International Student Exchange Program (ISEP)

ISEP Application

ISEP Website

ISEP Program Search

About ISEP
ISEP is a network of 275 colleges and universities in 39 countries cooperating to provide affordable access to international education for a diverse student population. ISEP students gain intercultural competence through integration into their host institution and host culture while exploring the international dimensions of their academic field. (adapted from ISEP website)

ISEP offers students two options:

• ISEP-Exchange: is a student-to-student exchange program.  For every student a university sends on an ISEP exchange, they receive a student from another ISEP university.  So, placement on ISEP exchange at some universities can be competitive depending on the number of students they are sending out and the number of students who apply to study at their university.  The UI sets the fee for the ISEP Exchange programs (see Program Fees section below).
   
• ISEP-Direct: is an option to study abroad at some ISEP institutions.  The UI does not receive an ISEP exchange student if you choose to do an ISEP-Direct program.  ISEP sets the fees for the ISEP-Direct programs (see Program Fees section below). 

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Who should study on an ISEP Program?
ISEP programs are recommended for students who are independent and want to immerse themselves into the community of the host country.  Most universities will offer an orientation upon arrival so that students can get acquainted with the university system, campus, and city, but it is usually up to the student to navigate the university system, register for classes, and immerse themselves into the community and culture on their own.  Students who plan to study in a Spanish-, French-, German-, or Italian-speaking country must, in most cases, be fluent enough in the country's language to take regular university courses with local students.  This is a general rule but the ISEP website gives more details about each university and the language requirements for each.

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ISEP Semester/Year Programs
Check the ISEP website for details about each university and to determine which universities are available for the term(s) you would like to apply for.
 

Country

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ISEP Summer Programs 2008
Check the ISEP website for details about each university and to determine which universities are available for the term(s) you would like to apply for.
 

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On-Site Support
Each member institution has an ISEP Coordinator. These individuals usually work in the international office of the host institution, although occasionally he/she might be a faculty member assigned to another department. The ISEP Coordinator is there to help you get settled into your new academic home, answer your questions, and make your stay at the host institution as pleasant as possible.

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Courses and Credit
The courses available will depend on the university the student plans to attend. Students may find course information by going to the university-specific pages on the ISEP website for the universities they are interested in attending.  The UI transfers all ISEP courses as pass/fail within the UI system.

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Accommodations & Meals
Most ISEP sites offer housing in student residences although some sites arrange apartments and/or host families.

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Program Dates
You will find general semester dates for each ISEP university by going to the university-specific pages on the ISEP website.  Students will receive exact semester dates after being placed at an ISEP institution.

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Program Fees

	All ISEP applicants will pay a $150 UI application fee.
		ISEP-Exchange:  UI sets the fee for ISEP-Exchange programs.  The fee includes tuition, room, and meals.
			Summer 2007:		$3500
			Semester 07-08:		$7150
			Academic Year 07-08:		$13,550
		ISEP-Direct:  Students pay ISEP directly for ISEP-Direct fees plus they will pay the UI registration/programming fees listed below.  See ISEP Website for ISEP-Direct fees
			UI Fees for ISEP-Direct programs
				Summer 2007:	$300
				Semester:	$500
				Academic Year:	$1000

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Scholarships
ISEP offers two scholarships for students studying on their programs:

Annette Kade Scholarships for Study in France and Germany      Deadline: October 12, 2007 (for spring)
Must be a U.S. ISEP nominee for France or Germany (full year, semester, or the combined semester/summer ISEP-Direct program at Marburg). Applicants should also demonstrate financial need.  Go to: http://www.isep.org/students/Programs/financial_aid_scholarships.asp for more information and application.

STA Travel Scholarship                                                           Drawing entry deadlines:  Aug 15/Dec 15
Two $500 scholarships from STA Travel are available each academic year to U.S.-based ISEP participants for roundtrip travel from the U.S. to their program destination.  Once roundtrip travel is booked, confirmed and paid in full, the ISEP participants name will be entered in a drawing for the $500 scholarship.  http://www.statravel.com/isep.

UI Scholarships for Study Abroad in Africa
The University of Idaho awards a number of $1000 - $1500 scholarships to students participating in ISEP's programs in Africa each year. For more information, please contact the Study Abroad Office.

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Application Deadlines
ISEP has very early application deadlines for their first round of exchange placements.  While ISEP will consider applications after their first round of placements, some sites will fill-up during the first round so it is best to get your application in by these dates.

Fall and academic year applicants: January 25.
Spring applicants: August 25

The ISEP application is much more involved than other study abroad applications and among other things, require two academic references.  Applicants should begin the application process at least 3 weeks prior to the deadline. That will ensure that your letters of reference can be submitted in a timely manner.

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