“Study abroad matters to me in ways that go far beyond the classroom—it was a life-changing experience that shaped my academic, professional, and personal journey. I was first inspired by my cousin who studied abroad in Finland, which opened my eyes at a young age to the possibilities that international education could offer. That early exposure planted the seed that eventually led me to pursue my own study abroad experience in Milan, Italy. While attending the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), I worked at the Study Abroad Office, where I not only helped other students explore global opportunities but also planned my own time abroad.

During my program in Milan, I balanced classes, an internship, and remote work for UIC’s Study Abroad Office—all while soaking in a new culture and building lifelong connections. My experience continues to live on through my career in digital marketing and content creation, where global awareness, cultural competency, and storytelling are at the heart of what I do. To give back and expand access, I created “Passport to Success,” an initiative that educated students on the study abroad process through engaging presentations, trivia with prizes, and a panel of past participants. Through this program, I was proud to award passport funding to two students and gift Amazon gift cards to encourage others to take that first step. International education gave me the confidence to dream bigger and the tools to turn those dreams into reality—and now, I strive to inspire others to do the same.

During my time abroad, I had the incredible opportunity to walk in Milan Fashion Week for Tokyo James Spring-Summer 2022. This experience not only fulfilled a lifelong dream but also became a pivotal moment in my career—leading to me signing with Boom Models in Milan, Italy. Studying abroad gave me the flexibility and exposure to explore both academic and creative passions, proving that international education can truly open doors beyond the classroom.”

Jordan Sweet

“My experiences with study abroad, academically and professionally, have shown me how study abroad makes global experiences so much more accessible to the students of today. Without my experiences at IES Abroad, I and thousands of other students wouldn’t have been able to accomplish so many of our goals. Now, as I prepare to continue my studies abroad with an MA in Advanced Migration Studies at the University of Copenhagen, I am eager to continue contributing to our international community.”

Caroline (Kiki) Giles

“Study abroad changed my life. London wasn’t just a destination—it was a mirror, a teacher, and a launching pad. As a Black student from North Carolina, it affirmed that I belong on the global stage. It sparked my path toward diplomacy and deepened my purpose: building bridges across borders. I carry London with me into every room I enter—into my career, my worldview, and my advocacy for access. Everyone deserves this kind of transformation. That’s why I’ll never stop championing it.

I just want to say thank you. Thank you for creating spaces where students like me can grow, explore, and thrive beyond borders. My IES Abroad experience gave me more than memories—it gave me a renewed sense of purpose and identity.”

Michael Henry

“Study abroad is formative because it may be a student’s first time in their life they’ll feel like the ‘other.’ This is such a valuable trait that unlocks whole new levels of empathy, leadership, and adaptability. If I was a hiring manager, I’d look for students who learned these traits outside of their home country.”

Kiubon Kokko

“Studying abroad was the first time I realized how much more expansive my life could be. Before then, travel felt like something other people did—people who had money, could try new foods, and weren’t constantly calculating risk. With severe food allergies, going abroad felt dangerous. I couldn’t imagine navigating unfamiliar meals without offending anyone or getting sick.

But in Morocco, my host mother made sure every meal was safe for me. I didn’t have a single allergic reaction in her care. That experience challenged the fear that had quietly shaped so many of my decisions. And when I eventually traveled on my own and did have a reaction, I knew I could handle it. It showed me how even something as intimate as sharing a meal can be navigated with respect, honesty, and openness.

Studying abroad didn’t just expand my world; it clarified my responsibility to help dismantle the systems that limit movement, opportunity, and autonomy.”

Yazmin Baptiste

“Studying abroad is a chance to broaden our perspective of the world, give others a window into parts of the world they’ve never seen, and engage in a mutual learning experience where we learn about the culture and experiences of people in the country where we’re studying and they learn about ours. Blogging about my time in Cape Town helped me understand the value of storytelling to give people a window into someone else’s world. It’s something that has shaped me as a journalist.

My time studying abroad in Cape Town through IES Abroad is still one of my fondest memories. I believe it’s one of the things that has fundamentally shaped who I am, how I see the world, and how I treat people even today.”

Breana Ross