Every study abroad adventure is a one-of-a-kind experience, and that starts at the beginning.
Your path to study abroad will depend on factors such as where you go to school, what you’re studying, and whether or not your school's financial aid transfers to your program.
Finding the right program is a research process that starts on your home campus. The steps below apply regardless of which provider or model you choose.
Step 1: Confirm Your Home Institution's Policies
Meet with your campus study abroad office to learn which providers and programs are approved.
Ask how credit transfer works, whether grades transfer or only credits, and whether institutional financial aid applies to study abroad.
Confirm any timing requirements (for example, minimum class standing or GPA before departure).
IES Abroad works with an academic consortium of 275+ U.S. colleges and universities to align program approval and credit transfer in advance. If your school is a Consortium Member, this process is usually already established.
Many of our destinations offer all of these options, so whatever the answer is, we’ve got you covered!
Duration
Best for
Summer
Students with tight major requirements, athletes, or those testing an international experience for the first time
Semester (fall or spring)
The most common option; enough time for immersion, a part-time internship, or language progress; some students select their timing to fit in with their overall college experience (e.g., IES Abroad offers a Fall Ball semester in London or Amsterdam for students who play baseball or softball)
Academic year
Students pursuing deep language immersion or a full year at a partner university
J-Term or short-term
Students who cannot leave campus during a regular term (IES Abroad offers one J-Term program; customized short-term programs are arranged through home institutions working with IES Abroad’s Customized & Faculty-Led Programs team)
Get started by filtering programs by length in our program finder.
Major or minor progress: Look for programs whose course lists map to your remaining requirements. IES Abroad publishes course syllabi so students and advisors can review content before applying.
Language: IES Abroad offers both English-taught programs and full language immersion programs. In most non-English-speaking locations, students not in an immersion program take one language course at their level (Amsterdam and a few other locations are exceptions).
Experiential learning: Decide whether you want a for-credit internship, community-based learning, field research, or field trips built into the program.
Enrollment style: Consider whether you want classes designed for study abroad students (Center-based), classes with local students (partner university), or full direct enrollment.
Browse all IES Abroad programs by type, location, and term at IES Abroad Programs.
“The experience of doing volunteer work in a foreign country was so rewarding, and it is something I’ll cherish forever.”
Maria O. • Case Western Reserve University • Buenos Aires – Latin American Societies & Cultures
Step 4: Choose a Location That Fits Your Goals and Comfort Level
Factors to weigh: language spoken, city size, cost of living, climate, distance from home, and identity-based considerations such as LGBTQ+ inclusion, religious practice, or accessibility. IES Abroad publishes country-specific Being You Abroad resources for these questions.
Step 5: Compare Total Cost, Not Just Program Fee
Read what the program fee covers (see How Much Does Study Abroad Cost?). Then add airfare, meals, textbooks, phone, local transportation, and personal travel. Apply for provider aid, home-institution aid, and outside scholarships in parallel.
Step 6: Evaluate the Provider
Questions worth answering before you commit: • Who owns the organization, and how are decisions made? IES Abroad is a not-for-profit governed by a Board of Directors and academic governance bodies drawn from its 275+ consortium member institutions. It is not owned by shareholders or private equity and has no plans to become for-profit. • How experienced is the on-site staff? IES Abroad Center Directors have an average tenure of 14+ years; on-site staff average 6+ years. • What health and safety systems exist? IES Abroad provides international health insurance, mandatory predeparture and on-site orientations, a dedicated Crisis Management Team, 24/7 emergency support, and TripTracker for independent travel. • Is housing guaranteed and included? At IES Abroad, at least one housing option is always included in the base program fee. See Study Abroad Housing.
“Starting to plan early and tailor your schedule to accommodate a program is essential to putting plans into action. Additionally, take time to reflect on what knowledge you hope to gain from your time abroad. Imagine yourself in a future interview-like situation describing why the experience was so meaningful to you, and find a program that aligns with these values.”
Margaret R. • Indiana University • Santiago – Health Studies
Step 7: Apply and Prepare
IES Abroad Advisors guide students from research through application, and a fully staffed U.S. team supports visa and entry processes. Students can also speak directly with a volunteer Student Ambassador who has completed the program they are considering.
Consult your study abroad office to learn more about the study abroad opportunities through your school. Additionally, our Representatives are here to help you and your study abroad office connect the dots between what we offer and what’s best for you.
Talk to your on-campus financial aid office to learn more about your school’s aid policies for study abroad. Also, do some research online for scholarships and financial aid opportunities—like our millions of dollars in study abroad scholarships and aid!
At IES Abroad. we believe that studying and interning abroad is not just for a specific type of student, it is for everyone, no matter how they identify. We know that based on what makes you unique there might be a few additional questions specific to what your experience may look like abroad (be it identity, religion, dietary restrictions, and more). Regardless, we have the resources and the team to help you feel seen and supported.
“What really inspired me to study abroad was just to change. You know that when you go somewhere you don't know all the answers to, you're bound to change.”
Kiubon K. • Claremont McKenna College • Nantes – French Language Immersion & Area Studies
“The experience of doing volunteer work in a foreign country was so rewarding, and it is something I’ll cherish forever.”Maria O. • Case Western Reserve University • Buenos Aires – Latin American Societies & Cultures
“Starting to plan early and tailor your schedule to accommodate a program is essential to putting plans into action. Additionally, take time to reflect on what knowledge you hope to gain from your time abroad. Imagine yourself in a future interview-like situation describing why the experience was so meaningful to you, and find a program that aligns with these values.”Margaret R. • Indiana University • Santiago – Health Studies
“What really inspired me to study abroad was just to change. You know that when you go somewhere you don't know all the answers to, you're bound to change.”Kiubon K. • Claremont McKenna College • Nantes – French Language Immersion & Area Studies
