International Student Exchange Program
ISEP is a network of 275 universities in 39 countries. Students may study at the member university for a semester or a year, while some universities offer 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 a 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 the few from the U.S. at the host university.
Frequently asked questions- Who is eligible to participate?
- Do I need to know a foreign language?
- How long can I study abroad?
- Where will I live?
- How much does it cost?
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.
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 course work 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 classes through the 200-level 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: Placement depends upon space available at the host university. The priority application deadline is Aug. 15 for spring programs and Jan. 15 for the fall. Students pay the ISEP program fee that is based on VCU tuition, fees, room and board.
- ISEP direct: Placement is not dependent upon space available; therefore, most universities accept applications until mid-November and April. Students pay based on the host university’s charges.
Not all universities participate in both programs. When a student applies to ISEP he or she must submit an application to Education Abroad and our office will send it to ISEP.
How long can I study abroad?
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 the host country. Accommodations may be in dormitories, student apartments or with host families, depending on what is typical at each university.
- ISEP direct: $60 is due at the time of application; a $500 deposit is due upon acceptance. Students will be billed based on the host university’s costs. Visit the ISEP website for more details.
- ISEP exchange: A fee based on the standard in-state VCU tuition rate, fees, room and meals costs, plus an administrative fee of $150, will be billed to your student account during the semester(s) of your program.
The extra costs to consider include ISEP health insurance, which is required, passport and immigration fees, airfare, spending money, personal travel and textbooks.
At your host university abroad, you 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 at VCU, even though you are paying VCU tuition.
Higher education is funded differently throughout the world and exchange benefits will certainly not be exact monetary equivalent to the benefits you pay at VCU.
For more information
Visit the ISEP website. Students can research all of the ISEP universities and make an appointment with an education abroad adviser to discuss options further.
