Quality Improvement Process (QUIP) Designation

As part of the QUIP examination into IES Abroad’s oversight and evaluation procedures, IES Abroad completed an extensive self-study, and provided the Forum’s independent review team with hundreds of documents describing our global operations and our evaluation processes. QUIP independent reviewers examined:

• The IES Abroad Mission and the IES Abroad MAP
• Education system and extensive surveys and research
• Predeparture and on-site operations
• Communications with students, parents, member schools and the general public
• Student learning and development
• Academic and business governance systems
• Student selection and preparation
• Student code of conduct and student services protocols
• Organizational and program resources
• Health, safety, and security measures, and crisis management planning
• Financial operations
• Organizational ethics

In addition, a second independent Forum panel reviewed the first review panel’s recommendations.

This lengthy review process offered an important reminder of how well our governance structure has served our organization, partner institutions, and students. Our Academic Consortium has consistently held IES Abroad to the highest standards, and IES Abroad continues to implement the IES Abroad Model Assessment Practice for Study Abroad Programs (IES Abroad MAP). As a result, we have a long organizational history of seeking feedback, conducting program reviews, evaluating many facets of our programs and operations, and innovating.

Recognition through QUIP provides schools, students, and parents with the assurance that IES Abroad programs are of the highest academic and operational quality. The recognition also reflects the high priority IES Abroad places on continually improving every aspect of our study abroad programs and services.