IES Abroad

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!

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.

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).