Program Reviews

I would not change my study abroad experience for the world. When I first chose Amsterdam, I was hesitant if I made the right choice or not. It's stressful because you are going to be living in this new place for a whole semester. Even though I was scared, I am so incredibly happy that I chose Amsterdam to be my home away from home. Even though the city is small, there is so much to do. From the museums to the boat tours, I never got bored. My friends and I would always try new restaurants as well.

I felt extremely comfortable in Freiburg from the first day I arrived to the last. A big part of this in my mind is down to the environment and attitude the city fostered. With its bike riding and pedestrian-friendly vibe combined with the fact that it felt just the right size. Not too big and dangerous but also enough people to feel excited. It is also a very beautiful and sunny city. This combined with that IES gives us the freedom to learn while providing support and help to stay safe and enjoy. IES had the perfect balance of providing group activity but not restricting us or keeping us too busy. They understood that we would want to get out into the city and take risks. I appreciated how they showed us how to do this in the safest way possible and did not control us too much. IES did most of the hard work to make settling in very easy and the staff were very supportive and friendly. It felt like a family from day one. The classes and professors were all very good and I liked how they emphasized that we should be speaking German. All of this combined led me to enjoy and feel at home in Freiburg all while pushing my comfort zone and experiencing new things.

I had an amazing time interning abroad through IES! I studied and worked as a healthcare management consulting summer intern in Milan, Italy during the summer of 2023. It was truly one of the best decisions I have ever made. Not only did I gain an incredible amount of work experience, I also got to travel the world and meet some really incredible people. I am forever grateful for the memories, knowledge, and insight I gained during my time abroad. For future participants - be sure to mentally prepare for all of the challenges that come with studying abroad, but also get excited for how much you will grow from them!!

I had an incredible experience with the IES Freiburg program! The academics were strong, with passionate professors and a well-rounded curriculum that deepened my understanding of Freiburg and taught in German. I was able to also take a course at the local university. Cultural immersion was a highlight, from city tours to staying in German student housing. The support system was excellent, and I formed lifelong friendships. The program's flexibility allowed me to explore Europe. Overall, it was a life-changing adventure that enriched my education and worldview. Highly recommended!

My time in Cape Town, South Africa through IES Abroad was by far one of the best experiences of my life. The structured program and support system that the IES Center and staff provided students allowed them to feel comfort and support in a new home away from home. The culture of South Africa was engaging and welcoming to each of us. The coursework was interesting and very applicable to daily experiences and course related trips. I definitely recommend to study abroad in South Africa through IES!

Studying abroad in Nantes with IES Abroad was nothing short of a life-altering adventure, an experience that has profoundly impacted my personal and academic growth. From the moment I set foot in this picturesque French city until my bittersweet farewell, IES Abroad orchestrated a study abroad program that was both intellectually stimulating and culturally enriching.

Academic Excellence (5/5):
The academic facet of the program in Nantes exceeded my expectations. The curriculum seamlessly interwove the French language and culture, enabling us to not only master the language but also deeply understand the local way of life. The professors demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our success, ensuring that we were intellectually challenged and engaged throughout our studies.

Cultural Immersion (5/5):
Residing with a host family was undoubtedly one of the program's highlights. It granted me a unique opportunity to interact with Nantais locals, refine my French language skills, and gain profound insights into the fabric of French culture. IES Abroad thoughtfully organized cultural excursions and activities that allowed us to explore Nantes and the surrounding regions, providing us with an authentic taste of France's rich heritage.

Supportive Staff (5/5):
The dedicated IES Abroad staff in Nantes were our pillars of support throughout our journey. From guiding us through administrative processes to offering invaluable advice on adjusting to a new environment, they demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our well-being. Their warm and caring approach fostered a sense of belonging within our diverse student community.

Safe and Inclusive Environment (5/5):
Nantes proved to be a safe and welcoming city, known for its amicable residents and secure surroundings. IES Abroad took additional measures to enhance our security, ensuring that we could focus on our studies and exploration without concerns. The program's dedication to inclusivity created an environment where diversity was celebrated, and all students felt valued and respected.

Life-altering Experience (5/5):
My time in Nantes with IES Abroad has indelibly changed me. Beyond linguistic proficiency, I gained a global perspective, forged lasting bonds with locals and fellow students, and underwent significant personal growth. The memories and lessons from this transformative journey will forever shape my life.

In conclusion, the opportunity to study abroad in Nantes with IES Abroad was truly a dream come true. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone seeking to discover France, deepen their language skills, and embark on a voyage of self-discovery. It is an experience that not only enriches your academic and cultural horizons but also leaves an indelible mark on your personal growth. My heartfelt gratitude to IES Abroad for crafting an unforgettable study abroad experience in Nantes!

The European Union semester that IES Abroad offers is very much worth the time, money, and energy spent to get there. The IES staff was extremely helpful in making us feel welcome, heard, and understood as students and as people in a wholly new area. The courses offered were enlightening and brought such an amazing perspective on the European Union and European politics/history in general. It has enabled us to think critically of what's in front of us, which is wholly important when you are speaking with a staff member within the European Union's institutions. Most of all, the trips that IES Abroad offered were simply amazing. It has offered us a healthy mixture of studying and actually immersing yourself in the new environment you're in. I have no regrets choosing IES Abroad for my study abroad experience.

I am a classical vocalist, so I already knew that Vienna was THE place for me to study abroad. What I didn't know was how absolutely wonderful the program I would study overseas with would be! The cultural and musical education I received with IES Abroad Vienna was top notch as I expected, but this experience was truly life-changing in a personal context. I absolutely fell in love with life in Vienna, so much so that I hope to at least look into getting a masters degree in Austria, with the intent of pursuing a career in opera there one day. The faculty involved in the IES Abroad Vienna program are all wonderful and reliable individuals. They were devoted to every students’ personal health and mental well-being, but they also fostered an environment where we could venture out on our own in a safe and informed way. In addition to networking and professional connections made through IES Abroad Vienna, I formed many wonderful life-long friendships through program social events. If you are considering this program for study away, you should definitely do it!

I have found that throughout the years, my education has lacked diversity. I wanted to see what it was like to fully experience different cultures, and ethnicities and religion and how much I could learn from immersing myself in a country so rich with that for 5 months. IES Abroad's Health, Culture, and Development Program did an amazing job at teaching me and my classmates about South Africa and letting our curiosities spark to be able to learn as much as we could. We took numerous field trips around the city and country to learn about the public health system, the inequities the country faces, and the way that South Africa is grappling many epidemics. I have said it over and over that this experience was the best academic experience I have ever had. The staff in Cape Town are so wonderful at their jobs and care so deeply for the students that the relationships I formed with them are so much more than just advisors. When people ask me what my favorite part about my study abroad was, I freeze. I want to say the friendships and relationships I formed, but I also want to say the safari in Botswana, and going bungee jumping in Zimbabwe, and seeing Nelson Mandela's house in Johannesburg, and eating at the local markets with food from all over Africa, and cooking classes and the hiking and beaches. It's so hard to choose; however, it was not hard to choose South Africa to study abroad. And I would choose it again and again!

If you want to be immersed in your destination's culture, language, and people, this program will do all of that and more. With daily Modern Standard Arabic classes, you will make leaps and bounds of progress in mastering this language in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. The weekly cultural activities will give you an inside view of the diverse cultures present in Morocco and encourage you to explore various artistic, athletic, and academic interests. Finally, while the homestay will be overwhelming as you get used to using three different languages all the time, you will actually be able to dive into your new home and its community.