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.
"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."
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.
Study Abroad is a Family Affair—Alumni Spotlight Emma and Kate Schaff
Meet Emma and Kate Schaff (IES Abroad Berlin) sisters, who, after listening to their mom talk about Germany, decided to study abroad there themselves. Kate graduated from George Washington Univeristy in 2013 and currently Head of Support at Clever, an educational-technology and resides in the San Fransico Bay Area. Emma studied abroad in the Fall of 2014 and graduated from Georgetown. She has worked in HR for Capital One and F. Schumacher & Co. In May, she started working for Backroads as a Trip Leader. In her free time, Kate loves traveling, hiking, yoga, and gardening and Emma loves running, biking, hiking, and spending time with family and friends outside and with good food.
Students Share Their Experiences Navigating Race, Ethnicity, and Identity Abroad
We wanted to share some first-hand accounts of what our IDEA Bloggers experienced as they navigated their race, ethnicity, and identity abroad. We want future IES Abroad students to know that they are never alone in their journey.
IES Abroad Holds Inaugural CommunitIES Day of Service
The new CommunitIES Day of Service will be an annual event, and one that can be participated in from anywhere in the world.
IES Abroad's Hernando Sevilla-Garcia Wins Diversity Abroad "Rising Star" Award
We’d like to congratulate Hernando Sevilla-Garcia for a recent achievement. He was just honored with Diversity Abroad’s 2021 “Rising Star” EDIIE (Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion in International Education) Award.
IES Abroad's Hernando Sevilla-Garcia Promoted to Assistant Director for Special Initiatives – Diversity Recruiting & Advising
In further celebration of amazing accomplishments from IES Abroad Staff, we’d like to congratulate Hernando Sevilla-Garcia for his recent promotion to Assistant Director for Special Initiatives – Diversity Recruiting & Advising at IES Abroad.
