Amanda Gorman: US National Youth Poet Laureate and IES Abroad Alumna

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Amanda Gorman, the US National Youth Poet Laureate who spoke at Biden’s inauguration and a current Harvard senior, is an alumna of study abroad. Gorman, who participated in an IES Abroad program in Spain, speaks about how her experience in Madrid with IES influenced both her poetry and her own personal development.

“From the moment I entered the IES community, I knew I would be able to follow my ambitions both as a poet and also academically and socially.” 

In her video, she discusses both the academic and emotional support offered to her by her professors and advisors overseas. Study abroad faculty encouraged Gorman to explore her role as a Poet Laureate abroad and helped her build platforms for her poetry with both local magazines and at the university. She says she “was overwhelmed by the amount of support and love that I felt from the faculty and staff on campus.”


Though Georgetown does not partner with IES Madrid specifically, our university participates in IES programs in other locations – including Morocco, Italy, Austria, and more – all of which have received similar positive reviews from students. And, if you want to explore Madrid’s creative arts scene mentioned by Gorman, Georgetown in Madrid has direct matriculation programs with Universidad Complutense and Universidad Pontificia Comillas. All of these programs offer on site support to explore the local culture, get involved in the university community, and make the most of your time abroad.