Willamette University

International Education

What is ISEP?

ISEP is an exchange association that enables Willamette students to enroll in universities around the world as exchange students. ISEP programs ARE Willamette Sponsored Programs. (All information regarding Willamette Sponsored Programs applies to ISEP programs.)

ISEP universities are located in Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, La Réunion, French Antilles, Germany, Ghana, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland,  India, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and Uruguay.

Explore ISEP programs by reading the instructions under the How do I look for ISEP Programs? question.

How is ISEP different than other WU Sponsored Programs?

  • It isn't! All ISEP Exchange(E) Programs are Willamette Sponsored Programs.
  • All ISEP programs are in the Direct Enroll category and are similar to other Direct Enroll programs.
  • ISEP is an exchange association that facilitates direct enrollment exchanges between universities. ISEP programs aren't different than other Direct Enroll programs except ISEP is facilitating the exchange instead of Willamette. From a student's point of view there is very little difference except you will see the name "ISEP" on your paperwork.

What is the cost of an ISEP program?

  • The cost of ISEP programs is the same as all WU Sponsored Programs. Students pay WU tuition plus a program fee equivalent to Willamette's Room and Board Plan C. The program fee includes full room and board while on the ISEP program.
  • Like many programs, ISEP requires that you purchase insurance through their particular insurance provider. The insurance is approx $58 per month - students pay for insurance when accepting placement on an ISEP program.

Why should I choose an ISEP program?

  • ISEP programs gives our students the opportunity to choose from over 100 universities to find a good academic fit.
  • Rarely is there more than one Willamette student at an ISEP university each semester, however, there tend to be at least a few other students from the United States.
  • ISEP programs, like all direct enroll programs, are highly recommended for students who have spent time studying, living or traveling abroad; students with little or no international experience can still consider ISEP placements.
  • For each student Willamette sends abroad through ISEP, we receive an international student from one of the ISEP partner universities. The more students we send abroad through ISEP the more international students we have on our campus!

Quotes from former ISEP students:

"The ISEP program helped me step outside my comfort zone in a way I wouldn't have in another type of program."

"Although I was challenged everyday I grew SO much."

 "I was able to study abroad because ISEP had so many academic options I couldn't find anywhere else."

"ISEP was great! I met SO many international students from other countries; I was the only U.S. person at my host university."

How do I apply for an ISEP program?

  • Students considering ISEP apply through Willamette first, then to ISEP directly if approved by Willamette's International Education Committee. On the Willamette Sponsored Programs application write "ISEP" in the preferences slots. Then, in your essay indicate which ISEP universities you would like to attend.
  • An OIE advisor will guide all ISEP students through the additional application process. When applying to ISEP students may request up to ten sites!  Do not be intimidated by the ISEP application process - an OIE advisor will support you. For more details, download the ISEP Application Timeline and contact an OIE Advisor at oieadvising@willamette.edu.

How do look for ISEP programs?

  • Go to ISEP's website at www.isep.org and click on "Students"
  • Use one of the choices under "US Students" to search for a program.
  • Willamette participates in exchange programs only. On the ISEP website, these are marked as "ISEP-Exchange" or "E"or "E*". Willamette does not participate in "ISEP-Direct" or "D" programs. 
  • Some programs are more competitive than others; this information is available on the program pages. In addition to the website, an OIE advisor can give you a good idea of your chances for being accepted to each program.
  • Not all ISEP programs are open every year. Ask an OIE advisor for more details.
  • An OIE advisor can connect you with an ISEP Ambassador - a student who participated in ISEP.
  • Contact the Office of International Education (oieadvising@willamette.edu) with any questions.