The IES Abroad Difference
You are here
At IES Abroad, we’re proud to be different.
We can say that our academic standards are completely unmatched, our partnerships with more than 500 global universities and colleges speak to the quality of our programs, and our health and safety practices have set the standards for the entire field of study abroad. And all of that would be true.
But you know what really sets us apart? Our commitment to you.
As a not-for-profit study abroad and internship provider, you are our bottom line.
Your success is our success.
And in today’s world, that’s a pretty extraordinary thing.
Not-for-Profit Organization
As a mission-driven, not-for-profit study abroad and internship provider our surplus revenue goes right back in to our programs, typically in the form of scholarships and aid. Why? Simply because we believe in doing the right thing. Ever since we were founded in 1950, we’ve been student-focused in everything we do—and that will never change.
A Range of Offerings
Through IES Abroad, IES Internships, Customized & Faculty-Led Programs, and the Study Abroad Foundation (SAF), we offer a wide range of international education programming. Learn more about what we do—from study abroad programs for college students to one-of-a-kind, customized experiences designed with college/university staff or faculty.
Life-Changing Programs All Over the World
From Santiago to Shanghai, we’re proud to have programs all over the world and in a wide range of disciplines. Our programs offer courses at our Center, a local university, or both. Through a part-time or full-time internship, you can add global brilliance to your résumé while you’re abroad.
$5 Million Scholarships & Aid
We’re here to help you make the study abroad dream a reality. With scholarship and aid opportunities for everything from specific majors to specific need, we’re proud to help you fund this adventure.
Leadership in Health & Safety
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—wherever you are.
Our Centers Abroad
Think of the IES Abroad Center as your campus or a local space in which you’ll take classes, meet for community events, and study with friends. Our Centers are fully staffed with IES Abroad staff committed to helping you make the most of your study abroad experience—from academic support to student life activities.
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
In 2008, we launched our Initiative to Diversify Education Abroad (IDEA), the first of its kind in the study abroad industry. As part of our commitment to making study abroad accessible to under-represented students, we’re proud to offer Diversity Scholarships, a comprehensive list of diversity resources, and personalized support from our Diversity team.
Study Abroad Film Festival
Launched in 2014, the Study Abroad Film Festival highlights the one-of-a-kind adventures our students are having abroad, all through their own cinematic lens. No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than the students themselves.
Academic Consortium & Partner University Network
Our Academic Consortium is made up of 250+ leading U.S. colleges and universities who partner with us to send their students abroad. These institutions are actively involved in our mission, direction, and program development. In addition to our U.S. partners, our academic network expands to nearly 250 other universities around the world.
Academic Excellence
Achieving high standards of academic excellence requires the involvement and participation of our consortium schools, the Academic Department at our headquarters in Chicago, highly-skilled Center Directors around the world, and world-class university partners. Together, these groups make us the academic leader in study abroad.
Advising & Student Support
You have an individual Program Advisor to help you prepare for your study abroad adventure. Program Advisors are compassionate, travel savvy professionals who know the ins-and-outs of the IES Abroad program you’ve applied for. From visa requirements to travel details, our Program Advisors are your #1 resource for gearing up to study abroad.
Award Recognition
From Top Study Abroad Organization (two years in a row!) to Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion, we’re proud to have been recognized and awarded for our commitment to providing superior study abroad experiences.
