We begin reviewing applications following our priority application deadlines on September 15 and March 1.
ISEP Exchange
For ISEP Exchange applicants, we make placement decisions based on exchange space available at each host institution. Exchange applicants can expect to receive their placement notification within 2-3 weeks of the priority deadline.
ISEP Direct
ISEP Direct applicants can expect to receive their placement notification within 1 week of submission, following the priority deadline. Applicants for an ISEP Direct program that has a capacity maximum will be notified of their placement immediately if the program reaches capacity. If the program does not reach capacity, they can expect to receive their placement notification within 1 week of the priority deadline.
After receiving your ISEP placement notification, your next step is to complete a course list for your host institution. The course list helps us make sure that the program is a good academic fit for you. It is important to remember that your ISEP Course List is tentative, and it is not a guarantee of registration in specific courses. You should be sure to list plenty of alternative course options that will work for you. We recommend listing 6-8 courses on your ISEP Course List in order to ensure you have alternative course options in case one or more of your preferred course options become unavailable.
We also recommend working with your home ISEP Coordinator or academic advisor to ensure you understand the types of courses you need to take while abroad and how credits will transfer back to your home institution. If you need assistance finding coursework at your host university, please reach out to your ISEP Student Services Officer. Please see the How To Complete your Course List Webpage here.
Next, we forward a copy of your application to your host university for your host ISEP Coordinator to ensure they can meet your academic needs. As a membership network built on sharing, it is necessary that the host institution determine whether or not to confirm your placement. Many institutions will want to send your application to specific departments to ensure that the courses you have requested are appropriate. More than 97 percent of all students placed by ISEP Global staff are confirmed.
If an institution does not confirm your placement, it is most often because the courses you’ve requested are not available or because you do not have the course prerequisites or language skills for your specific field of study.
Confirmation of placement usually takes 3-4 weeks as the host institution reviews your application.
As soon as the host ISEP Coordinator at your host university confirms your placement, we will send your ISEP acceptance package to you and your home ISEP Coordinator. Your acceptance package will include your Contract of Participation and Medical form, and you may also be required to pay an acceptance fee or program deposit to complete your acceptance package. ISEP Direct students will also be required to enroll in ISEP’s Health & Safety program as part of their Acceptance Package. Your home ISEP Coordinator will need to review and sign your acceptance package, too. You will have 3 weeks to complete your ISEP acceptance package from the time it is issued by ISEP. Please check in with your Home ISEP Coordinator to determine if there are any action items you must complete for your Home University in order for them to sign your Acceptance Package.
It is important to carefully and thoroughly read your entire contract, including the Special Conditions of Placement. Your contract contains important program information including arrival and departure dates, and housing and meal benefits. It also includes ISEP’s Student Code of Conduct and Withdrawal Policy, which all students will be subject to upon the completion of their ISEP Acceptance Package. Depending on your program, it may include course information, visa information and instructions on completing next steps, such as an internal university application or a housing application.
Please review ISEP Student Terms and Conditions regarding your acceptance terms.
After you have completed your ISEP acceptance package, you will begin working with your ISEP Student Services Officer and your host ISEP Coordinator during pre-departure. ISEP Exchange students will be able to enroll in their ISEP Health & Safety program once their Acceptance Package is completed.
If a visa is required to study in your host country, you should begin the visa process immediately after accepting your placement. Students should be aware that many visa processes can be lengthy, ISEP is unable to apply for your visa on your behalf. Additionally, to intervene or expedite the process if you wait too long to apply. You can refer to your ISEP country handbook and reach out to your ISEP Student Services Officer for any visa-related questions. Your host university will send you an official acceptance letter if required for the visa.
You may be required to complete additional forms for your host university. Again, these may include internal applications, course registration forms and housing forms. It is very important to regularly check your email (and spam folder) and respond to messages from your host ISEP Coordinator in a timely manner, as well as follow any instructions in your acceptance package.
All ISEP students will receive pre-departure orientations, including live Q&A sessions, a health & safety orientation and a host country-specific pre-recorded orientation, in addition to the on-site orientation with their host ISEP Coordinator. Keep an eye out for an email with these pre-departure orientations from your ISEP Student Services Officer .
Soon you’ll be on your way to your host institution!