About ISEP

ISEP Study Abroad is a student-centric academic organization dedicated to making education abroad accessible to all students. We bring together a global community of higher education institutions committed to promoting shared understanding and cultural awareness through life-changing global experiences. Our work is driven by the belief that study abroad should be within reach for every student—no matter their background. This commitment was the purpose behind our inception: in 1979, ISEP was founded with a clear goal—to expand access to international education through multilateral exchange. Over the past 45 years, that vision has guided our growth, shaping the inclusive mission we uphold today.

Our Mission: ISEP empowers higher education institutions to expand the perspectives and potential of students around the world through our wide range of accessible, authentic academic intercultural programs.

Our Vision:To cultivate mutual understanding and cultural sensitivity through transformative global experiences.


Our Values:


                                       


ISEP’s core organizational values are more than words. They are our foundation and our future.

  • Access: We are dedicated to breaking down barriers associated with studying abroad to make cross-cultural education accessible to everyone.
  • Authenticity: We offer authentic experiences rooted in our community, built on decades of experience facilitating multilateral exchange across the world.
  • Collaboration: Our community is dedicated to one another—ISEP is founded on mutual respect and the belief that all students should have access to international education.
  • Diversity: We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds, and our dynamic global community spanning 50 countries and over 300 institutions fosters diverse perspectives and the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and people.
  • Well-Being: We work closely with students to ensure they feel empowered and supported in their decision to study abroad, and we are deeply committed to safeguarding our students’ health, safety, and overall well-being while they study abroad.

Learn More:

  • Our Team: Our staff is comprised of industry experts and thought leaders who care deeply about their work and the future of international education—and the world we live in. Small but mighty, we’re committed to developing and maintaining a global community and providing opportunities for knowledge sharing and meaningful connection.
  • Our Board & Council: ISEP is a non-profit organization with a Board of Directors and Council of Advisors who have personal and professional interests in international student mobility for academic and cross-cultural learning. Without their guidance, our work would not be possible.

  • Our Alumni: ISEP has supported over 80,000 students in their personal and professional growth, enhancing their intercultural agility thanks to our high-quality academic programs, authentic local experiences, and intentional support.

  • Our Commitment to Inclusion: ISEP is setting the course for a more inclusive education abroad field. From our work with Indigenous communities and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to our Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), ISEP is dedicated to putting students, from all backgrounds, first.

  • Our Promise: We’re not for profit. We’re for students. At ISEP, we believe everyone should have safe and affordable access to study abroad. As a non-profit organization and a leading member-based network for study, intern, and volunteer abroad programs, we dedicate ourselves every day to providing immersive, life-changing experiences to our students, supporting their academic and personal needs and emphasizing cultural competency and global perspective through our programs.