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.
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.
What Our Students Say
Sofia Boucher
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“I chose IFSA because they stressed not only the scholarly element of studying abroad but the benefits of cultural exposure.“
Karen Takemura
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“I chose IFSA because they had an independent study component implemented in the program. My Cultural Anthropology professor also recommended me the IFSA ISLE program because I could study primates there.“
Marisa Iannitto
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“I chose IFSA because I was impressed with how well it was organized, how accessible the staff was, and how immersive the program was. I also really liked that IFSA organized excursions, making it easier to see Costa Rica’s highlights and hidden treasures.“
Katie Steates
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“I now have a new sense of independence that has certainly stuck with me, and it will continue throughout my life. I can finally cook for myself!“
Annie Ahn
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“IFSA Peru offered cool classes relating to my majors as well as a host family. I really appreciated having the ability to live in a city (it was a first for me) with a host family and learn how to navigate the wild transportation to the uni and other places in Lima.“
Annie Ahn
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“I chose to study abroad in Lima, Peru with IFSA because of its community-based research and volunteer opportunities. I thought it would be fascinating to see how social work functions in developing countries.“
Sarah Ratzlaff
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“I chose IFSA because of the interesting classes offered, the ability to hold an internship while abroad, and the organized group field trip to Western China. It was incredible to be able to learn both inside and outside the classroom!“
Claire Birk
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“I chose IFSA for the comfort and security of knowing there are staff members there to help. I was impressed and surprised by the amount of support we had at orientation and throughout the semester and the opportunities the IFSA staff provided!“
Lucas Graden
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“IFSA was there to support me along every step of my study abroad decision. Pre-departure resources made planning and preparing so much easier, while also working to support me in understanding how my personal identity might affect my time abroad.“
Madeleine Ross
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“I chose IFSA because they did so much more than just send me abroad or provide basic services. They gave me innovative strategies and professional support for preparing to study abroad and understand my culture holistically.“
Danielle McKay
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“While in Wales, take every chance you can to go to the countryside, explore the hills, learn about the miners, eat the foods. This was everyday life for most people.“
Zenith Rai
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“I chose IFSA for the freedom it gives to students as well as its emphasis on cultural immersion!“
Stacie Walsh
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“I chose IFSA because I was able to participate in computer science courses with a tight-knit group in a beautiful, central, and historic city. I also expanded my network with a professional internship. IFSA sets students up to be successful!“
Avery Allen
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“I chose IFSA because of their standout dedication to immersion and their commitment to allowing students to explore with independence.“
Zoë Lynch
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“Going abroad in London meant I had to conquer the city myself. London will forever be my city because I chose it and chose to conquer it to the extensive level that I did.“
Lauren Mauney
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“I ultimately chose IFSA because of its unique option to study at University of Oxford, which I have wanted to do for a long time. Also, the level of support and guidance that I received throughout the application process was unparalleled.“
Ally Klein
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“IFSA was super organized and helpful in my entire journey! It was so easy to go through IFSA’s program and I would highly recommend them! They quickly answered any question I had and made the whole process very smooth! “
Diala Abboud
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“I chose IFSA because I wanted to live with a host family and direct enroll in university as well. I also wanted a more focused program that would be able to help and communicate closely with me as an individual.“
Ethan Ackerman
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“IFSA allowed me to take classes taught by Chinese professors from several local universities while also directly familiarizing us with urban China. I also got the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel around central China through an IFSA-led trip!“
Danielle Lodge
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“I don’t know what my abroad experience would have looked like if I hadn’t chosen IFSA, but I am confident that choosing IFSA helped to make my semester abroad the best it could be!“
Grace Smith
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“IFSA simplified the process with stories from previous students, help with the application and class selection process. From the first information pamphlet, to the lifelong friends, and the comforting knowledge that there was always support available, IFSA was a gift to my time abroad.“
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 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. 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.”
