ISEP is a non-profit educational community made up of 328 colleges and universities around the world, dedicated to helping students overcome the financial and academic barriers to study abroad. Since 1979, we have sent over 51,000 students on transformative, life-changing study abroad programs in 54 countries. We directly enroll our students into classes at our member universities because we value the personal transformation that comes from living and learning alongside locals. With us, students build real connections and gain a true understanding of what it is like to live in another culture. By utilizing existing academic resources at our member universities, we are able to provide students access to affordable, high-quality programs, that in return, help develop culturally sensitive skill sets needed for today's global workforce.
ISEP student Rachel B. from University of Montana studied anthropology in Malaysia at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris. She gives us snippets of how she’s adjusting to three important factors – food, friends and family. … More How to Adjust to New Cultures While Studying Abroad
I had always looked forward to studying abroad; the concept of living in a new country and traveling through a number of others had me eager to learn. I was curious to observe other cultures and become a public transportation guru. So with this goal in mind, I set off on what was sure to be a great adventure. I was so set on traveling that I initially forgot about one very important part of study abroad: STUDYING abroad. … More Reflecting on the “Study” in Study Abroad
When I decided to study abroad, Finland was not even on my radar. But after being persuaded by my ISEP coordinator to apply and later, accept my placement I quickly realized that it was the best decision of my life. … More An Unexpected Study Abroad Experience in Finland
On the ISEP blog, we like to share stories about students and their study abroad journeys. Today, we’re doing it a little different. ISEP student Lucia, who spent a semester in France, wants others to be able to experience her home university of University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez. Here she shares what makes it so great. … More The Best Parts of Studying in Puerto Rico
In case you had any doubts that studying abroad comes with a huge amount of benefits, we’ve got a couple more reasons to help convince you. Northern Arizona University student and former ISEP Ambassador Natalie F. shares some of her favorite parts of studying abroad at Aix-Marseille Université in France. … More Exploring the Benefits of Studying Abroad
I’d like to shed some light on something I didn’t quite understand when I read it in the ISEP handbook: reverse culture shock. This term could seem odd to you. Especially when the handbook describes it as culture shock, but in your home country. If you haven’t experienced a study abroad semester or year, you may be thinking, “How on earth can that happen?” I’m used to my home country and the culture it possesses. How can I feel disoriented in my familiar surroundings? Well, it’s definitely a possibility. … More My Surprising Experience With Reverse Culture Shock
The majority of students who study abroad with ISEP tend to be undergraduate students. ISEP student James N. is an exception to the norm. He is a graduate student from Arkansas State University spending a full year studying history at Universidad Americana in Nicaragua. James shares a few snippets of advice on how to prepare for a year abroad as a graduate student, manage homesickness and have fun in your host country. … More 3 Tips for Graduate Students Studying Abroad
Making the decision to study abroad in Sub-Saharan Africa can be scary and challenging, but can also to lead amazing experiences. I often deal with hesitant students and parents who are simply afraid of the unknown. Those who have never traveled to South Africa have many varying perceptions of what South Africa may be like. I can tell you one thing: your ideas will definitely change once you go there! Mine sure did — here’s how. … More Why I Studied Abroad in South Africa
Japan, land of the rising sun, is famous for its cherry blossoms and raw fish cuisine. However — as many ISEP students have discovered — studying abroad in Japan is more than sakura and sushi. Kansai Gaidai University, located in the heart of Japan’s historically rich Kansai region, offers an Asian Studies Program that allows students to study Japanese in the morning and take business, humanities or social sciences classes (taught in English!) in the afternoon. Students with stellar grades who enroll directly at the university might also qualify for a $6,000 scholarship. … More Studying Abroad in Japan: More Than Sakura and Sushi
Studying abroad is an exciting adventure, but it’s more than just traveling around your host region — there are academic goals involved! To make the most of your study abroad experience, try to go in with a clear idea of what you want to get out of your semester, year or summer in another country. San Diego State University student and sociology major Trevor did just that — setting goals, especially in terms of learning Spanish — as he prepared to study at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso in Chile. Why is Trevor focusing on learning a foreign language? … More Choosing a Study Abroad Program for Your Own Goals
ISEP Study Abroad Blog 