SKEMA Business School Academic Program

IES Abroad is an educational organization that arranges study abroad programs for students from the United States and other countries. Founded in 1950 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, IES Abroad curates international experiences for undergraduates and graduates at 200 distinguished universities and colleges around the world, each one famous for its academic excellence, cultural immersion, and experiential learning.

IES Abroad arrange programs in arts, business, social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities range in length from one week to a full academic year. Students on these programs immerse themselves in a cultural adventure by staying in homestays, apartments, and dormitories.

While living and studying abroad, students rely on the extensive support services provided by IES Abroad: pre-departure advising, on-site orientation, 24/7 emergency assistance, and health and safety resources. And to help students integrate in their new surroundings, IES Abroad arranges cultural activities and excursions.

IES Abroad Centers are in city centers around the world, positioned to best support international students with classrooms, computer labs, and other facilities. They are an important element of the organization’s commitment to providing high-quality study abroad programs that support academic excellence, cultural immersion, and personal growth for students.

Experienced and knowledgeable staff provide students with a welcoming and supportive environment for learning and cultural immersion and they’re available to give advice and assistance with housing, local transport, health and safety, as well as deliver extracurricular activities and events to help students integrate into the community. Many IES Abroad programs include experiential learning opportunities and field trips that are based out of the local center.

SAF and IES Abroad are partners in facilitating student experiences and study abroad adventures worldwide. As an American non-for-profit foundation, SAF has decades of experience organizing end-to-end study abroad programs, arranging application, housing, orientation, and insurance as well as support while students are away from home.

As SAF and IES Abroad partner with world-renowned universities around the globe, offering hundreds of programs to international students, the university you study at depends purely on the program you apply for.

It’s important to research and compare study abroad programs to find the best fit for your academic and personal goals. You can consult with program advisors from SAF and IES Abroad to learn more about specific universities and academic programs available.

If you enroll in an IES Abroad program, your learning will take place in the IES Abroad Center classrooms and during carefully curated excursions and field trips. Professors and teachers will be international experts in their field. Some programs include events and lectures at a local university.

Yes. Whatever program you enroll in, whether for-credit academic courses or non-credit language courses, SAF and IES Abroad guides you through the enrollment process. Some programs enroll you automatically in your chosen classes after accepting your application. Others require you to enroll in classes alongside local students when you arrive at your host university or college. There is always someone to support you.

Definitely. Both SAF and IES Abroad offer study abroad programs to students from around the world and universities and colleges around the world. Each one attracts students from many countries and cultural backgrounds. And IES Abroad programs are designed to promote cultural exchange and immersion.

Studying with students from other parts of the world can be a valuable part of the study abroad experience. It enables you to learn about different cultures and perspectives, practice language skills, and build international connections and friendships.

Many SAF and IES Abroad programs offer social and cultural activities and excursions that bring together students from different programs and backgrounds to build a sense of community and support while abroad.

Generally, SAF cannot guarantee spots in specific courses at your host university - but we can advise you about what you need to do to maximize your chances in securing the courses you want. Your SAF Program Specialist can even support you in enrolling in your classes.

The best way to increase your chances of landing the courses you want is to finish your SAF application early, stay in touch, and work with your SAF Program Specialist to ensure a smooth enrollment into the courses of your choice. 

Host universities occasionally restrict courses or expect a certain level of knowledge before accepting students into courses. You might need to provide transcripts from your home university as evidence that you'll be comfortable with the content being delivered in specific courses. 

Your home university may require you to focus purely on your major if you still need credit to complete your degree. For the period you're abroad, you're registered as a full-time student at your host university and retain your student status at home. You should check that your home Academic Affairs Office will accepts credits from your desired study abroad program, and that they're easy to transfer, so your graduation is not delayed. If you've completed all the credits you need to graduate, you can choose courses that appeal to your interests. It's wise to check the list of pre-selected overseas university courses with your college or academic office before going abroad.

Of course! SAF has a wide range of programs available for students who already have an undergraduate degree.

If you're already enrolled in a graduate or post-graduate degree, you may like to consider studying abroad in one of our graduate programs. If you're currently a working professional, you may like to consider a virtual program. Use our handy Program Finder tool to filter by these options

Generally speaking, yes! Most programs accept student applications within a year of graduation. You may need to submit your university transcripts and language scores to show you meet the admission requirements. As you may have already met the graduation requirements for your main degree at home, you may not need to request credit transfer or report to your home university about your study abroad outcomes.