“I think about my time abroad ALL THE TIME, and believe it or not, it comes up in almost all of my conversations. It truly was the best experience of my life!”
Application Deadline
FALL : May 15
SPRING : November 1
Min. gpa for consideration
2.00 GPA
Typical credit load
15-18
Housing
Apartments/Flat
Language of instruction
Chinese
English
English
Language Prerequisite
None
About IFSA Study in Shanghai
OUR MOST FLEXIBLE PROGRAM LETS YOU BE THE ARCHITECT
Choose your own ideal academic mix in this forward-looking city, where iconic skyscrapers—and the people in them—are always reaching for record heights. Shanghai, one of the world’s most populated cities, is a major hub for finance, technology, research, manufacturing, and transport. That makes this uber-populated city one inspiring place to explore a potential career, dig into a field of study, and of course, step into a culture with ancient roots on the other side of the planet.
Your academic options are as varied as the city’s fabled architecture, which spans the spectrum from Buddhist temples to art deco hotels and theatres to ultra-modern Shanghai Tower and Pearl Tower. Beyond the classroom, options for field excursions, internships, language partners, and more make it easy to see theory come to life, learn by doing, and get to know the people of Shanghai.
Looking for a specific focus? Check out our other Shanghai options: IFSA Study in Shanghai: International Business, IFSA Study in Shanghai: Social Sciences, IFSA Study in Shanghai: Intensive Chinese Language, and IFSA Study in Shanghai: Public Health.
Whatever you choose, a Shanghai experience is sure to nudge you out of the familiar, spurring new thoughts, and encouraging growth.
Academics at IFSA Study in Shanghai
Courses
SPRING 2022
Our Study in Shanghai offerings are design for students from zero to advanced Chinese language experience. Build your own curriculum with any combination of language and IFSA elective classes, or choose one of the curated Study in Shanghai academic tracks with focuses on international business, social sciences, or public health.
Whether you build your own curriculum or enroll in an academic track, choose four to five IFSA classes for a total of 15-16 U.S. semester credit hours. Semester credits hours for language classes vary, but IFSA elective classes are all worth 3 U.S. semester credit hours each.
ACADEMIC TRACK OPTIONS
IFSA Study in Shanghai academic tracks are developed with a focus around a central academic discipline. Each track includes a specific collection of classes, including a core class or required class, and may include different language prerequisites.
The IFSA Study in Shanghai: International Business academic track offers unparalleled opportunities to examine China’s rapidly changing business environment and the global networks in which it plays an increasingly strategic role.
The IFSA Study in Shanghai: Social Sciences academic track examines the history of Shanghai, its process of rapid urbanization, and China’s interface with the West in this dynamic Asian center.
The IFSA Study in Shanghai: Public Health academic track invites you to examine how public health policy is shaped by social, economic, and political currents and ultimately put into practice in the world’s most populous country.
NON-TRACK OPTION
Design your own curriculum based on your own interests and degree requirement with the non-track Study in Shanghai option. Choose four to five classes from the following language and electives options for a total of 15-16 U.S. semester credit hours.
ELECTIVE CLASSES
Customize your semester based on your personal interests and degree requirements, choosing from these electives. All elective classes are taught in English. Not all electives may be offered in a given semester depending on enrollment and faculty availability.
