As a result of IES Abroad’s Diversity Initiative, a record-setting number of underrepresented students attended IES Abroad programs during the current academic year, comprising roughly 19% of IES Abroad's total student body.

Students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups attending IES Abroad study abroad programs grew by 9.4% for the Fall 2009 term and 13.5% for the Spring 2010 term.

IES Abroad defines diverse or underrepresented students as members of a racial or ethnic minority, a low-income student, a first-generation-to-college student, and/or someone who has demonstrated a history of overcoming adversity.

"We are extremely pleased with the increasing numbers of underrepresented students in our programs, particularly during a period of great financial challenge for students and their families. IES Abroad continues to look for new ways to introduce more underrepresented students to the life-changing experience of studying abroad," said Dr. Mary Dwyer, president and CEO of IES Abroad. "Our goal is simple — to make studying abroad possible for every student at all our partner schools."

As part of its diversity initiative, IES Abroad employs a full-time diversity coordinator, the only study abroad provider to do so. IES Abroad also publishes the Global IDEA Series (Initiative to Diversify Education Abroad) [1] brochures for underrepresented students and their parents. Brochures include: International Education: A Path to Your Career; A Parent's Guide to Study Abroad — available in English and Spanish; and A Student's Guide to Study Abroad.

Visit the IES Abroad website to download the brochures [1] and find information about financial aid [1] and other resources for diverse students.