IES Abroad

Studying abroad in Madrid was a fever dream. I couldn't be more satisfied with my experience. I lived with a host family, and they were the sweetest people ever. They cooked delicious meals for me and made me feel like part of their family. At the IES center, the faculty and staff were so accommodating and willing to help and support me as much as possible. When I was hospitalized, someone from IES came to visit me at the hospital, and my host family stayed with me. This shows how much they truly care about their students and how committed they are to supporting them. They also have an emergency line, which made me feel even safer. Overall, I felt safe, welcomed, and supported, and I was able to fully immerse myself academically and culturally.

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I am very glad that I came to Nagoya this summer. My Japanese skills improved immensely, I started a new martial art (though I'm still not very good at jiujitsu yet), I made many new friends, and I was able to see and do things I wouldn't have been able to otherwise. I liked how much free time we had; I and many of my classmates spent a weekend or two traveling outside of the program, and that was beside some very interesting field trips. Overall, I think this was a very good program.

My experience with IES Barcelona was life-changing. I lived in a Residence Hall in Sant Marti, where my commute to class was 30 minutes every day by train. The public transportation in Barcelona is affordable, clean, safe, and easy to use, so navigating the public transportation was one of my highlights. The school location was in the city center with incredible views just down the street. I enjoyed studying by the Cathedral of Barcelona, which was only a six-minute walk from our classes! The courses were not too difficult but highly interesting. I took an Art History course where I had the opportunity to learn about the history of Art Nouveau pieces around the city of Barcelona. I also had the opportunity to take a History of Contemporary Spain class, where I was able to broaden my horizons in the Political Science field and compare US history and government to the history and government of Spain. In between work weeks, I was also able to travel. The Barcelona airport is a hub for international travel, so I was able to take exciting trips to several new locations. Overall, this program was the perfect study abroad experience where I became more independent and learned so much about the world.

My experience studying with IES Abroad in Rabat was truly life changing! The small and tightly-knit community that formed here amongst students, program staff, and faculty, as well as our loving and hospitable host families, contributed to a warm, inclusive, and welcoming environment. IES staff went above and beyond to ensure my classmates and I felt supported and safe, and enjoyed our experiences in Morocco. Navigating culture shock and language barriers became much more doable and fulfilling with the preparation IES gave us. Our classes were rigorous yet enjoyable, with many opportunities for students to expand their knowledge in fields of interest to them. Additionally, weekly cultural activities and field trips ensured that we saw many perspectives of life in our host country, while also becoming immersed in Moroccan culture. Without a doubt, I would recommend IES Rabat to any students looking for an immersive and exciting study abroad experience different from a typical exchange semester.

I studied abroad in Barcelona for 7 weeks, where I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the local culture and meet amazing people. My coursework in Great 20th Century Artists and Spanish Language deepened my global perspective! In my normal day to day, I would spend time with my friends on the beach, studying in a cafe, or exploring what the city had to offer. I'm grateful to IES Abroad's dedicated professors and staff, and the friends I made along the way, who made the experience absolutely unforgettable!

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Coming out of the worst time of my life last year, I had little to look forward to until I found IES’s Nagoya Summer: Language and Culture program. The application process was incredibly smooth and quick, and once I was accepted, so were the travel forms and health information. Arriving with the other IES students for orientation and some field trips, we were able to form connections early while acclimating to Japan and its wonders. And as we got settled into Nanzan at our respective dorms and with host families, making more friends was even easier. Classes at Nanzan didn’t even feel like work. I found myself looking forward to going every day despite the 20 minute trek to school. It is inspiring being able to learn a language in its country of origin, while also getting to take electives and art classes to round out your experience. Apart from that, we had a lot of free time (depending how many electives you took). Nagoya has so much to offer. My friends and I would go out for lunch or dinner around various subway stations after class, frequent the izakayas and karaoke places on the weekends, and sometimes take day trips to places like Tokyo and Osaka. IES went above and beyond with this- we had a built-in weekend trip to Kyoto including our own tour guide, an art activity, and an itinerary of all the best sites to visit. My professors were wonderful, and along with the other staff at Nanzan, worked with IES to make sure we were all safe and comfortable. When I had a spot of trouble with organizing my housing, the IES program coordinators, the CJS (Center for Japanese Studies) staff, and the international director at Nanzan were all there to support me. Throughout the summer I participated in IES’s Correspondent Program as a photographer. It was amazing to record pictures of us having the time of our lives and think about how these could help future students who are looking at this program. After returning to the US, I also applied to the Ambassadors program and had a lot of fun helping the IES table at Penn State’s Education Abroad fair. I’ve been inspired to change my major to Japanese language, and I plan to participate in the JET (Japan English Teaching) program. So not only did the program give me an awesome summer, it keeps impacting me, my career path, and my hopes for the future!

