Cape Town, South Africa

Engineering & Science

Study Abroad

Program Options:

Direct Enrollment

•

Length:

Fall, Spring, Academic Year

At a Glance

Housing:

Residence Hall

Credits:

15 to 19 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

English

Language Prerequisites:

None

Visa Required:

Yes

About the Program

Designed for STEM students (with particular focus on Mechanical, Chemical, and Electrical Engineering) and with the expertise of our Engineering Consortium, the curriculum of this program enables you to continue the specific course progression you need for a timely graduation. While completing your engineering coursework, you will also experience all that Cape Town has to offer by exploring the city and its surrounds, and diving into the rich South African culture and history.

In this program, you’ll register for two to four courses at South Africa's leading research university, the University of Cape Town (UCT), which is located in a pleasant suburban area five miles from the city center. UCT is South Africa's oldest university and has undergone incredible change since its opening, particularly since the end of Apartheid, working to make quality higher education available to students regardless of socioeconomic background.

In addition to your engineering-related courses, you will participate in a hands-on IES Abroad course entitled Designing the Sustainable City, a unique project-based course that examines and proposes solutions for issues affecting the local community.

Study Electrical Engineering

Take engineering courses in an international context.

Complete Graduation Requirements

Check off important requirements for your degree.

Enroll at the University of Cape Town

Become part of a large research community.

Support the Global Good

Participate in an environmental sustainability course.

Spring 2025

Application Deadline:

Oct 3, 2024

Program Advisor

Zhanè Vanderbilt

Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

At a Glance

Housing:

Residence Hall

Credits:

15 to 19 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

English

Language Prerequisites:

None

Visa Required:

Yes

About the Destination

a nighttime aerial view of Cape Town and its mountains

Why Cape Town?

In Cape Town, every day will be like a choose-your-own-adventure book: imagine hiking Lion's Head at sunset, strolling through the African market at Greenmarket Square, attempting to finish a Gatsby sandwich, visiting beaches, and more. We want you to feel at home in South Africa, so we do everything we can to help you integrate into life in the city. From housing to cultural events, our job is to make sure you have the most authentic study abroad experience possible.

In this program you'll enroll in classes at the top-ranked university in South Africa, the University of Cape Town (UCT), which is also South Africa’s leading research institution. Here, you'll have the chance to hone in on Chemical, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering courses, making UCT the perfect place to check off requirements for your STEM major.

Learn More About Cape Town

Get to Know Your New City

Explore the Unique Cape Floral Kingdom

Cape Town is biodiverse hotspot made up of mountains, wilderness, and more.

Enjoy a Mix of Cultures

Immerse yourself in a multicultural landscape with 11 official languages.

Experience a Society in Transition

30 years past apartheid, South Africa is a developing nation in transition.

Learn More about Sustainability

Cape Town is home to innovative approaches to sustainability.

The Student Experience

Tracy Lin

Tracy Lin, Aug 13, 2023

Reflection on my Study Abroad Adventure

Reflection of my study abroad experience in Cape Town

Cultural Immersion Daily Life Food Re-Entry

Tips for Travelling to Cape Town

Budgeting as a First-Generation College Student

View All Blogs

Housing

A clean bedroom featuring a twin-sized bed, a desk, and shelving with bright blue backings.

Residence Hall

Residence Hall

Live in a private residence hall with IES Abroad, South African, and other international students. Students live in a furnished single room with a kitchenette, private bathrom, and a digital safe is provided. Living spaces are shared, and there is a gym on site. Internet access is available.  Meals are not included.

An IES Abroad Resident Assistant lives in the residence hall and can serve as a great resource for tips on integrating into the local culture.

Academics

Partner Institution

University of Cape Town

University of Cape Town

The top-ranked university in South Africa as well as the rest of Africa, the University of Cape Town (UCT) is also South Africa’s leading research institution. International students make up about 20% of the total enrollment at the University. UCT is located four miles from the Cape Town City Center. Your commute time to campus is between 15-30 minutes, which is common for local students.

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Courses

Our Engineering and Science Program offers a range of courses in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. These courses are taught at University of Cape Town (UCT) and at the IES Abroad Center.

Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. You take 15-19 credits per semester.

