Since 1979, ISEP has created accessible international experiences for students on a global scale, today offering semester and summer opportunities in more than 50 countries and in partnership with over 300 universities. While American higher education has trended toward shorter study abroad programs and less immersive experiences, ISEP continues to lead in semester and year-long study abroad programs integrated into the host community. During the 2024-2025 academic year, for example, 87% of ISEP students studied abroad for at least a semester.
Although ISEP has grown beyond an exchange network (and the majority of ISEP students now participate on ISEP Direct programs), we continue to design our programs based on the belief that integrated, immersive experiences, created in collaboration with local institutions, open the way for high-impact learning and culturally grounded experiences. ISEP empowers universities to expand the perspectives of their students by creating opportunities for both academic learning and personal growth within a new cultural context. And just like we have since 1979, ISEP delivers transformational educational experiences.
This year, we conducted a long-term outcomes assessment in partnership with Dr. Liudmila K. Mikhailova, Senior Evaluation Specialist. Through focus groups and an alumni survey, we were able to measure precisely how our program model impacts the lives of our students.
Initial Findings
Because ISEP students are integrated in their host institution and host community, they build lasting friendships and global networks with locals and other international students.
- 82% took classes with local students and 83% took a class taught by a local professor.
- Almost 80% of respondents continue to maintain connections with international students they met at their host university, and almost 50% are still in touch with friends made in local communities years after studying abroad.
“I made friends for life; to this day, my best friends are the ones I have met during this exchange year. We come from varied places, but still talk daily and meet as soon as we can during the year. ”
— A participant from France, studied in the United States (2021)
The ISEP approach, which encourages students to take ownership of their experience, builds independence, resilience, and problem-solving skills.
- 87% of survey participants said studying abroad with ISEP built their self-confidence
- 86% of respondents stated that studying abroad made them feel more fulfilled in life
- 84% of respondents believed their ISEP experience helped them develop life skills and independence
- 79% said their experience fostered a deeper trust in their skills and knowledge
“It was an experience that expanded my comprehension of life. That semester offered me the possibility to learn and live in another cultural dynamic, making me more confident about my own values and goals, and inspiring me to take the steps to build what I truly want. ”
— A student from Brazil, studied in Sweden (2019)
Integration into the local cultural and host institution builds greater cultural awareness, teaches adaptability, and expands the worldviews of ISEP participants.
- 89% of survey respondents said their ISEP experience helped them develop greater cross-cultural awareness
- 88% believed their ISEP experience helped them become more adaptable in cross-cultural contexts
- 82% stated that their ISEP experience helped them develop cross-cultural communication skills
- More than two-thirds also said that the ISEP experience helped them reassess the values of their own country
“My ISEP experience greatly expanded my worldview. I have not had much opportunity to leave the place I was raised, outside of this experience, and it really helped me to understand the world and what/how much exists outside of my area. It makes me look at things twice and have more interest/awareness of how other people’s backgrounds affect what they think and feel. ”
— A U.S. participant, studied in Italy (2024)
After an ISEP experience, alumni frequently pursue further international opportunities, including international careers, further education overseas, and personal travel.
- More than two-thirds said the ISEP experience encouraged them to explore opportunities for international travel
- About two-thirds reported that they became interested in international careers
- Almost half indicated an increased interest in international travel
- Many decided to find job opportunities abroad, to live abroad, or to change their career goals to focus on international and global affairs.
An ISEP experience is more than taking classes in a new location. ISEP students form deep and lasting global networks, become more confident and adaptable, and gain greater curiosity about the world around them. More cross-culturally aware and with stronger communication skills, they are better prepared to work collaboratively in diverse environments and contribute meaningfully to their communities and workplaces. They have navigated uncertainty, advocated for themselves, and learned to trust their skills and knowledge. ISEP prepares the next generation of students to lead and solve problems across cultural contexts.