Putting Students First in All We Do

At IES Abroad, we're proud to be different. We can say that our academic standards are 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.

How Our Students-First Approach Sets IES® Programs Apart

A group of students walks through an alley in Medina.

A Student-Focused Mission That Drives All We Do

As a mission-driven not-for-profit organization, we're not ashamed to admit we're a little obsessed with study abroad. If we have any surplus revenue, it goes right back in to our programs, typically in the form of scholarships and aid.

A student scuba dives in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Life-Changing Programs All Over the World

From Santiago to Siena, we’re dedicated to having programs in diverse locations all over the world and in a wide range of disciplines.

Four students wearing red, orange, and green multi-colored life vests are on a boat in Santiago, Chile.

Health & Safety Protocols to Give You Peace of Mind

We are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. That's why our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management.

A students writes in their notebook on the side of a mountain.

World-Class Faculty Ensuring Academic Excellence

You won't just be taking classes in a new location, your host city will become your classroom as your professors share local insight, professional experience, and culturally enriched course-related trips.

The autumnal mountainside of Fujiyoshida, Japan.

A Commitment to Global Good

Facing a range of crises around the world, from climate issues to systemic racism and inequities within our communities, we saw the need to highlight and elevate our mission, initiatives, and programming in global good. Thus, the Global Good Commitment was born.

a group of students and faculty from a Customized Program in Rabat

A Range of Offerings to Best Meet Your Needs

Through IES Abroad, IES Internships, Customized & Faculty-Led Programs, and the Study Abroad Foundation (SAF), we offer a wide range of international education programming.

students practice writing Chinese characters in Shanghai

A Student Body from All Over the World

Our Academic Consortium is made up of 270+ leading U.S. colleges and universities who partner with us to send their students abroad. This means your classmates at IES Abroad Centers will include U.S. and international students from all over the United States contributing their diverse experiences to class discussion.

a student standing against a mural taking a photo

Opportunities to Share Your Story

Share your study abroad experience in real-time by applying to be an IES Abroad Correspondent. Submit an original film to the Study Abroad Film Festival. Show us your study abroad photos in the Snapshot Contest. These are just some of the ways we elevate student stories, because, after all, no one knows the IES Abroad experience better than our students themselves.

IES Abroad staff jumping in Berlin

Don't Just Take Our Word For It

From Top Study Abroad Organization based on student reviews (two years in a row!) to Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion, we’re proud to have been recognized and awarded for our commitment to providing students with superior study abroad experiences.

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.

A Diverse & Inclusive Community

At IES Abroad, we understand that identity must be cultivated and supported in several ways and at multiple levels—from accessibility and inclusiveness of a diverse student body to the learning environment and courses offered.

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

Dedicated Local Staff at Our Centers Abroad

The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.

advisor sitting at her desk in front of two monitors

Personal Advising & Support

From visa requirements to travel details, our Program Advisors are your #1 resource for gearing up to study abroad.

An Organization You Can Trust

IES Abroad is committed to delivering the highest quality academics and services, and that is why we are  a recognized member of the Better Business Bureau.

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Kylie Goodrich headshot
“Do it and do it alone. I think that one of the most important parts of my study abroad was choosing to go without friends, it completely took me out of my comfort zone and I grew so much as a person.”
Kylie G. • Purdue University • Milan – Italy Today
Experience our students-first philosophy first-hand

See the IES Abroad Difference

Throughout your study abroad journey we'll be here to support you from predeparture, throughout your program, and as part of our alumni community. 

Apply Now
ocean at sunset with hill and logo that reads students first