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FIE: Foundation for International Education

4.78 Rating
65 reviews
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Why choose FIE: Foundation for International Education?

Unrivaled study and internship abroad programs in the world's most vibrant global cities.

We’re creating active educational experiences that expand minds, foster cultural intelligence, and open up exciting opportunities.

We are a values-driven community, invested in making a difference. We advance sustainable thinking, enabling students to positively impact their community, society, and the wider world.

As a not-for-profit organization, our revenue is reinvested into creating new and innovative ways for students to flourish.

Website
www.fie.org.uk
Founded
1998
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Community Photos

Aran Islands
Royal Borough of South Kensington and Chelsea

Scholarships

FIE Scholarships

FIE is a values-driven community that is invested in making a difference. They believe everybody should be able access the life changing benefits of studying abroad. Their scholarships give recipients the opportunity to build their own views, participate in the host culture on an authentic basis and go on an adventure while being supported.

Value
$1,000 - $5,000
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Diversity & Inclusion 💙

The Foundation for International Education (FIE) is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment. In the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, employment policies, internship policies, scholarship programs and other internally administered programs and activities, FIE does not discriminate against individuals on any basis. In its commitment to ensuring an environment that is welcoming and respectful to all, FIE proactively undertakes initiatives and actions to create an environment that welcomes diverse populations.
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FIE is a community of staff, faculty, and students that prides itself on its diversity and inclusivity. We cultivate a welcoming, supportive, fair, and inclusive living, learning, and working environments, where the rights and dignities of all the community members are embraced and respected. FIE seeks to support students with their adjustment process as much as possible. As you are preparing to apply for your FIE study abroad program, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions, concerns, and support needs around aspects related to your identity, such as diversity, background, LGBTQ+, religion and faith, first-generation, disabilities, veteran or any other aspects related to your own self.
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FIE works closely with its university partners, placement sites and affiliated organizations to provide an accessible experience for all students.FIE's Administration & Accessibility Team can assist you with any accessibility needs or queries – from pre-application and throughout your study abroad experience.
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Impact 🌎

FIE is committed to fostering a sustainable future for all of us. We care! We actively encourage practices that encourage ethical consumption, fair trade, and a viable 21st century.
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From our formal missions, FIE has devised specific and Articulated Values values which underpin and motivate all aspects of our organization.
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Reviews

Default avatar
James
22
Male
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
FIE London: Semester & Summer Internships and Study Programs

Study Abroad Review

May 17, 2025

London was a unique experience for me personally, academically, and professionally. I gained confidence in my ability to acclimate to new environments and take positive risks. We created an abundance of memories that will last a lifetime, and I'm very grateful I had the opportunity. The internship experience was crucial to integrating with British culture and people. The coursework was a perfect balance of academia and experiential learning. The field trips we took added to our understanding of what we were learning to an even deeper level. Thank you for facilitating these experiences, FIE.

Default avatar
Kenneth
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
FIE London: Semester & Summer Internships and Study Programs

My Thoughts on FIE

May 12, 2025

FIE was a very enriching program where I was exposed to a global, collaborative atmosphere that encouraged both academic and personal growth. I found my courses engaging, with instructors who truly valued student input and fostered open discussions. I especially appreciated the frequent opportunities for feedback, which helped me reflect and improve throughout the semester. The internship component was a standout experience—getting to work in London not only allowed me to build professional skills in an international context, but also challenged me to adapt, communicate across cultures, and think more broadly. Living and studying abroad helped me become more independent, curious, and aware of the world around me. I would highly recommend this program to any student looking to step outside their comfort zone and undergo a meaningful period of growth both inside and outside the classroom.

Default avatar
Enrique
21
Male
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
FIE Dublin: Semester & Summer Internships and Study Programs

Time of my life

May 8, 2025

One of the many things people get worried about before singing into this program are the extracurricular activities during weekends and weekdays hosted by the program. Many prefer to travel and do things on their own. But from the experience that I had, the activities were what helped me bond closer to the people in my program. Not only that but you get to learn more about the beautiful country of Ireland, which is something I feel everyone should learn when doing the Dublin study abroad. Loved.

