Study Abroad

A wide selection of study abroad programs

Studying abroad allows you to immerse yourself in other cultures, take your language skills to a new level, and grow both academically and personally. It is a life-changing experience that opens you to new horizons, friendships, and cultural understandings.

You can choose the study abroad program that is the best fit for you. IU offers overseas study in several locations around the world and for varying lengths of time. You can choose a short-term program, a semester program, or even academic year program options. Destinations include Spain, Peru, Portugal, Brazil, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and more.

Approved IU study abroad programs can also help you significantly advance your major or minor in Spanish or Portuguese. You may be able to satisfy a substantial number of your Spanish and Portuguese course requirements, as well as other course equivalents in other departments.

Most of our students study abroad

IU ranks 5th nationwide in the number of students who study abroad. The vast majority of our students study abroad, something that we strongly encourage and support. According to IU Overseas Studies’ most recent annual report, our department is the highest-ranked in the College for the number of our majors who study abroad: 82% of our B.A. students participate in a study abroad experience.

We actively screen and/or interview all students who intend to pursue a study abroad program offered in the IU system.

82%of our B.A. students study abroad

Co-sponsoring institutions

Indiana University administers and co-sponsors a large selection of programs in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America.

Many co-sponsored courses are offered with the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), a nonprofit organization promoting international education and exchange. Founded in 1947, it is based in the United States.

Other co-sponsored courses are offered through IES Abroad. Founded in 1950, IES Abroad is a not-for-profit provider with 140+ study abroad and internship programs around the world for college/university students.

Get help mapping out your overseas experience

For more information on study abroad, including advice about how to combine it with a major or minor, contact our academic advisor or the director of undergraduate studies. Visit the Office of Overseas Study to learn more about all aspects of study abroad.

Visit the Overseas Studies website Get started with the handbook

I spent a summer in Santiago de Chile as part of a health studies program, where I studied Spanish for healthcare practitioners, learned about the Chilean health system, and participated in clinical observations at local hospitals and clinics. As a pre-med student, I hope to become a primary care physician and be able to serve the growing population of Spanish speakers in the United States. Studying Spanish at IU has given me the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully to Spanish speakers from different cultures.

Madeline Danforth, B.A. ’18