UVa-Wise agreement with ISEP offers choice of 137 international institutions for study abroad

Students at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise now have a wide range of countries and institutions to choose from for international study thanks to a recent agreement with International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP).

ISEP is a worldwide network of educational institutions in the United States and 39 other countries. The nonprofit organization consists of 275 member colleges and universities.

The College’s agreement with ISEP is the equivalent of signing 137 “sister institution” agreements, literally opening up a world of opportunity to students with the stroke of a pen.

“Two years ago, we could offer only three universities as study abroad destinations, and only within certain areas of study,” said Witold Wolny, director of the Office of International Programs. “Today, with ISEP and our two new sister institutions in Mexico and the United Kingdom, our students can choose among more than 140 universities in 40 countries on five continents.”

ISEP offers two options for study abroad: ISEP-Exchange and ISEP-Direct. ISEP-Exchange allows a student to “trade places” with an international student at another ISEP school. The students pay the amount of tuition they would pay at their respective home schools.

ISEP-Direct gives students the opportunity to study directly at a host ISEP institution for a fee without the chance of being turned down simply because too many students have already enrolled for that institution through the exchange option. Students choosing the direct option will pay tuition based on the cost of the host university.

Students can choose to enroll per semester or for an entire year. All financial aid and scholarships apply and housing and meals are included at the College’s rate. Other fees include airfare, passport and visa fees, books, supplies and a $315 placement fee.

ISEP’s Web site hosts a list of universities and their programs of study to help students decide which university they would like to attend. Some destinations require coursework in a foreign language. However, there are more than 25 options for those without proficiency in a foreign language.

Students can get an idea of what the program is like by joining ISEP’s Facebook network or visiting its Web site at www.isep.org.

For more information, contact Witold Wolny, director of the Office of International Programs, at 276-328-0287; or visit www.uvawise.edu/international.

Posted January 14, 2008