What would you improve about this program?
Housing, there’s a better aparto across the city. A lot of issues living where I did.
Pros
  • Group
  • Learning
Aran Islands
Default avatar
Klavier
23
Transgender Man
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
FIE London: Semester & Summer Internships and Study Programs

Great experience!

May 8, 2025

FIE has amazing classes that focus on integrative, experiential learning, so just by going to classes you'll find a lot of really neat stuff that you won't find on a tourist list of things to do in London! The housing was very convenient, if a bit lacking in some areas, and being close to a tube station was lifesaving. It was easy to travel across the city thanks to our provided Oyster cards. FIE's Student Life staff also helps you plan any trips throughout the UK and Europe, as most of them have also traveled and would like to help you find the cheapest, safest routes. The internship was also incredibly meaningful; I was able to watch my actions at my placement have an impact on community members in real time, which is a crazy thing to witness in one of the biggest cities in the world! I have never experienced such a fulfilling position.

What would you improve about this program?
I would change the laundry situation! Paying 5 pounds for laundry is a bit absurd, even compared to US prices! The dryers themselves also frequently didn't work and required another cycle, so nearly 7 pounds for completely dry clothes :(
Pros
  • Interesting classes
  • Helpful staff for planning trips
  • Meaningful internship
Cons
  • Lot of stairs
  • Expensive laundry
  • Expensive city to live in!
Default avatar
Nick
21
Male
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
FIE London: Semester & Summer Internships and Study Programs

London

May 8, 2025

Overall, this was the best experience of my life. I loved being able to witness so many different cultures in London. Meeting the locals at pubs was one of my favorite parts of this whole experience. They would always teach us some of their slang which was so funny. The City was amazing and the transportation was very simple. I developed many skills such as being independent which has helped me grow as a person from this experience. The weather was actually amazing while we were there too. I would highly recommend studying abroad here.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Time does fly by when you are there so make sure you aren't wasting a day. There is so many things to do in London so you should never be bored. I loved just walking around different parts of the city when I couldn't think of anything to do.
Pros
  • Never a dull moment
  • The pub culture is amazing
  • The different architecture is so fascinating especially compared to back at home.
Cons
  • Very expensive
  • Getting used to the streets and cars being opposite
  • A lot of sirens from either police cars or ambulances
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Programs

Displaying 1 - 5 of 5

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Becky Franta

Program
FIE Dublin: Semester & Summer Internships and Study Programs
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What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

CSB was really great with setting us up with FIE. They coordinated all of our housing and accommodation once we got there. Leading up to the semester, CSB gave us a handful of informational meetings, letting us know what to expect as far as people and the school goes. We were given a list of classes that we were eligible to take and we only had to choose the ones we wanted.

FIE was in charge of our internship placements which was very helpful. It would have probably been near impossible to find one on our own. We were responsible for booking our own flights and other travel. There were two weekends when we traveled in Ireland with our FIE directors, but otherwise we were in charge of our own plans. Food, laundry, and other cleaning supplies were not supplied; however, most of us were provided with leap cards (bus/train pass) to get us to and from our internships.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

A little bit cliché, but don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and explore everything! It’s so amazing the kinds of places that you’ll find yourself in and everything will make for a good story. When you fully immerse yourself somewhere else, you set yourself up to learn so many new things. New things about whatever country you’re in, new things about the world, and most importantly, you’ll learn things about yourself that you never would know without putting yourself half way across the world in somewhere unfamiliar.

Additionally, to really be immersed in a culture and truly understand the society around you, learn as much as you can about their history - especially the major events or the things that students would learn in their early education. This will help you understand the people, the perspective, and the culture in general. I guarantee your global awareness will be exponentially greater, and you will appreciate your abroad experience so much more.