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My experience abroad was different than most, because instead of taking classes, I was working at an internship! I loved the flexibility this offered me, because I was able to explore Vienna and travel to new places! At my internship, I gained valuable career experience and guidance from my mentor. When I wasn't working, I had so much time to explore the city. Vienna is a cultural hub with so much to do, especially in the summertime. My highlights were swimming in the Danube after work, exploring the foodie scene, and going to so many museums!

During my time abroad in Berlin, I interned at Impact Hub Berlin and got to experience what it's like to work in a real international environment. I helped with events, did market research, and worked with with people from all across the world. It taught me a lot about communication and stepping outside of my comfort zone. Outside of my internship, I explored the city constantly. I visited places I had only ever seen in history books and online, including remnants of the Berlin Wall, the East Side Gallery, graves of famous people such as Marlene Dietrich, and many smaller memorials that make the city's history feel very real. Some days were simply walking for hours and discovering new neighborhoods. Other days were all about food: trying Dürüm and Döner from different spots until I found my favorites. What made the experience special was how much I could do and see every week. Berlin is a city where you can learn something new just by getting on public transit and picking a random stop to get off at. Between the internship, the exploring, and the people I met, the experience really shaped my confidence and showed me that I can adapt and feel at home anywhere in the world.

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The courses I took this summer were some of the most in-depth I have ever taken. The classes do not only rely on reading scholarly articles but also hands-on experience. In the EU Seminar course, we roleplayed the Commission, Parliament, and Council of Ministers to learn how bills get passed. For our overall final, the entire group (35 people total) was involved in a Model EU (I represented Italy's interests.). We tackled real issues, such as tariffs and aiding Ukraine. We also took numerous field trips, including to a Ukrainian mission. It was one thing to read about the 7 branches of the EU but quite another to visit the EU Parliament in Straßburg, the Swedish Parliament in Stockholm (where we met a representative and learned about recent NATO involvement), and the Commission, Council of Ministers, and EEAS in Brussels, the latter of which was in the midst of figuring out the Iran-Israel 12-day crisis. IES arranged all of the travel details perfectly, and we had some fun field trips in addition to plenty of free time to explore the cities. I have never looked at waffles the same way since. Belgium and Sweden were 2 countries I never would have seem without this program, and given Freiburg's location, France and Switzerland were easy to reach.

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Studying abroad in Santiago, Chile this summer was truly an experience I'll never forget. Being a student athlete as well as pre-med I didn't know if study abroad would be possible for me. Then I heard of this program: one that combines immersion in Spanish with my interest in healthcare and taking place during the summer so I wouldn't have to miss any of my swim season or valuable classes. The highlight of my experience was one I never expected: my host family. Staying with Chilean natives with little English knowledge was one of my biggest sources of anxiety upon arriving in Chile. However these fears quickly dissipated. My host parents Ceci and Hector took me in and treated me as one of their own. They helped me with integrating into Chilean culture while helping me gain confidence in my Spanish speaking abilities. Although I was only in Chile for two months I really feel as though I got the full study abroad experience. From observing surgeries during my clinical observations, to walking through the streets of Valparaiso on field trips, and exploring the Atacama Desert and the nearby countries of Argentina and Uruguay with my new friends this experience changed my life for the better. I will never forget the people and places that make Chile feel like home.

