Who We Are
SAF facilitates student mobility between our invitation-only university consortium. We provide students from China, Korea, and Japan with for-credit study abroad opportunities during semester, year-long, and summer terms across the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, and Asia.
SAF is part of IES Abroad, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1950.
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Top 100 CSR Companies in China, 2020
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Partner of 25 Top 100 Ranked Universities
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PIEoneer's Industry Award Winner, 2018
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145+ Study & Intern Abroad Program Options
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Part of IES Abroad, a 501(c)3 Nonprofit
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Virtual, In-Person, Short-Term & Semester

Our Leadership

Dr. Gregory D. Hess
President & CEO

Amber Mercier
VP for Strategy & New Business Initiatives

William Hoye
EVP & Chief Operating Officer

Dr. Michael Adewumi
EVP for Academic Programs & Provost

Richard Bartecki
EVP for Marketing & Institutional Relations

Bill Martens
Vice President & CFO

Carol A. Carmody
Executive Director

Nicole Zeimis
Director, Strategic Initiatives

Benjamin Mack
AVP for International Marketing

Lifei Yang
Marketing & PR Director, SAF China

Zhao Ning
Executive Director, SAF China

Tracey Tao
Assistant VP, SAF China

Brett Rumminger
Director, SAF Japan

Our International Offices

China
Beijing , Shanghai , Guangzhou

Korea
Seoul

Japan
Kyoto , Tokyo

Indiana
Indianapolis
What We Do

Seek Consultation
Seek Consultation

Fuss-free Application
Fuss-free Application

Enjoy Overseas Support
Enjoy Overseas Support
Programs We Offer
Academic Programs
Working across our university consortium, SAF enroll students in term-based undergraduate or graduate courses to be assessed on the same basis as degree-seeking students.
Concurrent Programs
Students just shy of normal language requirements have options with hybrid language and academic course combinations in both undergraduate and graduate programs.
Internship Programs
Working with a limited number of quality partners, SAF facilitates professional internship placements to enable students apply their learning in the real world.
Language Standalone Programs
Students with any level of language proficiency can study abroad. SAF partners exclusively with university campus language centers to offer pure language courses designed to improve proficiency.
Language Pathway Programs
Students aspiring toward a for-credit study abroad program who don't yet meet language requirements can take a language pathway program with SAF.
Research Programs
Working in partnership with host university faculty, our students enjoy participation in a dedicated research effort during the academic session.
Summer Programs
Enroll in a summer session at an SAF partner university. Tailored specifically for international students, summer programs often include prearranged extra-curricular activities.
Academic Study Tour Programs
Offered primarily to our home university faculty, SAF facilitates student groups across IES Abroad locations and our university consortium for bespoke, faculty-led programs.
Online Programs
Reach the world's top universities from anywhere including the comfort and safety of your home. Access for-credit and language-learning opportunities with SAF support and assistance.
Our Partners
The Study Abroad Foundation's invitation-only university consortium includes a range of hosting universities selected to maximize participating student access to the world's best academia across a broad range of discipline areas.
Host Universities






Home Universities
Careers in SAF
Help students stand out with an overseas university experience
If you're interested in joining a mission-driven organization, you've come to the right place. SAF is part of IES Abroad, a registered nonprofit study abroad organization with an independent Board of Directors registered in the United States and incorporated under the laws of Illinois. Find more information about careers at IES Abroad, and US-based SAF career opportunities, at the IES Abroad Careers Page.
SAF News

SAF in the news: China Daily...
On Friday, December 18, 2020, the China Daily published its industry feature article Students widen…
Happy Year of the Ox from SAF
Happy Year of the Ox from Dr. Gregory Hess, President and CEO of IES Abroad and SAF and all of the team.…

Japan Partner Industry Update
Monday January 18th, 2021 SAF Japan hosted the ‘Japan Partner Industry Update’ Webinar to SAF sending in…

SAF in the news: China Daily
On Friday, December 18, 2020, the China Daily published its industry feature article Students widen horiz…