One of the oldest cultural exchange organisations in the world, The American Institute For Foreign Study has announced the acquisition of IEC Online, a university representative and educational consultant that recruits students from Germany and Austria to study at IEC partner universities around the globe.
With offices in six countries, AIFS places approximately 50,000 students a year in cultural exchange programs, including high school and college study abroad programs, internships, high school educational travel, au pair placement, gifted education, insurance services and camp counsellor staffing.
Founded in 2001, IEC has developed partnerships with approximately 130 universities from all over the world and provides free support to German and Austrian students throughout the process of applying to study abroad.
“Over the past 18 years, IEC has played an important role in enabling students to go abroad”
“AIFS is very excited to have IEC join our family of programs and services,” stated Thomas Kiechle, executive director of AIFS Deutschland.
“This acquisition will allow AIFS to partner with more universities and colleges to provide students with additional opportunities for international education and cultural exchange.”
“IEC fits perfectly within AIFS’ mission,” added William L. Gertz, chairman and CEO of AIFS.
“For more than a half-century, AIFS has been devoted to offering educational and cultural exchange programs that enrich the lives of young people all over the world, a passion shared by IEC.
“They have excelled at supporting students while also enhancing the efforts of their partners – practices that will continue now that they are a part of the AIFS global network,” he said.
Since its founding in 1964, more than 1.6 million people have participated in AIFS programs.
“Over the past 18 years, IEC in Germany has played an important role in enabling students to go abroad and has successfully supported many German universities in serving their outgoing free-mover students,” stated Hilka Leicht, founder and owner of IEC.
“AIFS is a worldwide leader in cultural exchange and international education. I am confident that IEC will continue to flourish, providing the highest quality services to universities and students alike.”
