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International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) is a network of 275 universities in 39 countries. Students can study at the member university for a semester or a year. Some universities also have summer programs. As an ISEP student, you pay a program fee based on VCU’s tuition, fees, room and board, which creates a space for an international student to study at VCU for a semester or a year. For example, you could study in France, while the French student studies in Argentina, while the Argentine student studies in Korea, etc.
The ISEP program is designed as an immersion experience. You will most likely be the only student from VCU, and one of few from the United States at the host university.
Who is eligible to participate?
Students must have completed one academic year of study. ISEP requires a minimum 2.75 GPA to apply. Some member universities require a higher GPA but check the Web site to make sure.
Do I need to know a foreign language?
ISEP offers many options to study in English or in a foreign language. In some cases, if students study in a non-English speaking country, the coursework will be in the native language. Many universities in non-English speaking countries do offer programs in English. If taking courses in a foreign language, students will need to have completed through the 200-levels before applying to the program. Some countries require additional study and some programs offer foreign language support during the academic year or intensive language programs prior to the start of the semester.
ISEP offers two types of programs; ISEP Exchange and ISEP Direct. Not all universities participate in both programs.
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ISEP Exchange
Placement depends upon spaces available at the host university. The priority application deadline is August 15 for spring programs and January 15 for fall. Students pay the ISEP program fee that is based on VCU, tuition, fees, room and board.
Regardless, when students apply to ISEP they must submit an application to the Education Abroad Office and the office will send it to ISEP.
How long can I go?
Students can study for one or two semesters, depending on the university. Be sure to check the academic calendars because some universities’ fall semesters overlap with VCU’s spring semester.
Where will I live?
Students will live like typical students in your host country. Accommodations may be in dormitories, student apartments or with host families, depending on what is typical at each university.
How much does it cost?
A $315 application fee is due when you submit your application to the office. If you apply to the ISEP Direct program only, the application fee is $60.
For ISEP Exchange; VCU tuition, fees, room and board costs, plus an administrative fee of $100, will be billed to your student account during the semester(s) of your program. For ISEP Direct, you will be billed based on the host university’s charges.
In addition, the extra costs considered are the ISEP health insurance, which is required, passport and immigration fees, airfare, spending money, personal travel and textbooks.
At your host university abroad, students will attend classes and live the life of a typical local student. You will receive equivalent benefits to those that local students receive, and not identical benefits to those you leave behind at VCU, though you are paying VCU tuition. Moreover, because higher education is funded differently throughout the world, students exchange benefits will certainly not be of an exact monetary equivalent to the benefits you pay at VCU. Please keep in mind that the exchange students coming to VCU are paying tuition and fees at their own universities so that you can study there.
To get more information or to apply
Visit the ISEP Web site. Students can research all of the ISEP universities through this Web site and make an appointment with an education abroad adviser to discuss options further.
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