• Various locations
• Academic year, fall or spring semester, summer session
• Only open to U of M juniors & above (some sites are available for sophomores)
• Transfer credit
• Various accomodations: dorms, on your own, homestay
• Language requisites vary
• Sponsored by ISEP

Participating Universities
More than 30 institutions of higher education located throughout the world.

Description
Exchanges offer students the opportunity to study at a number of institutions worldwide for an affordable cost. Most courses are with host country nationals; some institutions offer special coursework for international students. Many institutions offer coursework in English. Coursework is available in almost any academic area.

ISEP-Direct is non-competitive and allows students to study at popular sites on a fee-paying basis. In some cases, ISEP-Direct sites are less expensive than other options, and students are encouraged to compare costs before applying.

Studying Abroad as an Exchange Student
Exchanges are designed for students who are independent, flexible, and able to tolerate a high level of ambiguity. Specific course availability is generally not known in advance, on-site staff support can be minimal, and pre-application information about the specific program is limited to written information in the Learning Abroad Center and materials available on-line.

It is advisable for students to complete academic planning with their academic advisers and to be flexible regarding course selection overseas.

Housing & Meals
Students live in a variety of settings. In most cases, students live in student housing or dorms in their host country while on exchange. A limited number of exchange sites offer host family arrangements. Visit ISEP's web site for details.

Faculty & Staff
Faculty and staff are primarily host country nationals. In most cases, students have the unique opportunity to study alongside host country national and to be taught by regular faculty at the host institution. At the same time, students must be prepared to adjust to the different academic learning styles and expectations.

Student Life
Students on exchange are encouraged to become involved in clubs, sports, and other student activities in order to integrate into daily student life at the host institution. Special excursions just for program participants are rarely offered.

Eligibility & Application
Open to U of M students of any major, sophomores and above. An overall GPA of 2.75 and a 3.0 GPA in the second language (if required for the program).

You are encouraged to apply early; priority deadline for the next academic year is January 15 with applications accepted on a rolling basis until March 15. Summer applications are accepted until March 15. Spring semester and calendar year applications are accepted until July 15 on a rolling basis if space is available.

Estimated Cost
Students participating on this program are charged a University of Minnesota program fee which is inclusive of the ISEP’s program fee, the University of Minnesota fee and international health insurance. Based on these additional services and benefits, the fee is higher than ISEP's published fee. The University of Minnesota fee covers the cost of application processing, advising services, orientation, course registration, grade transfer and posting for transfer credit, and assistance with financial aid when applicable.

For ISEP-Direct fees, please visit ISEP's web site.  For a better idea of total costs please download a Budget Estimate (pdf).

Financial Aid & Scholarships
Most financial aid may be applied to study abroad. In addition, University of Minnesota students are eligible for more than $500,000 in study abroad scholarships. Visit the financial resources web page for additional information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.

For further information regarding ISEP-Direct exchanges—including participating countries and universities—please visit the ISEP-Direct web site.

Last modified on February 20, 2009