IES Abroad

When I first decided to go to IES Abroad Granada, I had no idea how it would go. I had never been to Europe before, and no other student from my program or person I knew from different colleges would be attending. It had always been a dream of mine to visit Europe, but I never expected to study abroad. When I first arrived, I immediately made friends that would last well beyond the conclusion of our program. While in Spain, I visited incredible places with my program: Sevilla, Córdoba, and Morocco; simultaneously, I traveled with the friends I made to Barcelona, Milan, and London. I learned about Islamic History and European Union Politics and expanded my knowledge of the Spanish language. I assimilated into the cultural norms of eating late, playing soccer, and going out with friends from the program and locals. I loved every minute of my experience and cannot stress enough how great it was to spend a semester in Granada, Spain.

My time in Milan was unforgettable, thanks largely to the experiences I sought out on my own. Being proactive truly brings out the best in the program. Exploring Italy's wineries, cities, and vibrant culture was incredible, giving me the chance to experience Italian life firsthand. Attending three operas for free and enjoying countless live classical music shows enriched my appreciation of the arts. Each trip, performance, and discovery made my time in Italy an experience of a lifetime, and I’m deeply grateful to have had this journey. However I must add that if you know you need the classes for your major, I wouldn't recommend it. You may not find the EXACT overlap you want for your major so I suggest taking classes that fit your electives and save you major requirements for when you're at your home school.

I absolutely loved this program, and it provided me with memories that I'll keep for the rest of my life! For a study abroad opportunity, there were plentiful course options at the IES center that cover a range of subjects, and the ability to take classes at local institutions expanded that even further. There were so many activities organized by the center for cultural immersion, and the community at those events was fantastic (that's where I met nearly all of my close friends in the program!). My living situation was nothing short of amazing as well: I stayed with a host family that was incredibly kind and kept me well fed, and I had a room to myself. The other living places, including student dorms and apartments, available by the program were quite nice too! If there was a problem (this did happen to several of my friends, mainly due to host family issues), the IES staff were able to accommodate a switch. My only critique is that the community of the student body was often hostile, cliquey, and unfriendly. Many students arranged to participate in this program with their friends, and this left them unwilling to meet new people or authentically experience culture. This program allowed me to change so much as a person, develop my independence, and become incredibly culturally literate!

Studying abroad in Barcelona was an incredible experience, particularly due to the immersive language environment. I quickly improved my Spanish through daily conversations with locals and classes entirely in Spanish. My Spanish professor at IES helped me learn the language faster as well as understand some cultural norms. This was very crucial for my development as a person.
I was also very happy with my apartment, which was in a peaceful neighborhood. It had everything I needed and was close to public transport, making it easy to explore the city.
I felt very safe in this city. Of course, there are precautions to be taken, but if you are aware of your surroundings you will be fine. Whether I was walking home late at night or exploring new areas, I always felt generally secure.
The city itself has lots to do and is very rich in culture and history. There are many neighborhoods to explore. It also has great Mediterranean weather.
The biggest con for me was the academic program at IES. I wish there were more classes offered, as the course registration process was very difficult and competitive. I also would have liked some more advising around this process.
Barcelona gave me the perfect mix of language immersion, personal growth, and enjoyment. I’ll always cherish this experience!

Studying abroad in Milan with IES Abroad was an experience I will always treasure. I had initially thought I’d study in Paris or London, but I’m so glad I chose Italy! There were countless moments when I could hardly believe I was living in such a vibrant, culturally rich city.

The courses I took were incredible and truly enhanced my academic journey. From exploring the art of storytelling to diving into Italy's rich cinematic history, each class fueled my passion for both business and film. The Italian language course was especially meaningful, giving me a deeper connection to the culture. It was the perfect mix of academic challenge and personal growth.

I also loved how easy it was to get around Milan—public transport was efficient, and I had the pleasure of enjoying the city’s beauty every day. Immersing myself in Italian culture, from the food to the fashion to the way people interact, made me feel like I was fully living the Italian way of life.

Milan provided the perfect setting for my studies. From the excitement of spotting celebrities at Fashion Week to discovering hidden gems throughout the city, there was always something new to experience. And yes, I can confirm—gelato is a whole other level compared to ice cream!