The class provides an interpretative survey of China’s emergence as a global economic power. The phenomenal changes in the Chinese economy over recent decades are highlighted, and aspects of quantitative development are related to the radical reforms adopted since 1978. Students discuss major policy issues encountered by the Chinese government in sustaining high-speed economic growth without instability. Students also explore China’s pursuit of full integration into the global free trade system. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
With a rapidly growing population, rising lifestyle expectations, and continuing industrial production, urban China's usage of water and energy resources is a key question for those concerned with a sustainable future. This class will localize these issues by investigating Shanghai as a case study of urban environmental issues in China. How does Shanghai face the challenges of resource use and waste that its sprawling urban footprint creates? How sustainable can Shanghai become? (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
International Internship Seminar
Students are placed in individual internships but collectively take part in the seminar to prepare for the experience, understand expectations, set personal objectives, identify, and strengthen specific skills, critically reflect on their progress, share experiences, and learn from each other throughout their term. Students develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their professional areas, and Chinese work culture. In this seminar, which is focused on application of theory to practice, students gain real world work experience while developing intercultural agility — skills and experiences that are critically important to personal, academic, and professional success. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
International Trade: A Chinese Perspective
This class helps students develop the conceptual basis and the necessary tools for understanding modern international trade at the intermediate level. Topics include classical and modern theories of international trade, factor price equalization, empirical tests and extensions of the pure theory model, economic growth and international trade, the nature and effects of protection, and motives and welfare effects of factor movements. Each topic includes case studies under the context of China’s international trade with the U.S. and the rest of the world. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
This class focuses on the modus operandi of major types of enterprises in China, such as large-scale state-owned enterprises, share-holding corporations, collective enterprises of global significance, and foreign-funded conglomerates. Discussions address functional aspects of enterprise management, including production and investment decision-making, financing, marketing and supply sourcing, human resource management, technology transfer, and research and development, as well as the Chinese government’s changing regulatory framework. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
Public Health Policy and Practice in China
Public health policy in China has been shaped by rapid and profound economic, social, and political currents. This course examines those developments and their implications for public health practice. Contemporary issues in health policy at national and local levels will be explored within the context of the health system. Topics include the former One Child Policy and family planning, caring for an aging population, child and maternal health, health literacy, and regional and urban/rural variations in health. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
Sino-U.S. Relations: Superpower and Realignment
The U.S.-China relationship is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world. This class examines their intricate relationship, focusing on the period after 1949, when the People’s Republic of China was proclaimed. What roles have trade and human rights played in the relationship? How have recent incidents, such as the American bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade in 1999 and the 9/11 terrorist attacks, influenced the strategic Beijing-Washington relationship? What lies in the future, as China rises? (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
This class is a systematic seminar that explores the important developments in Chinese art from early history to modern times. Most sessions will take place in selected museums throughout Shanghai. Rather than studying the objects as art, students will examine them as “artifacts.” Students also will explore questions such as: When and how did these artifacts come to be placed within the precincts of art museums? What statement does the object narrate regarding its historical and present context? (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
LANGUAGE CLASSES
Developing skills in a foreign language can profoundly impact your life personally and professionally. Though language study (other than Essential Chinese) is not required, students frequently report their Chinese language class as one of their favorites and the one they applied most outside of the classroom.
If you’ve never studied Chinese before, and you decide not to take an elective language class, you’ll take this introductory seminar to contemporary Chinese language and culture taught intensively during the first weeks of the program. By introducing key words and phrases and venturing out into the city to practice them, you’ll gain essential skills to communicate effectively and navigate in a new culture. (1 U.S. semester credit hour)
Chinese Language
No prior language study is required. A placement exam during on-site orientation determines each student’s appropriate language level. (6 U.S. semester credit hours)
- Beginning Chinese I
- Beginning Chinese II
- Intermediate Chinese I
- Intermediate Chinese II
- Advanced Chinese I
- Advanced Chinese II
- Advanced Chinese III
- Advanced Chinese IV
- Advanced Readings in Chinese
FALL 2022
Our Study in Shanghai offerings are design for students from zero to advanced Chinese language experience. Build your own curriculum with any combination of language and IFSA elective classes, or choose one of the curated Study in Shanghai academic tracks with focuses on international business, social sciences, Chinese language, or public health.
Whether you build your own curriculum or enroll in an academic track, choose four to five IFSA classes for a total of 15-16 U.S. semester credit hours. Semester credits hours for language classes vary, but IFSA elective classes are all worth 3 U.S. semester credit hours each.
ACADEMIC TRACK OPTIONS
IFSA Study in Shanghai academic tracks are developed with a focus around a central academic discipline. Each track includes a specific collection of classes, including a core class or required class, and may include different language prerequisites.
The IFSA Study in Shanghai: International Business academic track offers unparalleled opportunities to examine China’s rapidly changing business environment and the global networks in which it plays an increasingly strategic role.
The IFSA Study in Shanghai: Social Sciences academic track examines the history of Shanghai, its process of rapid urbanization, and China’s interface with the West in this dynamic Asian center.
The IFSA Study in Shanghai: Intensive Chinese Language academic track offers 20 hours per week of Chinese language instruction for students who wish to focus on improving their Chinese language skills. To enroll, students must have completed two semesters of prior Chinese language study.
