IFSA Career Accelerators
Surge Toward Professional Success with Specialized Study Abroad
Develop critical skills and gain professional experience employers want. Explore career possibilities. Earn the credits you need with quality academics. Meanwhile, get to know a fascinating city with new friends who are as excited about the future as you are.
What fuels our IFSA Career Accelerator® programs? Learn more.
Tech Career Accelerator
Prague, Czech Republic
- Designed for students majoring in computer science, data science, information systems, business analytics, computer engineering, and applied mathematics in partnership with leading U.S. universities.
- Immerse yourself in Prague’s dynamic tech ecosystem.
- Experience central Europe with an English-friendly environment and student-friendly cost of living.
“This program helped me prepare for a career in tech by giving me tangible experiences and projects I could use to connect with recruiters and professionals in the field.”
—Ojochilemi O., University of Michigan
Biosciences Career Accelerator
London, England
- Bring your passion for biotech, pharmaceuticals, and other areas of bioscience.
- See firsthand how multinational companies and startups operate and innovate.
- Dive into a rigorous semester-long challenge project, using evidence, market information, and scientific thinking to solve a real industry issue.
- Strengthen your ability to communicate complex information, work in a team, and keep projects on track.
- Explore UK culture from Big Ben to Brick Lane Market and beyond.
“This program helps students develop scientific skills, cultural competence, and professional networks simultaneously, and envision themselves as scientists and leaders.”
—Tiffany Oliver, PhD, Spelman College
Health Sciences Career Accelerator
London, England
- Prepare to pursue your future in patient care, health care delivery, and public health.
- See firsthand the challenges faced by today’s practitioners and patients, plus the most pressing public health issues.
- Tackle a rigorous challenge project, using research and analysis to compose practical recommendations for a real-world issue.
- Gain confidence communicating with professionals, considering ethics, and solving problems.
- Explore UK culture from Big Ben to Brick Lane Market and beyond.
“The challenge project feels so real. The work feels important—and working in a global role like this is something you just can’t do at home.”
—Alexander R., University of Wisconsin, IFSA Tech Career Accelerator
Business Career Accelerator
Barcelona, Spain
- Ideal for majors in business, management, and marketing.
- Gain experience in a city with thousands of multinational companies spanning fintech to fashion, and a thriving startup scene.
- Get to know tapas culture, Mediterranean lifestyle, and renowned art and architecture.
Grants for HBCU students
Enroll in a Career Accelerator with peers from HBCU schools for a groundbreaking study abroad experience designed to drive your professional success. Learn more about the IFSA Global Leadership & Career Consortium (GLCC), with grants of up to $5,000 for a semester abroad.
Why Choose a Career Accelerator?
See how our Career Accelerator programs provide paths to meaningful jobs and make your resume stand out.
Explore your options.
Learn the possibilities that come with your degree so you can make big decisions with confidence.
Gain professional experience.
During your challenge project, tackle an authentic business problem for a local business or organization alongside peers. Develop key skills that stand out to potential employers.
Establish an international network.
Create valuable connections as you meet leaders and peers in your field.
Gain industry insights.
Get insider knowledge you won’t find in a classroom through company visits and discussions with leaders.
Build global skills.
From problem solving to intercultural agility, gain skills you’ll need to lead and collaborate with a diverse group of colleagues.
Earn credits.
Take the classes you need to stay on track for graduation while you take charge of your future.
About Career Accelerator challenge projects
IFSA Career Accelerator® semester programs include a rigorous team challenge project connected to your area of study. Students work in small groups throughout the semester, tackling a real business issue and ultimately presenting their solution to the host company, organization, or startup.
Here’s a sampling of projects IFSA students have completed:
- Designed an interactive app for a Prague museum.
- Revised a geospatial platform that helps urban planners address climate change.
- Completed research to guide funding to support women’s health.
- Researched vaccines to inform pharmaceutical development.
- Created a digital literacy test to match patients to healthcare software.
Guidance from an IFSA mentor and a representative from your host company ensure you build skills like project management, team communication, problem-solving, and collaboration, and come home with concrete experience to showcase in interviews and networking conversations.
“Working with a Czech tech company gave us real experience to put on our resumes. The most valuable part was learning to work well within a team and be a better engineer.”
—Curtis R., University of Michigan
Specialized Features That Promote Success
| IFSA Career Accelerators | Standard IFSA Programs | |
|---|---|---|
| Industry immersion in global hubs | √ | |
| Industry-specific group challenge projects | √* | |
| Leadership & professional skill development | √ | |
| Industry-specific expert insights | √ | |
| Professional networking | √ | |
| Quality academics | √ | √ |
| Classes that fulfill degree requirements | √ | √ |
| Aligned with U.S. faculty requirements for specific areas of study | √ | |
| Intercultural and language skill development | √ | √ |
| Options for internships, directed research & volunteering | √ | √ |
| Curated cultural excursions & activities with guided reflection | √ | √ |
| Health & safety insurance and support | √ | √ |
| Housing | √ | √ |
| Predeparture & onsite support | √ | √ |
| Access to scholarships & grants | √ | √ |
| International experience | √ | √ |
| *Semester programs only |
Learn More
Wondering if a Career Accelerator is right for you? Talk to a friendly IFSA Enrollment Counselor. Tell us about yourself, your goals, and your needs, and we’ll help you find the perfect study abroad experience.
