IES Abroad Alumni Network

My experience in Rabat was incredible and intense from the beginning, partially because we were essentially experiencing a semester in the course of seven weeks. I had class every day--three classes a day. I chose to take literature, politics, and also had the required Moroccan Arabic course that every student too. I stayed in a host family and through them experienced every day life as well as the month of Ramadan.

My academic experience presented topics that I was familiar with (French literature and the politics of the Arab world) and turned my perceptions upside down. We explored everything from post-colonization sentiment to the concept of "being a stranger" in literature class and I wrote what I feel is the best essay I have written in some time (in English or French) in the politics class. Politics class also included a visit to the Moroccan Parliament following a unit on the Moroccan constitution.

My living situation helped my language skills immensely. I have studied French for eight years and Arabic for two years, and while almost everyone in my homestay spoke French, the one person who did not was the two year old granddaughter, who spoke the colloquial Arabic at essentially my level, allowing me easy communication and a great introduction to conversations.

The program administration felt more like camp counselors or family members than directors, which was excellent, as we were travelling with them for several weekends and were most always in the center.

My only problems with the program were that we were not informed of the medications and vaccinations recommended/required for the weeklong trop to Senegal, which resulted in panic on my mother's end and a very early morning trip to Casablanca--I am unsure if the Senegal trip will be offered in the future, but if so, do your research!

Additionally, it should be noted that since this is a summer course and is very intensive, the opportunities to interact with the local students will be limited. Perhaps the best way to meet Moroccans is through host siblings. However, I did become close with the other five students in the program and we explored the city together.

Altogether, a highly recommended program for both the cultural experiences and the enriching academics.

Rome was the best place to study abroad, and I could not have chosen a better program. My school was right across from the Castel Sant'Angelo, on the Tevere, and only a few blocks away from Piazza Navona. How could it be more magical?! My teachers were so fun and engaging. They really used the city to their advantage by taking us on as many field studies as they possibly could. I also participated in some cooking classes and dinner parties as well. What a great place and program to be a part of!

Following a semester in Beijing, the IES Kunming program provided a lot of perspective on China as a whole. I grew very close with my home stay family and hung out with a very diverse group of friends (We communicated in English and Chinese interchangeably).

Rio de Janeiro is by far the most amazing city I have ever visited. I fell in love with the people and the culture there. I loved getting to take courses at a local University so I could interact with locals and make friends. The beaches are absolutely breathtaking but there is so much more of the city to see. My favorite thing to do was take different routes to class everyday and find different monuments, historical buildings, and artwork. I felt safe the entire time I was there thanks to the support and guidance of the staff and my classmates. It was the perfect city to experience Brazil in and I am so glad I did through IES.

Studying abroad through IES Abroad in Delhi truly gave be a real living experience and allowed me to immerse myself in Indian culture. I had the most understanding and loving host parents, who gave me a realistic view on everyday life in Delhi. I was able to take courses at the IES Abroad office as well as Jawaharlal Nehru University, which allowed me to make friends with fellow Delhiites and connect with other study abroad students at the same time. The IES program sponsored trips for classes as well as the center throughout the city and country, making us become engaged with the many cultures and traditions around us. These experiences made me fall in love with Delhi, as I had all the opportunities to experience it to the fullest.

I cannot say enough about the IES Kunming program. I did it in the summer 2012 and was hands down the best summer. It kicked off my study abroad experience in China (first time over here!) and I am grateful for the opportunities that I had. There were 9 students and 4 incredible staff members (both American and Chinese), which made for a fabulous group, very close knit. The staff are well tuned in to the group feeling and dynamic, as well as can offer an abundance of knowledge about China and the Greater Mekong Subregion/Southeast Asia.

The first 4 weeks I took Chinese classes where my Chinese improved exponentially. I also took the Environmental area studies course, which is great because Yunnan is a biodiversity hotspot. We took weekend trips to different cities in the province to supplement our learning by actually visiting the dams, rivers, and relocated villages we were learning about.

But the best was taking a 17 day trip through Thailand and Laos, down the Mekong River, meeting with officials from organizations like the Asian Development Bank, visiting Buddhist sites, staying over in a mountain village, and riding elephants! I learned so much about this region, especially about the growing importance of Southeast Asia and China relations.

While you should unhesitatingly do the summer program (also offers an economic track that can take you through Vietnam and Laos!), the Kunming program is now also offered for the academic year starting Fall 2013, which I am quite jealous of anyone going for that!

The city of Kunming itself is wonderful. The weather that stays around 65-75 F is the origin of Kunming's nickname, "city of eternal spring." It's a slower paced city but still plenty of things to go out and see, in and around the city! There's a growing music scene, as well as delicious food that has some Southeast Asian influence. Unlike any city I've been to before, highly recommend doing this program!