When Is an IES Abroad Program the Best Fit for a Student?

Direct enrollment at an overseas university offers students an incredible opportunity to immerse themselves in a new academic environment. But it isn't the only option for studying abroad.

As part of IES Global, SAF can offer partner universities even more ways for their students to study abroad. Alongside direct enrollment at SAF's network of host universities, students can also access IES Abroad programs that combine academics with dedicated local support, structured programming and opportunities to engage with their destination beyond the classroom.

So, when would an IES Abroad program be the right choice for your students?

Studying in another country means navigating a new academic system alongside the practical realities of everyday life somewhere unfamiliar. While direct enrollment can offer greater independence, some students may feel more confident knowing there is a dedicated support network nearby.

IES Global Centers have local staff who provide ongoing academic, cultural and personal support, alongside longstanding relationships with healthcare providers, local authorities and carefully vetted student housing. Students also have access to 24/7 emergency support, making center-based programs particularly well suited to first-time travelers or those new to studying abroad.

For some students, arriving at a university overseas and jumping straight into campus life is exactly the experience they want. Others benefit from having a tighter community and more structured environment to help them find their feet.

Programs based at IES Abroad Centers combine small, engaging classes with dedicated local staff and offer shared spaces where students can study, meet and connect. Students can study subjects of interest at an IES Global Center, with some programs also offering access to courses at local partner universities. 

Having access to these opportunities for community and engagement offers students academic challenge and independence while providing more guidance along the way.

One of the biggest reasons to study abroad is to experience a subject from an entirely new perspective. IES Abroad programs make the destination part of that learning experience through real-world opportunities such as field trips, site visits, guest lectures and partnerships with local cultural and educational institutions.

This hands-on approach gives students opportunities to connect what they're studying with the people, places and ideas around them, whether that's learning from local experts, touring a company’s headquarters, or experiencing a cultural institution firsthand.

For instance, a recent study tour held at the IES Abroad Vienna Center brought international relations to life with visits to the Austrian Parliament, OPEC and several United Nations institutions, giving students a firsthand look at diplomacy and global decision-making in action.

Not every study abroad experience needs to revolve around a traditional academic semester. There's a growing interest in study abroad for professional development. 

For such students focused on their careers, IES Internships offer another way to gain meaningful international experience. All full-time semester and summer internships include:

• Guaranteed placements and support
• Carefully-vetted employment opportunities
• For-credit internship seminars
• Optional language courses (where available

Students are given placements designed to provide proper training, structured guidance and substantive, project-based work. These experiences abroad give students the chance to develop professional skills and cross-cultural competencies while experiencing working life in another country.

Direct enrollment remains an excellent option for students ready to independently immerse themselves in life at a host university. IES Abroad programs complement that model by offering more structure, hands-on learning and dedicated local support.

Together, these options give SAF partners greater flexibility to consider not only where a student wants to study, but the kind of international experience that will help them thrive once they get there.

Interested in exploring whether an IES Abroad program could be the right fit for your students? Connect with your SAF representative to learn more about available programs and opportunities.