Why IES Abroad

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?

High-Quality Academics & Incomparable Career Benefits

Returning students tell us that studying abroad affects both their personal growth and influences their academic interests and commitment to their studies. By improving their language skills, developing intercultural competency, and increasing confidence in themselves and their abilities, students learn skills that will serve them greatly—no matter where they land after college.

student teacher teaching students in a classroom in Shanghai

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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98%

reported the study abroad experience helped them to better understand their own cultural values and biases

Did You Know?

By living and learning abroad, IES Abroad students develop highly sought-after professional skills—adaptability, communication, self-awareness, confidence—that not only make them more hirable, but also launch their career.

From a ground-breaking 50-year longitudinal study (2002) to a timely study of economic recession/post-recession outcomes (2012), IES Abroad has a rich history of leading the field of international education in quantitative research on the practical outcomes of studying abroad. The most recent study was conducted in April 2016 to assess the impact study abroad has on a recent graduate's career. A total of 1,205 IES Abroad alumni who graduated college between 2012 and 2015 responded to the survey.

Our survey findings show key career benefits of study abroad, including:

Close up of 100 Yuan folded in half with the Great Hall of the People on Tiananmen Square in the background

Higher Starting Salaries

IES Abroad alumni earn an average of $6,000 more in starting salaries (compared to recent U.S. college graduates from the National Career Outcomes Report).

Intern sitting in front of a computer screen in Vienna

Jobs Secured More Quickly After Graduation

Nearly three quarters of IES Abroad alumni secured their first job within two months of graduation.

a student intern posing for a photo in Paris

Increased Hireability

Most IES Abroad alumni feel that studying abroad helped them develop valuable job skills, such as language proficiency, cultural understanding, tolerance for ambiguity, adaptability, and self-confidence.duates from the general population.

Higher Acceptance Into Grad School

90% of IES Abroad alumni continuing on to graduate school earned admission into their 1st or 2nd choice graduate or professional school.

“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!”
Jackie T. • Parent of IES Abroad London Student

Why IES Abroad?

Diversity Commitment

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.

Learn More About Our Safety Measures

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

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.

Putting Students First

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

On-Site Support Abroad