The IFSA Study in Shanghai: Public Health academic track invites you to examine how public health policy is shaped by social, economic, and political currents and ultimately put into practice in the world’s most populous country.
NON-TRACK OPTION
Design your own curriculum based on your own interests and degree requirement with the non-track Study in Shanghai option. Choose four to five classes from the following language and electives options for a total of 15-16 U.S. semester credit hours.
ELECTIVE CLASSES
Customize your semester based on your personal interests and degree requirements, choosing from these electives. All elective classes are taught in English. Not all electives may be offered in a given semester depending on enrollment and faculty availability.
The class provides an interpretative survey of China’s emergence as a global economic power. The phenomenal changes in the Chinese economy over recent decades are highlighted, and aspects of quantitative development are related to the radical reforms adopted since 1978. Students discuss major policy issues encountered by the Chinese government in sustaining high-speed economic growth without instability. Students also explore China’s pursuit of full integration into the global free trade system. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
China is not only a major export market but also a global sourcing base, given that Chinese exports are dominated by foreign-funded enterprises. Discussions include China’s rising purchasing power and consumption market potentials, trends in China’s demand for capital goods and western technology, marketing new products, cultural attributes in Chinese consumer behavior, outsourcing and sourcing in China, the service industries, international distribution systems, market regulations and deregulations, export tax rebate and import duties, and pricing and terms of payments. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
With a rapidly growing population, rising lifestyle expectations, and continuing industrial production, urban China's usage of water and energy resources is a key question for those concerned with a sustainable future. This class will localize these issues by investigating Shanghai as a case study of urban environmental issues in China. How does Shanghai face the challenges of resource use and waste that its sprawling urban footprint creates? How sustainable can Shanghai become? (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
Contemporary Chinese Politics: State, Party, People
This class examines the current political leadership of China, urban and rural relations, nationalism and foreign policy, mass participation, and the emergence of the rule of law. How has the communist political system evolved? What are the challenges when the society is under massive change as a result of economic reform and globalization? How is political stability maintained? And most importantly, the million-dollar question: when will China democratize? (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
Environmental health concerns in China, particularly surrounding air and water pollution, are well documented and widely acknowledged on the international stage. Rapid growth in China’s industry and economy have led to increasing health hazards for Chinese people in their communities, homes, schools, and even workplaces. In this class, students explore the various issues policy makers consider when undertaking risk assessment and developing regulatory policies to reduce these negative impacts while maintaining a trajectory of economic growth. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
Exploring Community & Culture in a Global Context
Through a creative asynchronous online format, this class facilitates active engagement with your host community, exploration of cultural identity and examination of diversity in the context of political, economic and sociocultural structures. Students cover topics such as intercultural communication skills, intercultural learning theories, tools for intercultural analysis, and the development of personal strategies for engaging with differences of any kind following the study abroad experience. This course is ideal for students seeking transferable skills and specific competencies for success in the global marketplace. Depending on your chosen IFSA program, this class may be taken as a part of or in addition to your full-credit load. Home institution approval is required for enrollment. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
International Internship Seminar
Students are placed in individual internships but collectively take part in the seminar to prepare for the experience, understand expectations, set personal objectives, identify, and strengthen specific skills, critically reflect on their progress, share experiences, and learn from each other throughout their term. Students develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their professional areas, and Chinese work culture. In this seminar, which is focused on application of theory to practice, students gain real world work experience while developing intercultural agility — skills and experiences that are critically important to personal, academic, and professional success. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
International Money and Finance
Students must have completed an Introduction to Finance class as a prerequisite for this class. This class familiarizes students with the basic theories for global financial liberalization and the major policy problems involved for the Chinese government to fully integrate the country with the global financial system. Discussions address Chinese interest rate determination, the exchange rate regime, and associated risks; new investment and financing techniques; B-share versus A-share in Chinese stock markets; the role of qualified institutional investors; and the possible implications of renminbi becoming fully convertible in the future. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
International Trade: A Chinese Perspective
This class helps students develop the conceptual basis and the necessary tools for understanding modern international trade at the intermediate level. Topics include classical and modern theories of international trade, factor price equalization, empirical tests and extensions of the pure theory model, economic growth and international trade, the nature and effects of protection, and motives and welfare effects of factor movements. Each topic includes case studies under the context of China’s international trade with the U.S. and the rest of the world. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
