![IES Abroad participants laughing](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/w_375,h_320,c_fill/v1/images2/a/listing_cover_photo/client107-1588821123.png?width=750)
![IES Abroad participants laughing](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/w_768,h_500,c_fill/v1/images2/a/listing_cover_photo/client107-1588821123.png?width=1920)
![IES Abroad participants laughing](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1/images2/a/listing_cover_photo/client107-1588821123.png?width=3840)
![IES Abroad logo](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/c_pad,w_67,h_67/v1/images2/clients/logos/MAIN/logo-goabroad-01-1588602002.png?width=256)
IES Abroad
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...
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...
IES Abroad Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Study abroad was the best decision I made in university!
by: Synne Jensen - NorwayProgram: IES Abroad Sydney DE – University of SydneyStudying 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 Hill](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/h_80,w_80,c_fill/v1/images2/reviews/sLxOqaLbsP3pBTdcUHqUB79rMcDrexcGoeKQ4CGq.jpg?width=256)
![Harbour Bridge Climb with IES Abroad](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/h_80,w_80,c_fill/v1/images2/reviews/XGHg9rg6gKznuF24HBtwafomRaIi61t3BEbXADEW.jpg?width=256)
![Harbour Bridge and the Opera House](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/h_80,w_80,c_fill/v1/images2/reviews/dddqmq02MrCtCLJnN922a0QslwHdfJvdR6ukaTRn.jpg?width=256)
An Unforgettable Experience
by: Faith Yost - United StatesProgram: IES Abroad Galápagos Islands Direct Enrollment – GAIASStudying abroad in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands was a once-in-a-lifetime, life changing experience. As a biology major, I was looking to gain more knowledge and hands on experience with nature in other areas of the world. Getting to visit the Amazon Rainforest and staying in the Galápagos Islands fulfilled these desires! The courses I took exposed me to new material and were much more hands on than my courses at my home university. In fact, we spent more than half of our class time in the field in some of our courses. Besides the biological aspect, I had wanted to learn Spanish and experience life in another culture/country and Ecuador was perfect for both of these things! The people in both Quito and the islands were friendly and patient as I practiced my Spanish. As for the university and program staff, everyone was super approachable and there to help us adjust to a new life and environment. This experience taught me so many good lessons and I learned so much about my future aspirations. If you are looking for a study abroad program that is both culturally and biologically diverse, this is the program for you!
![Two sea lion pups on Playa Mann beach (beach right across fro the university) on San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos Islands.](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/h_80,w_80,c_fill/v1/images2/reviews/7t7Wr3IgffgD7imiqJI3yTYzsGdkbNuYj9Hkc8A6.png?width=256)
![Woolly monkey in the Amazon Rainforest.](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/h_80,w_80,c_fill/v1/images2/reviews/QslPWAT1LtFOzvzytav592Zj5GC99OGwxDZmV7kG.png?width=256)
My Best Memories
by: Abby Kong - United StatesProgram: IES Abroad Nagoya Direct Enrollment – Nanzan UniversityI had the time of my life while abroad, and it’s all because of IES Abroad. Going into college, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to study abroad and achieve my goals of traveling while abroad, but through my IES Program I was able to participate in an abroad program that changed my life. Not only did I make lifelong friends in my program and school, but I got to go on field trips provided by the program to explore the culture and experiences of locals and learn about the rich history of Japan. I got to live with a host family who has become real family, and every day I woke up so excited to be in Japan. I only wish I had more time to spend here. I got to explore different cities, try so many new foods, and even met some really cool animals like capybaras and deer!
![Meeting the locals of Miyajima island](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/h_80,w_80,c_fill/v1/images2/reviews/1Ucp7VvPqeEysYAr6vO5CFDbuXpom5OG8FF0WV9C.jpg?width=256)
![A fun capybara cafe](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/h_80,w_80,c_fill/v1/images2/reviews/nsEZHgH7syfyFJG0qSquzSIUhMLr7g7qoAwYVJaE.jpg?width=256)
![The beautiful fall colors of Osaka](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/h_80,w_80,c_fill/v1/images2/reviews/qH8cQ6S7eEP7oVBespTB8k7Q3mSB56Lo5Xfv2GGf.jpg?width=256)
IES Abroad Programs
Browse programs you might like
![The Alhambra in Granada, Spain. A stunning architectural marvel.](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_400,h_175,g_faces,fl_progressive,f_auto/v1/images2/listingphotos/standard/the-alhambra-in-granada-spain-a-stunning-architectural-marvel1716885836.jpg?width=828)
Many travelers visiting Granada insist it's the must-see city throughout the country. With one of the clearest windows into Spain's unique histor...
![Urban Port](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_400,h_175,g_faces,fl_progressive,f_auto/v1/images2/listingphotos/standard/urban-port1716787995.jpg?width=828)
Our French Language Immersion & Area Studies Program has two important goals: to improve your written and verbal proficiency in French through la...
