Why IES Global?

IES Global is a not-for-profit organization that has provided study abroad and internship experiences since 1950. Its mission is to help students become global citizens through academic and cultural education. 

IES Global serves as the parent organization for several brands, including IES Abroad, IES Internships, and the Study Abroad Foundation (SAF). This structure allows it to offer a wide range of programs and destinations, from Europe to Oceania and the Global South.

Since joining IES Global, SAF students can now benefit from the resources and expertise of IES Abroad Centers around the world. These centers provide on-site academic support, cultural activities, and assistance from local staff. This partnership allows SAF to offer a broader network of opportunities while ensuring the same high standards of quality, safety, and support that students have come to expect.

IES Abroad Centers are hubs for various international education programs, providing a structured and immersive experience with local support. These programs cater to a range of academic and professional interests, offering different levels of independence.

Center-Based Study Abroad: Students take classes taught by local faculty at an IES Abroad Center or a nearby partnered university. This model provides a structured environment with a strong community feel and extensive on-site support. It's often ideal for first-time travelers.

Direct Enrollment with IES Abroad Support: For more independent students, this option allows you to take courses directly at a prestigious local university alongside local and other international students. IES Abroad still provides a safety net of support, including visa assistance, housing, and access to the local IES Abroad Center.

Global Internships: IES Abroad offers full-time, unpaid internships that provide hands-on professional experience in an international setting. These placements are guaranteed and are often complemented by an academic seminar for credit.

Faculty-Led Study Tours & Customized Programs: Designed in collaboration with institutions or professors, these programs are short-term experiences focused on specific fields of interest. Additionally, with customized programs, partnered universities can work with our team to align on specific academic or institutional goals and benefit from fully-supported global learning opportunities without the need to develop their own infrastructure abroad.

The IES Abroad Global Student Grant (GSG) offers students attending universities outside the US $3,000 for semester-long study abroad or $1,000 for summer study abroad and internship programming offered through IES Abroad, ie:

• Universiteit van Amsterdam Academic Program in Social Sciences & Humanities
• IES Abroad Amsterdam Academic Program in Business & Economics
• IES Abroad Barcelona Academic Program in Political Science & International Relations
• IES Abroad Barcelona Internship Program
• University of Cape Town Academic Program in Engineering & Science
• University of Cape Town Academic Program
• Trinity College Dublin Academic Program
• Dublin City University Academic Program
• IES Abroad Dublin Internship Program
• IES Abroad London Academic Program in Multidisciplinary Studies
• IES Abroad London Internship Program
• IES Abroad Milan Academic Program in Business Studies
• IES Abroad Milan Internship Program
• SKEMA Business School Academic Program
• IES Abroad Paris Academic Program in French Studies
• University of New South Wales Academic Program
• University of New South Wales Trimester Academic Program

*Eligibility notes: The Global Student Grant is available to students enrolled in SAF or IES Global consortium member universities outside the US and applicable to IES Abroad semester, summer and internship programs, including direct enrollment opportunities at IES Abroad local university partners. The grant is only applicable to the first term of multiple term programs. IES Abroad summer programs must be six (6) weeks or longer to qualify. The grant is not applicable to study tours, customized programs, or J-term programming offered by IES Abroad or any SAF programs. The grant will be applied to the tuition portion of the IES Abroad comprehensive program fee and cannot be used to cover the program deposit. The grant is awarded in USD only, and there is no cash payment to recipients. GSG recipients are not eligible for other forms of IES Abroad financial aid such as the high impact aid program

IES Abroad Centers act as a hub for academics, community, and support to students enrolled in IES Abroad programs.

Studying at one is an ideal choice for first-time travelers or anyone looking for a more structured and supportive experience abroad.

A Student's Support System Abroad - Every IES Global Center has a team of local staff dedicated to helping students succeed. They act as go-to experts for everything from academic questions to navigating life in a new city. This built-in support system is a major advantage, giving students peace of mind and ensuring they have help whenever they need it.

A Place to Learn and Connect - The centers are purpose-built facilities with classrooms, libraries, study areas, and communal spaces. Students will find everything they need to excel academically, but also to connect with other students. This creates a strong community feel that helps students form close friendships and build a network of global peers and mentors.

Quality Academics & Real-World Learning - At the centers, students will learn from experienced local instructors who offer a wide range of courses. The programs are designed to provide cultural integration through field trips, guest lectures, and partnerships with local institutions. They'll get hands-on experience and engage directly with the host community. Plus, many of the programs offer the chance to take classes at nearby universities, giving students even more academic options.

Strong Sense of Safety & Services - The organization has the logistics covered. Students will be placed in safe, vetted housing that is convenient to the center and local amenities. The centers also provide access to health and safety services, including connections to local healthcare and 24/7 emergency support.

An internship through IES Abroad provides SAF students with a unique, career-focused experience that goes beyond a typical job placement. It combines hands-on work with academic learning and a comprehensive support system.

Guaranteed & Structured Placements - IES Abroad offers a guaranteed internship placement that is tailored to a student's professional goals and academic interests. The organization's staff carefully vets employers to ensure they provide a structured, project-based, and meaningful work experience. This approach moves beyond simple tasks and focuses on developing cross-cultural competencies and professional skills in a real-world setting.

Academic & Professional Development - In addition to the practical experience, the internship program includes a required, for-credit academic seminar. This seminar provides a crucial context for a student's work by exploring cultural nuances and business practices in the host country. Students also receive pre-departure advising, including help with their resume and cover letter, to prepare them for an international work environment.

Comprehensive Support & Safety - The IES Abroad program ensures a safe and supported experience. Students are placed in vetted housing and have access to dedicated on-site staff who can provide assistance with everything from professional challenges to personal well-being. The program includes 24/7 emergency support and comprehensive health services, giving students and their families peace of mind. This high level of support is especially valuable for students who are new to international travel and professional work.