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IES Abroad

9.32 (1,656)Verified151 Programs

Why choose IES Abroad?

There's a reason why IES Abroad was named GoAbroad's Top Study Abroad Organization for two years in a row: everything we do is about the IES Abroad student. Created in 1950, we believe in crafting unforgettable, life-changing educational adventures that go beyond our students' expectations. Every year about 6,500 study abroad students choose IES Abroad for their authentic study and intern abro...

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IES Abroad Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

9.32

Total Reviews

1,656
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Incredible Experiences!!

April 29, 2025by: Eliana LaRosa - United StatesProgram: IES Abroad London – Health Practice & Policy
9

This program was exactly what I hoped for and then some! For any students interested in healthcare, this is the perfect combination of community engagement and healthcare policy. The courses are very relevant to today's healthcare debates, and the professors are very advanced in their fields. They want to learn from students as much as they want to teach. The program also has a community volunteer placement, which is a great way to work with local initiatives, learn more about a public healthcare system, and engage with locals. The conclusion of the program is spent in Jamaica for ten days, where students are able to shadow in local healthcare clinics, attend lectures at the local university, and explore sights across the island. This was my favorite part of the program and I miss it every day!

Walking around Amsterdam!Big Ben!Cathedral and castle in Prague!

Truly unforgettable

April 29, 2025by: Samantha Mesterharm - United StatesProgram: IES Abroad Freiburg – Environmental Studies & Sustainability
9

It’s been nearly a year since I was accepted into my IES Abroad study abroad program. I was overjoyed to learn I’d spend my fall semester in Freiburg, Germany, a hub of green cities and sustainability. While I knew it would be an amazing opportunity, I never anticipated the profound, lifelong impact it would have on me. From a career standpoint, my time abroad deepened my passion for urban sustainability, renewable energy, and humanity’s environmental impact. I even learned to use GIS, a skill I unexpectedly loved! Studying these subjects in the Swiss Alps was unforgettable, and being taught by German professors offered a uniquely inspiring perspective as an American. My German language skills also improved, something I hope to build on in the future. The entire academic experience was extraordinary. Beyond academics, I immersed myself in German culture, living like a local and exploring over 10 cities. Trying new foods, visiting museums, hiking, and discovering history, languages, and fashion filled my journey with unforgettable memories. I also met incredible people, both fellow Americans and Europeans, forming close bonds with individuals I otherwise never would have crossed paths with. Their diverse cultures and customs enriched my perspective in ways I’ll always cherish. I embarked on this journey knowing no one, yet I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and forged lifelong friendships. There were days I wandered alone, exploring at my own pace, and now I long for those moments of independence. That self-assurance allowed me to fully embrace my study abroad experience, making it all the more rewarding. From a Freiburg specific note- I ended up living in shared housing with German citizens, gaining a glimpse into their life. I did get my own room, which was nice. The grocery store was awfully close to where I lived, so everything was walking distance and if it wasn't, there was a good transit system. One thing to get used to is everything being closed on Sundays. I would also note how loud Americans are. I know I speak loudly, but if you sit and listen to the community around you, not only is it more peaceful, you end up realizing how loud you can get (and how Germans will stare!) Sometimes, mental battles are hard to fight, as you are in an environment with people you don't really know, and no known safe spaces for yourself. You have to be confident, meet new people, explore, really find those supportive areas for yourself. I suggest small weekday trips to nearby cities if you have the time for it, as knowing small little cities around Freiburg made me feel closer to the city and country. My favorite was Staufen! Don't take the time you have there for granted, really appreciate being a local, and don't book every weekend away from your city. Get to know it.

View of Freiburg
Samantha Mesterharm video

Study abroad was the best decision I made in university!

December 22, 2024by: Synne Jensen - NorwayProgram: IES Abroad Sydney DE – University of Sydney
10

Studying abroad in Sydney with IES Abroad was the best decision I made throughout my time in university. The IES staff was friendly and helpful—it was clear from day 1 that they really care about their students. The activities they organized for us were both fun and unique, and it allowed us to get to know each other well from the start. If you have a concern, they will always do their very best to help you address it, even if it’s technically not in their job description. I always felt comfortable and well taken care of—I knew I had a support system if I ever needed help, which is extremely important when moving to a new place. IES also works with a kind and highly competent psychologist that can help with the transition and any difficult emotions that may arise when moving abroad (and the fee is covered by our insurance). Attending University of Sydney was also a great experience for me. It’s a big school and they have so many different events and communities, which makes it easier to make friends. They have hundreds of clubs, ranging from academic and professional to niche interests. The classes are mostly high quality, and the professors are helpful and good at what they do. I was also able to take a service-learning class while at USYD, with which I went on a 12 day field trip to Northern Queensland to work with an Aboriginal Corporation. This allowed me to learn more about Australia’s complicated history, and to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to real life scenarios—as well as make friends for life! Furthermore, I took an internship class at USYD, in which I completed a semester-long internship placement with a company of my choosing. USYD provides many opportunities for students to excel both academically and professionally. Sydney itself is also a great city! There is always something to do, but you can easily escape the big city feel by retreating to more quieter neighborhoods or the surrounding natural environments (beaches, parks, mountains).

Sunset at Observatory HillHarbour Bridge Climb with IES AbroadHarbour Bridge and the Opera House

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Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Meredith Dungar

Participated in 2008

Alumni

Apartment. I loved the people that I lived with. We would do family dinners and became quite the family. But, I wasn't completely immersed in the language at home. I was out of my apartment and I only took classes in German...but I think I would have liked to speak the language more. 

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Erin Sandberg

Participated in 2006

Alumni

I had been taking French since 3rd grade, and wanted to finally put it to use. My mom also studied abroad in college, so it was something she strongly encouraged me to do as well.

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Dominic Fusco

Participated in 2012

Alumni

I have always been interested in travelling and experiencing different cultures, and as far back as I can remember it was my dream to study abroad while in college. The only tough decision ended up to be deciding where.

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IES Abroad

IES Abroad

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Ready to Learn More?

There's a reason why IES Abroad was named GoAbroad's Top Study Abroad Organization for two years in a row: everything we do is about the IES Abroad student. Created in 1950, we believe in crafting unforgettable, life-changing educational adventures that go beyond our students' expectations. Every year about 6,500 study abroad students choose IES Abroad for their authentic study and intern abroad experience. Our work starts in our Chicago headquarters and spreads across more than 140 study abroad programs in more than 30+ locations worldwide. With this network, we develop authentic global education and life-affirming cultural experiences. We believe that studying abroad should be a part of every student's academic life, and we aim to not only provide study abroad opportunities, but t...

Awards

Check out awards and recognitions IES Abroad has received

GoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Winner - Student VideoPeople’s Choice Award 2023 FinalistInnovative Student Video 2023 WinnerInnovative Student Video Finalist 2022