Frequently Asked Questions

Can I afford it?

Once study abroad was the preserve of the wealthy student. Today, while there are expensive programs, ISU does offer a number of study options in which students pay tuition, room and board at ISU but study in Britain, France, or one of over thirty other countries. Consequently, the cost of these programs is based on what students normally pay to attend ISU. If you are receiving aid through the Financial Aid Office, you can use that money for study abroad as long as you are earning ISU credit or transferring credit into your program at ISU.

Will it delay my graduation?

ISU offers approximately forty study abroad programs annually in which students earn ISU credit, usually in their major fields of study. Even if ISU does not have a program which meets your needs, you can transfer credit from programs offered by other United States colleges and universities. If you plan carefully, you can complete elective requirements and/or earn required credits in your major/minor during your stay abroad.

The best way to ensure that study abroad will not delay your graduation is to start investigating study abroad programs during your freshman year, or the fall semester of your sophomore year at the latest. This will enable you to know what courses will be available to you and how they will fulfill your degree program.

Do I need to learn a foreign language?

Not necessarily. You can study in a country in which English is the language of instruction. In many countries there are special group programs available for English speakers, or you can use your time abroad to learn another language

Are there programs in the technical fields?

There are study abroad programs available for science and technical students. Also, you can use your period of study abroad to take elective courses.

Do I need a high grade point average to study abroad?

Some programs do require a 3.00 GPA or above, but there are many programs open to students in good standing.

Are there programs in Africa, Asia, or Latin America?

The Study Abroad Center has information on study abroad programs in all areas of the world. The Council for International Educational Exchange has a special scholarship fund (competitive) for students going to developing nations.

Will this experience be helpful to my career?

In today's world, almost any career you enter will have an international aspect. In order to have a successful United States foreign policy and to compete in world markets, we must be able to work successfully with other cultures. This means that educators must be prepared to give students a global education; managers, researchers, and producers, sales, advertising, and communications personnel must be sensitive to other cultures and to developments throughout the world. While all students should have a good, solid background in their major field, significant international study or work experience may give you the edge over other candidates for employment.