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IES Abroad Amsterdam has friendly staff that were always kind and responsive. All my questions were answered and we had multiple pre-departure sessions. I really recommend Amsterdam to anyone who is a history buff! With IES Abroad, you can access almost any museum you want for free. It was so fun to explore the city using museums as my guide. For any travelers, Amsterdam has a big airport, that flies direct to most places. While the prices aren't as low as London, planning your trips in advance or being flexible to different spots or cities will give you so many options for cool weekend trips. For people who love night-life, there is an amazing scene in Amsterdam! Intimate bars, crazy clubs, Amsterdam definitely has options, and I had so much fun exploring the different scenes. If you love a cozy rainy day, Amsterdam will provide! Amsterdam is often rainy and cloudy. I got very lucky my semester; it was sunny and beautiful almost the entire time! Compared to my home college in Minnesota, the weather was wonderful even in February. Keep in mind your preferences while choosing a location. Safety wise, I would say being smart is the most important thing. Amsterdam felt super safe, even when I was exploring the city alone. Pickpocketing is not a large issue here. Be smart, and you will have a wonderful time!

When I first got confirmation that I was accepted to study abroad in Tokyo, I was both thrilled and a nervous wreck. I had never been that far from home before, nor did I know anyone else attending the program. Yet, upon my arrival, I was met with the support and guidance of the IES staff, and others in the program were in the same boat. A support system was quickly formed, and although there were several new, unpredictable paths coming my way, I wouldn't endure it alone. With all the cultural activities such as making chopsticks and glass blowing and the included field trips, we were truly urged to make the most of our six weeks in Japan. You start to fall into a routine of going to the convenience store (trust me, like, a lot), going out to karaoke, taking the train to class and throughout the city, studying in cafes. Study sessions at the cafe in the hotel we were housed in had to be some of my favorite memories, oddly enough. The hotel staff even encouraged us to practice Japanese, and I was sad to say goodbye on my last day there. I'm looking forward to the next time I can go to Japan. This experience may have been filled with unknowns, but I was lucky to have the support to make me embrace it.

Upon receiving my acceptance to the IES Abroad program, I imagined what a summer living in London would present. I'd secretly hope to meet a London boy (cue the Taylor Swift song), make lifelong friendships, and cross off my London bucket list. Only 1/3 was accomplished. During my time, I experienced loneliness, homesickness, and a bit of regret. My summer didn't pan out exactly how I imagined it. However, for the days that felt endless, there were plenty more that I wish didn't have to end. I am grateful for the experience I embarked on. Although it was scary, I did it, and made it out with cute pics as evidence.

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Spending Summer 2025 in Milan through the IES Abroad Internship Program was a defining chapter in my academic and professional journey. As a consulting intern at GEN USA, I worked on real-world strategy projects that challenged me to think critically, communicate cross-culturally, and deliver client-ready insights. The 6-credit internship seminar added depth to the experience, helping me connect theory to practice while refining my global business perspective. Living and working in Milan taught me how to navigate ambiguity, build trust across cultures, and approach consulting with both precision and empathy. This program didn’t just expand my resume — it expanded my mindset. I left with stronger analytical skills, a deeper appreciation for international collaboration, and a renewed commitment to leading with purpose.

Studying abroad in Barcelona with IES Abroad was an incredible experience. The program was well-organized, with helpful staff, engaging classes, and great opportunities to explore the city and Catalan culture. I lived in an apartment with other students, which gave me a lot of independence while still feeling supported. Barcelona was the perfect place to study — beautiful, lively, and full of history, food, and festivals. IES offered fun excursions and cultural activities that helped me connect with the city beyond the classroom. I also had time to travel on weekends, which made the semester even more exciting. Overall, I came back more confident, independent, and globally aware. I’d highly recommend this program to anyone looking to study abroad in Spain!

I studied abroad in Granada for the first semester of my junior year. Honestly, I wish that I had done a full-year program because I had an amazing time! Upon arriving at my residence hall, Real Colegio Mayor de Bartolome y Santiago, the staff were friendly and helpful. They gave me a hand moving my luggage up to the fourth floor, which was quite the workout since there are no elevators. The residence hall, while it is quite old, is beautiful with several interior patios. The one major downside during my stay was the inconsistent wifi; however, aside from that, the building was great! The cook accommodated my dietary restrictions and was super friendly even when I consistently asked for more fries! The residence hall was an easy five-minute walk away from the IES building, which was super convenient, especially on the days when I was a little late to start the day. Over the semester, I took five classes, one of which I tested into - Spanish, and the rest were up to me! I enjoyed the mix of in-class work and visits that were interspersed throughout. I took Contemporary Theater, Urban Cultures, Islamic Architecture, and Mediterranean Ecosystems, which was one of the few classes taught in English. The teachers were enthusiastic about their fields and readily provided support when needed. The staff at IES were also helpful, on the days when I was feeling under the weather and needed health support! Lastly, I enjoyed the trips which were incorporated into the program! We went to Ronda, Sevilla, Cordoba, Cabo de Gata, and Morocco for a week, in conjunction with my class visits, I got to see and experience so much! I highly recommend this program!

