How You Are Involved

Your support makes a difference! • Assure that with research and planning, transfer credit can be gained toward their degree • Help students plan early for study abroad within their degree program so they see that they can graduate on time • Allow past study abroad participants to talk about their experience in your classroom • Share your own international study and travel experience and knowledge with students • Make a link from your department’s webpage to the ISEP website (www.isep.org)

ISEP Reference
The ISEP application requires two faculty references.  Your reflections about the student greatly influence their placement within ISEP.
(Download the ISEP Reference form)

ISEP Language Evaluations
Since many ISEP sites require students to take courses with local students, it is essential to have language faculty input regarding their abilities.  In the Language Proficiency Report of the ISEP application, we rely on you to help us evaluate whether the student can be successful abroad.
(Download ISEP’s Language Proficiency Report)

Course Approvals
ISEP requires students to choose their courses before departure, and then final selection and registration usually occurs when the students arrive abroad.  In working directly with foreign universities rather than a packaged-course program, schedules and descriptions can be difficult to find in advance, so students must be flexible.  Faculty plays a key role in working with the international office when students return to process transfer credit toward the students’ degree.  Remind your study abroad students to make copies and bring home course materials, descriptions, syllabi, and tests so it is easy to evaluate course equivalencies.

Predeparture Orientations
A great way to get involved with study abroad is to share your international or regional expertise during the study abroad predeparture orientation.  Helping students prepare culturally and academically provides a foundation for a successful experience abroad.

Incoming students
As an ISEP member, visiting exchange students will be arriving on your campus each semester.  Welcoming them and giving academic and personal support, while at the same time encouraging them to integrate into the campus, can make a huge difference in their experience.  Opening your home to exchange students on a personal level as a host family or for a holiday can also give them an insight into your culture.

ISEP Conferences and Workshops
Each year ISEP hosts events such as a biennial conference, workshops, and meetings in conjunction with other events such as NAFSA, EAIE, APAIE, and NAICU.  Faculty and staff of member institutions are always welcome. See ISEP Events for upcoming opportunities.

ISEP Study Tours and Site Visits
Each year, a few ISEP members host study abroad coordinators, faculty and staff at their universities abroad.  The visits include campus and city tours, classroom visits, and discussions with current study abroad participants.  Faculty and staff of member institutions are encouraged to attend.

Faculty who are traveling abroad for other purposes are also permitted to visit ISEP member institutions on their own.  Contact your international office in advance so arrangements with the international colleagues can be made.

Continue to Quick Links & Tools >>