Our Barcelona Engineering program allows you to construct your expertise with an engaging program for Engineering and STEM students. Compiled with a partnership with the Universitat Ramon Llull's (URL) schools, the Chemical Institute of Sarrià (IQS) and La Salle Digital Engineering, this program enables Engineering students to study abroad and maintain course progression in their field, becoming global leaders and learners in the process! Meet your academic requirements and participate in cultural events, city tours, cooking courses, and more.
Expand your adventures further with Barcelona-exclusive DiscoverIES such as Engineering of Wine and Renewable Energies. Dive into the mechanics of wine production and the importance of power generation and water management systems that keep Barcelona running while you develop the study abroad experience of your dreams.
Study Engineering
Take engineering courses in an international context.
Complete Graduation Requirements
Meet your graduation requirements and stay on track with your courses.
Support the Global Good
Engage in an environmental sustainability course.
Become a Leader and Learner
Maximize your study abroad experience with cultural events and more.
Fall 2024
Spring 2025
Program Dates:
September 02 - December 20
Application Deadline:
Estimated Cost:
$
19,550
Program Dates:
Early January - Late April
Application Deadline:
Program Advisor
Camilla Alway, Spencer Biery, Sarah Fang & Claire Wendt
Once you’ve applied for a program, one of us will be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, we're here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!
Check off your major requirements while immersing yourself in the rich culture of Barcelona, which has quickly become the tech hub of the Mediterranean. This thriving cosmopolitan city is remarkable for its innovative urban systems, including water retrieval and preservation, traffic systems, public transport systems, energy generation, and much more. A walk around town will take you on a historical tour of solutions that have been implemented to solve problems throughout its history; from the royal shipyards of Drassanes, to the Tibidabo, the whole city is at your feet to be discovered and reimagined.
Student Apartment – You live with up to 12 other IES Abroad students in a single or double room. The student apartment offers the communal vibes of a residence hall with the comfort of an apartment. Apartments have fully equipped kitchens, Wi-Fi is included, and meals are not included but optional meal plans are available for purchase onsite. Laundry is coin operated and an additional fee applies to this housing option.
Homestay
Normally, two or three IES Abroad students live in a home with local residents and students share a double room or are in a single room. You are provided two meals a day (breakfast and dinner) while the program is in session. Laundry and Wi-Fi are included.
Residence Hall
Premium Plus Residence Hall – Rooms in premium plus residence halls are single occupancy. Meal plans are not included but optional to purchase once you arrive onsite. The premium plus option includes a shared kitchen space, laundry included, common lounge areas, and gym facilities. Wi-Fi is included and an additional fee applies to this housing option.
Premium Residence Hall – Rooms in the premium residence hall are single occupancy. Meal plans are not included but available for purchase onsite. There are no kitchen facilities in this housing option. Wi-Fi is included, and laundry facilities are coin operated. An additional fee applies for this housing option.
Academics
Sydney M. • Hope College
Our mission is to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.
Stay on track with your graduate requirements while enjoy the opportunity to study abroad in Barcelona. Our Barcelona Engineering program offers a range of courses in the fields of Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Computer Science Engineering. You will also be a part of a greater learning community through our unique Global Pillars course; working together with students across academic backgrounds to find solutions to today's most pressing sustainability issues.
Partner Institution
Universitat Ramon Llull
Universitat Ramon Llull
Universitat Ramon Llull (URL) is a private school founded in 1990.
Our Engineering program offers a range of courses in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Computer Engineering. These courses are taught at the Universitat Ramon Llull's (URL) consortium through the Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS) and La Salle as well as at the IES Abroad Barcelona Center.
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. You take 15-19 credits per semester. Language courses are taught in Spanish.
ES/SO 360 Designing the Sustainable City - Global Pillars course (required, 3 credits)
A minimum of two local partner university STEM or Engineering courses through IQS or La Salle (required, 2-3 credits each)
English taught IES Abroad area studies courses (optional, 3 credits each)
IES Abroad Spanish language course (optional, 3-7 credits each)
NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.
