IES Abroad Multi-Location – Business & Economic Development

I absolutely LOVED my time with IES. I felt very taken care of during my whole experience with IES. First of all, I was put with the loveliest host families who had had a lot of experience with exchange students in the past. I also know that my requests were fully taken into account when they placed me with my host family family. For example, I said I really wanted to have siblings and feel like a part of the family, and for my second homestay I was put with the most loving family who had three children! I absolutely loved it and the homestays were my favorite part of the whole program. I also felt like the staff of IES really cared for their students and I liked how this program was very small and only had 15 students. We all became very close by the end and it very cohesive and fun. There were many field trips planned by IES and I felt like all of them were very well planned and VERY fun. Lastly, the week trip to Peru in between Argentina and Chile was phenomenal. It was so nicely planned and just a wonderful experience overall. I recommend this program whole-heartedly and I would do it all again in a heartbeat!

My university does not have any programs in South America, so I studied abroad through IES and got to visit 4 South American countries (and live in 2). IES did an amazing job placing me with such loving host families (who I still talk to frequently and can't wait to go back and visit). IES also set up plenty of excursions for us and helped us plan weekend travel. We were in class quite a bit, but sometimes took field trips instead of listening to lectures. All of the students got incredibly close with one another and are planning a reunion soon! I loved the experience so much, I am applying for the Peace Corps so I can go back!