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IPS - Study Abroad Programs

Getting Started

Contents:

TopWhy study abroad?

In addition to developing relevant career skills, participants learn about other cultures and languages, gain a new perspective on life in America, and learn about themselves. All of this takes place in a completely different academic environment with different expectations. It is a challenging experience, but one that participants would not trade for anything.

TopWho goes?

Instead of staying with the comfortable, familiar surroundings of SIUC, many students look abroad to further their education. Students from every SIUC undergraduate college have studied abroad, from Applied Arts to Science. Graduate students, as well as those from the Schools of Law and Medicine, have also taken advantage of our many overseas opportunities. Like most SIUC students, the typical study abroad student relies on financial aid to fund their education.

Where do they go?Top

We have had students on every continent. Europe, Japan, and Latin America are the most popular locations. SIUC offers opportunities in over 40 countries, including at least one in every Western European country and more being added each year.

What is available?Top

SIUC offers everything from intensive two week seminars, mostly in the summer, to an academic year abroad. To learn about these, review the sections on Short-term Programs, Exchanges, and Semester/Year Programs and the index of all programs (Browse All). SIUC options will generally be the most convenient and cost effective. These will also be the only opportunities led by SIUC faculty.

You may also attend programs offered through other accredited institutions and transfer the credits back to SIUC. The following websites provide searchable databases of programs. Notice: The inclusion of a program in these databases does not automatically mean that it is an accredited program and that credits earned may be transfered to SIUC. Contact Study Abroad Programs to verify any external program.

 

How do I do it?Top

Contact Study Abroad Programs, Room B233 Northwest Annex, SIUC,
Tel: 618-453-7670 Email: studyabr@siu.edu
We have some forms available online, but you should contact us to let us know you are interested.

How much does it cost?Top

It largely depends on the program. In most cases, your current financial aid applies. The cost of an ISEP exchange is based on the tuition, fees, room and board at SIUC, including break periods.
Scholarships are available for many programs. See the Getting Ready page for more information on financial aid and scholarships.

Will the credits transfer?Top

All of our programs are accredited, and your credits will transfer back to SIUC. However, only your academic advisor can confirm how the credits apply to your specific major.

What kind of language skills do I need?Top

Most programs are in English. However, we offer programs in several languages at various skill levels.
If you want to improve your skill in a language, where better to improve it than in a country where it's spoken? You can learn German in Germany, Japanese in Japan, French in France, etc. You have the opportunity to take beginning to advanced language classes while in an environment where you can practice the language everyday. You can also enroll in regular classes taught in languages other than English if you are proficient in that language.

Do I qualify to study abroad?Top

Most of the programs are designed for students who have experienced at least one year at a university. Many programs require a GPA of 2.5 or higher. The more competitive programs require a 3.0 GPA. Language requirements vary per program. See the above question about language.

What kind of opportunities are there?Top

There are four basic types of opportunities: Short-term Programs, Exchanges, Partner Programs, Affiliate Programs and External programs.

Short-term Programs

These programs enable you to study abroad for a short period, typically during the summer term, but at other times as well. Most are two to four weeks long and focus on a specific topic. Students and community members may participate. These programs are taught by SIUC faculty or through a cooperating university. The deadlines for these programs vary, but are usually around January-February for Summer and September-October for Winter Break programs. They usually have limited enrollment, so apply early! See our Short-term Programs page for more information.

Exchanges

There are three different types of exchanges available to SIUC students, differing mostly on what expenses and services are included. Students in any major may apply. Applicants must be mature, have a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA and possess the appropriate foreign language skills. You can study abroad in English or another language. Some exchanges will require a higher GPA. Coursework on exchanges is considered as SIUC credit. See our Exchanges section for further details.

  • Bilateral Exchanges involve a relationship between SIUC and a single overseas institution. The conditions and application dates will vary depending on the specific exchange agreement.
  • The Utrecht Network is a group of European universities which exchange with SIUC. In this case, students pay the equivalent of SIUC tuition and fees; all other expenses are covered directly by the participant. Applications are due by February 15 for the first round of placements. Applications will be accepted after these dates on a space available basis.
  • The International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) is a group of universities from all over the world which exchange students with SIUC. With ISEP, the student pays a charge based upon SIUC tuition, fees, room and board and then switches places with a student who has done the same thing at their home school. Applications are due on August 1 for placements beginning the following spring semester and on January 15 for the following fall semester. Applications will be accepted after these dates on a space available basis.

Partner Programs

These are programs usually offered and developed in cooperation with partner institutions. Examples include: International Studies in Austria, Semester in Wales, ISEP Direct and the University of Veritas. Students typically study abroad for a semester or year although there are some short-term options. If you qualify, chances of placement are excellent. All courses are taught in English except for our foreign language specific programs. Coursework is transfer credit. Generally, partner programs have a relatively lower cost compared to Affiliate or External programs. Financial aid may be used through a Consortium Agreement. See our Semester/Year Programs section for more information.

 

Affiliate Programs

You may participate on study abroad programs arranged by organizations affiliated with SIUC. Examples include AustraLearn, CEA and the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE). Most are for a semester or year, but there are summer options as well. SIUC does not accept credit from every program through these organizations so please check with Study Abroad Programs. Coursework is transfer credit. Financial aid may be used through a Consortium Agreement. SIUC applicants receive additional services and eligibility for scholarships through our affiliation with these organizations. See our Semester/Year Programs section for more information.

External Programs

You may participate on study abroad programs from other universities which have no affiliation with SIUC. The institution must be an accredited university. Private language schools and other non-accredited institutions are not eligible. Coursework is transfer credit. Financial aid may be used through a Consortium Agreement. We suggest using IIE Passport for searching for programs.

Summary of Opportunities:Top

Summary of Programs
Program Terms Costs Placement Credits Sites Apply Cost
Short-term Programs Most Mid-May to July Set by SIUC or provider Good SIUC Credit or transfer credit 10-15 None
ISEP Exchange Semester, Acad. Year, Summer * Based on SIUC costs

Competitive

depends on site

SIUC Credit 130+ $315
Bilateral Exchanges Semester, Acad. Year* Set by host university Good SIUC Credit 10+ None
Utrecht Network Exchange Semester, Acad. Year Set by host university

Competitive

depends on site

 SIUC Credit 29 None
Affiliate,External Programs Semester, Acad. Year, Summer * Set by host university Varies Transferable from accredited institutions 1000's Varies

* The academic year varies from the American system in several countries such as in Australia and Japan. Programs may follow the American academic year or the academic year of the host country. Some schools require a full year in order to participate in some courses.

What are my chances of being placed?Top

To be placed means that, after qualifying, you are accepted into a study abroad opportunity. Your chances of being placed depend greatly on the program. Placement for Short-term programs, Bilateral Exchanges, Partner Programs and Affiliated Programs are excellent for qualified students. Chances of placement in an ISEP or Utrecht exchange depend the "supply and demand" for students at that particular site. Some schools and subjects are very competitive while others are quite open. Students may apply with a single application for placement in a number of ISEP schools.

How do I find out more?Top

In addition to contacting our office, you should attend the annual Study Abroad Fair, check our homepage frequently for announcements of upcoming meetings and look over Saluki Stories - Study Abroad to learn about the experiences of past and current Study Abroad students.

Other questionsTop

If you have a question which we have not addressed here, please contact us by phone or email or visit us at Room B233 Northwest Annex. We are happy to answer your inquiries.