IES Abroad Reviews

I truly loved every second of my semester abroad. Going to study in Vienna was my first time leaving the country, and despite being nervous and a little afraid of what my five months in a different country, speaking a different language, was going to hold, I would do it all over again. IES gave me the opportunity to connect with American, Austrian, and other international students and really step out of my comfort zone. I loved how immersive my experience was and even though I had no prior German experience, the program prepared me for life in a german-speaking country. My favorite part of studying abroad through IES was going on IES-sponsored trips such as a weekend-long ski trip, and an excursion to the Wachau Valley. I got to see other places in Austria besides the city I was living in and had the chance to bond with other students and the IES staff. I really learned how to step out of my comfort zone and be myself!

I loved every second of my time in Barcelona. Not only was IES extremely accommodating before I arrived, they also were helpful once I was there (ex. I got sick and someone physically walked me to the doctor). I lived in an apartment in the center of the city only about a 10-15 minute breathtaking walk to class. In between classes, I would explore all around the city. My professors were awesome and provided good tips for travel, eating, school--you name it. I was so sad to leave and think everyone should have a study abroad experience like I had!

Traveling abroad can be very scary, especially when you're traveling to a country where you don't know the language well or have limited access to your support system at home. It was for these reasons that I chose IES Abroad's program. All of their programs were more structured and supportive than any of the other study abroad opportunities that I researched. They were more structured in the form of organized tours and activities that help strengthen our knowledge of the cultural and societal history of the country. We often traveled as a group, which helped you feel less vulnerable or anxious in an unfamiliar place. While at the same time, we had a lot of freedom and autonomy to travel and explore the city/country around us and it gave you the feeling of independence and personal growth. I couldn't have asked for a more influential program experience, because this semester abroad has changed my life.
When I decided to study abroad in China, I knew I would be signing up for a lot of new experiences and challenges. However, in my heart I knew this is where I needed to be, so I took that leap into the unknown and it is one of the best decisions of my life. I would advise someone interested in traveling or studying abroad in any Asian-Pacific country to not let fear and ignorance stop you from taking this journey. At first, the cultural and societal differences can be overwhelming, everything can seem so different and foreign that you begin to feel uncomfortable. But I believe, this feeling is only temporary if you let it be. I learned that its the mindset you approach new situations with, that determines the outcome and overall success of the experience. With that being said; I did have to adapt to customs and societal norms that I didn't necessarily agree with, and it was hard, but I always looked at it as a learning experience. For example: I live in the Midwest, and we don't really use public transportation outside of buses. So coming to Shanghai, and having to not only navigate the subway system, but also adjust to the aggressive and cramped standards and norms of subway culture was something I struggled with in the beginning. I couldn't understand why people pushed to get in and off the train, or how no one seemed uncomfortable being so close to one another. I just had to deal with it and follow along and over time I began to understand why it was this way and that in order for me to get where I needed to go, I had to follow that example. I would sum up my approach to a play on the famous quote: "When in Rome, do as the Romans do", to "When in China, do as the Chinese do"! This allowed me to have a really immersive experience that I feel was culturally rich and authentic. I tried to travel outside of the bigger cities to more rural areas to get multiple Chinese perspectives. Chinese culture is very unique and complex, some areas are evolving with the introduction of globalization, while their core values remain traditional and sometimes conflict with our Western values. However overall, having the opportunity to meet with and connect with Chinese young people to talk about issues and the similarities/differences of our cultures was very eye-opening and necessary. So I would advise anyone thinking of traveling to China to have the confidence to reach out to your Chinese peers and get to know them, because I learned that at our age we all do a lot of the same things and it makes the people around you feel more familiar and relatable. I feel my experience was so unique because I connected with Chinese exchange students before I left and by the time I arrived in Shanghai, some of them were back in China as well. It was nice to have their guidance and support while I was there. We would meet up and they would show me around their neighborhoods and the downtown area, and I got to enjoy the city the way they did growing up. Which goes to show you how important these connections can be.
Its also important to make connections with the people in your program and learn about how everyone's unique path led them to this point in there lives. You may be surprised to hear about what motivates/inspires people to travel abroad and to choose China specifically. Some of my favorite memories are going out with my program-mates to sing karaoke or eat hot pot (which is delicious) and all of the hilarious hi-jinks we shared in the classroom. Its the people that can really make a difference on you're experience, and remember even if you aren't close with everyone in your program you all still share the bond of the being abroad and the challenges you were able to overcome together.
Quick Tips:
-After 2 weeks decide on a REALISTIC budget per week (you most likely will spend more), and use cash to keep track on your spending
-Bring a rain coat and boots, you will use them and regret not having them
-Learn easy phrases like 'excuse me', 'how much', 'where is the bathroom', these will be VERY helpful in most situations
-Always check for your passport if you plan on traveling outside of your host country
-DON'T take unnecessary risks, if someone does something illegal and gets away with it don't feel bold enough to try it for yourself the consequences aren't worth it
-Stay positive and keep and open mind, this experience will be gone in a flash and you'll regret not putting yourself out there and doing more

Austria has a very unique history in Europe and I believe is one country that really ties relations with the majority of surrounding European countries. It's history and culture is old with wide-ranging influences, but yet was a country I previously knew little about nor had hardly heard of. Going to Austria opened up my understanding of a whole continent and it's recent history. Because it is a centrally located country as well, I also got to visit surrounding countries to tie into my understanding of Austria and the European view of the world stage. Austria was so complex and diverse, especially for being a small country; the learning and exploring never stopped.