This list represents the course offerings available to Barcelona Engineering students at the Universitat Ramon Llull (URL). Courses are designed for Spanish students at the undergraduate level. Through their consortium, you can take computer science or computer engineering focused courses at La Salle. While the Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS) offers a range of mechanical and chemical engineering courses. Classes are taught at different campuses, and range from a 10-minute walk to a 30-minute Metro ride from our Center.
Universitat Ramon Llull: Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS)
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
Even though your adventure starts in Barcelona, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
3 Days ($)
Fall & Spring
Costa Brava
Visit Roman ruins, the medieval city of Girona, and the “dreamland” of Salvador Dalí between Barcelona and the French border.
The Basque Country & Navarre
4 Days ($)
Fall & Spring
Discover the unique gastronomy of the Basque Country, learn from artisans who elaborate local delicacies, and attempt to create the meals that make up this rich culinary tradition.
Madrid
3 Days ($)
Fall & Spring
Discover the vibrant capital of Spain! See the works of El Greco, Goya, and Velázquez firsthand in the world-famous Prado Museum.
Montserrat
1 Day ($)
Fall & Spring
Spend the day hiking the mountain of Montserrat and visit the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey.
South of France
3 Days ($)
Spring
Visit Carcassonne to learn about its rich history, and enjoy a boat ride nearby. Next, head to Lastours to see castles and the Fontfroide Abbey. The last stop is Perpignan, where you can compare the Spanish Catalan and French Catalan cultures.
Valencia
3 Days ($)
Spring
Enjoy a guided tour around the city and make paella, the most famous dish in Spain. Then visit the nearby town of Peñíscola to see the Papa Luna’s Castle, a medieval building constructed by Templar knights that was home to the Pope during the 13th century.
Volunteer Opportunities
When you volunteer in Barcelona, you have the chance to make a difference in the local community while meeting new people and gaining a new perspective on the world. If you are passionate about volunteering abroad, just let the on-site staff know at the beginning of your term.
Past volunteer opportunities in Barcelona include:
Children’s Health
Engaging with and supporting kids and their families at a children’s hospital (bilingual Spanish and FBI Background Check required)
Food Security
Volunteering at a soup kitchen
Education
Being a teaching assistant at a public school
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.
Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Housing & Meals
Premium Plus
$1,500
School of Record transcript (if required)
$375
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Required consular and visa fees (paid to consulate with application)
$160
ACCeSS Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad before arrival onsite)
$150
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$600-1,000
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$200
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Homestay
$1,850
Premium Plus City Apartment (with kitchen access)
$3,500
Premium Plus Residence Hall (with kitchen access)
$3,500
Premium Plus Student Apartment (with kitchen access)
$3,500
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$120
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)
$75-1,245
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$2,000
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on November 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.
Discounts and Scholarships & Aid
Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition
Case studies related to business courses
$50
Textbook and workshops for specific courses
$80
CU338 Barcelona the culinary city
$60
Housing & Meals
Premium
$750
Premium Plus
$1,500
School of Record transcript (if required)
$375
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Required consular and visa fees (paid to consulate with application)
$160
Optional ACCeSS fee (if applicable, paid to IES Abroad before arrival)
$150
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$800-1,300
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$100
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Homestay
$2,200
Premium Residence Hall
$6,500
Premium Plus City Apartment (with kitchen access)
$4,350
Premium Plus Residence Hall (with kitchen access)
$4,350
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$160
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)
$75-1,445
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$2,000
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on November 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.
Discounts and Scholarships & Aid
Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition
Case studies related to business courses
$50
Textbook and workshops for specific courses
$80
CU338 Barcelona the culinary city
$60
Housing & Meals
Premium
$1,500
Premium Plus
$3,000
School of Record transcript (if required)
$375
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Required consular and visa fees (paid to consulate with application)
$160
Optional ACCeSS fee (if applicable, paid to IES Abroad before arrival)
$150
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$900-1,600
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$200
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Homestay
$4,400
Premium Residence Hall
$13000
Premium Plus City Apartment (with kitchen access)
$8,700
Premium Plus Residence Hall (with kitchen access)
$8,700
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$60-300
Local Transportation
$320
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)
$75-2,890
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$4,000
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on February 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.
