Early Departure Policy Early departures are not permitted unless warranted by a documented medical or family emergency and approved by IES Abroad. It is not possible to reschedule a final exam or final paper deadline in order to accommodate early departure for personal travel, including plans to attend events such as a friend or relative's wedding, a family reunion, or a graduation ceremony. Plan ahead and make sure our program dates do not conflict with your personal plans before you confirm your place in the program.

You may depart at any time on the official departure date. There will be no IES Abroad courses or exams scheduled on this date. You must move out of your housing accommodation on the departure date. If you enroll in partner university courses, you are required to complete partner university exams before departure and depart IES Abroad housing the following day. Partner University Course Dates Partner university courses currently do not have a final exam date and some exams might take place after the official departure date. Because no modifications or early exams are allowed, we encourage you...

Internet-based communication is an easy and free way to maintain contact with family and friends back home and abroad. Check out: Whatsapp for audio calling and messaging Zoom for free internet-based audio and video calling LINE for free voice calls and messages Facetime Google Meet WeChat for audio calling and messaging (primarily used in China) Even if you purchase a basic cell phone abroad, you can use your smartphone's Internet-based communications when you are connected to WiFi. Be sure to check with your cellular provider to ensure that you may access the Internet on your phone without...

Resources for Being You Abroad At IES Abroad, we honor and respect the differences among our students, alumni, staff, faculty and partners. Our staff is aware of and sensitive to the range of issues students experience while adapting to their new international setting and are available to discuss how you are adapting to your host environment and support you in connecting to local resources that can help you find a sense of community and belonging abroad. Our support resources are created for students from a wide range of identities, and we are here to help you have the most enriching study...

IES Global Housing Policy At IES Abroad, we’re known for setting the standard in student health and safety, and that goes for student housing as well. In your host city, we have vetted housing options for our students. Housing might be one of the parts of studying abroad that you and your family are most anxious about. We understand that this experience involves a lot of unknowns and want to help you be comfortable with what living like a local will look like. That also means that you’ll need to keep an open mind and understand that things will be different in your host country. If you do, you...

Our commitment to your health and safety includes international health insurance that covers you from the first day of your program to the last day of your program. Once you have confirmed your place in the program, we will automatically enroll you in Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) international health insurance on your behalf. The mandatory insurance is included in your program cost and cannot be waived unless your school carries the same exact policy through CISI. You will receive an insurance confirmation/registration e-mail prior to departure. The insurance plan is...

Our long-standing commitment to student safety means we work very hard to establish and maintain avenues of communication and information tracking between students and staff. Cell Phones & TripTracker™ We require you to have a cell phone during your time abroad to encourage and simplify communications with both the IES Abroad Center and your parents in the event of an emergency. You will be required to provide your Center with your cell phone number and to keep your phone turned on and charged at all times for the duration of your program. You are also required to submit an electronic...

With over 75 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter what time zone you’re in. How We Support Your Health & Safety International Health Insurance : Your program fee includes international health insurance for the duration of your program. The policy is specially designed for students traveling internationally, and it...

Important Initial Steps You’ll Need to Take to Be Prepared Confirm your Place in the Program Submit the Confirmation Form in your MyIESabroad account. . Check, Renew, or Apply for your Passport This is even more important than your plane ticket! If you do not have a valid passport, renew or apply for one immediately. Read your Predeparture Information and Student Handbook This Predeparture Guide is filled with nearly all the information you need to know to be prepared to go abroad. Navigate through this Predeparture Guide using the dropdown above. Find the Student Handbook in your Predeparture...

Packing Basics Start to follow the local weather and do some research about seasonal temperatures and precipitation. Pack as light as possible! Students often regret that they packed too much. Leave room for the souvenirs you’ll want to bring home with you. Be able to carry your luggage up a flight of stairs on your own (*If you have a physical impairment that affects your ability to do this, please notify your advisor and the on-site center staff). Make sure your luggage will fit inside the trunk of a small taxi. Be aware of airlines’ limits to the weight and number of bags and any fees...