Experiential Learning,
Global Pillars Courses,
Part-Time Internship
•
Length:
Fall,
Spring,
Academic Year
1/4
Alex S. • Bowdoin College
Alex S. • Bowdoin College
1/4
Alex S. • Bowdoin College
Alex S. • Bowdoin College
1/4
Alex S. • Bowdoin College
Alex S. • Bowdoin College
1/4
Alex S. • Bowdoin College
Alex S. • Bowdoin College
1/4
At a Glance
Program Dates:
Fall 2025: August 27 - December 13
Academic Year 2025: August 27 - May 09
Spring 2026: January 15 - May 09
Credits:
15 to 19 per Semester
Estimated Cost:
$22,995
Visa Required:
Yes
Housing:
Apartment,
Homestay,
Residence Hall
Language of Instruction:
English
Language Prerequisites:
None
Part-Time Internship (Optional):
Included in Program Fee. All candidates must meet specific legal requirements set by Spanish regulations.
About the Program
As the leading center of industry and technology research in Spain, Madrid is an ideal city to study Engineering, Math, and Science and their applications in the professional world. Specialized course options range from Aerospace Engineering to Mechanical Engineering, from Pharmaceutical Science to Food Sciences, with courses in Biology and Chemistry, too.
Study at a Prestigious University
This program offers the opportunity to take courses in English or Spanish.
Get Extra Support from STEM Tutors
Succeed in challenging STEM courses with the help of tutors.
Gain Hands-On Experience
Participate in a for-credit engineering internship.
Follow Your Academic Interests
Round out your studies with a variety of elective courses.
Spring 2026
Program Dates:
January 15 - May 09
Please note that partner university exams may run through 5/.29
Application Deadline:
Estimated Cost:
$
22,995
Program Advisor
Cyane Thomas, Kayti Everette & Liat Wasserman
Once you’ve applied for a program, one of us will be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, we're 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!
Included in Program Fee. All candidates must meet specific legal requirements set by Spanish regulations.
About the Destination
Why Madrid?
Madrid will be your classroom. Take trips to research centers as part of your studies. Enjoy an architectural walking tour to see Madrid’s many beautiful buildings, churches, and monuments. Visit the city’s famous museums like the Prado and Reina Sofía to inspire your coursework.
DEPARTURE DATE IF NOT ENROLLED AT LOCAL UNIVERSITIES: SATURDAY DECEMBER 13TH 2025
Application Deadline:
Academic Year 2025
Program Dates:
August 27 - May 09
DEPARTURE DATE IF ENROLLED AT LOCAL UNIVERSITIES: SATURDAY DECEMBER 20TH 2025
Application Deadline:
Spring 2026
Program Dates:
January 15 - May 09
Please note that partner university exams may run through 5/.29
Application Deadline:
Spring 2024:
If you are planning on taking UC3M courses, we recommend purchasing flexible tickets or easily changeable tickets as partner university exams could take place after the official departure date; your exams could be as late as June 4, with June 5 as the latest departure date.
Academics
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.
We offer unique courses that explore Engineering, Math, and Science, as well as other topics, through an in-depth and hands-on approach. World-class professors and course options at the prestigious Universidad Carlos III Madrid (UC3M) enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class. Beginning in the Fall 2025 semester, you will also have options to pursue coursework at Universidad Antonio de Nebrija, further enriching your partner university offerings.
Enrolling in courses at a local university is a great way to meet Spanish students and improve your language skills. You are strongly encouraged to enroll in at least one local course. Course offerings vary each semester.
Partner Institution
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
Universidad Antonio de Nebrija
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
With a reputation for academic and research excellence throughout Spain and Europe, the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) is also known as a leader in innovation and internationalization.
Engineering courses are offered at the Leganés campus of UC3M, which is approximately 45-60 minutes outside of the city center of Madrid by train. Please note that UC3M has enacted a two-course minimum.
Nebrija has over 23 years of experience delivering high-quality, relevant, and forward-thinking education. Recognized nationally and internationally, Nebrija fosters strong global connections and active collaboration with universities, institutions, and companies worldwide.
Students benefit from a personalized and intellectually rigorous academic environment, with programs spanning Languages and Education, Communication and Arts, Social Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, and Health Sciences. Please note that Nebrija has enacted a two-course minimum for visiting students.
