IAU offers a dedicated on-site support network to help students thrive while abroad. Upon arrival, students take part in a comprehensive orientation that introduces them to their city and covers everything needed for a successful experience, including academics, wellness, safety, and local resources. Throughout their time abroad, students have access to 24/7 emergency support and a professional, caring on-site team ready to answer questions, provide guidance, and help students fully connect with life at IAU.
STUDENT LIFE
The dedicated Student Life Teams on each site organize a variety of activities each term, including cultural activities, student clubs, language exchange meetups, and more to offer fun ways to connect with peers and engage with the community. In addition, students can participate in included day and weekend trips to neighboring historic cities.
In many courses, learning extends beyond the classroom through course-related field studies and excursions, including visits to museums, historical and cultural sites, local businesses, cooking classes, wine tastings, and guided walking tours.
For students looking to explore further, optional multi-day cultural trips in Europe and North Africa are available for an additional fee. Students will be invited to apply to these activities after they are accepted to IAU.
HOUSING
IAU program housing is a required component of participation. All students are placed in program-arranged accommodations to help ensure a safe, supportive environment evaluated and coordinated by our on-site IAU team. This promotes a student’s connection to the program, other students, and ensures that the accommodations are secure and meet the requirements of our students abroad.
IAU Housing options vary by location, and students are invited to visit their respective program pages to learn about the housing options available. In a student’s IAU application, they will complete a Housing Questionnaire which asks for a student’s preferred housing type, roommate preference (if any), and additional essential details used by our housing teams to complete their placement. IAU will consider student preferences in housing placements but cannot guarantee that all stated preferences can be met. If a student has a wellness need that may impact their housing placement, the student should connect to IAU at enroll@iau.edu to discuss their needs.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Getting around in your host city is part of the adventure! All of IAU’s centers are in bustling neighborhoods of the city walkable to historic sites, restaurants, coffee shops, and more! There is so much to explore by foot in each city, and public transportation is a great way to expand your adventure! All IAU’s study abroad locations have robust public transportation systems that are safe, convenient, and budget-friendly.
CULTURAL IMMERSION
Studying abroad is your chance to dive deep into a new culture and create memories that last a lifetime. Embracing cultural immersion will enrich your experience and help you connect with your host community.
Ways to immerse yourself:
- Try local food and traditions: Attend festivals, markets, and cultural events.
- Learn the language: Even basic phrases can open doors and show respect to locals.
- Explore neighborhoods: Venture beyond tourist areas to get a true feel for everyday life.
- Build relationships: Connect with classmates, host families, or local peers to gain new perspectives.
- Reflect: Keep a journal or share experiences with friends and family to process what you’re learning.
Cultural immersion challenges you, encourages personal growth, and gives you stories and insights you’ll carry with you long after your program ends.