Who We Are

ISEP is a network of 275 post-secondary institutions in the United States and 38 other countries cooperating to provide affordable international educational experiences for a diverse student population.

Our Vision ISEP will set the standard for worldwide cooperation in international education. Our Mission ISEP promotes academic and cross-cultural learning through its worldwide collaborative network of higher education institutions. ISEP facilitates academic mobility through innovative and affordable exchange and study programs. ISEP enhances institutional infrastructures for these programs and fosters campus internationalization. Our Values In support of its mission, the ISEP network: Enhances the quality of education for all students through international exchange and promotes international understanding and cross-cultural learning. Promotes direct-immersion with emphasis on semester and year-long experiences. Upholds high standards in the conduct of exchange and study abroad programs. Provides affordable access to international education for students of all backgrounds and in all fields of study. Leverages resources for the mutual benefit of all ISEP network members. Is committed to facilitating student and faculty mobility and the internationalization of the campus and curriculum through institutional collaboration within the network. Builds on the strengths of individual member institutions through innovative and flexible approaches that enable students and faculty to access and benefit from the academic programs and support systems of host institutions.

ISEP members and affiliates are institutions of higher education that are regionally accredited (U.S. institutions) or recognized by their government or ministry of education (non-U.S. institutions).

ISEP is a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors, supported by member fees and fees for service, and administered by a central office in Washington, D.C. and by the designated coordinator at each member institution.

Established in 1979 under authority of the Fulbright-Hays Act as the International Student Exchange Program at Georgetown University, ISEP was supported by a grant from the (former) United States Information Agency until 1996.  In 1997, ISEP was incorporated as an independent organization.

What We Offer

ISEP-Exchanges - reciprocal exchange programs
which are open to students at member institutions; each outbound participant pays the cost of an academic term (tuition, room, and board) at home while, for every student sent abroad, the institution receives one in return. ISEP facilitates exchanges between U.S. and international members as well as exchanges among international institutions.

ISEP-Direct - fee-paid study abroad programs
which are open to students at member and affiliate institutions; students pay a fee to ISEP which covers the host institution's program cost.

Professional Development

• Conferences, symposia, and coordinator workshops provide training and networking opportunities at the national and international level
• Site tours enable administrators and educators to gain first-hand knowledge of potential destinations for their students

ISEP Students

• Develop intercultural competence and personal maturity through immersion in another culture
• Gain understanding of the international dimensions of their academic field by taking regular classes with students from the host country and other foreign students
• Study in English  or improve their foreign language skills through courses and use of the language in everyday life outside the classroom
• live with local and other international students in student residences, shared apartments or other housing; housing and meal benefits are included in all exchange programs and most ISEP-Direct programs
• receive orientation and support from the host ISEP Coordinator and other host-institution staff

Since 1979, more than 26,000 students have participated in ISEP exchanges and study-abroad programs. More than 95% of ISEP students study abroad for a semester or a full year.

ISEP-Exchanges and ISEP-Direct programs are open to students from all Member institutions; fee-paid study abroad programs are open to students from Affiliate institutions.