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. You must take 15-19 credits per semester. All program-specific courses are taught in English except for the language courses. Academic programming is scheduled five days a week.
IES Abroad Spanish language course (required, 4 credits)
IES Abroad English-taught area studies courses (optional, 3 or 4 credits each)
IES Abroad Spanish-taught area studies courses (optional, 3 credits each)*
Universidad Carlos III English-taught courses (optional, 12 ECTS minimum)**
Universidad Antonio de Nebrija courses (optional, two-course minimum)**
Internship placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits)
*With approval, students with an advanced level of Spanish can take IES Abroad area studies courses taught in Spanish (list available on the Madrid - Language & Area Studies Program academics page) and Spanish-taught UC3M courses.
**Perour Academic Policy Guidelines, “At host country institutions where the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is in effect, IES Abroad translates two ECTS credits as one IES Abroad credit
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.
Current enrollment at your home college or university in a STEM field program (Natural Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
Have completed at least 3 full academic terms (semester, trimester, quarter, or block) of your Engineering, Math or STEM program by IES Abroad Madrid Engineering Program start date
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.
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.)
Color Passport Copy — Submit your passport signature page and photo page only.
(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.
Individual appointments at Spanish consulates are very limited! If you are eligible for Spain ACCeSS, we strongly recommend you take advantage of the opportunity for our visa specialists to review your visa application materials and submit them to the Spanish consulate on your behalf.
The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
Located in the historic Palacio López-Dóriga, a named historic palace with a rich architectural legacy, the Center places you in the heart of Madrid, just steps from some of the city's most iconic neighborhoods—Chueca, Barrio de Salamanca, and Chamberí. Conveniently located close to IES Abroad housing, it's the perfect launch pad for your academic and cultural experiences in Madrid.
We offer single room student apartments which resemble upscale student residence halls with private bathrooms that are located near the city center of Madrid. Student apartments are furnished, including a fully equipped shared kitchen. Utilities and Wi-Fi access are included. Gym facilities may be available. Meals are not included in this option and are ideal for students who wish to prepare their own meals. This option is ideal for students who are looking for a more independent experience.
The student apartment has two options: one option carries no additional fee while the other option carries an additional fee for a placement in a larger room.
Homestay
Live in Spanish homes with señoras or families and eat breakfast and one additional meal per day (either lunch or dinner) with your hosts when the program is in session. This option is perfect for students who want a fully immersive experience in Spanish culture. Living with a host family is the best way to quickly improve your Spanish skills.
Residence Hall
Residence halls are located on the UCM campus and throughout the city. There are three different residence hall options for you to choose from. These housing options include 18-21 meals per week in student cafeterias.
Residence Hall - Option 1 - These residence halls are a convenient option located directly on the UCM campus. You will have a single room with either a shared or private bathroom.
Residence Hall - Option 2 - These residence halls are more contemporary and offer private bathrooms. This option carries an additional cost.
Residence Hall - Option 3 - This residence hall option is more contemporary with larger rooms and offers private bathrooms with either shared kitchen facilities or in-suite kitchenettes. This option carries an additional cost.
Option 2 & 3 housing is subject to additional fees due to renovated amenities, modern spaces, expanded common areas, and a prime location.
Field Trips
Even though your adventure starts in Madrid, 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.
2 Days
Fall
Alarcón-Valencia
Visit Spain's third-largest city, Valencia, rich with delicious cuisine, excellent weather, and countless cultural outlets, including the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (the City of Arts & Sciences), one of Europe's most unique cultural and scientific complexes. Includes a stop in the beautiful town of Alarcon for a delicious breakfast at its 8th-century Moorish Castle.
Alcalá de Henares
1 Day
Fall
The birthplace of the illustrious Don Quixote author Miguel de Cervantes, Alcalá de Henares is home to one of the most prestigious universities in Spain.
Aranjuez
1 Day
Spring
This city, close to Madrid, was the Spanish kings' chosen location for their spring palace, due to the good weather and vast, stunning gardens. Aranjuez was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001.
Ávila
1 Day
Spring
Ávila has the most emblematic and spectacular city walls in Spain. Built during the Medieval ages, they surround the old town that is full of monasteries, palaces and churches.
