Studying abroad offers the chance to earn academic credit, gain international experience, and explore your field from a global perspective. For students who want to deepen the academic side of that experience, some IFSA programs also include research opportunities through an experiential learning option called directed research.
This guide breaks down how study abroad can support your academic and career goals, with a focus on programs that include research or career-focused experiential learning. It explains options like directed research and IFSA Career Accelerators® to help you understand which type of program may be the best fit for your academic and career goals.
What makes a study abroad experience research-based?
Programs approved for directed research allow you to pursue an independent project in your field, work closely with a faculty member or subject matter expert, and complete a final paper or presentation. Students choose a research topic connected to their study abroad location or academic focus, participate in a research methodology seminar, and meet weekly with their mentor.
“That night, I had to pinch myself, giddy at the fact that I’m doing research in Australia at one of the most advanced marine research facilities in the world. I smile as I finally start to fall asleep, knowing this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And I’m not going to waste a single second of it.” —Tallulah S., James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
Dedicated research options available through IFSA
IFSA offers directed research opportunities in multiple locations, with each program shaped by its academic setting and local context. Research experiences can look different depending on where and how you study, but all are designed to integrate academic inquiry into the study abroad experience. Here are a few excellent opportunities:
In Kandy, Sri Lanka, you could explore environmental studies, human rights, religion, and politics while developing a research projec, with guidance from a faculty subject expert. Classes are taught in English, and living with a local host family supports cultural immersion. Included activities and excursions connect your research and coursework to Sri Lanka’s history, communities, and landscapes.
Study abroad in London with IFSA and pursue independent academic research in a city shaped by global politics, culture, and innovation. Through the directed research experiential learning option, you will take the directed research course taught by Londdon-based faculty where you can develop a research project aligned with your academic track, like arts and humanities, Black history and influence in the UK, business, computer science, psychology, or bioscience and health science. Coursework, research, and included activities and excursions allow you to engage with London as both an academic and cultural landscape.
Study abroad in Rome with IFSA and engage with contemporary social, political, and cultural issues through directed research and experiential learning. You can pursue individualized field research with guidance from faculty experts, integrating academic inquiry with experiential learning in one of Europe’s most influential cities. Coursework spans business, communications, political science, social sciences, and sustainability studies, with optional internships that connect academic work to professional and civic contexts in Rome.
Study abroad in Buenos Aires with IFSA and combine broad academic choice with opportunities for directed research in a major Latin American city. You can pursue individualized research in Spanish on a contemporary issue of interest, working with faculty guidance to integrate academic inquiry with experiential learning. Coursework spans a wide range of disciplines, supporting nearly every major, while internships and volunteer opportunities connect your studies to social, cultural, and professional contexts in Argentina.
Study abroad at the University of Sydney with IFSA and engage in advanced academics at a world-class research university known for both tradition and innovation. You’ll choose from a wide range of departments and may pursue competitive internship opportunities or research placements, depending on your academic standing and field of study. Research placements are available in areas such as marine biology, biotechnology, medical research, and government and policy. Together, academics, research, and experiential learning allow you to engage deeply with Australia’s academic and professional landscape.
Some IFSA direct-enroll programs at partner universities also offer approved directed research—giving you the option to pursue research at a host institution with partner university support and IFSA approval.
“This lab group that I ended up joining and the project I completed under the advising of a wonderful and patient PhD student changed the course of my collegiate plans and consequently my career plans. This project gave me the best experience of what working in a PhD lab would be like, working about 30 hours a week on my project.” —Gabriella K., IFSA University of Oxford, St. Anne’s College: Premedical Program, England
IFSA Career Accelerators: Career-ready research and hands-on skills
For students focused on career exploration alongside academics, IFSA Career Accelerators offer another way to connect study abroad with long-term goals. These programs combine academic coursework with structured, career-focused experiences in global cities connected to specific industries.
Career Accelerators pair academic learning with professional immersion, including industry challenge projects, company visits, expert speakers, networking, and optional internships or research. These elements are designed to complement coursework while helping students gain practical experience and global workplace skills abroad.
What sets IFSA Career Accelerators apart:
Gain experience completing an industry-relevant project
Engage with professionals in your field
Develop critical professional and collaborative skills
Earn academic credits that keep you on track for graduation
Featured Career Accelerator options:
Tech Career Accelerator: Dive into Prague’s tech ecosystem with internships, company visits, and team projects tied to computer science and data fields.
Business Career Accelerator: Gain business experience and industry exposure in Barcelona, Spain, a major European business hub.
Summer Tech Career Accelerator: A condensed version of the semester-length program in Prague, with internships and networking tailored for tech students.
Across all Career Accelerators, the goal is to connect academic study with career exploration in an international context. Explore IFSA’s Career Accelerator page to learn more.
“In just one semester, I did market research, validated a business idea, built out a demo prototype video, and wrote a business proposal. All of this happened in collaboration with employees at a real company, with feedback along the way. It felt like I was in a mini startup environment, learning how ideas go from rough concepts to something with potential for impact.” —Brian H., IFSA Tech Career Accelerator, Prague
How to choose the best-fit research program for you and start your journey
Participating in research during your study abroad experience allows you to pursue academic passions, strengthen your skills, and gain clarity on future studies or career paths. Study abroad programs approved for directed research provide structured opportunities to engage in independent or faculty-guided research abroad. Explore these options in the right column of IFSA’s Experiential Learning listings to find programs that align with your academic and professional goals.
