Oxford, England

Direct Enrollment - St. Catherine's College

Study Abroad

Program Options:

Direct Enrollment

•

Length:

Fall, Spring, Academic Year

At a Glance

Program Dates:

Spring 2026: January 12 - June 20
Academic Year 2025: September 02 - June 20
Fall 2026: September 01 - December 09

Credits:

15 to 24 per Semester

Estimated Cost:

$48,000

Visa Required:

Maybe

Housing:

Residence Hall

Language of Instruction:

English

Language Prerequisites:

None

About the Program

Immerse yourself in student culture by directly enrolling at the world-renowned St Catherine's College, one of 38 and the largest college within Oxford University, and one of the oldest and most prestigious universities of the English-speaking world. Stroll through town observing the diverse English architecture, and sightseeing such historic gems as Carfax Tower, the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin, and Bodleian Library. Located just 60 miles from the hustle and bustle of London, Oxford has so much to see and do.

Be Part of a Legacy

Enjoy studying at one of the oldest universities in the world.

Learn with Students from Around the World

140 nationalities represent Oxford's study body.

Personalize Your Coursework

Select a highly personalized course of study.

Work Closely with Your Professor

You will meet with a tutor on a regular basis.

Program Advisor

Camilla Alway

Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

At a Glance

Program Dates:

Spring 2026: January 12 - June 20
Academic Year 2025: September 02 - June 20
Fall 2026: September 01 - December 09

Credits:

15 to 24 per Semester

Estimated Cost:

$48,000

Visa Required:

Maybe

Housing:

Residence Hall

Language of Instruction:

English

Language Prerequisites:

None

About the Destination

Why Oxford?

Imagine yourself sitting in class, listening to your professor lecturing about Shakespeare’s plays or Winston Churchill’s policies. But you’re not at your home university—you’re learning in England, where these famous figures lived. This is your chance to study at one of the most prestigious universities in the world: the University of Oxford.

Learn More About Oxford

Get to Know Your New City

Discover Blenheim Palace

Wander the gardens and state rooms.

Picnic in Port Meadow

Unwind in this 70+ acre park along the River Thames.

Take a Punt

Climb aboard and cruise down the River Cherwell with your friends.

Support from London

On-the-ground staff are available at the Center in London.

The Student Experience

Emma Stuck

Emma Stuck, Dec 21, 2024

Looking Back, Moving Forward

There and Back Again, Part 10: “Well, I’m back.”
- Samwise Gamgee, from The Return of the King

Re-Entry

Involvement at Oxford

The Best Study Spots in Oxford

View All Blogs

Program Dates

Spring 2026

Program Dates:

January 12 - June 20

Application Deadline:

Jan 16, 2025

Fall 2026

Program Dates:

September 01 - December 09

Application Deadline:

Jan 15, 2026

Academic Year 2026-2027

Program Dates:

September 01 - Mid June

Application Deadline:

Jan 15, 2026

Spring 2027

Program Dates:

Mid January - Late June

Application Deadline:

Jan 22, 2026

Academics

Partner Institution

A modern gray school building with fall trees leaning against it. The trees have bright yellow, orange, and red leaves.

St. Catherine’s College

St. Catherine’s College

St. Catherine’s College, whose foundation stone was laid by Queen Elizabeth II on November 4, 1960, welcomed its first undergraduates two years later. Although St. Catherine’s is the youngest college in Oxford, it is also one of the largest with almost 500 undergraduates and 400 postgraduates, as well as 70 fellows and lecturers. In addition to its formal academics, St. Catherine’s is known for its extracurricular opportunities in music, drama, and sports, and is generally regarded as one of the friendliest and most open colleges in Oxford. 

St. Catherine’s modern buildings—located on the east side of Oxford—are the result of an international competition won by renowned Danish architect Arne Jacobson. The college was designed to be a modern reflection of a traditional Oxford college. At the heart of the college lies a rectangular quad, its sides flanked by student rooms built in the conventional Oxford “staircase” format, and its ends consisting of the dining hall and library.