And also always be willing. If you’re only doing a semester abroad experience like me, it will go by so fast and you may not ever have this opportunity again. There were a handful of times when there were activities that weren’t of my particular interest, but they ended up being some of my favorite nights because we made the most of our time.

Life is too short, and study abroad is too short so embrace every moment with positivity and enthusiasm, you won’t regret it.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

An average day typically was sleeping in a little bit because internships didn’t start until 9 and class usually didn’t start until after lunch. Most days I would go grab a coffee from a local cafe (never Starbucks or any chain), then after work/class was done, I’d meet up with my friends and we’d make dinner together then either head to a pub for a pint, or join our neighbors for cards or a movie.

A typical week was classes Monday, Wednesday, Friday - one class per day. Then internship Tuesday and Thursday from 9-5. We typically didn’t have much homework, so on class days we would do lots of exploring around the city, usually around Phoenix Park or Grafton Street. Usually a couple evenings out of the week our group would get together or pints or games or both. When the weekend rolled around, we would be traveling. 80% we would be going outside of Ireland to a different country in Europe for the weekend.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was not getting along with the people I was traveling with. From CSB there was only 7 students, with FIE altogether there was about 60 of us. I was really nervous that we wouldn’t be doing things together and everyone would do their own and I wouldn’t come home with close relationships. To overcome this fear, I had to make myself a little bit vulnerable and be the person to encourage my classmates to do things together like walking to class, going for a pint or even watching First Dates Ireland on Tuesdays with everyone. By the end of the semester, we were all so close like we had been friends for forever. Looking back, I’d say that this was something a little bit naive to be nervous about.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Grahaeme Hesp

Program
Peace and Conflict Studies in Ireland and the Middle East
Job Title
Regional Director, Institutional Relations
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What is your favorite travel memory?

Seeing the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco for the first time.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

"The FIE Peace and Conflict program was a great cultural experience and an incredibly eye-opening opportunity.

From the discussions with guest speakers to the insights provided by our teachers, Jordanian host families, and everyday conversations with new people, the program provided me with a new viewpoint that has fundamentally changed the way I look at International Affairs.

You can attend lectures and study textbooks, but you can’t understand conflict and the ways in which it affects countries and their peoples until you listen to their thoughts, fears, and concerns."

Ryland Arnold, Summer 2016 Student, University of Arkansas

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

Our summertime "Conflict and the Struggle for Peace: Explorations in Ireland and the Middle East" program is absolutely life-changing, allowing participants to critically analyze and explore some of the most daunting issues of our time.

The program begins in Dublin with an introduction to peace and conflict theory, using the Irish peace process as a case study. In Amman, the focus turns to Middle Eastern issues as participants examine how various countries in the region are addressing the Arab/Israeli conflict, inter-regional conflicts such as those in Lebanon, Yemen, or Iraq, as well as inter-tribal conflicts.

Following the conclusion of the Conflict and the Struggle for Peace program, participants can stay in Amman for an additional four weeks and study intensive Arabic from beginner through to advanced!

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

FIE is committed to the development of creative learning environments wherein an understanding of, and appreciation for, the privileges and responsibilities of international citizenship is fostered. This commitment is driven by the belief that interaction between people of diverse cultures is the base upon which empathy among nations is built.

From our formal mission, FIE has devised specific values which underpin and motivate all aspects our organization: Knowledge and Inclusivity; Ethics and Human Rights; Social and Cultural Reflection and Action; and Commitment to the Environment.

Whether it's our energy-saving residence hall "Student Switch Off" competition each semester, FIGs (FIE Interest Groups), or carbon offsetting of all staff airline travel, we 'walk our talk.'

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

We listen to our partner campuses; we try to do whatever we can to ensure student learning; we challenge students in their classes, in their internship placements, and in co- and extra-curricular activities to experience differences in terms of culture, religion, food, language, etc.

Professional Associations

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