Study abroad has been identified by the National Survey on Student Engagement as a high-impact educational practice with the potential to drive academic and personal success. More than just a travel opportunity, study abroad fosters skills such as critical thinking, intercultural agility and language acquisition.
IFSA emphasizes the long-term applicability of skills, knowledge, and perspectives gained during study abroad and strives to make the experience as personal and self-designed as possible. We take an evidence-based approach to the learning frameworks which underpin our programs, relying on research to ensure students’ long-term investment is maximized.
We take our role as educators seriously and consider ourselves a partner in your student’s success. Our Indianapolis-based team helps students with highly prescribed majors find specific courses abroad. Whether your student is an engineering major or has their sights set on journalism, we are sure to find a program that supports your student’s goals. With more than 100 programs, we offer many with global internships, directed research, and other activities which impact your student’s future success.
What Our Students Say
Rachel Fishman
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“IFSA allowed us to have so much independence and flexibility, which allowed us to engage with the local culture and explore the city right from the start.”
Jackson Cannon
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“The biggest thing I learned is the value of immersing oneself in a culture unlike that which you come from. Even though Australia speaks English, the culture has taught me to relax and take everything one step at a time.”
Theo Prentice
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“I enjoyed the academic and personal freedom of my IFSA program. Being able to take whatever classes I wanted/needed in order to satisfy my requirements for major and what happened to interest me set the foundation for my study abroad experience.”
Sloan Livaccari
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“For two years, I have tried to manage and exist with depression and anxiety. Coming to New Zealand enlivened me and gave me the tools to function and create the life I want and need. I was able to live somewhere for the first time away from family and friends and thrive in it. It allowed me to realize my potential and ability.”
Taruni Donti
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“I’ve learned about the culture my family comes from, more about the world in general, and the different ways there are to simply live. Above all, I think I’ve learned a lot about myself and my behavior—how I tend to act and react in situations. I’ve also become more assertive, courageous, and confident through this experience.”
Cole Wilsey
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“My IFSA program was amazing. They really do a great job making sure you adjust well and are well equipped for your time abroad.”
Wilnaphekie Taloute
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“Through IFSA, I learned to enjoy the small things in life, was able to better understand a culture different from mine, developed intellectually through independent study, and improved my Spanish.”
Anne Ridenhour
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“The connections I made during my time in Scotland was the most enjoyable aspect of my IFSA study abroad abroad experience. I was able to connect with peers on the program, IFSA staff, and the local culture. Being part of the St. Andrews basketball team really facilitated my relationship with the campus and its students.”
Erin Harris
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“Through my IFSA program, I volunteered at a travel startup where I initiated and developed a six-month lesson plan for the first English teaching program in a Mayan community, created a cost plan for program volunteers, and translated itineraries.”
Kano Umezaki
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“I enjoyed study abroad the most when I got courage to speak at my first poetry SLAM, befriend a fanzine publisher, and speak up (in my broken Spanish) in my film class. Having the courage to own who I am made me feel good.
Your student’s health and wellbeing are our top priority. We offer individualized support, and we are equipped to provide advising information on locations and institutions that can best accommodate those with physical, academic, and mental-emotional needs on-site.
IFSA is recognized as a leader in education abroad for emergency response and crisis management. Our dedicated team works in conjunction with our staff in-country to effectively and efficiently handle any situation that might arise. We maintain comprehensive emergency plans for each location, and our staff is alerted when worldwide security events occur.
Please visit our Health and Safety page for comprehensive details on IFSA insurance, our emergency support services, and IFSA’s initiatives to promote student health and safety abroad.
Our resident staff abroad cover emergency procedures in detail with your student during orientation. Students receive a list of contact phone numbers and a 24/7 emergency contact number in case of an emergency abroad. If you are concerned for your student’s safety or wellbeing and need to report an emergency from the U.S., see the instructions in the footer of this website.
We believe that study abroad should be within financial reach for every family. To assist with this, we offer scholarships and grants and help students utilize their federal financial aid for study abroad. For complete details, visit our Scholarships & Aid page.
