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Experiential Learning

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Compliment your academic journey

Every IFSA program includes possibilities for engaging experiences that take learning further.

Learning by doing is powerful. Paired with structured reflection, hands-on experience brings classroom lessons and theory to life. It illuminates connections in lasting ways — and provides a valuable stepping stone toward your goals and aspirations.

Built into every excursion

At IFSA, experiential learning is a big part of how we make study abroad so much more than exploring like a tourist. By incorporating hands-on experiences and reflection into every IFSA activity and excursion, you’ll go deeper into the culture of the country you’re visiting, and take time to consider your own views and beliefs as you compare them to what you see, hear, taste, and feel.

Experiences for every goal

Opportunities vary by program. Generally speaking, you can add experiential learning opportunities in one of four ways: internships, directed researched, student teaching, or volunteering.


Internships

Whether you help build financial models in Shanghai, pitch in at museum in Rome, or promote special events in Australia, adding an internship to your experience is sure to open new doors and illuminate new paths.

Take advantage of our global network of connections to strengthen your resume, gain practical work experience and earn academic credit. An internship abroad will also:

  • Immerse you in local professional culture
  • Grow your network of colleagues
  • Show your ability to navigate multicultural settings

To discover IFSA programs offering internships, please see the Experiential Learning Opportunities by Program table below.


Directed Research

Picture yourself studying how music intersects with behavioral therapy in Argentina, exploring healthcare on a Sri Lankan tea plantation, or tackling an engineering challenge in Dublin.

Conduct Directed Research while studying abroad with IFSA

With IFSA, you can conduct research of your own with faculty experts on a wide range of topics in Argentina, Australia, Chile, England, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Spain, or Sri Lanka. It’s an exciting opportunity to sharpen your skills in project management, critical and creative thinking, and written and oral communication while you dig deeper into your field of study.

To discover IFSA programs offering Direct Research, please see the Experiential Learning Opportunities by Program table below.


Student Teaching

Student teach while studying abroad with IFSA

Gaining classroom experience abroad is a valuable way to prepare to teach today’s diverse student populations. Our Enrollment Counselors are ready to help you find programs that offer student teaching. Reach out today: studyabroad@ifsa-butler.org

To discover IFSA programs offering Student Teaching, please see the Experiential Learning Opportunities by Program table below.


Volunteering

Protecting workers’ rights in Mexico. Cataloging information from an ancient archeological site in Peru. English tutoring for Cuban peers and young professionals. These are experiences that show you’re willing and able to contribute, wherever you may be in the world. Volunteering is also a meaningful way to get to know the people of your host country and the issues that challenge local communities there. 

Volunteer while studying abroad with IFSA

If you’re interested in volunteering, let your IFSA Enrollment Counselor know. Some countries limit U.S. student volunteering, and we’re happy to help guide your search. Once you’ve arrived for your program, our on-site staff are fantastic resources, ready to help you find opportunities that align with your interests and goals.  

Take the first step by scheduling a time to chat with an Enrollment Counselor: studyabroad@ifsa-butler.org.

To discover IFSA programs offering Volunteering, please see the Experiential Learning Opportunities by Program table below.


Experiential Learning Opportunities by Program

ASIA & PACIFIC
Program
Internship
Directed
Research
Volunteering
Community
Partnership
Bond University
Griffith University
IFSA Summer Internships in Melbourne
IFSA Summer Internships in Sydney
University of Adelaide
University of Melbourne
University of New South Wales
University of Sydney
University of Technology, Sydney
IFSA Study in Shanghai
IFSA Summer Internships in Shanghai
University of Auckland
University of Canterbury
Victoria University of Wellington
IFSA Study in Sri Lanka: Research Program
EUROPE
Program
Internship
Directed
Research
Volunteering
Student
Teaching
Community
Partnership
IFSA Study in Prague
IFSA Summer Internships in Prague
IFSA Tech Career Accelerator
IFSA Biosciences Career Accelerator
IFSA Study in London
University of Westminster
University College Dublin
University of Limerick
University of Galway
Stranmillis University College
IFSA Study in Rome
IFSA Summer Internships in Rome
University of Glasgow
IFSA Barcelona Universities Program: UAB
IFSA Barcelona Universities Program: UPF
IFSA Seville Universities Program
IFSA Study in Barcelona
IFSA Summer Internships in Barcelona
LATIN AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
Program
Internship
Directed
Research
Volunteering
Community
Partnership
IFSA Argentina Universities Program
IFSA Study in Buenos Aires
IFSA Summer in Buenos Aires
IFSA Summer Internships in Buenos Aires
IFSA Chilean Universities Program, Santiago
IFSA Chilean Universities Program, Valparaíso
Universidad de La Habana
IFSA Mérida Universities Program
IFSA Summer Internships in Mexico
Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú