We’re proud that our students are as diverse as the countries where they study abroad.

Integral in fulfilling our mission is a commitment to the representation and integration of diverse perspectives, cultures, and ideas.

At IES Abroad, we understand that identity 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. We are dedicated to broadening access and cultivating a diverse, globally-savvy workforce.

We’ve had a front-row seat to observing how study abroad changes people—no matter who they are. Study abroad humanizes us. It expands our potential by honing our language, intercultural, and other skills, and, deepening our capacity for humility, empathy and fairness. It forces us to reconsider how we think about history, politics, migration, commerce, technology, health care, education, and community. We use our knowledge of travel, cultures, and places to cultivate global citizens who reflect the world’s rich diversity. This is our form of social justice. This is our platform for change.

A group photo of IES Abroad students in Tokyo, Japan in front of a temple.
34%
of our Fall 2023 students identify from one or more historically marginalized ethnic groups; 4% increase from Fall 2022
33%
of Internship students identify as one or more historically marginalized ethnic groups 4% increase from Fall 2022
13%
of all students identify as First Generation College students
Dotted map of the world with images of a few locations
37%
of Customized students identify as one or more historically marginalized ethnic groups 1% increase from Fall 2022

What We’re Doing

And by 'doing' we mean 'have been doing' and 'will continue to do.' In our more than 70 years of educating students around the world, we strive along a continuum of deepening and expanding diversity, equity, inclusion and antiracism at IES Abroad. Our work to best foster an inclusive learning and living community for students and workplace community for staff—in the United States and at our locations abroad—spans the entire organization.  

Webinars & Virtual Events

wooded library with walls of books and a long carpet hallway

Trendsetters & Trailblazers: Exploring Native American Heritage

Join us in continuing our exploration of IES Abroad's Trendsetters and Trailblazers with a panel for Native American Heritage Month.

Correspondent photo of 2 women in Madrid

Stories in Study Abroad: A Conversation with Our AAPI Trendsetters & Trailblazers

We connected in May of 2023 to celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month through an engaging panel.

three black students laughing by the sea

Trendsetters and Trailblazers: Paving the Way for Study Abroad and Black History

We hosted an exciting panel with three IES Abroad Alumni who have made their own Black history abroad.

Social Justice-Related Programs

Looking for social justice study abroad programs? Look no further than our handy Program Finder.

View Programs

Diversity Statement

Let's Talk

Reach out to the Diversity team at diversity@iesabroad.org if you have any questions about identity-based events, how identity can affect study abroad or internship experiences, opportunities, or more.

Send Us an Email

A black woman smiling at the camera with natural curly hair
“I’m freer to be myself; I know who I am in a different language and a different culture because I created that person and held her close and, in the process, became proud of her. I don’t think I would’ve had that without leaving the comfort of my spaces here at home.”
Ashley S. • Brandeis University • Granada – Study in Granada

Browse More Identity Resources

Just as each study abroad experience is unique, each location offers a different adventure. So we've made sure to compile diversity resources specific to your host city and country. 

All Resources
students attend an LGBT parade