WELCOME TO SAF
They say every great adventure begins with a single step.
As someone who studied abroad, I speak from experience: study abroad changed my life. It changed my wife’s life, and both our daughters’ lives. The study abroad experience opens countless opportunities to engage with the world, to learn from the world, and to see the world anew.
Study abroad IS A SUPERPOWER.
In 2025, we celebrate 75 years of changing lives through study abroad; more than 170,000 students’ lives, to be exact. We were founded in 1950 by college students setting out to broaden their perspectives and make the world a more peaceful place. While we have evolved over the decades, our mission and values have stayed grounded in providing transformative global learning experiences that allow students to become global citizens.
Onwards,
Dr. Gregory D. Hess President & CEO
SAF JAPAN CASE STUDIES
EMPOWERING JAPANESE UNIVERSITIES WITH TAILORED STUDY ABROAD SUPPORT
Across Japan, SAF works closely with university international offices to enhance their internationalization efforts. By providing expert customizable support, SAF Staff collaborate with each institution, complementing their strengths and addressing specific needs. SAF is an invaluable partner, managing study abroad programs so they are effective and appealing. Japanese universities trust SAF to partially or full staff their international offices.
EXAMPLES OF UNIVERSITY COLLABORATIONS ACROSS JAPAN
Komazawa University
SAF staff work in the university’s International Center three to five days a week during the academic year. They support students with general study abroad advice, including programs beyond exchange opportunities, and collaborate with university staff for seamless program management.
Collaborations include:
■ Presentations by host universities (e.g., University of Calgary, Caifornia State University – San Marcos)
■ Study abroad fairs and English seminars
■ Lecture series on study abroad opportunities
Gakushuin University
SAF Staff provide regular study abroad advice four days a week, in term time and during breaks. They assist with Faculty of International Social Sciences programs, offering guidance on both SAF and non-SAF programs.
Collaborations include:
■ Tobitate Scholarship information sessions
■ Long-term study abroad info sessions
Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (KUFS)
SAF operates a Kansai office on the KUFS campus, offering study abroad advice twice a week at no cost to the university.
Collaborations include:
■ Study abroad fairs
■ Tobitate Scholarship seminars
Rikkyo College of Intercultural Communication (CIC)
SAF works with CIC to manage mandatory study abroad programs, creating an approved list of host institutions from SAF’s network. Collaboration includes information sessions and regular strategy meetings with CIC staff.
THE SAF ADVANTAGE: STRENGTHENING UNIVERSITY STUDY ABROAD
EFFORTS
Japanese universities often seek to expand and improve their study abroad programs and may require support in providing specialized, consistent advice for students. SAF enhances these efforts by offering professional staff deeply knowledgeable about international programs and destinations. With firsthand study abroad experience and strong relationships with overseas institutions, SAF complements existing university resources to deliver highquality, personalized guidance, ensuring students are well prepared for their global journeys.
SAF complements areas that need reinforcement within the institution, handling tasks that university staff alone may find difficult to manage.
Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (KUFS)
SAF has helped us standardize the quality of study abroad consultations, ensuring students receive professional advice from experts with firsthand experience.
Komazawa University
OPEN ENROLLMENT STUDY TOURS: A FLEXIBLE ALTERNATIVE
For universities struggling to enroll enough students for short-term programs, SAF’s open enrollment study tours are a practical solution. These tours are open to students from any institution, eliminating the need to meet minimum enrollment thresholds. They present diverse, immersive experiences, including academic field trips, cultural activities, and local learning opportunities.
Contact Us
Partnering with SAF means enhancing your institution’s ability to deliver impactful study abroad programs while reducing administrative burdens. To learn more about how SAF Japan can support your university, please contact:
Natsuko Kambayashi Assistant Director,
University
Relations & Program Development
jp-info@safjapan.org
SAF KOREA CASE STUDY
RELIABLE AND HIGH-QUALITY INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCES FOR KOREAN STUDENTS
SAF Korea collaborates with Yonsei University to give students the opportunity to undertake an internship in Europe. SAF Staff guide an exclusive group of students in their selection of internship, providing advice and comprehensive information, so students can feel confident in their choices and have the right expectations. SAF Korea has the experience and ability to identify students who understand the IES Internship Program and appreciate the value of a high-quality internship experience.