Visit Website

Courses

Study abroad students usually apply to one or two academic departments and then propose to study topics within those departments. St. Catherine’s offers a wide range of disciplines. Past IES Abroad students have proposed to study the following topics:

Aesthetics in Plato & Aristotle
The American Revolution
Anglo-Norman Literature
Behavioral Economics
Behavioral Genetics
Behavioral Neuroscience
British Politics Since 1945
Cellular Signaling
Computer Architecture
Confessional Latin
Ethical Theory
Global Health Epidemiology
History of Chinese Philosophy & Religion
The Islamic Civilization/Golden Age
James Joyce
Macroeconomic Analysis
Metabolic Biochemistry
Middle Eastern Politics
Neuropathology
Probability
Radical Social Theory
Renaissance, Humanism & the Church 1300-1600
Theological Understandings of Gender

For more details about course options, visit the  "CATZ" website.

Contact Hours

Each Oxford course will have a maximum of eight hours spread evenly through the term. It's expected that students spend on average 14 hours per tutorial (14 x 8 x 2) for the term in hours engaged in study and consideration. You will also be attending lectures on subjects of your choice.

IES Abroad Pre-Semester Tutorial in London

To ensure fall and academic year students receive the 15 credits per semester required by IES Abroad, we require a 3-credit, pre-semester tutorial in London. You live and study in London for four weeks prior to the start of the term in Oxford.

Designed to prepare you to succeed at the University of Oxford, this independent study tutorial sharpens your skills in oral and written rhetoric. You work one-on-one with IES Abroad London tutors (some of whom also teach at Oxford). The subject for the tutorial is chosen from the standard IES Abroad courses.* While in London, you live in a residence hall.

Helpful Links

two students stand arm-in-arm in front of lagoons in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Transcripts, Credit Transfer & Accreditation

Two students jump for a fun photo in front of Neue Burg in Vienna

Refund Policy

See All Student Policies

Requirements

Eligibility Requirements
Application Requirements
Passport & Visa Requirements

18 years of age
In good standing at your home school
3.85 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) or better and in good standing at home college or university (GPAs above 3.7 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
Junior or senior standing when program begins

Submit Your Online Application

Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.

Submit the following in your MyIESabroad account after your Online Application is processed:

Home School Authorization — Your on-campus study abroad advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form.
Official Transcript(s)  — Include a transcript for each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
Oxford Supplemental Application
Two Academic References  — Faculty who are acquainted with your academic work for at least one year must provide a letter of reference on school/departmental letterhead.
Personal Statement  — State your goals and reasons for wishing to study at Oxford University – St. Catherine’s College (200 words maximum). This information (alongside your 1st and 2nd tutorial choices) will be used to allocate your primary and secondary tutorials at St Catherine’s. As such, please be as specific as possible about your areas of interest.
Two Writing Samples (20 pages maximum)  — You should send written work that demonstrates your analytical, reasoning, language and writing skills, as appropriate for your chosen degree course. It must be original school or college work, that has been graded by a teacher, and not re-written or corrected in any way.
Color Copy of Passport Photo Page — Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the program end date.
Professional Passport-Sized (2’’x 2’’) Photos of Yourself
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam — Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.

Wait for communication from the Host University

Please Note — Final admissions decision are made by Oxford University - St. Catherine's College, not IES Abroad. Average admission decision wait time is about 3-6 weeks

Apply Now

Renew (or Apply for!) Your Passport ASAP

Passport applications and renewals are taking longer than normal these days. Save yourself from the last-minute stress by making sure:

You have a passport
The expiration date is at least six months after your study abroad program ends

Visit  travel.state.gov  to locate U.S. passport agencies in your area.

Visa Requirements

As a U.S. citizen, you may need to apply for a student visa before studying abroad. Learn more about what stamp or visa you will need to enter the UK and the UK student visa process. You will receive more detailed information upon admission.

Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and  contact your IES Abroad Advisor.

IES Abroad London Staff

John Ockey

IES Abroad London Center Director & Northwest Europe Cluster Dean

Read Full Bio

Chloe-Kate Abel

Internships Coordinator

Emma Blundell

Head of Student Affairs

Jake Davis

Student Affairs and Customized Programs Coordinator

Keith Dipple

Interim Associate Director & Dean of Faculty

Rhys Dunlop

Accounts & Budgets Manager

Miranda Hale

Direct Enroll & Academic Programming Manager

Ahmed Hamdan

Facilities Manager

Adam Harrison

Customized Programs Manager

Jacci Lawson

Internship Manager

Beth Lehlbach

Head of Internships

Lewis Liming

Customized Programs and Projects Manager

Kayla Martin

Academic Manager

Nicky Pang

Student Affairs & Customized Programs Coordinator (Events & Communication)

Zosia Rutkowska

Assistant Director and Head of Customized Programs

Atlanta Tsiaoukkas

Academic Administrator

Nicola Yates

Student Success Manager

Housing

A student walks by rows of modern, square buildings with multiple large windows in Oxford.