El Escorial
1 Day
Fall
Visit this royal site that was once the residence of the King of Spain, as well as a monastery for the Roman Catholic Church. The palace is also the burial site for nearly every king and queen since the 16th century.
Segovia
1 Day
Fall & Spring
Segovia is known for its Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and for having one of the longest and best preserved Roman aqueducts in all of Europe.
Toledo
1 Day
Fall & Spring
Known as the “city of three cultures”—Christian, Muslim, and Jewish—Toledo preserves an artistic and cultural legacy that makes the city an open-air museum.
Córdoba-Almagro
2 Days
Spring
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Córdoba is a living legacy of different cultures that settled here throughout its history. The most important symbol of the city is the Mosque-Cathedral: one of the most beautiful examples of Muslim art in Spain.
Part-Time Internships
Sarah F. • Gettysburg College
Did you know that, while in Madrid, you can intern as part of your study abroad experience? With a part-time internship, you’ll gain global work experience that will increase your job readiness and give you an advantage after graduation. With an internship, you will:
Take an important step in your career development by navigating the professional world with our support.
Learn more about yourself both personally and professionally and build confidence in the process.
Experience what working in Madrid is really like and gain an authentic understanding of the workplace culture while developing real, applicable job skills that will bolster your career readiness.
Begin building an international network by making connections with coworkers and peers.
All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a 3-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship for a greater understanding of work life in your host country.
Placement Examples
Project Development and Consulting
Focuses on computer science, audiovisual engineering, energy engineering, or mechanical engineering.
Research
Participate in research groups for universities or public organizations and learn about Biomedical Engineer
Volunteering and Social Assistance
Students may help provide care for disadvantaged groups, children, or persons with special needs.
Education
Marketing
Volunteer Opportunities
When you volunteer in Madrid, you have the chance to make a difference in the local community while meeting new people and gaining a new perspective on the world. If you are passionate about volunteering abroad, just let the on-site staff know at the beginning of your term.
Past volunteer opportunities in Madrid include:
Food Collection
Collect food for the underprivileged
Environmental Advocacy
Help protect the environment with river cleanups.
Elderly Care
Work with the elderly
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.
Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing in Addition to Housing Cost Listed Above (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition
Students who are nominated but choose not to register for any courses at UC3M after nomination will be responsible for this fee. To avoid being charged, students must register for courses at UC3M. Students who are not nominated do not have to pay the fee.
$500
Housing (& Meals, if applicable)
Option 2 Residence Hall (18 meals provided per week)
$750
Option 2 Student Residence (no meals provided)
$750
Option 2 Student Apartment (no meals provided)
$750
Option 3 Residence Hall (18 meals provided per week)
$1,500
Option 3 Student Residence (no meals provided)
$1,500
Option 3 Student Apartment (no meals provided)
$1,500
School of Record transcript (if required)
$475
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply; consulate fees may be subject to change)
Required consular and visa fees (paid to consulate with application, varies by location)
$160
ACCeSS Service (recommended)
$175
European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) - Paid at time of application
$8
Required Visa Processing Fee for U.S. Citizens (Chicago, Washington DC Consulates)
$186
Required Visa Processing Fee for U.S. Citizens (Houston, Los Angeles, Miami Consulates)
$183
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$700-1,300
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$150
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Option 1 Homestay
$1,300
Option 1 Residence Hall
$600
Option 1 Student Apartment (with kitchen access)
$2,400
Option 1 Student Residence (with kitchen access)
$2,400
Option 2 Residence Hall
$600
Option 2 Student Residence (with kitchen access)
$2,400
Option 2 Student Apartment (with kitchen access)
$2,400
Option 3 Residence Hall
$600
Option 3 Student Residence (with kitchen access)
$2,400
Option 3 Student Apartment (with kitchen access)
$2,400
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$70
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$2,000
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on November 2024 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.
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.
Madrid - Engineering, Math & Science Academic Year Fees
Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition
$34,980
Housing (& Meals, if applicable)
$10,400
Option 1 (no additional cost)
• Homestay (14 meals provided per week)
• Residence Hall (18 meals provided per week)
• Student Apartment (no meals provided)
• Student Residence (no meals provided)
Option 2 (additional cost, see below)
• Residence Hall (18 meals provided per week)
• Student Residence (no meals provided)
• Student Apartment (no meals provided)
Option 3 (additional cost, see below)
• Residence Hall (18 meals provided per week)
• Student Residence (no meals provided)
• Student Apartment (no meals provided)
Health Insurance
$600
Total IES Abroad Program Fee
$45,980
+
Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing in Addition to Housing Cost Listed Above (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition
Students who are nominated but choose not to register for any courses at UC3M after nomination will be responsible for this fee. To avoid being charged, students must register for courses at UC3M. Students who are not nominated do not have to pay the fee.