This class focuses on the modus operandi of major types of enterprises in China, such as large-scale state-owned enterprises, share-holding corporations, collective enterprises of global significance, and foreign-funded conglomerates. Discussions address functional aspects of enterprise management, including production and investment decision-making, financing, marketing and supply sourcing, human resource management, technology transfer, and research and development, as well as the Chinese government’s changing regulatory framework. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
Nutrition, Food Safety and Security
With the recent development of the China Food and Drug Administration, as well as public demand for improvement in the management of food safety risks, issues of nutrition and food security permeate many Chinese policy agendas. China’s cultural and political landscapes provide an ideal context for exploring these complex and interconnected topics. This class allows students to examine how China’s regional diversity, uneven economic development, and varied dietary consumption patterns impact policy decisions and regulatory standards. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
Operations and Supply Chain Management
This class introduces business operation and supply chain management. Both operations and supply chain management are the primary functions of every company and organization. In this age of rapid globalization and fast-moving information, operations and supply chain management are the keys to improving company profitability and sustainability. It is crucial for the success of a company and its customers; therefore, no one should underestimate its importance. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
Public Health Policy and Practice in China
Public health policy in China has been shaped by rapid and profound economic, social, and political currents. This course examines those developments and their implications for public health practice. Contemporary issues in health policy at national and local levels will be explored within the context of the health system. Topics include the former One Child Policy and family planning, caring for an aging population, child and maternal health, health literacy, and regional and urban/rural variations in health. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
Sino-U.S. Relations: Superpower and Realignment
The U.S.-China relationship is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world. This class examines their intricate relationship, focusing on the period after 1949, when the People’s Republic of China was proclaimed. What roles have trade and human rights played in the relationship? How have recent incidents, such as the American bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade in 1999 and the 9/11 terrorist attacks, influenced the strategic Beijing-Washington relationship? What lies in the future, as China rises? (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
This class is a systematic seminar that explores the important developments in Chinese art from early history to modern times. Most sessions will take place in selected museums throughout Shanghai. Rather than studying the objects as art, students will examine them as “artifacts.” Students also will explore questions such as: When and how did these artifacts come to be placed within the precincts of art museums? What statement does the object narrate regarding its historical and present context? (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
For more than 3,000 years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has formed a unique system for diagnosing and treating disease as well as cultivating life-long health. A combination of classroom sessions and hands-on TCM practica provides a lens through which students can better understand the Chinese cultural context in which today’s public health policy is implemented. This class introduces basic TCM theories, useful daily diagnostics, and treatment methods including acupressure, Chinese herbs, dietary adjustments, cupping, reflexology, acupuncture, and exercises such as tai chi. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
LANGUAGE CLASSES
Developing skills in a foreign language can profoundly impact your life personally and professionally. Though language study (other than Essential Chinese) is not required, students frequently report their Chinese language class as one of their favorites and the one they applied most outside of the classroom.
If you’ve never studied Chinese before, and you decide not to take an elective language class, you’ll take this introductory seminar to contemporary Chinese language and culture taught intensively during the first weeks of the program. By introducing key words and phrases and venturing out into the city to practice them, you’ll gain essential skills to communicate effectively and navigate in a new culture. (1 U.S. semester credit hour)
Chinese Language
No prior language study is required. A placement exam during on-site orientation determines each student’s appropriate language level. (6 U.S. semester credit hours)
- Beginning Chinese I
- Beginning Chinese II
- Intermediate Chinese I
- Intermediate Chinese II
- Advanced Chinese I
- Advanced Chinese II
- Advanced Chinese III
- Advanced Chinese IV
- Advanced Readings in Chinese
You must have completed three semesters of Chinese language prior to taking this class. You will develop specialized skills in business-related Chinese communication in both oral and written form. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
Internships & Experiential Learning
INTERNSHIPS
In Shanghai, students have the opportunity to participate in a part-time, credit-bearing internship at sites that may include Chinese or international non-profits, corporations, or think-tanks focused on promoting public and environmental health. The placement process begins with the submission of the Internship Interest Form upon acceptance into the program and typically concludes with an in-person interview in China.