I had an amazing experience abroad! I had the opportunity to travel, meet new people, and make new friends. The staff at IES Abroad Sydney helped me and was there for me whenever I needed them. They helped me learn how to navigate public transportation, gave advice on places to visit, and kept me updated on different events happening throughout Sydney. They planned fun trips and activities throughout the semester, such as hiking and surfing lessons. I would recommend studying abroad for anyone who is interested!

I really enjoyed my time in Granada for a few different reasons. I visited and lived in one of the coolest parts of Spain for a semester; getting to know the people, places, and history surrounding Andalucía. I learned how to speak better Spanish, I met very amazing Spanish people, ate tapas, and visited many different sites. In terms of academics, I took five courses and all but one was taught in Spanish. In some of the classes I learned about the history of Sephardic Jews, Flamenco, and how universities like UGR utilize technology for different social causes. One of my favorite aspects of this program was the different excursions that we were able to participate in. We had about five excursions during the semester that were free to IES students. During these trips we went on hikes, tours of different Cathedrals, museums, and old sites. I also loved being able to get to know the city of Granada itself. I walked nearly everywhere; to the Albycin, the Alhambra, and cafes. There were so many different places to visit- and most in walking distance. But it also wasn't hard to get to visit other cities from Granada- you could take a day trip to another major city using an ALSA bus, which was cheap and convenient. The community in Granada was pretty laid back and fun, I made some really great friends with Spanish university students, other IES students, and also my host mom! I think one of my favorite memories was being able to participate in the open mics that IES put on. I was able to practice, have jam sessions, and conversations with IES and local university students. From this experience, I got to know the people in Granada and felt more connected to the community there. Overall, I really enjoyed my time in Spain and I consider it as just the beginning of my adventures in Spain!

You always dream of the perfect study abroad experience, but much to my surprise, my time at IES Abroad Granada exceeded my expectations! I hadn't been planning to study abroad with this program, or in this city, but I am SO thankful I did! Granada is the ideal city in Spain to immerse yourself in the traditional Spanish culture, and the IES program there is run in an incredible manner. The staff at IES cares about you having an immersive, self-reflective, amazing journey, and they help you along the way. I stayed with an amazing host family and got to know other Spanish students through orientation leaders and friends I made through out the program. I am so grateful that the program created such a safe and inviting atmosphere to share with others all of the challenges and awesome things you experience while live abroad for a semester. I would highly HIGHLY recommend IES Abroad to anyone who would listen! You're going to experience an authentic Spanish city, see amazing historical landmarks, and practice your Spanish everyday! You'll be talking about your semester in Granada for years to come!

My time in Siena was nothing if not unexpected. You can prepare for days, weeks, or months on end before embarking on your adventure but once the time arrives, you have to be able adjust to the rhythm of wherever you are living. Siena was a beautiful and unique city to study abroad in, nothing like I have every experienced in the United States. The city is filled with passionate people who know their history like they know their own families. My experience in Siena barely scratching the surface with customs of day to day livings and traditions such as the Palio, but it was enough time for me to feel energized by the city and the people residing there.
If you choose to attend this IES program (which I highly recommend), then take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. One of my closest friends on the trip was a girl from the city and we saw a Rampage in their movie theater. Even though I could barely understand anything they were saying, it was one of my most favorite memories from my time abroad. Cliche movie plot lines are just funnier with Dwayne "the rock" lib dubs over them.

I loved my time abroad. London is such a wonderful, accessible, and international city that it was easy to find myself lost in the culture. As a health practice and policy student I was assigned to a service learning placement. I did my placement with Holy Cross Centre Trust in Camden, and was given opportunities to work hands on in the field of mental health. Whether it was running group sessions, to meeting with my one on one assigned patients, the experience was rich and enlightening. Over seas it was tough making friends at first, however through IES I was able to meet a group of girls that I will forever be close with. Not only were they my London friends, but we traveled together as well. It was easy to travel from London, and I took advantage of that to the fullest. IES made it easy to make the most of my experience abroad.

Studying in Nice was one of the most amazing experiences of my life! I've known that I wanted to study abroad my whole life, and finding this program through IES was perfect! They made everything so easy for me, it was very low stress preparing to pack up and move to France for four months! Shocking, I know! Nice is one of the most beautiful cities in France, with the beautiful sea and beaches, Veux Nice and the markets and all of the colorful buildings that surround you wherever you go. I've never lived in a city, and while I typically don't consider myself a city girl, Nice was the perfect little city for me to explore. There was always something new to see (and eat) and it was incredible to live a life that was so different from my life back in the States. One of my favorite things I did was attend Carnaval, the huge, over the top parade the city puts on each year. It was nothing like I've ever seen before, and I don't think any other parade I attend will ever live up to it. If you are deciding to go to Nice (which I think everyone should) make sure to pack an umbrella/raincoat and you MUST go to LAC, the most amazing chocolatier in Nice. I have become so much more independent and confident because of studying abroad, and I have been changed for the better from all of my experiences and travels. For anyone contemplating studying abroad: go for it. When else in your life are you going to have the chance to live in another country without having to worry about finding a job, paying bills, dealing with more intense visa processes, the list goes on and on. You won't regret it, I promise!