Please note IES Abroad is pausing its Fall 2026 Direct Enrollment program at American University in Dubai due to escalating uncertainty in the Gulf region. Student health and safety remain our top priority. We are monitoring the situation and remain hopeful for a Spring 2027 start.
Not new on the map...
...but new to IES Abroad! We are excited to announce that starting in Summer and Fall 2026, IES Abroad will have new programs in Athens, Greece and Dubai, United Arab Emirates!
In both locations, we will offer direct enrollment programs with trusted local partners to offer students a holistic and authentic study abroad experience.
Learn more about our new offerings below.
Study Abroad in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Students will learn more about the development and culture (of which there are many) of Dubai when they enroll at The American University in Dubai (AUD).
Founded in 1995, AUD stands as a private, culturally and academically inclusive institution of higher learning, offering a globally recognized American education. Situated ideally in the heart of Dubai's creative hub, AUD holds a prominent position within the expansive business district of Dubai's Media and Internet City.
Direct Enrollment - American University in Dubai
Our Direct Enrollment - American University in Dubai Program allows student to take 15 credits per semester at The American University in Dubai (AUD), located in the heart of Dubai's bustling Media City. Students will live on campus and have access to all AUD amenities and support during their time abroad.
Academic programs (especially in Architecture, Business, Communication, etc.) often include site visits, industry talks, and local excursions as part of courses and studios.
AUD emphasizes that immersing yourself in student life on and off campusâthrough
clubs, leadership roles, sports teams, and eventsâis an essential part of the overall
experience
Dubai Program Details
- Fall 2026 Application Deadline: April 16, 2026
- Program Dates: August 27 â December 19, 2026
- Academics: During the semester at AUD, students will enroll in 15 credits (usually 5 classes) from a strong list of disciplines. Robust offerings include:
- Architecture/Design
- Business
- Engineering
- Staff & Support: A study abroad coordinator located on campus, and student services staff at AUD, will conduct orientation and be available for support.
- Housing: Students will live in a double room within a same-gender residence hall on campus. Each room is furnished with two single beds, two wardrobes, two desks, two chairs, and two bedside tables. Each room has a private bathroom. Each bedroom will have A/C. No meals are provided, but students will share a fully equipped kitchen.
- On-Campus Amenities: IES Abroad students have access to the full range of AUD clubs, societies, and athletics, just like degree-seeking students. All residence halls are located within a 2-5 minute walk to the academic buildings, library, computer laps, cafeteria, a mini-mart, and the sports facilities that include basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, as well as a soccer field and a swimming pool.
- Experiences: The Student Affairs & Study Abroad Office periodically organizes social and cultural activities in Dubai and across the UAE, such as welcome events and city outings, to which students are warmly invited to join.
- Field Trips: Past trips have included desert safari and heritage village visits, Hatta Adventures, and an Abu Dhabi trip
Study Abroad in Athens, Greece
In partnership with American College of Greece (ACG), we will have two new Athens summer programs starting in May 2026. Located in suburban Athens and founded in 1875, ACG is the oldest and largest U.S.-accredited, comprehensive educational institution in Europe, with a 70% Greek-national student body.
Athens Program Details
- Summer 2026 Application Deadline: February 19, 2026
- Academics: For both programs, students will enroll in a total of six credits. Disciplines include:
- Communications
- Economics
- Environmental Studies
- Finance
- Management
- Psychology
- Staff & Support: An IES Abroad Program Coordinator located on campus, along with student services staff at ACG, will conduct orientation and be available for support.
- Housing: Students will live in a shared bedroom within a large apartment-style residence hall within a 10-minute walk of ACG's campus. No meals are provided, but they'll have access to a fully equipped kitchen, plus a living area. The residence hall is completely furnished and has WiFi, A/C, on-site laundry, and 24-hour reception.
- On-Campus Amenities: Students will have access to ACG's fitness center, staff for support, events, and field trips.
- Experiences: Through ACG, students will go on a:
- Downtown Athens tour ending with dinner in Monastiraki, a historic district
- Full-day trip to Aegina Island by ferry, including a visit to the Temple of Aphaia
Summer Direct Enrollment - American College of Greece (4 Weeks)
Our four-week Summer Direct Enrollment - American College of Greece Program in Athens allows you to take two courses at ACG and experience daily life and learning like a real Athenian. You will have a 4-week immersive experience and get to know locals while having access to ACGâs 100+ English-taught courses. Located in suburban Athens, ACG puts you in the center of campus life, and youâre just under an hour from the Aegean sea. Whatâs not to love about a summer in Greece to live your âMamma Miaâ moment?
Program dates:
May 17 - June 19
Summer in Greece (6 Weeks)
Similar to the 4-week program, IES Abroad students will have access to all of ACGâs English-taught summer courses on the 6-week Summer in Greece Program. They will take one course at ACG and enroll in the IES Abroad-taught core course Greek Archaeology: The Material Culture of Ancient Greece, which includes a guided 10-day study tour to major archaeological and cultural sites, including Delphi, Olympia, and Paros.
Program dates:
May 17 - July 1
We can't wait to see where your adventure takes you! Be sure to check out more information and sign up for updates!