![A group of people smiling and posing for a photo on top of a building.](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_400,h_175,g_faces,fl_progressive,f_auto/v1/images2/listingphotos/standard/a-group-of-people-smiling-and-posing-for-a-photo-on-top-of-a-building1716861043.jpg?width=828)
The IES Abroad Madrid Program is designed for those who want to experience the vitality of Spain! Live in its capital city and through course enr...
![A group of people posing in front of flags for a photo.](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_400,h_175,g_faces,fl_progressive,f_auto/v1/images2/listingphotos/standard/a-group-of-people-posing-in-front-of-flags-for-a-photo1716876332.jpg?width=828)
The IES Abroad European Union Program gives you the chance to study Politics, Economics, Business, and International Relations like you never hav...
![Italy](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_400,h_175,g_faces,fl_progressive,f_auto/v1/images2/listingphotos/standard/1pic1110201012894112671031047-1519983900.jpg?width=828)
Milan, Italy is the perfect location for business students to study abroad. Students interested in expanding their knowledge of European commerce...
![Big Ben clock tower in London, a famous landmark.](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_400,h_175,g_faces,fl_progressive,f_auto/v1/images2/listingphotos/standard/big-ben-clock-tower-in-london-a-famous-landmark1716874772.jpg?width=828)
An urban adventure awaits you in London, one of the largest and most fascinating cities in Europe. Our program offers you hands-on education in t...
Media Gallery
![The Alhambra in Granada, Spain. A stunning architectural marvel.](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/w_343,h_193,c_pad,b_black/v1/images2/listingphotos/standard/the-alhambra-in-granada-spain-a-stunning-architectural-marvel1716885836.jpg?width=750)
![The Alhambra in Granada, Spain. A stunning architectural marvel.](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/w_855,h_400,c_pad,b_black/v1/images2/listingphotos/standard/the-alhambra-in-granada-spain-a-stunning-architectural-marvel1716885836.jpg?width=3840)
![Gallery Image](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/w_156,h_92,c_fill,g_faces:auto/v1/images2/listingphotos/standard/the-alhambra-in-granada-spain-a-stunning-architectural-marvel1716885836.jpg?width=384)
![Gallery Image](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/w_88,h_88,c_fill,g_faces:auto/v1/images2/listingphotos/standard/the-alhambra-in-granada-spain-a-stunning-architectural-marvel1716885836.jpg?width=256)
![Gallery Image](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/w_156,h_92,c_fill,g_faces:auto/v1/images2/listingphotos/standard/two-elephants-walking-in-grass1716884904.jpg?width=384)
![Gallery Image](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/w_88,h_88,c_fill,g_faces:auto/v1/images2/listingphotos/standard/two-elephants-walking-in-grass1716884904.jpg?width=256)
![Gallery Image](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/w_156,h_92,c_fill,g_faces:auto/v1/images2/listingphotos/standard/two-men-sitting-on-a-large-rock-in-the-dark-night1716880389.jpg?width=384)
![Gallery Image](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/w_88,h_88,c_fill,g_faces:auto/v1/images2/listingphotos/standard/two-men-sitting-on-a-large-rock-in-the-dark-night1716880389.jpg?width=256)
![Gallery Image](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/w_156,h_92,c_fill,g_faces:auto/v1/images2/listingphotos/standard/woman-standing-on-bridge-near-fancy-building1716876557.jpg?width=384)
![Gallery Image](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/w_88,h_88,c_fill,g_faces:auto/v1/images2/listingphotos/standard/woman-standing-on-bridge-near-fancy-building1716876557.jpg?width=256)
![Gallery Image](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/w_156,h_92,c_fill,g_faces:auto/v1/images2/listingphotos/standard/a-group-of-people-posing-in-front-of-flags-for-a-photo1716876332.jpg?width=384)
![Gallery Image](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/w_88,h_88,c_fill,g_faces:auto/v1/images2/listingphotos/standard/a-group-of-people-posing-in-front-of-flags-for-a-photo1716876332.jpg?width=256)
![Gallery Image](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/w_156,h_92,c_fill,g_faces:auto/v1/images2/listingphotos/standard/big-ben-clock-tower-in-london-a-famous-landmark1716874772.jpg?width=384)
![Gallery Image](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/w_88,h_88,c_fill,g_faces:auto/v1/images2/listingphotos/standard/big-ben-clock-tower-in-london-a-famous-landmark1716874772.jpg?width=256)
![Gallery Image](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/w_156,h_92,c_fill,g_faces:auto/v1/images2/listingphotos/standard/cathedral-of-seville-in-spain-a-historic-plaza1716868119.jpg?width=384)
![Gallery Image](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/w_88,h_88,c_fill,g_faces:auto/v1/images2/listingphotos/standard/cathedral-of-seville-in-spain-a-historic-plaza1716868119.jpg?width=256)
![Gallery Image](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/w_156,h_92,c_fill,g_faces:auto/v1/images2/listingphotos/standard/a-group-of-people-smiling-and-posing-for-a-photo-on-top-of-a-building1716861043.jpg?width=384)
![Gallery Image](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/w_88,h_88,c_fill,g_faces:auto/v1/images2/listingphotos/standard/a-group-of-people-smiling-and-posing-for-a-photo-on-top-of-a-building1716861043.jpg?width=256)
Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff
![Interviewee](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/h_120,w_120,c_fill,g_faces:auto,f_auto,fl_progressive/v1/images2/interviews/hs-meredith-dungar.jpg?width=256)
Meredith Dungar
Participated in 2008
While earning her degree in German and Journalism and Advertising at the University of St. Thomas, Meredith has the opportunity to join IES Abroad in ...
