FIE periodically conducts both internal and external reviews to focus our quality assurance efforts.

Overall, FIE complies with the Forum on Education Abroad’s Standards through the QUIP program, has its courses and faculty recognized through two Schools of Record, and receives guidance from its Academic Advisory Council. FIE is pleased to announce that over the last few years, we have been successful in achieving recognition for our London program from the Quality Assurance Agency, UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration), and The Accreditation Network UK.

We also partner with prestigious organizations in Dublin and beyond on our programs outside of London. Click the links below to find out more about our quality assurance efforts.


Academic Advisory Council 

The mission and responsibility of the Academic Advisory Council (AAC) and any Ad Hoc committees it might appoint is to contribute to the academic quality and viability of FIE academic programs worldwide by providing insight, information and support to FIE in areas including:

Our Academic Advisory Council reflects the diversity of FIE partners and other academic organizations with which FIE might work. We continue to create a council that is reflective of the many diverse academic constituencies which support US education abroad. Each of our members make unique contributions that enable FIE to better fulfill our mission.

If you are interested in finding out more about the AAC, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


 Schools of Record

FIE is proud to offer its programs and courses under the guidance and oversight of two outstanding US institutions as our Schools of Record, Drexel University and Marist College.  Between them, Drexel and Marist review and approve FIE courses and FIE faculty, conduct regular site visits to FIE locations, and issue course transcripts.

Drexel University is consistently ranked as one of the top 100 Best National Universities by US News & World Report, with programs in business and media arts & design taking top honors year after year. In 2015, Drexel University ranked #8 for Most Innovative Schools and in the Top 100 for Best Colleges for Veterans, demonstrating the university’s commitment to serving students from all communities. As an institution, Drexel’s values reflect those of FIE. According to President John A. Fry. Drexel is committed to becoming “the most civically engaged university in the United States.”

Marist College is recognized for excellence by US News & World Report and Time, and by The Princeton Review for its programs in communications, business, education, fashion, and IT. With an emphasis on developing the global students of the 21st century, Marist is one of the leading colleges of arts and sciences in the nation and is noted for its leadership in the use of technology to enhance the teaching and learning process. Like FIE, Marist is dedicated to helping students develop the intellect, character, and skills required for enlightened, ethical, and productive lives in the global community.


Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)

FIE’s London program received a commendable outcome from the UK-based Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) in 2023, stating that confidence can be placed in the provider's management of its responsibilities for the quality of learning opportunities. FIE is meeting or exceeding UK expectations for quality and standards according to the QAA review.

Click here to read FIE's latest review report.


 VISA Sponsor Status

FIE London is recognized by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as a Student Visa Sponsor. Student Visa Sponsorship, granted through the Home Office, gives an organization the ability to sponsor students from outside the UK / Republic of Ireland. This status gives FIE the continued ability to offer academic and internship programs.


The Accreditation Network UK (ANUK)

The ANUK/Unipol National Codes are voluntary schemes aimed at both University-owned accommodation and private halls. Members join the National Codes to demonstrate their commitment to providing students with a good housing service. This ensures that our FIE-owned residences are accredited and have nationally recognized standards of service and facilities. FIE is the only study abroad provider to have this accreditation. 


 Our Partner Institutions 

In Dublin, we work with Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and the Dublin Business School

In Barcelona and Madrid,  we partner with Active Learning Abroad (ALA) to deliver programs at Universidad Nebrija and UAB Barcelona.

We also partner with Amideast to deliver our Peace and Conflict Studies program.

These institutions have attained their own accreditations and quality assurance measures as well which you can read about on their own webpages.


Forum on Education Abroad

The US-based Forum on Education Abroad established a pilot quality improvement program in 2006 based on their published “Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad,” and FIE was pleased to be the only UK-based entity to participate in the review.

FIE’s worldwide programming was reviewed in all Standards categories including areas such as Ethics and Integrity, Academic Framework, Organizational and Program Resources, and Student Learning and Development. FIE met the standards of quality expected by the Forum on Education Abroad. This is an organizational determination that applies to all program sites.

In 2016, FIE’s worldwide programming underwent a full QUIP peer review. The response received from the Forum on Education Abroad was positive and FIE received the highest judgment ('demonstrates substantial conformity') for all nine Standards of Good Practice. The report included the following statement:

"The senior leadership team is clearly committed, both philosophically and financially, to furthering the professional potential of faculty and staff alike; the resulting investment of the faculty and staff, in turn, in the organization as a whole, and in the mission and values in particular, is inextricably linked to the high quality of the curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular experiences of FIE’s students. FIE is, therefore, to be commended for their efforts to recruit, train, and retain such a great asset."