IFSA makes every effort to place student interns at companies or organizations that match the organization's needs with a student’s skills, experience, and goals, including but not limited to the student’s Chinese language level and communication skills, prior professional experience, and work competencies. Both English- and Chinese-speaking placements are available. Applicants are encouraged to be flexible. Internships may include opportunities to:
- Research and draft grant proposals for funding available to non-profit organizations for health promotion campaigns
- Coordinate planning and implementation of environmentally focused conferences and events
- Participate in monitoring and evaluation of a large-scale sanitation and hygiene project in rural provinces of China
- Assist in organizing accessible group field trips that contribute to the well-being of differently abled community members
- Support public relations campaigns for an international policy consulting firm
- Document and report on disasters in the Asia-Pacific region using a proprietary management information system
- Assist with development of virtual brand presence; monitor and maintain regular social media activity
- Research and report the latest regulatory issues affecting foreign investment
- Develop marketing strategies for foreign brands interested in entering the Chinese market or already in China wanting to improve their business
- Design and develop software applications and local information systems according to customer requirements
- Play an active role in all aspects of the client engagement process including interviewing clients, building financial models and creating and delivering presentations
- Conduct industrial analyses and research traditional wealth management approaches
- Lead organization of English classes for Chinese migrants, including course preparation and occasional instruction
- Contribute to brand strategy and communications; monitor and maintain regular social media activity
- Assist in arranging accessible group field trips that contribute to the well-being of differently abled community members
- Support administration of intercultural and international educational programs across China
- Research legal resources for company advisors; support processing of legal translations
Transcript
After you return to the U.S., IFSA will send an official Butler University transcript to your home university with your coursework converted to the U.S. credit system. You will also have access to an unofficial transcript in your IFSA Student Portal. The transcript reflects courses taken, credits attempted, and grades earned during your term abroad. This service is included in your study abroad program at no additional cost.
Activities and Excursions
Program Activities:
Program activities are designed to enhance your intercultural competence by developing your understanding of the local culture and people. Activities are optional, but they are included in your total program fee. Activities vary each term based on availability, but may include:
- City-as-Text: We will use Shanghai as a critical frame to understand the socioeconomics of this port city in a global era. Learn about the stylistic elements of building and infrastructure efforts toward sustainable development from historical and forward-looking perspectives.
- Art Tour of West Bund Cultural Corridor: Through guided tour, you will visit museums and art galleries where foreign and Chinese artists are featured to discuss the state of contemporary art in China and the importance of culture in fostering international exchange.
- Visit to Manufacturing Plant: As a major financial and economic hub in Asia, Shanghai has many benefits to offer to companies and entrepreneurs. You will be able to network with local and international professionals, further your career aspirations, and learn about innovations taking place in the city and how a multinational company localizes the operations and manage its supply chain networks.
- Food and Local Culture: Chinese food is well known for its distinctive culinary style and diverse regional flavors. More importantly, Chinese food and the way it is prepared and served have rich connotations that resonate with the culture, tradition, and lifestyle of different ethnic groups. You will hear from experts telling the story of local food development as Shanghai becomes an international cosmopolitan city. You will also learn to make colorful Chinese dumplings and experiment with food from Shanghai and elsewhere to enrich your taste buds.
- Tai Chi and Calligraphy: Throughout multiple workshops, you will have the opportunity to practice tai chi and calligraphy with local experts and gain greater insights into Chinese art and philosophy.
Program Excursions:
IFSA excursions are included in your total program fee and though these are optional, most students choose to participate. They vary each term based on availability, but excursions may include:
- Water Town Trip: During an overnight trip, explore a water town, also called canal towns, outside the hustle and bustle of Shanghai. These ancient and historic towns are known for their bridges, rivers, and canals. You will explore stunning landscapes, visit local art and craft markets, and gain a deeper understanding of China’s social and economic diversity.
- Local Community Visit: Transform your thinking of traditional urban-rural lines with a visit to a local community where you’ll meet with local people to hear their life stories, learn about their day-to-day routines, and discover their ongoing grassroots initiatives.
Dates and Fees
Dates and fees
Program DatesProgram Start Date
Mid-August 2022
Program End Date
Mid-December 2022
Program dates are subject to change. Your IFSA Program Advisor will alert you when it is time to purchase your flights.
