Our study and intern abroad programs are offered in 30 of the most spectacular locations around the world. With nearly half of our locations winning Travel & Leisure’s recently announced World’s Best Awards, the voters seems to agree!
These 14 dynamic cities were voted the best of the best by Travel & Leisure readers based on characteristics such as art & culture, friendliness, landmarks, and food— plus with IES Abroad, you have the option to live and learn in each and every one! Learn more about our programs in these cities by clicking the city name.
Which destination would you like to live and study in?
AUCKLAND - #3 Best City in Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific 
Photo by Claire Francis (IES Abroad Auckland) | Spring 2014
BARCELONA - #8 Best City in the World (also named #4 Best City in Europe)
Photo by Rachel Hare (IES Abroad Barcelona) | Spring 2014
BUENOS AIRES - #4 Best City in Mexico & Central & South America
Photo by Madeline Eskind (IES Abroad Buenos Aires) | Fall 2012
CAPE TOWN - #1 Best City in Africa & the Middle East (also named #9 Best City in the World) 
Photo by Nicole Itzkowitz (IES Abroad Cape Town) | Fall 2014
CHICAGO - #7 Best City in United States & Canada 
Photo by Erica Barraca
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS - #1 Best Island in the World (also named #1 Best Island in Mexico & Central & South America) 
Photo by Samantha Juda (IES Abroad Galapagos Islands) | Fall 2011
ISTANBUL - #5 Best City in Europe 
Photo from IES Abroad Berlin Center
MADRID – #9 Best City in Europe
Photo by Claudia Dumpson (IES Abroad Madrid) | Fall 2014
PARIS - #10 Best City in Europe 
Photo by Mimi Price (IES Abroad Paris) | Fall 2013
RIO DE JANEIRO - #3 Best City in Mexico & Central & South America
Photo by Madeline Eskind (IES Abroad Buenos Aires) | Fall 2012
ROME - #5 Best City in the World (also named #2 Best City in Europe)
Photo by Michael Gaytko (IES Abroad Rome) | Spring 2014
SHANGHAI - #8 Best City in Asia
Photo by Jill Kruidenier
SYDNEY - #1 Best City in Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific
Photo by Paige Malone (IES Abroad Sydney) | Fall 2013
TOKYO - #5 Best City in Asia
Photo by William Jolley (IES Abroad Tokyo) | Fall 2014
Ready to make one of these cities home for a semester, summer, or year? Apply now.
