| Types of Exchanges | Academic Structure | Financials |
| Location | Eligibility | Insurance |
| Dates | Credit | Health |
| Cost | Orientation | Further Information |
| Housing | Travel |
ISEP-Direct: You can have guaranteed placement at select ISEP sites that allow for direct enrollment.
Bilateral: Exchanges where the Learning Abroad Center has specific agreements with an overseas university.
Departmental: Exchange opportunities organized and managed by specific University of Minnesota departments. The Learning Abroad Center provides basic support for financial aid and credit.
IRSEP: Full scholarship opportunity to selected sites. One or two students are selected each year per site.
Where is the program located?
ISEP-Direct: Locations vary. Check ISEP's website for locations.
Bilateral: Graz, Austria; Hiroshima, Japan; Tokyo, Japan; Nagoya, Japan.
Departmental: Inquire in the sponsoring department.
IRSEP: Quito, Ecuador; Berlin, Germany; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Penang, Malaysia; Tianjin, China; Reykjavik, Iceland; Dakar, Senegal.
What are the dates for this program?
ISEP-Direct: Consult ISEP's website.
Bilateral and IRSEP: Consult the Learning Abroad Center website.
Departmental: Inquire in the sponsoring department.
How much will it cost me to participate in this program?
ISEP-Direct: ISEP sets a specific program fee.
Bilateral: Cost is based on University of Minnesota tuition and fees.
Departmental: These exchanges are usually dependent on University of Minnesota tuition and fees. Sometimes tuition is waived.
IRSEP: You will submit a $500 confirmation fee. Most other costs are covered by the scholarship.
Are there any fees I will have to pay to apply?
ISEP-Direct: Bilateral: There is a $60 nomination fee that you will pay directly to ISEP.
Bilateral: There is a $50 non-refundable application fee that you will pay to the Learning Abroad Center.
Departmental: There is a nomination fee paid to the Learning Abroad Center once you have been nominated by the department. Consult your sponsoring department for any other fees.
IRSEP: No.
How much work will I need to do on my own to prepare?
Students must take the initiative to investigate courses and gather all necessary information regarding their upcoming program and university. This may also include obtaining visas, scheduling meetings, and other steps to prepare for your program.
Where will I live?
ISEP-Direct, Bilateral, and IRSEP: Students typically live in student dormitories. Consult individual program web pages on the Learning Abroad Center website.
When will I find out where I am living? With whom will I live?
In general, you find out where you are living before you depart. Housing varies by location—in many sites, you live with roommates, and in others, you may live in a single room.
How close will my housing be to my classes?
You will have a 5–10 minute walk to classes.
Will I be able to meet and interact with people from the country I am studying in?
Yes, all classes are integrated with host country nationals.
What subjects can I study?
This varies by site. Check ISEP's website, directory, or the Learning Abroad Center Resource Center reference materials for details.
Will I know the exact classes I'll be taking before I leave?
No. Students should have a range of courses in mind, and should approach classes with an attitude of flexibility.
With whom will I be taking classes, and who will teach my classes?
Generally, classes are with host country nationals, taught by faculty of the host university.
In what language will my courses be taught?
Depending on the site, you may have classes taught in the language of the host country or in English.
If my courses are taught in English, can I still study the host country language?
Yes. Many sites offer language classes at varying levels.
How will I know what level of language I should be in?
Some sites have placement exams or minimum proficiency requirements to help you locate appropriate courses. Otherwise, your host country coordinator can advise you.
Is the Global Identity course required?
No, but this course is highly recommended and will help you make sense of the new ideas and experiences you encounter while abroad. Global Identity is a 1-credit, online course that will help you gain a better understanding of how to apply your new intercultural skills to your post-graduation plans.
What are the eligibility requirements for this program?
ISEP-Direct and Bilateral: These require a 2.75 GPA and a complete application.
Departmental: Check with the sponsoring department.
IRSEP: You should have 2.5 GPA, submit a complete application, and attend an interview, if necessary.
Do I have to be an undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota to participate?
Yes.
When is the application deadline?
Bilateral: The priority deadline is January 15 for most sites and terms.
ISEP-Direct: There is no priority deadline for ISEP-Direct; placements are made on a rolling admissions basis.
Departmental: Check with the sponsoring department.
IRSEP: Applications are due the third week of November. Check the brochure or application packet for an exact date.
How many and what kind of credits will I receive?
ISEP-Direct, Departmental, and IRSEP: You will receive transfer credit.
Bilateral: You will receive resident credit.Generally, 13 US credits per semester is a full-time courseload.
How long will it take for my credits to show up on my transcript?
Commonly, up to six months after the end of the host university's exam period. However, longer delays are common with some programs (including IRSEP in some countries) so be sure to ask your program contact for specific details.
How will I know if these credits will count toward my degree requirements?
Consult with your department adviser before leaving.
Will I attend an orientation before I leave?
Yes; mandatory orientations are held in April for students going abroad starting in the summer, fall, and academic year, and in November for students going abroad in the spring.
Will I have an orientation once I arrive on site?
Yes, although the level of support varies by site.
Are there any other meetings I have to attend?
No.
Will I have to arrange my own travel or is it arranged?
Students arrange their own flights.
Is there a group flight available?
No.
Will someone meet me at the airport when I arrive?
Generally not. You receive arrival details and directions in your acceptance materials from ISEP-Direct and the host institution.
Can I travel during this program?
Yes, during official University breaks.
Are there any excursions planned during this program and will I have to pay for them separately?
Most exchanges do not offer planned excursions.
Can I use my financial aid for this program?
Yes; please work with the Learning Abroad Center staff to do so.
Can I use my scholarships for this program?
Most scholarships will apply. Check with the scholarship provider, then contact Learning Abroad Center staff.
Are there any scholarships that I can apply for?
Yes, the Learning Abroad Center has a general application for our scholarships, as well as information on other scholarship options. Note that IRSEP is a full scholarship program.
Will I be covered by insurance while abroad?
You are covered by Learning Abroad Center CISI insurance or ISEP insurance, depending on the site.
Do I need to keep my US insurance while I'm abroad?
We recommend that you maintain your coverage in order to cover pre-departure, return, and pre-existing conditions.
Are there any vaccinations I will need to get before going?
Refer to the Centers for Disease Control website and any materials provided by ISEP and the host institution for full information. Visit Boynton’s Travel Clinic and be certain all regular vaccinations (including tetanus) are up to date.
What should I do about the prescription medicine I take?
Consult with your local physician and the appropriate host country embassy. In most cases, take your medication along and bring the prescription. If significant medication is required (for conditions such as diabetes), be certain the dosage exists overseas and identify an alternative as a precaution.
Where can I get further information on exchanges?
Refer to the Essential Information for Exchange Programs pdf.
Last modified on May 20, 2008 |