Program FeesTuition
est. $13,825
Housing
est. $2,750
Insurance
Included
Total Program Fee
est. $16,575
Tuition is inclusive of pre-arrival advising, orientation, co-curricular activities, on-site guidance, 24/7 emergency support, and post-program transcript. Students pay a $500 program deposit upon confirmation of attendance. The deposit is applied to the total program fee.
Estimated Costs Airfare
$1,500
Meals
$835
Books and Supplies
$0
Local Transportation
$720
Visa
$450
Personal Expenses
$700
(Includes utilities, laundry, entertainment, expected start-up costs, etc. Does not include personal travel.)
Total Estimated Costs
est. $4,205
Program DatesProgram Start Date
Mid-August 2023
Program End Date
Mid-December 2023
Program dates are subject to change. Your IFSA Program Advisor will alert you when it is time to purchase your flights.
Program FeesTuition
$13,825
Housing
$2,750
Insurance
Included
Total Program Fee
est. $16,575
Tuition is inclusive of pre-arrival advising, orientation, co-curricular activities, on-site guidance, 24/7 emergency support, and post-program transcript. Students pay a $500 program deposit upon confirmation of attendance. The deposit is applied to the total program fee.
Estimated Costs Airfare
$1,500
Meals
$835
Books and Supplies
$0
Local Transportation
$720
Visa
$450
Personal Expenses
$70
(Includes utilities, laundry, entertainment, expected start-up costs, etc. Does not include personal travel.)
Total Estimated Costs
est. $4,205
Program DatesProgram Start Date
February 24, 2022
Program End Date
May 28, 2022
Program dates are subject to change. Your IFSA Program Advisor will alert you when it is time to purchase your flights.
Program FeesTuition
$13,825
Housing
$2,750
Insurance
Included
Total Program Fee
$16,575
Tuition is inclusive of pre-arrival advising, orientation, co-curricular activities, on-site guidance, 24/7 emergency support, and post-program transcript. Students pay a $500 program deposit upon confirmation of attendance. The deposit is applied to the total program fee.
Estimated Costs Airfare
$1,500
Meals
$1,148
Books and Supplies
$0
Local Transportation
$550
Visa
$500
Personal Expenses
$729
(Includes utilities, laundry, entertainment, expected start-up costs, etc. Does not include personal travel.)
Total Estimated Costs
$4,427
Program DatesProgram Start Date
Early February 2023
Program End Date
Late May 2023
Program dates are subject to change. Your IFSA Program Advisor will alert you when it is time to purchase your flights.
Program FeesTuition
est. $13,825
Housing
est. $2,750
Insurance
Included
Total Program Fee
est. $16,575
Tuition is inclusive of pre-arrival advising, orientation, co-curricular activities, on-site guidance, 24/7 emergency support, and post-program transcript. Students pay a $500 program deposit upon confirmation of attendance. The deposit is applied to the total program fee.
Estimated Costs Airfare
$1,500
Meals
$835
Books and Supplies
$0
Local Transportation
$720
Visa
$450
Personal Expenses
$700
(Includes utilities, laundry, entertainment, expected start-up costs, etc. Does not include personal travel.)
Total Estimated Costs
est. $4,205
Meet Your Admissions Counselor
What Our Students Say
Sierra Buscher
,
Lisa Vetyuhova
,
“The IFSA advisors were extremely communicative and made an effort to learn about my interests and career goals. I couldn’t be happier with my internship placement in Prague!”
Elizabeth Smith
,
“I asked the study abroad office at my college which provider they recommended. My college mentioned that IFSA has done a wonderful job in the past with in-person internships and said they would be best.”
Sofia Boucher
,
“I chose IFSA because they stressed not only the scholarly element of studying abroad but the benefits of cultural exposure.“
Karen Takemura
,
“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
,
“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
,
“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!“
Priscilla Guillen
,
“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
,
“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
,
“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
,
“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
,
“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
,
“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
,
“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
,
“I chose IFSA for the freedom it gives to students as well as its emphasis on cultural immersion!“
Stacie Walsh
,
“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
,
“I chose IFSA because of their standout dedication to immersion and their commitment to allowing students to explore with independence.“
Zoë Lynch
,
“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
,
“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
,
“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
,
“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
,
“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
,
“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
,
“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
,
“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
,
“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
,
“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
,
“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
,
“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
,
“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
,
“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
,
“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
,
“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.”
