About IFSA

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A proven leader in global education.

The Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA), a leader in education abroad, was founded on the campus of Butler University as an independent nonprofit in 1988 to deliver high-quality international experiential learning programming. 

IFSA serves thousands of students annually with nearly 200 rigorous programs across 19 countries. The institute emphasizes cultural understanding through experiential learning and also provides comprehensive student support services via highly experienced resident staff in each country where it operates. 

Butler serves as IFSA’s university of record for academic experiences and transcripts, endorses courses, reviews programs, and contributes as a member of both the Strategic Advisory Council and the IFSA Board of Directors. Butler Overseas, as its own distinct program, also provides its own academic and student support infrastructure alongside IFSA’s, such as mental health services and career development and mentorship.

This partnership ensures that students receive academically rigorous, fully accredited coursework, upholding the high standards of a Butler education while broadening access to global learning opportunities.

How does IFSA make Butler Overseas possible?

During semesters abroad, Butler Overseas leverages IFSA’s well-established sites, on-ground support infrastructure, and expertise to deliver a seamless, high-quality student experience across diverse global locations.

Meet Your IFSA Directors

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James Illingworth
Director for England & Wales Programs
James earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees in French from the University of Oxford and a doctorate in French literature from Queen’s University Belfast. A Model UN trip to the United States and a research project in France sparked his love for travel and all things French culture. He spent a year abroad in France as a student but is always planning his next global adventures.
Headshot of Francesco Burzacca
Francesco Burzacca
Director for Italy Programs
Francesco earned a degree in Foreign Languages and Literatures from the Università di Perugia and a doctorate in Comparative Literatures and Arts from the Università di Chieti-Pescara. A year abroad in Salzburg inspired his pursuit of a career in international education and brought lifelong friendships. Since then, he’s also traveled widely across Europe and North America.
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Sandy Fagan
Director for Australia Programs
Sandy earned a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Administration from California Polytechnic State University and a Master of Education in Educational Management and Leadership from the University of Sydney. Her career in international education began with an internship in Switzerland, and it’s taken her across Europe, Australia, and beyond. She’s visited 40+ countries and is currently exploring Asia.
Headshot of Valeria Güémez Graniel
Valeria Güémez Graniel
Director for Mexico Programs
Valeria earned a master’s in Public Policy and Administration from Center for Research and Teaching in Economics (CIDE), building on her bachelor’s in Social Anthropology from the Autonomous University of Yucatán. Her first experiences abroad took her to several U.S. cities for leadership and education programs, followed by a semester of cultural immersion in Seoul, South Korea.
Headshot of Agustín Eisele
Agustín Eisele
Director for Argentina Programs
Agustín obtained his undergraduate degree in Psychology and then earned a master’s in Cognitive Behavioral Psychology. An avid ski enthusiast, he spent nearly two years working in the Colorado mountains before traveling to several Latin American countries, his favorite being Bolivia. He believes studying abroad has the power to transform individuals, who, in turn, can change the world.
Headshot of Tilak Jayatilake
Tilak Jayatilake
Associate Director, Sri Lanka
Tilak earned his undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka. He has three postgraduate diplomas in Library Science, Counseling, and Conflict Resolution and Communal Harmony from the University of Kelaniya in Sri Lanka. Tilak has over 25 years of experience helping American students and has traveled to India, the Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates.