Draft:International Student Exchange Program (ISEP)

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The International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), also known as ISEP Study Abroad, is a non-profit organization based in Arlington, Virginia,[1] that facilitates study abroad exchanges and programs for college students.[2][3] Founded in 1979, ISEP has grown into a global network of partnerships with over 300 institutions of higher education from more than 50 countries.[4] More than 80,000 students[5] have participated in their direct enrollment and exchange programs. ISEP's mission is to empower higher education institutions to expand the perspectives and potential of students around the world through their wide range of accessible, authentic academic intercultural programs. The vision of ISEP is to cultivate mutual understanding and cultural sensitivity through transformative global experiences.[6][7]

History

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ISEP was founded in January 1979 by Jesuit priest Rev. Harold C. Bradley at Georgetown University.[8][9] He created ISEP to expand access to international education and based it on three core principles: 1.) students live and study with their peers at a foreign institution; 2.) program costs shouldn't exceed that of the student's home university study; and 3.) program accessibility regardless of location or socio-economic background.[10][11]

The program initially focused on structured exchanges among universities. ISEP soon expanded to include institutions in Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. It also evolved from its traditional exchange model to one that offered both exchange and direct enrollment programs.[9][10][11]

In the 1990s, congressional changes limited and then eliminated federal funding for ISEP. ISEP's final grant for the 1995-96 fiscal year was a 33% reduction from the previous year..[12] A reduction in USIA funding, with most earmarked for the Fulbright Program, led to significant cuts to many exchange programs, including ISEP, and the U.S. Congress fully eliminated funding the following year[10]

In November 1997, ISEP left Georgetown University and established itself as an independent nonprofit. The shift allowed for diversified funding sources and programming.[13]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, ISEP adapted by suspending programs to South Korea, urging students to return to or stay in their home countries, but only suspended its South Korea programs and continued to send some students abroad.[14] ISEP launched digital initiatives, including a digital ambassador program and virtual alumni panels. These programs, in combination with their institutional connections, enabled ISEP to grow student participation following the global shutdown.[15][16]

In May 2025, Goucher College and ISEP announced a new partnership. In addition to joining the ISEP network, Goucher became a central hub for ISEP-hosted retreats and board meetings.[17]

Programs

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ISEP has two options for semester and academic-year programs: ISEP Exchange and ISEP Direct. ISEP Exchange allows a student to study for a semester or an academic year at another ISEP member institution. In this option, students pay the cost of their home institution's tuition and fees for tuition, housing, and meals at the host institution.[18] ISEP Direct allows students to enroll in high-demand locations for a fixed program fee, or participate in short-term programs for summer and January terms. Programs are offered in English and non-English-speaking countries. Many programs provide language and cultural immersion options for students.[2][19][20][21][22][23]

ISEP provides pre-departure support to participants as well as a local coordinator at the destination institution who helps students settle in, register for classes, and provides general counseling. Participants are provided international health insurance and crisis management plans.[24]

U.S.student participants can use existing financial aid (including federal aid) towards ISEP programs. The organization also offers competitive and need-based scholarships to support student participation.[19]

Membership and Global Reach

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As of 2024, ISEP has 251 member institutions, 92 affiliates, and 15 direct hosts across many regions, 42% of which are outside the US.[5]

Overall, 60% of ISEP's 2024 student participants identified as members of an underrepresented group. Of ISEP's participants, 21% identified as first-generation college students, 21% received Pell grants, and 15% identified as LGBTQ+.[5]

Governance

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ISEP is led by two guiding groups: the Board of Directors[2] and the Council of Advisors. The Council of Advisors (also known as the Advisory Council) is composed of ISEP coordinators from member institutions.[10][11]

Notable Alumni

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Marko Liias, Washington State Senator

Joy Donnelly, Founder of Joy Worldwide, Inc.

See also

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References

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  9. ^ a b A moment in the Mediterranean: The experience of American undergraduate students participating in the International Student Exchange Program at the University of Malta Taylor, Karen Renee Littlejohn.  The University of Tennessee ProQuest Dissertations & Theses,  1996. 9636575. https://www.proquest.com/openview/8dcb60765c4b86483d66e1c5259eb8d2/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y
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