Open a World of Possibilities for Your College Student

At IES Abroad, we consider living and studying abroad to be one of the most exciting experiences in a young person's life. It's a time of tremendous growth and has shown to have significant personal, academic, and career benefits. We strive to make the once-in-a-lifetime educational adventure of study abroad accessible to all students—but as a parent, you probably have many questions about your student living and learning abroad and how we’ll support them along the way.

What's more, our returning students tell us that studying abroad affects both their personal growth and influences their academic interests and commitment to their studies. By improving their language skills, developing intercultural competency, and increasing confidence in themselves and their abilities, students learn skills that will serve them greatly—no matter where they land after college.

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High-Quality Academics & Incomparable Career Benefits

Studying abroad affects students' personal and professional growth.

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Commitment to Diversity & Identity Abroad

We're committed to making study abroad accessible for everyone.

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Comprehensive Health & Safety

Our staff is well-trained and knowledgeable about our protocols.

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On-Site Support

Our local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.

Did you know?

By living and learning abroad, IES Abroad students develop highly sought-after professional skills—adaptability, communication, self-awareness, confidence—that not only make them more hirable, but also launch their career. 

From a groundbreaking 50-Year Alumni Study (2002) to a timely study of economic recession/post-recession outcomes (2012), IES Abroad has a rich history of leading the field of international education in quantitative research on the practical outcomes of studying abroad. The most recent study was conducted in April 2016 to assess the impact study abroad has on a recent graduate's career. A total of 1,205 IES Abroad alumni who graduated college between 2012 and 2015 responded to the survey.

Our survey findings show key career benefits of study abroad, including: 

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Higher Starting Salaries

IES Abroad alumni earn an average of $6,000 more in starting salaries (compared to recent U.S. college graduates from the National Career Outcomes Report).

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Jobs Secured More Quickly After Graduation

Nearly three quarters of IES Abroad alumni secured their first job within two months of graduation.

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Increased Hireability

Most IES Abroad alumni feel that studying abroad helped them develop valuable job skills, such as language proficiency, cultural understanding, tolerance for ambiguity, adaptability, and self-confidence.duates from the general population.

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Higher Acceptance Into Grad School

90% of IES Abroad alumni continuing on to graduate school earned admission into their 1st or 2nd choice graduate or professional school.

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87%
of returning students said study abroad influenced subsequent educational experiences
80%
reported an enhanced interest in academic study
52%
of students attained graduate degrees after studying abroad
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98%
reported the study abroad experience helped them to better understand their own cultural values and biases

Why IES Abroad

Diversity Commitment
At IES Abroad, we understand that identities must be cultivated and supported in several ways and at multiple levels, from accessibility and inclusivity to learning environment.
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Health & Safety
Unlike most study abroad providers, IES Abroad has a full-time Chicago-based Dean of Students Office that oversees our health and safety guidelines, domestic and abroad.
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Setting Industry Standards
We constantly strive to make sure our offerings are the best in the industry as a not-for-profit organization with more than 65 years of leadership in study abroad.
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On-Time Graduation
IES Abroad has formal agreements with more than 235 top-tier American colleges and universities that approve IES Abroad programs and accept IES Abroad credit.
See Our Consortium
On-Site Support Abroad
Your student can count on receiving around the clock support at our global Centers, which typically house staff offices, classrooms, student lounges, and more.
Meet Our Center Directors

IES Abroad Latest News

“From a parent's perspective, this program has been fantastic! Bridget has always been independent and able, but studying abroad has been a game-changing experience! Go for it!”
Parent of IES Abroad London Student

Let's Chat

We're here to help! If you have questions about IES Abroad, our programs, or study abroad in general, we're here for you.

Contact Us
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