![](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/h_120,w_120,c_fill,g_faces:auto,f_auto,fl_progressive/v1/images2/interviews/hs-meredith-dungar.jpg?width=256)
Meredith Dungar
Participated in 2008
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.
![Interviewee](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/h_120,w_120,c_fill,g_faces:auto,f_auto,fl_progressive/v1/images2/interviews/hs-erin-sandberg-1412069486.jpg?width=256)
Erin Sandberg
Participated in 2006
A Minneapolis native, Erin currently lives and works as a copywriter in Chicago, and takes French language classes for fun in her spare time. Erin stu...
![](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/h_120,w_120,c_fill,g_faces:auto,f_auto,fl_progressive/v1/images2/interviews/hs-erin-sandberg-1412069486.jpg?width=256)
Erin Sandberg
Participated in 2006
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.
![Interviewee](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/h_120,w_120,c_fill,g_faces:auto,f_auto,fl_progressive/v1/images2/interviews/hs-dom-bio-pic-1412218756.jpg?width=256)
Dominic Fusco
Participated in 2012
Dominic is native to California. Born in San Francisco and educated in Los Angeles, he has since travelled extensively throughout Europe and Asia. His...
![](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/h_120,w_120,c_fill,g_faces:auto,f_auto,fl_progressive/v1/images2/interviews/hs-dom-bio-pic-1412218756.jpg?width=256)
Dominic Fusco
Participated in 2012
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.
Articles
Awards
Check out awards and recognitions IES Abroad has received
![GoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Winner - Student Video GoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Winner - Student Video](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/f_auto,h_200/v1/images2/partners/goabroad-innovation-awards-2024-winner---student-video1719390845.png?width=256)
![People’s Choice Award 2023 Finalist People’s Choice Award 2023 Finalist](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/f_auto,h_200/v1/images2/partners/people-s-choice-award-2023-finalist1686737081.png?width=256)
![Innovative Student Video 2023 Winner Innovative Student Video 2023 Winner](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/f_auto,h_200/v1/images2/partners/innovative-student-video-2023-winner1686735555.png?width=256)
![2022 Innovative Student Video Finalist Innovative Student Video Finalist 2022](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/f_auto,h_200/v1/images2/partners/2022-innovative-student-video-finalist1658993189.png?width=256)
![Innovative Student Video 2021 Winner](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/f_auto,h_200/v1/images2/partners/d40706f4bc9c68a5305683906da79b713f7a0baa.png?width=256)
![Innovation in Alumni Engagement 2021 Finalist](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/f_auto,h_200/v1/images2/partners/52ebe1680b57f181104e26b05b3aa6fbdff593e9.png?width=256)
![Innovative Student Video 2020 Finalist](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/f_auto,h_200/v1/images2/partners/4afd27ed0e0748b2216f72fbe61c82bbc6be5254.png?width=256)
![Top Rated Study Abroad Organizations of 2020 Notable Mentions](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/f_auto,h_200/v1/images2/partners/dda26066a81505ccd88f82ff95834f7087abb31d.png?width=256)
![Top Rated Organization 2019 - Study Abroad](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/f_auto,h_200/v1/images2/partners/ab5138f01edc9100dfbb15e11bb58af626e7f580.png?width=256)
![GoAbroad Top Study Abroad Organization 2017](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/f_auto,h_200/v1/images2/partners/16064d7afbcc432e1e10c46c1aa4262c9acf63ae.png?width=256)
![GoAbroad Top Study Abroad Organization 2016](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/f_auto,h_200/v1/images2/partners/f4ba3f99c9e9b63155638c1f9114f7e5aa6c960d.png?width=256)
![Diversity Abroad](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/f_auto,h_200/v1/images2/partners/da-member-blue-3-1548694474.jpg?width=256)
![Forum on Education Abroad](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/f_auto,h_200/v1/images2/partners/forumoneducationabroad-1548178433.png?width=256)
![GoAbroad Top Study Abroad Organizations 2018](https://image-transform.prod1.gaplabs.ph/image/https://images2.goabroad.com/image/upload/f_auto,h_200/v1/images2/partners/cf97ea9fd6c0ce9816c12ac90826acbc0aca3971.png?width=256)