ISEP students directly enroll into the local university and usually take courses with host students. In order to be successful in this environment, students must be ready for an independent, immersive type of experience.  and they need to be proficient in the language in which they are going to study. Most non-English-language sites offer part-time and in some cases full-time language instruction, and many non-English-language institutions teach a number of courses for international (and local) students in English.

ISEP-Exchange: reciprocal exchange programs
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-Exchanges are based on the balance of students rather than a monetary exchange, so the university abroad only accepts as many incoming students as it sends out. Students can research the chances of placement in the Directory.

ISEP-Direct: fee-paid study abroad programs
are open to students at member and affiliate institutions; students pay a fee to ISEP which covers the host institution's program cost. Students have an excellent chance of placement at all ISEP-Direct sites and deadlines are more flexible. Often, if an ISEP-Exchange space isn’t available, an ISEP-Direct option is available at that site.

Breaking Down The Options: Exchange vs. Direct
(click for table)

See Directory of Universities for options by Country  or U.S.State.

Searchable Options by Field of Study for U.S. students or International students.

Download Fields of Study Brochures for U.S. students.

Academic advisors and professors can encourage students to start planning for study abroad in their freshman year:

• Academic schedules can be planned in advance so that students set aside certain appropriate courses to take abroad.
• Students interested in non-English speaking countries should be encouraged to begin taking language courses their freshman year and continue until going abroad
• By regular reminders of the importance of study abroad and the options, staff can help students understand that study abroad is an integral part of their university degree plan

The application deadlines for ISEP are quite early, and the research involved in searching for a program can take time, so encourage students to begin a year in advance.

Advising About Courses

• Encourage students to begin by researching the ISEP Directory of Universities for sites of interest and general course availability. 
• Next, the student will need to research on the specific host university website.  The ISEP website often gives Hints for Researching Courses within the Directory.
• Students list requested course on their ISEP application.  They are encouraged to list more than they expect to take in case some courses are not available upon arrival.
• Once the student is accepted, the welcome packet or orientation materials often include specifics about course schedules and registration.  The final selection and registration usually occurs upon arrival abroad.
• Remind students to stay in contact about changes to their course schedule or to obtain pre-approval for changes while abroad.  Encourage students to bring back copies of syllabi, course descriptions and coursework or projects.
• Transcripts are sent to the home ISEP Coordinator.  Transcript evaluation guidelines (pdf) are available to help determine credit hour and grade equivalencies.

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