THE IES INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The IES Internship Program, built on IES Abroad’s robust expertise in study abroad and visiting student programs since 1950, has provided students with optimal internship opportunities since 2013. As a leader in international education for over 74 years, IES Abroad offers full-time internship placements as part of its comprehensive study abroad programs.
Internship locations:
■ London
■ Dublin
■ Milan
■ Barcelona
INTRODUCING THE YONSEI UNIVERSITY STERN PROGRAM
The Global STERN (Study+Intern) Program at Yonsei University is a semester-long internship program for students who want to combine international study with work experience. Students spend their first semester then undertake an internship abroad.
Elements of success:
■ Led by a Yonsei graduate who understands students’ perspectives and communicates effectively with them
■ Up-to-date program information shared proactively
■ All essential details centralized for easy access on a Notion page
■ A library of testimonials offers prospective students valuable insight into a European internship
THE SAF ADVANTAGE: GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT
SAF Korea and Yonsei University collaborate on marketing, recruitment, alumni events, and strategic planning to sustain the program. Each student has personal advice and support in choosing the internship placement that best suits them, then SAF Korea assists with admissions, sponsorship and visa processing, preparing the students for a successful internship abroad.
THOUGHTS FROM THE INTERNS:
Especially for undergraduates, living and working in a foreign country provides benefits that are clearly different from just traveling or being an exchange student.
Considering this opportunity already shows that you’re someone adventurous and in need of this kind of experience. Take the challenge!
Gaining work experience abroad is truly valuable, and an overseas internship, whether you’re planning to work domestically or abroad, is always a sought-after qualification. I highly recommend it to Yonsei students who love challenges!
Contact Us
SAF is committed to providing reliable and high-quality experiences for their students. We look forward to working together to create meaningful opportunities for future global professionals. To learn more about how SAF Korea can support your university, please contact:
Suyeon Lee Director of SAF Korea suyeon.lee@safkorea.org
SAF CHINA CASE STUDY
A TAILORED SOUTH AFRICA EXPEREINCE
SAF supports Nankai University in its Global Nankai initiative, which partially sponsors students to participate in customized programs that deepen their understanding and appreciation of the Belt and Road construction*.
Collaboratively, SAF and Nankai University’s international office created an opportunity for students to explore the unique China-South Africa relationship while experiencing the country’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty, paying close attention to experiences and powerful learning outcomes.
*The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a global development strategy launched by the Chinese government.. The BRI aims to enhance regional connectivity and economic cooperation —reviving the ancient Silk Road. IES Global and SAF facilitate Nankai University’s participation in the global initiative.
GLOBAL NANKAI’S CUSTOMIZED PROGRAM IN SOUTH AFRICA
Nankai University envisioned a customized study program in South Africa to take students beyond the textbooks, to build a global perspective and deepen their cross-cultural understanding. SAF Staff worked with IES Abroad Cape Town to carefully curate expert-led lectures and local experiences to give students authentic insights into this vibrant country.
This fully customized academic program immersed students in one of China’s most important and strategic partners on the African continent, South Africa. SAF Staff in the well-equipped IES Abroad Cape Town office created an authentic experience tailored precisely to Nankai students’ academic and cultural objectives, ensuring they gain both a global mindset and practical skills.
GLOBAL NANKAI HIGHLIGHTS
Academic Experience
This comprehensive curriculum transforms theoretical knowledge into a real-life understanding. Students explore South Africa’s dynamic economy, rich history, and growing China-Africa business relations through courses carefully paced for international students. The customized program covers everything from early civilizations to modern South African society, delivered by academic instructors who ensure content is accessible for many levels of English proficiency.
