Study Abroad

It is never too early to beginning planning. Students are encouraged to plan their study abroad during a semester of their sophomore or junior year.

Senior students interested in studying abroad must get a waiver of requirement to take the last 30 credits at ESU from the Dean.

Be sure to also check out our Spring break and Summer abroad options.

Also, do not forget that universities abroad may have different academic calendars than ESU's.

ESU is member of several consortia for student exchanges and has signed agreements with some foreign institutions that provides opportunities worldwide.

• ESU offers multiple faculty-led study abroad programs for students interested in studying abroad during the spring break or summer for a shorter period.
• For exchanges in other countries, ESU is member of the International Student Exchange Program which offers exchange opportunities in more than 150 destinations.
• ESU students can study abroad through agencies exclusively dedicated to study abroad such as Center for International Studies and Study Abroad Italy

*In the case of ISEP, students will apply for at least 3 host universities.

*Vacancies are competitive and cannot be guaranteed.

*Students must apply for a study abroad through the Office of International Programs.

All students must have a passport at the time of traveling.

Passports

• Typically, getting a passport requires some preparation and may take more time than you anticipate. Apply Early.
• Consider renewing your passport if it is approaching its expiration date.
• More information about how to obtain a passport.

Student Visas

• Visa requirements vary from country to country.
• As a rule of thumb most countries will require a student visa for periods longer than 90 days.
• Check each country for their visa regulations.

Student exchanges through the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) operate under the principle of reciprocity.

• While away, ESU students continue to be regular students at ESU.
• They pay tuition and fees at ESU and do not have to pay tuition at the host institution.
• Depending on the program, some fees may be required.
  • For example, ISEP requires a study abroad fee of $525 (ISEP-Exchange).

Depending on the program, students may need to cover the cost of housing and meals abroad.

If you study abroad through ISEP, your housing and meal plans will be paid to ESU. Typically, if you utilize one of ESU's Global Partners, you will be responsible to pay the host institution costs associated with housing and meals unless you make other arrangements prior to you departure.

Airfare is the responsibility of the student.

ESU encourages all undergraduate students to include an international experience in their college preparation. Students who are eligible for financial aid may also receive financial aid during their semester abroad.

If you receive financial aid at ESU, you may want to include in your planning to study abroad a meeting with financial aid counselor.

Typically, students participating in a semester study abroad program will be eligible for financial aid if they utilize one of ESU's Global Partners or study through the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP). Also, please contact Steven Ives, Interim Director for the Office of International Programs, if you have questions regarding your financial aid options.

Students participating in semester exchanges abroad should be able to communicate in the language of the host country. Attending classes in a foreign language and facing the need to use a foreign language can be overwhelming. Students are advised to take at least one full year of language courses at ESU prior to going abroad.

ESU's Global Partners and most institutions associated with the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), the Center for International Studies (CIS), or Study Abroad Italy (SAI) offer courses in English.

• The availability of housing options depends on the host country and institution.
• Cost vary depending on the housing arrangements.
• Many destinations include a university dormitory, an apartment outside the university, or homestays with local families.
  • Students who wish to improve their language skills often find homestays to be the best option, while students who prefer independence may prefer apartments or dormitories.

Credit Transfer for Non-ESU courses taken abroad

• It is the student's responsibility to secure the transferability of credits back to ESU.
• Credits transferred are processed by Enrollment Services with transferred credits being assigned a Pass or Fail grade.
• It is the student's responsibility to negotiate before studying abroad that all credits will transfer back as equivalent ESU courses.
  • This procedure is facilitated by the Credit Transfer Form (found in the Study Abroad Packet) which requires approval from the academic departments and the academic adviser.
  • Senior students interested in studying abroad must get a waiver of requirement to take the last 30 credits at ESU from the Dean.

Courses approved and passed at the foreign university will not affect the students' Grade Point Average at ESU.

Courses Taught by ESU Faculty Abroad

• A course taught by an ESU faculty in another country are considered ESU course and do not require transferring of credits.
• In such case, both credits and grades will be posted on the student's records upon the completion of the course.

Transcripts

• It is the student's responsibility to request at the host university to send an official transcript to the ESU Office of International Programs for processing the credit transfer.