IES Abroad's European Society & Culture Program and Semester Music Program offer students extensive curriculum, hands-on approach, and rich experience in Vienna, a city long associate with classical Music.

"My joy came from the constant high of new experiences, and every cultural barrier became an exciting new challenge to overcome." Zach H, University of Hartford

Sant'Anna Institute believes students will enrich their collegiate experience by immersing themselves in Italian language and culture and do so with young people from all over the world.

"Sorrento is beautiful and I think it is the perfect place to study abroad, being smaller than the main cities, you get to know the culture better." Kelsey H, Gustavus Adolphus College

The International Business program offers Chinese language, international business, and economic development courses in Asia’s financial center, enhanced with trips and activites to explore China’s rapidly changing business environment.

"I thought culture shock would affect me negatively, but on the contrary, I loved the experience." Fran D, Rollins College

DIS offers academically challenging courses taught in English. Students build their own curriculum from a great spectrum of majors, each taught through a European lens, reinforced with course-integrated study tours that take you to academically inspirational destinations across Europe.

"A great experience in one of the happiest countries in the world" Jordan S, Wellesley College

Alicante, or Alacant, a historic Mediterranean port on the Costa Blanca where you're likely to catch some American students out for an evening stroll along Spain's loveliest promenade, or in the colorful quarter of Barrio de la Santa Cru as they enjoy Spain's fastest growing city.

'I did feel very integrated to the culture and made lots of international friends from other parts of Europe especially and of course the American students. Making friends was not an issue or finding things to do...' Kimberly D, Portland State University

As the political and cultural capital of China, Beijing attracts people from all over the country, and increasingly all over the world. While there is lots of hustle and bustle and everyone seems to know where they are going, help is at every corner.

'The best advice: 'walk confidently, even if you don't know where your going.' I felt very safe even into the late hours of the night, although I didn't go out of my way into sketchy places.' Jason B, Arizona State University

Known as a gastronomic paradise because of it's incredible choices of food to eat and wine to drink, Spain's capital has it all, from small portion Tapas to full course meals, a capital of amazing food!

"Even as a vegetarian coming into a very meat- and fish- centered diet in Spain, I loved the food during my stay, both at home and out and about." Savannah C, University of Iowa

In the top food cities every year, Aix is a true culinary gem. Cafes once frequented Cézanne and Hemingway are now popular hangouts for the creative study abroad students, others find hidden delights in the back street boulangeries.

"French baguettes and cheese + all of the fresh foodstuffs from the market are what you dream of. Lunch is the big meal in France and you might be hungry if you're on a budget. " Kevin Y, Cornell University

Reflecting a shift in demographics with more students from South Asia studying abroad, Pune brings the Maharashtrian thali to the Top Foodie list for the first time - you'll be especially surprised at the deserts!

"I ate with gusto, because every food was new for me, and was very yummy." Toniann M, Georgetown University

"It was the most worthwhile experience of my entire life." Molly W, University of Wisconsin

"Falling asleep and waking up to the sounds of lions, hyenas, baboons etc was the most unbelievable experience. I want to be back!!" A student, University of Vermont

"IES did a great job to pair us with the local setting and provided advise for the events both culturally and politically." A Student, Frankin & Marshall College

"I felt very integrated into the local culture. I think having the local students there definitely enhanced that experience." Jacqueline H, SFASU

You don't need a ton of cash to enjoy Peru especially since the currency has dropped against the dollar over the past few years, meaning you get more Nuevo Sol's for your buck!

"It really depends on your life style, when I was there it was 3 Peruvian Soles to an American Dollar, which was really nice, but if you were going out to eat every night with friends and going to cafe's every day after school every little amount adds up." Kelsey A, Luther College

Mexico has been on the list of Budget friendly countries for three years in a row and as students report, its not only safer as you go further south, your dollars stretch further and further.

"You can live very easily on very little. Unless you are eating at high end restaurants, taking taxis, buying souvenirs or traveling outside of the region, you don't need more than $5-10/day (providing you are in a home stay and all meals are provided)." Alyssa D, UCLA

Istanbul is much more expensive than anywhere else in Turkey, so once you leave the capital you will likely be amazed at the great value you'll find everywhere else in Turkey

"You don't have to look very hard to find great food in Istanbul. However, food is not included on this program (outside of excursions) and eating at restaurants is çok pahalı.(too expensive)" Grant K, Duke University

Students travel together (with the professors) taking classes, visiting universities, companies and international organizations to gain a solid understanding of European culture, economy and society.

"Forum Nexus had the most professional, friendly, and knowledgeable staff and professors, and the other students were so interesting and culturally diverse." Alyssa F, University of North Carolina - Charlotte