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.
"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."
They're Here! Meet The Fall 2021 Correspondents
After a year of the unexpected, we are excited to welcome students back abroad, including our 55 Student Correspondents for Fall 2021!
IES Abroad Gives Staff Additional Day Off for “No Labor Day”
We’re dedicating this Friday before the Labor Day holiday as “No Labor Day” and giving our staff the day off in recognition of their steadfast support and dedication to IES Abroad. Because come Tuesday, we’re back at it!
20 Study Abroad Dos and Don'ts to Make the Most of Your Experience
Study abroad is such an exciting adventure, and you’re about to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey! So, of course, you want to know all there is to know! And, of course, we want to help. With so many IES Abroad programs and opportunities to choose from, we know the process to get to your host country can seem extensive. We created this post with 20 Study Abroad Dos and Donts to give you some pointers for your study abroad experience and help you get a head start on your journey!
Collaborative Effort Launches University of Kansas Customized Program Off the Ground
When facing the difficult decision to cancel their annual customized program due to COVID-19, our Customized Programs and College Relations teams collaborated with Team Barcelona to bring a solution: a program for University of Kansas students with approved courses that are part of the existing IES Abroad program in Barcelona. Thanks to the cross-departmental innovation, this program came to life with 17 KU students in participation.
Fireside Chat with Fascinating Faculty: IES Abroad Quito's Dr. Hugo Valdebenito and the Biodiversity of Ecuador
In this installment of Fireside Chats with Fascinating Faculty, Gretchen Cook-Anderson, IES Abroad Associate Vice President, Assistant to the President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Antiracism, and Director of Diversity Recruitment and Advising, gathers with Dr. Hugo Valdebenito, IES Abroad Quito Professor. The two discuss his work, history, and the environmental climate and biodiversity of Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. This Fireside Chat orients around conservation efforts and individual/collective responsibility to establishing and maintaining a sustainable environment in Ecuador.
Student Voices - My Virtual Internship with IES Abroad Vienna
Sapphire Skye Toth reflects on her virtual internship with IES Abroad Vienna as a transformative, educational experience. In this interview, the University of Nebraska – Lincoln student shares stories of the deep impacts and career preparation that her virtual internship had, including encouraging her to get out of her comfort zone, learn more about the professional classical music world, and expand conversations with music masters via her podcast Chatting with Creators.
