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Home | Parents
Open a World of Possibilities for Your College Student

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.

Why Study Abroad?
Why IES®?
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Why Study Abroad?
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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
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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.
Read More about the Benefits of Studying Abroad
Why IES Abroad?
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

"My daughter had a wonderful time abroad and was well-served by IES Abroad. I thank you for the dedicated staff who have guided the students so well."

Louise, Parent of IES Abroad Vienna Alumna
Contact Us

We're here to help! If you have questions about IES Abroad, our programs, or study abroad in general, we're here for you.

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The Latest From IES Abroad
still from amanda's video of her smiling at the camera
Jan 22 1:53pm

IES Abroad Madrid Alum Amanda Gorman Shares Her Study Abroad Story

Post by IES Abroad

Hear from IES Abroad Madrid alum, first-ever U.S. Youth Poet Laureate, and recent inauguration speaker Amanda Gorman, as she shines light on her IES Abroad experience.

student on laptop at desk
Jan 14 11:38am

Future-Focused Friday: Things That Actually Make You Want to WFH

We know that 2020 shook a lot of things up (some of them are still being shook…), but let’s chat about something positive in the future that you can focus on—your career!

student laughing in front of ocean scene
Dec 17 11:33am

Future-Focused Friday: Best Articles, Videos, Photos, and More of 2020

Post by IES Abroad

In a year when we all felt grounded (literally)—like it was the longest layover of our lives!—stories from abroad kept spirits in flight. We're wrapping up 2020 with a look back at the videos, photos, articles, and blogs you loved most. Ready for the rest of best of the best? Us too.

Dec 10 4:21pm

2020 Holiday Video | Our world [redefined]

Post by IES Abroad

Nothing could have prepared us for this year—not even 70 years of experience getting comfortable with the unknown and helping students step out of their comfort zones through study abroad. That's why this holiday season, we're simultaneously reflecting and looking ahead.

two students drinking hot cocoa together
Dec 3 2:59pm

Future-Focused Friday: Things That Helped Us Kick Off the Holiday Season

Post by IES Abroad

The last month of 2020 is finally upon us—how's your ✨holiday spirit✨ holding up this year? For better or worse, the holidays continue to look different this year. And while it's easy to get stuck in a feeling of loss when things don't happen as planned, we're firm believers in celebrating the good.

Student flipping a crepe in a pan
Nov 18 1:40pm

Future-Focused Friday: Things That Reminded Us That It's Not All Burnt Turkey

Post by IES Abroad

This Thanksgiving we're thankful for the time this year gave us to reflect on what's important, be grateful for travel and the many cultures that make up our world, and to find a renewed sense of wanderlust and passion for study abroad. We can’t wait to help you see the world, hopefully someday soon. In the meantime, check out some of these Thanksgiving-inspired pieces from across the web and give yourself a little global escape today.

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IES Abroad

Founded in 1950, IES Abroad is a not-for-profit provider with 140+ study abroad and internship programs around the world for college/university students.

IES Abroad is comprised of study abroad programming, Customized & Faculty-Led Programs, IES Internships, and the Study Abroad Foundation (SAF).

IES Abroad is a 501(c)(3) entity. The federal tax identification number for IES Abroad is 36-2251912.

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Chicago, IL  60603

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