Partner University Courses (required, 12-16 credits): You will take a minimum of 1 STEM or Engineering course. You may take additional courses in STEM/Engineering, or otherwise taken across a wide range of available disciplines at UCT, barring Academic Year courses.
ES/SO 360 Designing the Sustainable City – Global Pillars course (required, 3 credits)

NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

Helpful Links

two students stand arm-in-arm in front of lagoons in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Transcripts, Credit Transfer & Accreditation

Two students jump for a fun photo in front of Neue Burg in Vienna

Refund Policy

See All Student Policies

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (2)

Environmental Studies (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
ES/SO 360 - Designing the Sustainable City	Fall, Spring	English	3

Sociology (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
ES/SO 360 - Designing the Sustainable City	Fall, Spring	English	3

Partner Institution Courses

Unviersity of Cape Town

Most courses at UCT are lecture-based, some with very large classes, and they usually meet between two and five days per week. Lectures are often accompanied by tutorials, which are much smaller and allow discussion of topics and concepts covered during the lecture.  Past students have found these tutorials to be extremely useful.

Engineering Courses at the University of Cape Town are taught in the School of Engineering & the Built Environment , which teaches the following disciplines: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Chemical/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering.

The course codes below indicate whether a course is offered in the first or second semester of the University Academic Year (February-November). The suffix 'F' denotes courses offered in the First Semester (Feb-Jun) and the suffix 'S' is for courses offered in the Second Semester (Jul-Nov). For example, CHE2006S is offered in the U.S. fall term, whereas CHE3006F is offered in the U.S. spring term.

Chemical Engineering:

Electrical Engineering:

Mechanical Engineering:

Math and Statistics:

Choose from many courses in the following faculties at the University of Cape Town. 

Commerce — Accounting, Business Law, Economics, Finance & Tax, Information Systems, Marketing, Mathematics, Statistics
Humanities — Communication, Dance, Drama, English Literature and Language, Film & Media, Fine Art, Gender Studies, History, Languages and Literature, Linguistics, Music, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Social Anthropology, Social Development, Social Work, Sociology
Natural Sciences — Archaeology, Astronomy, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental & Geographical Science, Geographical Sciences, Mathematics & Applied Materials, Molecular & Cellular Biology, Oceanography, Physics, Statistical Sciences

South Africa-focused courses are available in fields such as Cultural Studies, Dance, History, Language, Literature, Music, Photography, Political Science, Religion, and Sociology. You may not enroll in courses in the Health Sciences faculty.

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Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Cape Town, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.

Group of Cape Town students in front of Ocean

Hermanus

3 Days Fall & Spring

Spend time on South Africa’s beautiful southern coast, Hermanus, where whales migrate each year. Explore the southernmost tip of the African continent, a local penguin colony and take an ocean conservation boat trip, within the incredibly scenic area.

Students riding in a truck in Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park & Johannesburg

4 Days ($) Fall & Spring

Spend two days on a safari in the world-famous Kruger National Park. Then, travel west to Johannesburg, where you'll enjoy lunch in Soweto township and visit the Apartheid Museum.

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Spring 2024

Tuition

14,851

Housing

4,304

Insurance

395

Total

19,550

Spring 2024

Cape Town - Engineering & Science Fees

Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition	$14,851
Housing & Meals	$4,304
Base (no additional cost)
• Residence Hall (no meals provided)
Health Insurance	$395
Total IES Abroad Program Fee	$19,550

+

Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
School of Record transcript (if required)	$375
Total Additional Fees

+

Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Required visa application fee (paid to consulate)	$40
Required FBI Identity Summary Check Fee (paid with additional application to FBI as part of the visa application process)	$20
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)	$1,300-1,400
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials	$150
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Residence Hall (with kitchen access)	$2,700
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)	$30-150
Local Transportation	$450
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)	$21-2,631
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)	$2,200
Total Other Estimated Expenses

=

Total Estimated Budget

The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on August 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.

Discounts and Scholarships & Aid

Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.

Visa / Consular / Residency Fees

Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.

Cell Phone Usage

Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.

Program Dates:

January 31 - June 13

Application Deadline:

Oct 5, 2023

Estimated Cost:

19,550

Fall 2024

Tuition

14,836

Housing

4,304

Insurance

410

Total

19,550

Fall 2024

Cape Town - Engineering & Science Fees

Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition	$14,836
Housing & Meals	$4,304
Base (no additional cost)
• Residence Hall (no meals provided)
Health Insurance	$410
Total IES Abroad Program Fee	$19,550

+

Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition
Kruger National Park & Johannesburg	$600
School of Record transcript (if required)	$375
Total Additional Fees

+

Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Required visa fee (paid by money order to consulate with application)	$36
Required FBI Identity Summary Check (paid to FBI with application)	$18
Required prepaid return envelope (submitted to consulate with application)	$25
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)	$1,600-1,900
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials	$150
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Residence Hall (with kitchen access)	$2,600
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)	$30-150
Local Transportation	$460
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)	$0-600
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)	$2,200
Total Other Estimated Expenses

=

Total Estimated Budget

The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on November 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.

