Exchange Programs

How it works

We partner with the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), which in the last 40 years, has grown into the largest global community for study, intern and volunteer abroad exchange programs. ISEP’s partners include over 300 universities in more than 50 countries. With ISEP, students have unmatched access to high-quality academic opportunities, authentic local experiences and exceptional support. 

Our Approach

Our “Purpose-Over-Place” approach ensures that every student’s experience abroad aligns with their unique academic and career goals. Instead of focusing on a specific location, our study abroad advisors work with students to identify exchange programs that will best support the student’s:

• Academic Growth: Placement at institutions that offer courses relevant to your field of study.
• Career Development: Opportunities for internships, fieldwork, research, or volunteer work to gain hands-on experience.
• Language & Cultural Immersion: Placement in programs that help you expand language skills or experience new cultural perspectives.

This approach allows you to explore new destinations and prepare for a global career while building a strong academic foundation.

Things to consider

Studying abroad on a semester exchange program requires open-mindedness, flexibility, and independence. Here are a few important points to keep in mind:

• Open to Adventure: ISEP places students based on each student’s list of preferred programs, however, placement at your top-choice program can never be 100% guaranteed. Therefore, flexibility with location is essential. Many students find that being open to new destinations is rewarding!
• Independent Spirit: Going abroad as an exchange student is a very exciting, immersive and authentic cultural experience. Unlike some study abroad models where students travel alongside other students from the United States, exchange students often attend universities independently and take classes with local students. This offers valuable opportunities for cultural and language immersion, as well as making deep connections with locals in your host country. To make the most of this experience, we encourage students to take advantage of extracurricular activities and student clubs at their host university to make connections and new friends on campus.

Financial details

During your semester exchange program, you’ll continue paying your usual Ursinus College tuition, room, and board with your financial aid package applied. If you do not currently pay room and board to Ursinus College, you will be required to pay Ursinus room and board while abroad to cover the cost of accommodations and meals at your host university.

Additional Costs to Budget For:

• • Round-Trip Airfare: Plan for flights to and from your host country.
  • Passport and Visa Fees: These are necessary for international travel and entry into your host country.
  • Books and Supplies: Textbooks, notebooks, and other class materials needed for your courses abroad.
  • Local Transportation: Public transit, taxis, or other travel within your host city.
  • Personal Spending: Funds for dining out, cultural experiences, and other personal expenses.
  • Leisure Travel: If you plan to explore nearby cities or countries, budget for this additional travel.

HOW TO APPLY

Our application process is designed to ensure your readiness and match you with the best options for a meaningful semester abroad.

Check our eligibility requirements here.

Application Process

1. Step 1 – Attend a Required Study Abroad Info Session: Throughout the Fall semester the Center for International Programs hosts various Study Abroad Info Sessions across campus. If you are interested in applying to a semester exchange program, you are required to attend one Study Abroad info session during the fall semester of the year before you intend to go abroad. These info sessions will take place 2-3 times/week at various times to ensure everyone is able to attend. Keep an eye on Good Morning, Ursinus or the Ursinus Calendar for upcoming info session dates/times. 
2. Step 2 – Explore Your ISEP Exchange Program Options: In the Study Abroad Info Session, students will receive the link to browse all ISEP Exchange program options inside our program portal. Students should note the programs they are most interested in, and schedule a meeting with their academic advisor to discuss how the courses/internship opportunities offered at those host institutions align with their academic goals.
3. Step 3 – Schedule a Required Study Abroad Advising Session: Students must meet with a study abroad advisor to discuss their preferred ISEP Exchange programs. In this meeting, your study abroad advisor will discuss the program details and components with you (housing, meal plan/stipend, etc.) Your study abroad advisor will also help you rank your ISEP Exchange program choices in order of your preference based on the programs that best align with your goals.
4. Step 4 - Submit the Ursinus Study Abroad Application: Before applying to ISEP, students must first be approved by the college to study abroad by submitting the Ursinus Study Abroad application. The Ursinus Study Abroad Application is typically due in late January for all programs taking place in the following summer term or academic year. Click here to view exact dates and deadlines. In this application, students will need to include their unofficial transcript, an advisor recommendation, and details regarding their learning goals.
5. Step 5 – Submit the ISEP Application: Once approved by Ursinus to study abroad, students will then submit their application directly to ISEP. In the ISEP application, you’ll rank up to 10 ISEP Exchange program choices in order of your preference. ISEP recommends students include a minimum of 3 exchange programs on this list. ISEP Exchange programs have varying chances of placement ranging from Most Competitive to Excellent chances of placement. If a student is including a Most Competitive program on their list, it must be listed at their top choice program. ISEP recommends students include a couple programs with Fair, Good, or Excellent chances of placement on their list. When accepted, ISEP uses your ranked list of preferred programs to place you at one of their host universities. 

Your journey to a life-changing semester abroad begins here. This will be an enriching experience that prepares you to think globally, engage confidently with other cultures, and open up doors to so many exciting opportunities. We look forward to supporting you along this exciting journey!