$500
Housing (& Meals, if applicable)
Option 2 Residence Hall (18 meals provided per week)
$1,500
Option 2 Student Residence (no meals provided)
$1,500
Option 2 Student Apartment (no meals provided)
$1,500
Option 3 Residence Hall (18 meals provided per week)
$3,000
Option 3 Student Residence (no meals provided)
$3,000
Option 3 Student Apartment (no meals provided)
$3,000
School of Record transcript (if required)
$475
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply; consulate fees may be subject to change)
Required consular and visa fees (paid to consulate with application, varies by location)
$160
ACCeSS Service (recommended)
$175
European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) - Paid at time of application
$8
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$800-1,600
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$300
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Option 1 Homestay
$2,600
Option 1 Residence Hall
$1,200
Option 1 Student Apartment (with kitchen access)
$4,800
Option 1 Student Residence (with kitchen access)
$4,800
Option 2 Residence Hall
$1,200
Option 2 Student Residence (with kitchen access)
$4,800
Option 2 Student Apartment (with kitchen access)
$4,800
Option 3 Residence Hall
$1,200
Option 3 Student Residence (with kitchen access)
$4,800
Option 3 Student Apartment (with kitchen access)
$4,800
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$60-300
Local Transportation
$140
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$4,000
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on November 2024 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.
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.
Base Housing (& Meals, if applicable) plus one of the following supplemental fees below:
$5,275
• Option 1: Homestay (14 meals provided per week)
+$0
• Option 1: Residence Hall (18 meals provided per week)
+$0
• Option 1: Student Residence (no meals provided)
+$0
• Option 2: Student Residence (no meals provided)
+$750
• Option 3: Student Residence (no meals provided)
+$1,500
Health Insurance
$300
Total IES Abroad Program Fee (total dependent on housing option selected)
$22,995-$24,495
+
Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition (invoiced by IES Abroad)
School of Record transcript (if required)
$475
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply; consulate fees may be subject to change)
Visa fee for US citizens. For non-US citizens, the fees differ based off of nationality and the consulate students are applying through. These fees can be subject to change without notice. This applies to all Spain programs.
$160
ACCeSS fees. These are the current fees for students who would like to participate in ACCeSS.
$175
BLS fees - these are the fees charged by BLS for students applying for a visa independently (and for some ACCeSS batches). Please note that these fees are subject to change without notice and that changes can vary from location to location. There also may be further services at a BLS office that students can opt into (ex. expedited shipping) that would be a further fee. These extra fees and services are only available to students applying independently, vary by location, and are not available on the BLS website.
$24
Apostille services - getting a document apostilled by the Department of State. For those applying for a full year visa.
$20
FBI background check fees. For those applying for a full year visa.
$18
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$600-800
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$174
Estimated Groceries for Duration of Program (varies by the number of meals included per week) Students in certain housing options may require less groceries based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans
• Option 1: Homestay (14 meals provided per week)
$500
• Option 1: Residence Hall (18 meals provided per week)
$220
• Option 1: Student Residence (no meals provided)
$1,510
• Option 2: Student Residence (no meals provided)
$1,510
• Option 3: Student Residence (no meals provided)
$1,510
Estimated Costs for Dining Out (based on one meal out per week) Students in certain housing options may require more meals out based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans
$290
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$130
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$2,000
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars
Estimated expenses are based on calculations and exchange rates at the time of printing
These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee
Estimated meal and grocery expenses are accessed from numbeo.com/cost-of-living/; costs of meals and groceries may vary based on your own spending habits
Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: additional meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), taxis, social activities and entertainment, toiletries, and laundry
Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad
The IES Abroad program fee does not include financial aid
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™ 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
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.
With 75 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 your program cost to highly trained local staff who can connect you with English-speaking healthcare providers, we work 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.
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
