Championing Student Storytelling with IES Abroad to Share Perspectives and Create Life Changing Opportunities

We are proud to have been a Gold Level Sponsor at this year’s 10th Annual Study Abroad Film Festival, hosted by IES Abroad in Chicago. Our sponsorship will help provide meaningful scholarship money to students aspiring to study abroad. As our longest-standing client in North America, IES Abroad is a wonderful example of a true client partnership, and supporting their vision for student storytelling is a tremendous honor.

About the Festival

Since its founding in 2014, the IES Abroad Study Abroad Film Festival has become a platform for students to creatively capture and share the transformative impact of their study abroad experiences. Through hundreds of powerful films, students have explored and redefined their worldviews, sharing perspectives that emphasize the deep value of cross-cultural exchange.

With over $100,000 raised for IES Abroad Scholarships, the Film Festival also stands as a testament to the organization’s commitment to making study abroad accessible. Over 500 student films from more than 160 colleges and universities have been submitted over the past decade, demonstrating the widespread impact of IES Abroad’s programs.

Our relationship with IES Abroad spans over 13 years and includes projects ranging from a comprehensive website rebuild to accessibility improvements and platform enhancements. One of the highlights of our collaboration was being named an honoree in the “Best Website Navigation/Structure” category at the 27th Annual Webby Awards. This recognition reflects our shared dedication to creating an innovative and accessible digital experience. Learn more here. 

“I’m grateful for everyone on the [JAKALA] team. In the midst of an intense rebuild, it was clear they were working as hard as us and wanted it to succeed as much as we did. Thank you!”
— Amy McMillen, Sr. AVP Marketing, IES Abroad

Founded in 1950, IES Abroad is a global, not-for-profit organization that offers premier study abroad and internship programs. With an academic consortium of over 275 esteemed American colleges and universities, IES Abroad serves students worldwide through IES Abroad, IES Internships, Customized & Faculty-Led Programs, and The Study Abroad Foundation. With more than 130 programs across 33 locations, they have empowered over 150,000 alumni to explore, learn, and grow through international experiences.

Mission-driven and dedicated to diversity, inclusion, and safety, IES Abroad provides millions in scholarships and aid to make global education accessible. Their commitment to “Global Good” is evident in everything they do, from prioritizing health and safety standards to promoting an exchange of diverse perspectives, cultures, and ideas.