Cultural Immersion
Students engage in meaningful cross-cultural exchange, which broadens perspectives and builds lasting connections. They connect with classmates who bring multiple viewpoints to shared experiences, replacing preconceptions with firsthand knowledge of South African life. These collaborative discussions across academic disciplines create a rich, multidimensional understanding they simply cannot get in traditional classrooms.
Accommodation
Students stay at the Protea Sea Point Hotel in Cape Town, just steps from the ocean, and with great views from the rooms! The neighborhood is beautiful and quiet—and very safe. Two people share a room, and the hotel provides breakfasts and two buffet dinners. Other meals in local South African restaurants give students a deep understanding of the local culinary culture.
SAF Support
Experienced SAF Staff work with IES Abroad Cape Town to support every step of the program, creating a smooth experience from enrolment to return. SAF Staff use their knowledge and years in the industry to create an educational journey that is both challenging and deeply rewarding. With SAF’s guidance, participants complete this journey with valuable knowledge and memories that last a lifetime
■ Expert instruction from local South African specialists
■ Cross-cultural collaboration with Chinese and South African peers
■ Firsthand experience enriches textbook knowledge
■ Comprehensive SAF support throughout the journey
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
My favorite teacher is Chris Edyegu. He delivered a fascinating lecture on China–Africa corporate cooperation. Chris is extremely knowledgeable about the cooperation between China and South Africa.
The teachers from the local IES organization, were very thoughtful. We had already met them in online meetings, and they were very concerned about the details of our lives, even preparing meals according to our dietary habits, which made us feel very warm.
Students from different majors discussed issues from their respective professional perspectives, offering unique insights and engaging in in-depth discussions.
THE SAF ADVANTAGE: TAILORED PROGRAMMING
Working with SAF, universities can give students an exceptional educational experience that goes beyond typical international programs. The ability to run programming through IES Abroad Centers allows for a holistic and well supported program for students.
Customized programs are action-packed academic experiences that follow a theme. They take in site visits, expert tours, and cultural activities in a destination relevant to the program’s topic, from politics to art, history to engineering.
Students have meticulously planned support at every stage of their journey, with dedicated SAF Staff and IES Abroad Staff assisting in both academic and personal needs, ensuring students can focus on learning rather than logistics.
SAF’s instructors are carefully selected for their expertise and their ability to pace content appropriately for international students, delivering lectures that accommodate varying levels of English proficiency. This attention to detail extends to program design, which balances rigorous academics with meaningful cultural experiences, worldwide.
Partnering with SAF means enhancing your institution’s ability to deliver impactful dynamic learning programs while reducing administrative burdens. To explore how SAF China can support your university, please contact:
OUR PARTNERS
IES Global’s partnerships with the colleges and universities below are part of our ongoing leadership in the field of study abroad. Our international partner universities include many of the world’s most prestigious institutions, regarded for scholastic achievement, excellence in research, or specialized programs of study.
IES ABROAD CONSORTIUM MEMBER & ASSOCIATE MEMBER U.S. SENDING COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
The following Consortium Members send students on IES Abroad, IES Internships, and Customized & Faculty-Led Programs.
