taken at my home university. The professors all wanted us to know the material and truly cared about our progress. The IES staff in Siena were so helpful in answering any questions or tending to our needs, I miss them all! This experience is something that I know I could not have gotten through any other program and one that I will never forget. I cannot wait to return to Siena (hopefully in the near future).

When you travel anywhere, there is only so much that words can do to describe your experience, if you weren't there you'll never fully understand.With that being said, I will still try my absolute best to describe to you my experience. Studying and interning in Barcelona, Spain was life changing, to say the very least. Not only was I adapting to a new culture and language, meeting new people, learning new things and seeing new sights, but I gained a new perspective on life overall. One of the biggest take aways I got from Spain was, "if something is different, it does not have to be better or worse, it is just different". That is a perspective that changed my entire view of life and I took back with me to the States. IES and their staff truly brought that quote meaning to life in everyday class settings, field trips, excursions or just conversations. My experience and time in Spain was only as amazing as it was, due to IES. The support staff prior to my departure were very helpful, but once I got there it was phenomenal. IES does an amazing job at truly immersing you into Spainish culture. There are so many informational and cultural excursions you can go to, language assistance and even personal-life support. Anything you can think about potentially needing while living in a foreign country, IES has you covered and then some. I never felt alone or unsafe due to the supportive staff at IES. I am so grateful to have chosen a program that truly cares about the students in the program and the outcome of their experience and future. I would recommend this program to any and everybody and I promise you I am not getting paid or any incentive to say this. If you want more details about my experience abroad please feel free to email me at: mglinsey@umail.iu.edu.

When I left for my study abroad program, I had no expectations. I had never been to Europe before and as excited as I was to embark on this journey, it was hard to believe that I would be living in a foreign country for four months. But I did, and I absolutely loved it. I used to think it was cliché when someone would tell me that studying abroad would change my life, but after my experience with the IES Study London Program, I can honestly say that it did. Not only was our housing situation fantastic, and complete with all of the amenities one could need, but the staff was also brilliant! I can genuinely say I have never enjoyed going to class more than I did while in London. The classes are all fairly small and the professors really take the time to help you better understand the culture you are living in. Our academic advisors were also amazing and got to know each of us on a personal level. This made the transition very smooth, and it made me feel as though I had a group of English friends from the start. All of the class trips were very fun and educational, and it allowed for students to affordably travel around the United Kingdom. Although IES gave us a great deal of support, they also gave us the time to explore London on our own and truly become immersed in the culture. This was the best of studying abroad, in my opinion. When I say that this program changed my life for the better, I truly mean it. Going on this adventure not only gave me a new perspective on the world, and my life, but it also gave me friendships that will last a lifetime. Experiencing a new city, and a new culture, gave me a newfound confidence and showed me how much this world has to offer, outside of college. I truly had the best time, and I would recommend this program to anyone who is considering studying abroad.

I loved my experience with IES. Starting out, they are super great about guiding you and making packing, logistics, and arrival as stress-free as possible. They pick you up at the airport, take you to your housing, and give you a week of orientation where they tell you everything you need to know. They make you feel 100% safe in your new home. They are also amazing about housing. The staff goes out of its way to pair you with people they think you will actually get along with. So don't get freaked out about having random roommates, cause they for sure will not be completely random. If you don't speak Italian, but are thinking of doing a homestay instead of an apartment, IES has also got your back. Almost all of their homestay moms speak English, so you'll be fine! IES also has awesome cultural excursions they plan for you, in addition to really interesting classes.

I met so many people from all over the world at the local museums including my favorite, MACBA. I learned so much about the culture and region from inside of the walls of the university. I would not have been able to have this experience without the program, and I commend the staff for all the work they do making the students comfortable and informed.
I would recommend thinking about where you will live thoroughly. There are pros and cons to all options. It really depends on the type of experience you are trying to get. When living with a family, you have to tell them where you are and report back more. There is less freedom than an apartment or dorm, but you get breakfast and dinner everyday- if you want. It is also extremely useful if you are planning to learn about the culture on a deeper level and get better with the language.