St. Catherine’s Residence Hall
Residence Hall

St. Catherine’s Residence Hall

Live on campus in single rooms with shared facilities. All rooms have internet access.

You have access to basic kitchen facilities, and the college has a dining hall on campus that provides meals throughout the week. When you arrive, you are issued a pay-as-you-go photo ID card, which is debited every time you take a meal and can be added to throughout the term. You are responsible for loading money onto your own card—meals are not included in the program cost.

Like all Oxford colleges, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are cooked onsite and served in the dining hall at set times. Meals are available to all enrolled students, not just to residents living on campus.

Residence Hall

During Fall and Academic Year Pre-Semester Tutorial

During the first three weeks of the program, you will stay in IES Abroad Housing. You will be living in a residence hall in London during this time, due to St. Catherine's Fall term not starting until October. You and another IES Abroad student will share a room with a private bathroom and kitchen. You will share bunk beds and wardrobes for clothes storage. Washing machines and dryers are available. No meals are provided for this housing option.

Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Oxford, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.

Bath & Stonehenge

2 Days ($) Fall

Visit mysterious Stonehenge and the ancient Roman baths in Bath. Marvel at the collection of world-class couture at the Fashion Museum and explore the Jane Austen Centre.

Students explore the rocky inclines off the coast of Dover on a sunny day.

Canterbury & Dover

1 Day ($) Fall

Visit the Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the beautiful Dover Castle. After the visit, go for a short hike along the White Cliff of Dover National Trust.

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Spring 2026

Tuition

27,794

Housing

8,099

Insurance

300

Total

36,193

Spring 2026

Oxford Direct Enrollment - St. Catherine's College Fees

Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)	Cost
Tuition	$27,794
Base Housing (& Meals, if applicable) plus one of the following supplemental fees below:	$8,099
• Option 1: Residence Hall (no meals provided)	+$0
Health Insurance	$300
Total IES Abroad Program Fee (total dependent on housing option selected)	$36,193-$36,193

+

Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition (invoiced by IES Abroad)	Cost
Tuition
Required Fee if taking Laboratory-Based Courses such as Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, or Biology	$10,050
School of Record transcript (if required)	$475
Total Additional Fees

+

Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply; consulate fees may be subject to change)	Cost
Required Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) if not on a Visa or UK/Visa National	$22
Standard Visitor Visa (if required, paid to Visa Processing Service)	$170
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)	$800-1,100
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials	$75
Estimated Groceries for Duration of Program (varies by the number of meals included per week) Students in certain housing options may require less groceries based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans
• Option 1: Residence Hall (no meals provided)	$2,170
Estimated Costs for Dining Out (based on one meal out per week) Students in certain housing options may require more meals out based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans	$620
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)	$30-150
Local Transportation	$830
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)	$45-730
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)	$3,400
Total Other Estimated Expenses

= Total Estimated Budget:

The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars
Estimated expenses are based on calculations and exchange rates at the time of printing
These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee
Estimated meal and grocery expenses are accessed from numbeo.com/cost-of-living/; costs of meals and groceries may vary based on your own spending habits
Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: additional meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), taxis, social activities and entertainment, toiletries, and laundry
Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad
The IES Abroad program fee does not include financial aid

Visa / Consular / Residency Fees

Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ obtain their visa
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs

Cell Phone Usage

Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location

Program Dates:

January 12 - June 20

Application Deadline:

Jan 16, 2025

Estimated Cost:

36,193

Fall 2026

Tuition

21,710

Housing

6,346

Insurance

300

Total

28,356

Fall 2026

Oxford Direct Enrollment - St. Catherine's College Fees

Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)	Cost
Tuition	$21,710
Base Housing (& Meals, if applicable) plus one of the following supplemental fees below:	$6,346
• Option 1: Residence Hall (no meals provided)	+$0
Health Insurance	$300
Total IES Abroad Program Fee (total dependent on housing option selected)	$28,356-$28,356

+

Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition (invoiced by IES Abroad)	Cost
Tuition
Required Fee if taking Laboratory-Based Courses such as Computing Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics	$5,200
School of Record transcript (if required)	$475
Total Additional Fees

