The first IES Abroad program launched in September 1950, when 23 American students boarded a ship bound for Vienna, where they would spend a year studying abroad in the Austrian capital. They traveled with Paul Koutny, an idealistic Austrian student who envisioned the program while studying in the United States on a Fulbright Scholarship. 

Among those wide-eyed, eager students were Clarence and Alberta Giese, young newlyweds from Chicago. The year abroad inspired the Gieses so deeply that upon returning home, they sold everything they owned and helped Mr. Koutny bring another group of students to Vienna—and then another, and another. 

Today, over 75 years later, the IES Abroad experience still elicits the same response from students as it did in 1950: that it indelibly changed their lives.

Our Mission

We educate students to become global citizens through premier international study abroad and internship programs, which offer students worldwide experiential learning opportunities that set the highest standards of academic quality, and student safety, health, and well-being.

Two students, one taller than the other, are in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. One student smiles and the other is fixing his hair.
T'ea F. • John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Why We Do It—Our Commitment

Everything we do is about the IES Abroad student.

We’re a passionate team of study abroad professionals who believe in creating once-in-a-lifetime educational adventures that transcend expectations.

We work at IES Abroad because we believe that every qualified student should have access to high-impact international learning—especially in a fun, safe, and superior academic and cultural environment.

That belief is demonstrated through our High-Impact Aid Commitment and $7.9M in annual financial aid, targeted recruitment for underrepresented students, and policies that prioritize academic rigor and student safety. 

Our support model includes 24/7 on-site staff, dedicated visa assistance, and Center-level leadership to keep students safe and progressing academically.

See How We Put Students First

Our Values

Excellence
We believe in the power of study abroad and are committed to delivering meaningful and challenging experiences.
Vision
We are committed to being active participants in creating innovations that better the world.
Inclusivity
We are dedicated to broadening access for students abroad, to meet everyone where they are, and treat them equitably.
Integrity
We have an unwavering focus on academic excellence, health & safety support, and equity & inclusion.
Authenticity
We strive for honesty, transparency, and accountability in everything we do.
a student sitting on a mountaintop by the ocean
Angela T. • University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

Inclusivity at IES Abroad

We’ve had a front-row seat to observing how study abroad changes people—no matter who they are. Study abroad humanizes us. It expands our potential by honing our language, intercultural and other skills, and, deepening our capacity for humility, empathy and fairness. At IES Abroad, we use our knowledge of travel, cultures, and places to cultivate global citizens. This is our platform for change.

Learn More About Inclusivity at IES Abroad

Hugo Valdebenito Headshot
“In order to teach these kind of classes and courses, you have to became very broad and not just teach environmental issues but social issues.”
Dr. Hugo Valdebenito • Professor at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito
group of staff standing in front of a river, bridge, and large tall buildings
IES Abroad

Our Global Leadership

Across our organization, you'll find global leaders, including our President & CEO and Executive Team. As a not-for-profit organization, we are managed by a Board of Directors—a group of leaders in the fields of study abroad, higher education, as well as local, national and international business. 

Meet Our Leaders

Gregory Hess headshot
“The sustained exposure to a range of cultures combined with the deep cultural immersion is one of the most powerful ways to spark a deeper understanding of not only those around you, but also of yourself and your own personal biases.”
Gregory H. • President & CEO of IES Abroad

Our Impact

IES Abroad Barcelona intern on his way to work past La Sagrada Familia
Danny D. • Penn State University

Recent research from the Forum on Education Abroad draws on insights from nearly 500 IES Abroad alumni to shed light on the impactful career benefits of studying abroad. 

Of the IES Abroad alumni surveyed:

  • 65% reported the experience influenced their career path
  • 64% reported career advancement following participation
  • 92% reported improved job skills attributable to their program
     

We collect and publish outcome data to inform students and institutional partners of the life-changing impact of study abroad with IES Abroad. 

View the Full Career Outcomes Report

four ies abroad staff members in business casual attire laugh and smile in the cape town center
IES Abroad Cape Town

An Organization You Can Trust

IES Abroad’s credibility rests on institutional governance, demonstrated staff tenure, and measurable student outcomes.

  • Consortium accountability: 275+ member institutions with voting rights help set academic and organizational policy.
  • Board governance: a Board of Directors oversees our not-for-profit’s mission and long-term strategy.
  • Local leadership continuity: average Center Director tenure of 14+ years; average on-site staff tenure of 6+ years.
  • External recognition: we are a recognized member of the Better Business Bureau and other professional networks.
  • These governance structures ensure accountability, academic integrity, and continuous program improvement.
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Black and white photo of the arrival of the SS Volendam in Vienna, 1950
Arrival of the SS Volendam in Vienna, 1950

What does IES Abroad stand for?

Our full name is the Institute for the International Education of Students. We know, it's kind of a mouthful! 

What it means is that we're passionate about making meaningful academic and cultural education opportunities available to students around the world.

In fact, we've had a few names in our 75+ year history. We started as the Institute of European Studies, then became the Institute of European Studies/Institute of Asian Studies (IES/IAS), next Institute for the International Education of Students (IES®), then finally our name became who we are today: IES Abroad.

Read Our Ethical Principles

Our History

For 75 years, IES Abroad has built practices that shape today’s academic oversight and student support. Early “firsts” in program review and student services established a foundation that informs our current Academic Council, course review process, and Center-level student care. Our institutional history is therefore not nostalgia—it is the basis for current standards and policies that govern coursework, student safety, and program quality.

black and white film photo of Clarence and Alberta Giese on a tower in vienna

1950s-60s

1950: The first group of IES Abroad students board the SS Volendam to Vienna.

1954: Customized Programs begin to be offered, the first in the industry.

1957: First official affiliation established with a university abroad, Universitat Wien.

1961: Second Center is opened, in Paris, France.

1961: First study abroad scholarship is awarded.

1965: The Academic Consortium of U.S. colleges and universities is established.

1965: First IES Abroad Annual Conference for study abroad professionals is hosted.

Join Our Team

Want to join our profoundly passionate team of study abroad professionals? Check out our current job openings to be a part of the life-changing adventures we create every day.

Explore Job Openings

Learn More About IES Abroad

Why We’re Different

What We Do

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