IES Abroad

IES Abroad Amsterdam has friendly staff that were always kind and responsive. All my questions were answered and we had multiple pre-departure sessions. I really recommend Amsterdam to anyone who is a history buff! With IES Abroad, you can access almost any museum you want for free. It was so fun to explore the city using museums as my guide. For any travelers, Amsterdam has a big airport, that flies direct to most places. While the prices aren't as low as London, planning your trips in advance or being flexible to different spots or cities will give you so many options for cool weekend trips. For people who love night-life, there is an amazing scene in Amsterdam! Intimate bars, crazy clubs, Amsterdam definitely has options, and I had so much fun exploring the different scenes. If you love a cozy rainy day, Amsterdam will provide! Amsterdam is often rainy and cloudy. I got very lucky my semester; it was sunny and beautiful almost the entire time! Compared to my home college in Minnesota, the weather was wonderful even in February. Keep in mind your preferences while choosing a location. Safety wise, I would say being smart is the most important thing. Amsterdam felt super safe, even when I was exploring the city alone. Pickpocketing is not a large issue here. Be smart, and you will have a wonderful time!

When I first got confirmation that I was accepted to study abroad in Tokyo, I was both thrilled and a nervous wreck. I had never been that far from home before, nor did I know anyone else attending the program. Yet, upon my arrival, I was met with the support and guidance of the IES staff, and others in the program were in the same boat. A support system was quickly formed, and although there were several new, unpredictable paths coming my way, I wouldn't endure it alone. With all the cultural activities such as making chopsticks and glass blowing and the included field trips, we were truly urged to make the most of our six weeks in Japan. You start to fall into a routine of going to the convenience store (trust me, like, a lot), going out to karaoke, taking the train to class and throughout the city, studying in cafes. Study sessions at the cafe in the hotel we were housed in had to be some of my favorite memories, oddly enough. The hotel staff even encouraged us to practice Japanese, and I was sad to say goodbye on my last day there. I'm looking forward to the next time I can go to Japan. This experience may have been filled with unknowns, but I was lucky to have the support to make me embrace it.

Upon receiving my acceptance to the IES Abroad program, I imagined what a summer living in London would present. I'd secretly hope to meet a London boy (cue the Taylor Swift song), make lifelong friendships, and cross off my London bucket list. Only 1/3 was accomplished. During my time, I experienced loneliness, homesickness, and a bit of regret. My summer didn't pan out exactly how I imagined it. However, for the days that felt endless, there were plenty more that I wish didn't have to end. I am grateful for the experience I embarked on. Although it was scary, I did it, and made it out with cute pics as evidence.