My time with IES Abroad felt very well-organized and well-planned. There were no hidden aspects or questions that couldn't be answered with a quick call. My time in Berlin was rewarding and something I will cherish forever. I was able to participate in student life as the event planner and marketing executive of the IES Berlin Student Council, and I enjoyed participating in field trips to Sachsenhausen and Munich, where we got guided tours about the history and significance of the locations and sights we visited. As I'm not a city person, immersing myself in Berlin was tough at first. However, the staff at IES Abroad Berlin helped me adjust to these new emotions and the feeling of being out of place. I began solo-traveling to different countries and cities, exploring in ways I knew I would enjoy, and I am so grateful that Berlin was able to give me this new sense of independence. I never would have gained this independence by staying in my hometown. Living in a new country challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, adapt quickly, and rely on myself in ways I hadn’t before. I learned a lot about who I am while in Berlin, which is why it was one of the most rewarding and transformative parts of my college years. While studying abroad in Berlin, I was one of the presidency, marketing, and student affairs interns for an international university, where I primarily focused on online presence, social media operations, organization, and analysis. This hands-on experience will help me gain an international position at a bilingual company after graduation. There are a lot of things that you can learn through a textbook or lecture hall, but nothing compares to first-hand experience. I have been learning German my whole life, but speaking it in a casual, daily conversation wasn't something I was used to before going abroad. Through studying abroad, I was able to immerse myself in Germany’s culture, hobbies, and customs, and that is something I wouldn't have learned in a classroom setting. I wish I had made more friends while I was abroad, because that is what I saw everyone else gain from their experiences, but what I gained was more personal. I gained freedom, independence, responsibility, and organization. These are skills I will be able to highlight and use in my personal life and future career, and I have IES Abroad to thank.

IES Madrid was honestly such a great experience. Even though I signed up last minute, the staff made everything super easy and helped me get settled without stress. The classes were interesting, and the teachers really cared about you, not just academically but personally too. What I loved most was how immersive everything felt. The events and trips were fun, and the staff felt more like friends than just people doing a job. If you ever needed anything, all you had to do was ask. I also got to be a photo correspondent during the semester, which meant I helped capture moments from around campus and on trips. It was such a fun and creative way to experience something new and be more involved. I ended up spraining my ankle during the semester, and they were amazing about helping me with accommodations and transportation. I had a great time and would definitely recommend it! My Spanish improved so much while I was there, and I’d love to go back someday.

My time in Barcelona was single handedly one of the best experiences of my entire life. I got to meet lifelong friends and got to explore places that I never imagined I would have ever visited. I would recommend it for anyone and everyone.

Before my study abroad journey, I was filled with excitement, mostly about the idea of being in a new country and soaking in a different culture. I had high hopes, but honestly, both London and the IES Abroad program exceeded every expectation I had. Of course, I got to experience all the iconic London attractions you dream about: the London Eye, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace—every postcard landmark was just as magical in real life. But what really surprised me was how much more there was beyond the tourist side. One of the most unforgettable experiences was a trip organised by IES to the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s not a place I would’ve ever put on my personal travel itinerary, but it ended up being one of the highlights of my entire time abroad. That trip showed me a completely different side of the UK, natural, historical, and deeply beautiful. While most people think of study abroad as all about travel and adventure (which it definitely is), I have to highlight how incredible the academic side was, too. The classes were intellectually engaging, and the professors brought a whole new perspective to learning. What I loved most was how they incorporated the city and our experiences into the classroom. We went to art galleries, had community volunteering placements, and brought real-life news to discuss in class that made learning feel holistic and alive. If I had the chance, I would absolutely do it all over again.