Students Tell All: Inside IES Abroad Orientation

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IES Abroad
 November 12, 2024
IES Abroad Seoul 2023 Fall Orientation

From planning your perfect outfit for the first day of school to reuniting with old friends, the start of a new semester is overflowing with possibilities. And let’s be real—even the most exciting moments of our lives have an edge of nerves to them. 

 

When it comes to study abroad, we know that all these feelings can be magnified once you arrive in your new host city. The location is different, but the emotions are likely similar to your first week of college. Our student Correspondents have experienced it all: from initial nerves around program orientation to showing off about how IES Abroad has crafted the perfect first week to make friends and acclimate to your new home. We’ve rounded up their stories highlighting how you can set yourself up for a the best semester yet and have a blast doing it.  

 

If you’re feeling the first day jitters or just want a sneak peek, this is for you! Get an inside look to equip yourself with information and spark confidence for this new chapter. 

🤳 Dive into Orientation from Their POV

Kayla T. Orientation Tik Tok in Barcelona
Laura F. Paris Orientation Tik Tok
Alexandra W. Orientation Tik Tok - Milan
Abby K. Nagoya Orientation Tik Tok
 

💭 Quotes to Inspire Your Journey

“IES Abroad does a great job of planning orientation events. They are not the awful icebreakers that all college students know too well. They are always something you would choose to do in your own time which means everyone actually wants to be there and can naturally meet the new people they will be spending the next four months with.”
Brady M. • IES Milan • Providence College

“The staff did wonderful working students through the cultural immersion and showing us the true story of Granada — visiting different locations and discussing their significance.”
Jessica Schlotter • IES Abroad Granada • Penn State University

“My semester in Dublin was definitely the most memorable of my time in college. From before we arrived to the day we left, IES Abroad kept in regular contact with us to make sure that everything was going well. They gave us an orientation with plenty of practical advice that you might not think of yourself, and they sent out information and suggestions for things to do throughout the semester. We had a couple of group outings and trips led by IES Abroad, and plenty of opportunities to travel within the country and all across Europe on our own.”
Hannah Tetuan • IES Abroad Dublin • Penn State University 
Collage for Orientation Original Content

✍️ Read Unfiltered Reflections

Billy Greene Headshot

 

 

Billy G.’s blog,  “From Flight to Whānau: My First Week in Auckland” embodies the breadth of our Orientation, jump into their blog to hear about making friends, a posh dinner in the Sky Tower, and even a traditional Māori welcoming ceremony! 

Ellie Barrickman Headshot

 

 

Picture this: your camera roll is full of famous sights in Rome, aperitivo hours, and journeys with Italian Student Companions discovering hidden gems. Dying to know what made Ellie B.'s list of favorites? Check out her vlog, “Orientation Week: Finding My Footing on These Cobblestones!” 

Tal Pemstein

 

 

From walking tours to German lessons and trying the local cuisine, get a sneak peek at what could await during your first week in Tal P.’s “Travel Journal: IES Abroad Berlin Orientation”. 

Jahnia Treadwell Headshot

 

 

Curious about connecting with peers? Jahnia T. gives us a glimpse of how students get culturally immersed in “The Best Dance Studio in Salamanca for Beginners”. 

Arshiya Husain Headshot

 

 

If you’re feeling some nerves around the start of your semester abroad, you’re not alone! Arshiya H. has been in your shoes and is sharing her top tips in “Making Friends Abroad: A Guide for the Socially Anxious”. 

Emma Stuck Headshot

 

 

Prepare to feel at ease as Emma S. reflects on her first week in London. She shares some incredible insider advice in “Orientation: What to Expect, Top Tips, and Reflections”. 

 

Salamanca 2015 Spring Orientation

From first impressions to lasting memories, orientation is your first taste at life abroad. With support from our staff, your home university, and wisdom from past students, we hope you’re excited to discover something new both abroad and inside yourself. 

Have more questions about orientation and daily life abroad? Once you apply for an IES Abroad program, you’ll gain access to your handy Predeparture Information that covers all this and more—plus you’ll be connected to a program advisor who can answer all your burning questions. 

 

Ready to take the leap into your next adventure?

  Apply now! 

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