ISEP Overview

ISEP is a network of almost 300 colleges and universities cooperating to provide affordable international educational experiences for a diverse student population.

How is ISEP different from other study abroad options and companies?

• ISEP is a membership organization that facilitates the mobility of students directly between member universities.  Once a university joins, ISEP becomes a program of that university.  ISEP is not a program provider and does not generally operate its own centers or student tours abroad.
• If your university is an ISEP member (see Directory of Universities – top right), you as a faculty or staff are also a part of the ISEP organization.  ISEP membership extends across the university to help the entire campus internationalize and enables universities to network around the world.
• A principal distinction of ISEP is the effort to provide students the most independent, immersive type of study abroad experience.  Students enroll directly into the host university and are integrated with regular students as much as possible.  A local ISEP Coordinator provides logistical and academic support at each member institution, but there is not a full-time resident director.
• ISEP strives to provide the most affordable option for your students.  For ISEP-Exchange, students pay the cost of tuition, housing and meals at their home institution plus a $345 placement fee (as of late September 2008); an international student takes the place of the outgoing student.  A second option, ISEP-Direct, offers non-reciprocal programs at what is usually the lowest cost in the study abroad field.
• At most sites, students have access to the entire university’s course schedule (with the exception of certain fields such as medicine); some institutions offer special courses designed for visiting students.  Thus, students have a wide range of options, but they need to research available courses and often must be proficient in the host language unless their primary focus is language study (most non-English speaking sites offer some language training). U.S. institutions usually require a TOEFL test score for International students, but some accept other proofs of language proficiency. . 
• ISEP-Exchanges not only provide study abroad options for your students, but allow students from other countries to study at your university in their place.  International students add a unique academic perspective to your classroom and contribute to the internationalization of your campus.
• ISEP as an organization provides a network not only for students but for study abroad professionals, faculty and university staff.  As an ISEP member, you have access to almost 300 university partners and contacts.
• Note for international members: All member institutions exchange students with U.S. members; if your institution participaties in ISEP’s international-to-international program, your students can apply to study at universities listed at http://www.isep.org/students/Intl_students/international_international.asp.

For more organizational details and ISEP’s history, see About ISEP.  You can also review our latest Annual Report.

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