MEMBERS
Austin College
Babson College
Barnard College - Columbia University
Bates College
Bentley University
Bowdoin College
Brandeis University
Brown University
Bucknell University
Carnegie Mellon University
Catholic University of America
Claremont McKenna College
The College of Wooster
Connecticut College
Cornell University
Davidson College
Denison University
DePauw University
Elmhurst University
Emory University
Franklin & Marshall College
George Washington University
Gettysburg College
Grinnell College
Gustavus Adolphus College
Haverford College
Hope College
Howard University
Illinois Wesleyan University
Indiana University
Ithaca College
Kenyon College
Lafayette College
Lawrence University
Lehigh University
Loyola University Chicago
Millikin University
Morehouse College
Muhlenberg College
Northwestern University
Occidental College
Pacific Lutheran University
Penn State University
Pomona College
Providence College
Purdue University
Rice University
Santa Clara University
Scripps College
Sewanee - The University of the South
Simmons University
Skidmore College
Southern Methodist University
Southwestern University
Spelman College
Texas Christian University
Trinity University
Tulane University of Louisiana
UNC Kenan-Flagler School
University of California - San Diego
University of Illinois at Chicago
University of Iowa
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
University of Michigan - Ross
University of Minnesota
University of Missouri - Columbia
University of North Carolina - Chapel
Hill
University of Pittsburgh
University of Portland
University of Puget Sound
University of Redlands
University of Richmond
University of Rochester
University of St. Thomas (MN)
University of Tennessee - Knoxville
University of Texas - Austin
University of the Pacific
University of Tulsa
University of Vermont
University of Virginia
Vanderbilt University
Villanova University
Wake Forest University
Washington and Lee University
Washington University in St. Louis
Washington University in St Louis - Olin
Whitman College
Williams College
Wittenberg University
Wofford College
Yale University
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
Adelphi University
Albion College
Alma College
American University
Amherst College
Auburn University
Augsburg University
Augustana College
Beloit College
Bennington College
Berea College
Bloomsburg University of PA
Boston College
Boston University
Bowling Green State University
Bradley University
Brigham Young University
Bryant University
Bryn Mawr College
California Lutheran University
Carleton College
Case Western Reserve University
Central Michigan University
Claflin University
Clark Atlanta University
Clark University
Clemson University
Coastal Carolina University
Colby College
Colgate University
College of Charleston
College of the Holy Cross
The College of William & Mary
College of St Benedict/St John’s
Colorado College
Columbia University – CC, SEAS,
General Studies
Cornell College
CUNY - Hunter College
CUNY - John Jay College
Dickinson College
Dominican University
Drake University
Drew University
Duquesne University
Florida A&M University
Fordham University
Framingham State University
Franklin W. Olin College
Furman University
Grove City College
Hamilton College
Hamline University
Hampden-Sydney College
Hampton University
Harvard University
Harvey Mudd College
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Hofstra University
Hollins University
International Christian University
James Madison University
Johns Hopkins University
Juniata College
Knox College
Lake Forest College
Lewis and Clark College
Luther College
Lynn University
M.I.T.
Macalester College
Manhattan College
Manhattanville College
Marietta College
Marist College
Maryland Institute College of Art
Marymount University
McDaniel College
Meredith College
Miami University
Michigan State University
Millsaps College
Missouri University of S&T
Mount Holyoke College
North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina State University
Northeastern University
Oberlin College
The Ohio State University
Ohio Wesleyan University
Pitzer College
Prairie View A&M University
Princeton University
Purdue University - Fort Wayne
Randolph College
Rhodes College
Rochester Institute of Technology
Russell Sage College
Rutgers State University (All)
Saint Anselm College
Saint Joseph’s University
Saint Louis University
Sarah Lawrence College
Seattle University
Smith College
St. Catherine University
St. Edward’s University
St. Olaf College
Stephens College
Stetson University
Stonehill College
SUNY-ESF
Susquehanna University
Swarthmore College
Temple University
Texas Lutheran University
Texas Tech University
The New School
Transylvania University
Trinity College (CT)
Tufts University
Tuskegee University
United States Naval Academy
University of California - Berkeley
University of California - Davis
University of California - Irvine
University of California - Merced
University of California - Riverside
University of Colorado - Boulder
University Of Colorado - Colorado
Springs
University of Connecticut
University of Evansville
University of Florida
University of Georgia
University of Hartford
University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
University of Maine - Orono
University of Mary Washington
University of Maryland - College Park
University of Maryland - Baltimore
University of Miami
