Parents
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At IES Abroad, we consider living and studying abroad to be one of the most exciting experiences in a young person's life. It's a time of tremendous growth and has shown to have significant personal, academic, and career benefits. We strive to make the once-in-a-lifetime educational adventure of study abroad accessible to all students—but as a parent, you probably have many questions about your student living and learning abroad and how we’ll support them along the way.
High-Quality Academics
Returning students tell us that studying abroad affects both their personal growth and influences their academic interests and commitment to their studies.*
- 87% of returning students said study abroad influenced subsequent educational experiences
- 80% reported an enhanced interest in academic study
- 52% of students attained graduate degrees after studying abroad
Incomparable Career Benefits
Students and employers acknowledge that international experience on a résumé is a competitive advantage in today’s job market. In many cases, students add professional experiences to their résumés while they’re abroad through part-time (semester) and full-time (summer) internships in fields such as business, humanities, communications, and engineering. Students improve their language skills, develop intercultural competency, and increase confidence in themselves and their abilities—all skills that will serve them greatly no matter where they land after college.
Did You Know?
- IES Abroad alumni earn, on average, $6,000 more in starting salaries, compared to recent U.S. college graduates from the general population.
- 93% of our alumni found their first job within six months of graduation, while nearly three fourths of them found their first job within just two months.
- 84% of alumni felt that studying abroad helped them build valuable job skills, such as language proficiency, cultural training, tolerance for ambiguity, adaptability, and communication skills.
- 96% indicated that study abroad increased self-confidence.
Commitment to Diversity
At IES Abroad, we understand that diversity must be cultivated and supported in several ways and at multiple levels, from accessibility and inclusiveness of a diverse student body to the learning environment and courses offered, to predeparture resources for students.
Read About our Commitment to Diversity.
Putting Students First
As a not-for-profit, we dedicate our time and resources to your student. Our academic and social support services range include pre-departure advisors, a Diversity team, and a dedicated Student Affairs staff who assist in your student’s cultural and academic preparation and adjustment.
See What's Included for Your Student.
Health & Safety
The safety of IES Abroad students is our highest priority. Our staff is well-trained and knowledgeable about our safety procedures and protocols. Unlike most study abroad providers, IES Abroad has a full-time Chicago-based Dean of Students Office that establishes and oversees our health and safety guidelines, and consults with the IES Abroad Centers to maintain high standards of safety.
Read More About Our Safety Measures.
On-Time Graduation
With advanced planning, your student’s study abroad experience doesn’t have to delay graduation. IES Abroad has formal agreements with more than 235 top-tier American colleges and universities that approve IES Abroad programs and accept IES Abroad credit. Plus, with a personal College Relations Manager and Program Advisor, your student and their needs are supported by IES Abroad staff.
See What Schools Make Up Our Consortium.
Setting Industry Standards
We believe transparency, best practices, and maintaining the integrity of our business principles are in the best interests of our students, our global academic partners, and our organization. We constantly strive to make sure our offerings are the best in the industry as a not-for-profit organization with more than 65 years of leadership in study abroad.
Learn more about the IES Abroad Difference.
On-Site Support Abroad
IES Abroad is proud of our global Centers, which typically house staff offices, classrooms, student lounges, and more. This means your student has a physical space to connect with IES staff while abroad and around can count on receiving around the clock support from our experienced and professional on-site staff.
Sustainability in Mind
We have always considered sustainability and earth-friendly practices to be an integral part of the global experience. This is why, in 2021, we formalized these values into our Global Good Commitment. With inspiration from the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, we have committed to three main values: sustainable living, equitable living, and human well-being. These values are strategically-woven into our curriculum, and program offerings.
"From a parent's perspective, this program has been fantastic! Bridget has always been independent and able, but studying abroad has been a game-changing experience! Go for it!"
A Semester In Spain: Trinity University & IES Abroad Madrid
In beautiful alignment with our tradition at IES Abroad to uplift various cultures and diverse experiences, this fall semester featured the enriching Fall 2021 Trinity in Spain Program and pleased faculty and students alike.
On Packing // Spiraling // Queerness // & COVID-19
Today, I bought 5 bottles of sunscreen.
I can’t stop frantically checking the packing list // my backpack // my suitcase // the pile of
clothes I have crammed in the corner for “later”–
& I am realizing “later” is three days away.
Lauren Alexander Named Associate Vice President, Customized & Faculty-Led Programs
Lauren Alexander joins IES Abroad as the new Associate Vice President of Customized & Faculty-Led Programs.
2021 Holiday Video | Year of Yes
After so many months of maybes, we can't tell you how great it was to say "YES" this year. We weren't the only ones. In our holiday video this year, our student Correspondents abroad share their favorite things they've said yes, si, oui, ja, etc. to, along with some simple advice: you can say "yes" to all the joys—big and small—that come with study abroad, too!
Winners of the 2022 IES Abroad Faculty-Led Language & STEM Program Awards
This fall, IES Abroad Customized & Faculty-Led Programs held the Faculty-Led STEM & Language Program Awards, which offer up to $15,000 towards a faculty-led study abroad program at select IES Abroad Centers during the 2022 spring/summer term.
Our Correspondents Share Their Gratitude For IES Abroad Faculty and Staff
Our Fall Correspondents wanted to take a moment and give thanks for the amazing people who have helped make their study abroad dreams a reality.