Discounts and Scholarships & Aid
Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.
The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
The IES Abroad Barcelona Center is located in the heart of Barcelona, just off the Plaza Catalunya. Whether you’re taking a stroll by the Arco de Triunfo, or studying at a nearby café, the Center is your study abroad hub.
IES Abroad Barcelona Staff
Cèsar Alegre Alsina
IES Abroad Barcelona Center Director & AVP for Program Development
Head of Internship, Service Learning & Volunteer Programs
Noemi Polo Contel
Senior Student Affairs Coordinator
Olga Sanchez Cuenca
Senior Director of Student Affairs
Felipe Fructos Dominguez
Center & Facilities Maintenance Technician
Jane Ewart
Head of Academic Administration & Registration
Ilaria Gambarelli
Administration Assistant & Center Video Production
Natalia Gil
Academic Affairs Assistant
Maria Leal
Student Success Coordinator
Pilar Gracia Male
Senior HR Generalist
Raquel Medina
Dean of Area Studies & Assistant Dean of Faculty
Sara Andrejevic Miskovic
Student Affairs Assistant
Maria Paez Moriana
Internship, Service Learning & Volunteer Programs Specialist
Marija Vasiljevic Nadina
Emergency & After Office Hours Student Affairs Specialist
Ferran Teres Olivella
Senior Student Affairs Coordinator
Salvador Ortiz
Head of Administration & Human Resources
Beatriz Taberner Rodriguez
Center Manager
Sofia Franco Rodriguez
Internship, Service Learning & Volunteer Assistant
Maria Romero Serrano
Dean of Spanish & Assistant Dean of Faculty
Laura Vazquez
Faculty Advisor of Education Technology
Concepcion Villar
Administration Assistant
Dr. Alex Walker
Associate Center Director & Dean of Faculty
Ana Aristu
Academics Department Assistant
Steven Hakes
Emergency & After Office Hours Student Affairs Specialist
Dalia Moretto
Customized Programs Assistant
Orientation
Health & Safety
With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs
CISI International Health Insurance
In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.
24/7 Emergency Support
Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.
Mandatory Cell Phone Policy
Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.
Location-Specific Information
Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.
TripTracker System
Allowing you to share independent travel plans.
Crisis Drills
So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.
If you choose to take Partner Univeristy courses at La Salle your program dates may be different:
Spring 2024: January 8 - June 8
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
Application Requirements
Passport & Visa Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
18 years of age
In good standing at your home school
3.0 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs between 2.75-3.0 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins. Some courses at local universities may not be open to sophomores. Please contact an IES Abroad Representative for further details
Students must be STEM majors. Undeclared students may apply if they are on a STEM track
No previous Spanish language courses are required
Application Requirements
Submit Your Online Application
Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.
After your Online Application is processed, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Home School Authorization — Your on-campus study abroad advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form. Consult your study abroad advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization.
Official Transcript(s) — Submit transcripts for each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam — Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.
If your cumulative GPA is below 3.0, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Professor Recommendation Letter — Although there is no length requirement, the recommendation must indicate a professor’s opinion of the applicant’s academic ability to pursue university-level coursework in a foreign country, in addition to any information that would help IES Abroad gain a better understanding of the applicant.
Personal Academic Essay — Although there is no length requirement, the essay must address your GPA, any particular academic challenges faced, reasons you chose this IES Abroad program, and how it fits into your academic career.
Individual appointments at Spanish consulates are very limited! If you are eligible for Spain ACCeSS, we strongly recommend you take advantage of the opportunity for our visa specialists to review your visa application materials and submit them to the Spanish consulate on your behalf.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email within two weeks.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email within two weeks.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
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