Discounts and Scholarships & Aid

Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.

Visa / Consular / Residency Fees

Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.

Cell Phone Usage

Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.

Program Dates:

July 08 - November 22

Application Deadline:

Mar 28, 2024

Estimated Cost:

19,550

Academic Year 2024

Tuition

26,690

Housing

8,610

Insurance

790

Total

36,090

Academic Year 2024

Cape Town - Engineering & Science Academic Year Fees

Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition	$26,690
Housing & Meals	$8,610
Base (no additional cost)
• Residence Hall (no meals provided)
Health Insurance	$790
Total IES Abroad Program Fee	$36,090

+

Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition
Kruger National Park & Johannesburg	$600
School of Record transcript (if required)	$375
Total Additional Fees

+

Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Required visa fee (paid by money order to consulate with application)	$36
Required FBI Identity Summary Check (paid to FBI with application)	$18
Required prepaid return envelope (submitted to consulate with application)	$25
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)	$1,700-2,200
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials	$300
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Residence Hall (with kitchen access)	$5,200
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)	$60-300
Local Transportation	$920
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)	$0-1,200
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)	$4,400
Total Other Estimated Expenses

=

Total Estimated Budget

The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on February 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.

Discounts and Scholarships & Aid

Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.

Visa / Consular / Residency Fees

Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.

Cell Phone Usage

Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.

Program Dates:

Early July - Mid June

Application Deadline:

Mar 28, 2024

Estimated Cost:

36,090

Spring 2025

Tuition

Housing

Insurance

Total

Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet

IES Abroad Cape Town Staff

David Reiersgord

IES Abroad Cape Town Center Director

Read Full Bio

Devonne Bobbert

Short Programmes Manager

Ashleigh Brown

Program Coordinator

Jody Felton

Operations Manager

Orientation

Health & Safety

With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Helpful Links

Blogs on Mental Health

Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling

Blogs on Safety

Learn More About Health & Safety

Program Dates

Spring 2024

Program Dates:

January 31 - June 13

Application Deadline:

Oct 5, 2023

Fall 2024

Program Dates:

July 08 - November 22

Application Deadline:

Mar 28, 2024

Academic Year 2024

Program Dates:

Early July - Mid June

Application Deadline:

Mar 28, 2024

Requirements

Eligibility Requirements
Application Requirements
Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

18 years of age
In good standing at your home school
3.0 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale
Sophomore, Junior, or Senior standing when program begins. Undergraduate candidates only. Applicants need to have at least three semesters of course work when they enroll at UCT (first semester sophomores can apply).  Some local university courses may not be available to students of Sophomore standing. Please contact your IES Abroad Representative for more details
Students must be STEM majors

Application Requirements

Submit Your Online Application

Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.

After your Online Application is processed, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:

Home School Authorization — Your on-campus study abroad advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form. Consult your study abroad advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization.
Official Transcript(s) — Submit transcripts from each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
UCT Online Application Form — Upload a screenshot of confirmation you've completed the Semester Study Abroad Application through the UCT website.
UCT Course Preference Form — Complete the UCT Course Preference Form by listing 5-7 course preferences for your term. Pay close attention to the term number (F courses for spring term, S courses for fall term). Please note: IES Abroad students should plan on only taking one 100-level course.
Passport Copy — Color scan of the signature and photo page only. Passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the program end date.
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam — Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.

Apply Now

Passport & Visa Requirements

Renew (or Apply for!) Your Passport ASAP

Passport applications and renewals are taking longer than normal these days. Save yourself from the last-minute stress by making sure:

You have a passport
The expiration date is at least six months after your study abroad program ends

Visit  travel.state.gov  to locate U.S. passport agencies in your area.

Visa Requirements

South Africa requires U.S. citizens to obtain a student visa before studying abroad for a semester or longer. 

Learn more about applying for a student visa for South Africa.

Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and  contact your IES Abroad Advisor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email within two weeks.

I’ve never been abroad before. When should I apply for a passport?

As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!

How do I know if I will receive credit for the classes or internships I complete abroad?

You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.

How do scholarships and financial aid work? Can I use my existing scholarships or apply for more?

You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.

How does IES Abroad work with my school?

IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.

What is the university or location where I will take my classes abroad?

The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.

What are IES Abroad’s health and safety resources and policies?

IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).

Do I have to find my own housing on my IES Abroad program?

Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.