+

Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply; consulate fees may be subject to change)	Cost
Optional Visa Expediting Fee (paid to consulate)	$650
Standard Visitor Visa (if required, paid to Visa Processing Service)	$165
Student Visa (required if doing part-time internship, and/or doing Academic Year, paid to Visa Processing Service)	$680
Required Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) if not on a Visa or UK/Visa National	$20
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)	$600-1,000
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials	$75
Estimated Groceries for Duration of Program (varies by the number of meals included per week) Students in certain housing options may require less groceries based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans
• Option 1: Residence Hall (no meals provided)	$1,340
Estimated Costs for Dining Out (based on one meal out per week) Students in certain housing options may require more meals out based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans	$380
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)	$30-150
Local Transportation	$500
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)	$45-730
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)	$2,400
Total Other Estimated Expenses

= Total Estimated Budget:

The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars
Estimated expenses are based on calculations and exchange rates at the time of printing
These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee
Estimated meal and grocery expenses are accessed from numbeo.com/cost-of-living/; costs of meals and groceries may vary based on your own spending habits
Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: additional meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), taxis, social activities and entertainment, toiletries, and laundry
Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad
The IES Abroad program fee does not include financial aid

Visa / Consular / Residency Fees

Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ obtain their visa
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs

Cell Phone Usage

Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location

Program Dates:

September 01 - December 09

Application Deadline:

Jan 15, 2026

Estimated Cost:

28,356

Academic Year 2026-2027

Tuition

62,460

Housing

12,000

Insurance

540

Total

75,000

Academic Year 2026-2027

Oxford Direct Enrollment - St. Catherine's College Academic Year Fees

Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)	Cost
Tuition	$62,460
Base Housing (& Meals, if applicable) plus one of the following supplemental fees below:	$12,000
• Option 1: Residence Hall (no meals provided)	+$0
Health Insurance	$540
Total IES Abroad Program Fee (total dependent on housing option selected)	$75,000-$75,000

+

Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition (invoiced by IES Abroad)	Cost
Tuition
Required Fee if taking Laboratory-Based Courses such as Computing Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics	$5,200
School of Record transcript (if required)	$475
Total Additional Fees

+

Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply; consulate fees may be subject to change)	Cost
Optional Visa Expediting Fee (paid to consulate)	$650
Standard Visitor Visa (if required, paid to Visa Processing Service)	$165
Student Visa (required if doing part-time internship, and/or doing Academic Year, paid to Visa Processing Service)	$680
Required Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) if not on a Visa or UK/Visa National	$20
Required Immigration Health Surcharge	$1,350
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)	$800-1,300
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials	$150
Estimated Groceries for Duration of Program (varies by the number of meals included per week) Students in certain housing options may require less groceries based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans
• Option 1: Residence Hall (no meals provided)	+$2,680
Estimated Costs for Dining Out (based on one meal out per week) Students in certain housing options may require more meals out based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans	$760
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)	$60-300
Local Transportation	$1,000
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)	$45-1,460
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)	$4,800
Total Other Estimated Expenses

= Total Estimated Budget:

The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars
Estimated expenses are based on calculations and exchange rates at the time of printing
These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee
Estimated meal and grocery expenses are accessed from numbeo.com/cost-of-living/; costs of meals and groceries may vary based on your own spending habits
Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: additional meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), taxis, social activities and entertainment, toiletries, and laundry
Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad
The IES Abroad program fee does not include financial aid

Visa / Consular / Residency Fees

Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ obtain their visa
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs

Cell Phone Usage

Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location

Program Dates:

September 01 - Mid June

Application Deadline:

Jan 15, 2026

Estimated Cost:

75,000

Spring 2027

Tuition

41,200

Housing

6,500

Insurance

300

Total

48,000

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet

Orientation

Health & Safety

With 75 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in your program cost to highly trained local staff who can connect you with English-speaking healthcare providers, we work around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Helpful Links

Blogs on Mental Health

Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling

Blogs on Safety

Learn More About Health & Safety

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.

I’ve never been abroad before. When should I apply for a passport?

As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!

How do I know if I will receive credit for the classes or internships I complete abroad?

You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.

How do scholarships and financial aid work? Can I use my existing scholarships or apply for more?

You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.

How does IES Abroad work with my school?

IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.

What is the university or location where I will take my classes abroad?

The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.

What are IES Abroad’s health and safety resources and policies?

IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).

Do I have to find my own housing on my IES Abroad program?

Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.