University of Mississippi
University of Nebraska (All)
University of New Hampshire
University of North Florida
University of North Texas
University of Notre Dame
University of Pennsylvania
University of San Diego
University of San Francisco
University of Southern California
University Of Tampa
University of Washington
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Valparaiso University
Vassar College
Virginia Military Institute
Virginia Tech
Wabash College
Wagner College
Washington State University
Washington State UniversityVancouver
Wellesley College
Wesleyan College
Wesleyan University
Western Michigan University
Westminster College (MO)
Westmont College
Wheaton College (MA)
Whittier College
Whitworth University
Willamette University
William Jewell College
Winthrop University
Xavier University (LA)
Xavier University (OH)
SAF SENDING UNIVERSITIES
CHINA
Beijing Forestry University
Beijing Institute of Technology
Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Capital Normal University
Capital University of Economics and Business
Central China Normal University
Changchun Guanghua University
China University of Mining and Technology
China University of Petroleum
Communication University of China
Dalian Maritime University
Dalian University of Technology
Dongbei University of Finance and Economics
Donghua University
East China University of Political Science and Law
Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Fujian Normal University
Fujian University of Technology
Fuzhou University
Guangdong University of Foreign Studies
Guangzhou College of Technology
Hunan University
Inner Mongolia University
Jiangnan University
Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics
Jiangsu Second Normal University
Jimei University
Jinan University
Lanzhou University
Nanchang Hangkong University
Nanchang University
Nanjing University of Science and Technology
Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Nankai University
North Electric Power University
Northeast Normal University
Northeastern University
Northwestern Polytech University
Ocean University of China
Qingdao University of Science and Technology
Shaanxi Normal University
Shanghai Maritime University
Shanghai Normal University
Shanxi Medical University
Shenzhen University
Soochow University
South China University of Technology
Southeast University
Southwest University
Tianjin University
Tongji University
University of Electrical Science & Technology in China
University of International Business & Economics
University of Science & Technology Beijing
Wenzhou University of Technology
Xi’an Jiaotong Liverpool University
Xi’an Shiyou University
Xi’an University of Posts & Telecommunications
Xiamen Institute of Technology
Xiamen University
Xiamen University of Technology
Zhejiang International Studies University
JAPAN
Aichi Prefectural University
Aichi Prefectural University of the Arts
Aoyama Gakuin University
Asia University
Chiba University
Chiba University of Commerce
Chukyo University
Chuo University
Doshisha University
Eikei University of Hiroshima
Ferris University
Fukuoka Women’s University (FWU)
Future University Hakodate (FUN)
Gakushuin University (Faculty of International
Social Sciences)
Hosin University
Japan Women’s University
Juntendo University
Kanda University of International Studies
Keio University
Komazawa University
Konan University - Hirao School of Management
Konan Women’s University
Kwansei Gakuin University
Kyoto University of Foreign Studies
Meiji Gakuin University (Department of International Business)
Meiji University
Musashi University
Nanzan University
Nara Women’s University
Nihon University
Ochanomizu University
Okinawa International University
Osaka University of Economics
Otemon Gakuin University
Prefectural University of Kumamoto
Rikkyo University
Rikkyo University (College of Intercultural Communication)
Ryukoku University
Sapporo City University
Seinan Gakuin University
Shigakkan University
Shinshu University
Showa Women’s University
Soka University
Sophia University
Takushoku University
Tamagawa University
Teikyo University
Tohoku Gakuin University
Tokyo University of Science
Tokyo Woman’s Christian University
Toyo University
Waseda University
ZEN University
KOREA
Busan University of Foreign Studies
Catholic University of Korea
Chonnam National University
Chung-Ang University
Chungbuk National University
Chungnam National University
Dankook University
Dongduk Women’s University
Duksung Women’s University
Hankuk University of Foreign Studies
Hanyang University
Hongik University
Incheon National University & SONAS
Inha University
Jeju National University
Kangwon National University
Kongju National University
Kookmin University
Korea Aerospace University
Korea National University of Heritage
Korea University
Kwangwoon University
Kyungpook National University
Myeongji University
Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
Pusan National University
Sangmyung University
Seoul National University
Seoul National University of Science and Technology
Seoul Women’s University
Sogang University
Sookmyung Women’s University
Soongsil University
Sun Moon University
Sungkyunkwan University
University of Seoul
Yeungnam University
Yonsei University
studyabroadfoundation.org/universities
33 W. Monroe St., Suite 2300 Chicago, IL 60603 United States
Tel: +1 317-925-2943 info@safabroad.org
