Studying abroad is a huge investment in your future, but it can be hard getting there when you don’t know where to start. Whether you’ve been dreaming of studying abroad for forever or just investigating if it’s possible, here’s a step-by-step guide to successfully studying abroad.
1. Meet with your study abroad advisor
Go to your international education or study abroad office on campus and make an appointment with your study abroad advisor. If you are applying to an ISEP program, ask to meet with that office’s ISEP Coordinator. This person will be able to advise you on all things ISEP. He or she will be able to help you find programs in your major, as well as review any ISEP, academic, financial and language requirements.
2. Start your application
Search for study abroad programs that will meet your academic and financial needs, as well as your personal preferences. For tips on how to do so, check out our recent blog post, Study Abroad: 5 Things To Consider.
When you are ready, go here to start your ISEP application.
3. Check program deadlines
ISEP Exchange programs have two priority deadlines throughout the year. This means that if your selected program has a low chance of placement (meaning there are limited ISEP Exchange spots available at that school, but a lot of students applying there) you will definitely want to make sure you get your application in before the priority deadline. This will help improve your chances of getting placed in your top schools. Go here to view ISEP Exchange priority deadlines.
There is no priority deadline for ISEP Direct semester or year-long programs. Placements are made on a rolling admissions basis and students generally have a good chance of placement.
3. Rank your top 10
Select up to 10 sites and rank them on your application in order of preference. For ISEP Exchange programs, list sites with varied chances of placement (include some programs that have low chances of placement and others that have high chances of placement. This will help ensure you get placed). To find chances of placement, check the overview section of each of your selected university’s directory page.
4. Select your courses
Check courses offered at your selected universities by reviewing our website . After you’ve figured out what classes you want to take, complete your Course Request List in the application.
5. Get course approval
Speak to your academic advisor for course approvals. Have backups in case you can’t get the classes you want.
6. Gather final application materials
In order to complete your application, you will need to gather and submit: an academic reference, an official transcript, a language evaluation (if applicable) and a personal statement.
7. Submit your application
Submit your application to your home coordinator online and pay your ISEP placement fee or program deposit.
8. Wait patiently (or at least try!)
While we review your application, it will take some time to find the perfect fit! Here is some information about our placement process. If you have questions at any point throughout this process, you can always contact your ISEP Program Officer or email us at advising@isep.org.
Ready to study abroad? Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll work to match you with a program.
No matter what, we’ve got a university that fits your needs. With access to 320 institutions, and the ability to study any major, we’ll help you get abroad. Find out more about all of our schools on our website directory pages.
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