International Student Exchange Program (ISEP)

Whilst we recommend all students to consider ISEP when researching and planning for studying abroad, we particularly recommend students to consider this option if:

• You would like to study in the US but may not have a strong first year mark
• You have a genuine interest in the US as a study abroad destination (ISEP has over 130 exchange partners in the US alone!)
• You would like to study in a country where Essex does not currently have exchange partners
• You would like the comfort of knowing accommodation and food is taken care of when you arrive at your host University

• You must meet the study abroad eligibility criteria 
• If you choose to apply through ISEP, you cannot apply through Essex Abroad's application to our partner university network
• You must consult your university choices with your Departmental Study Abroad Officer (DSAO)
• The ISEP application deadline is later than Essex Abroad's deadline, you must still apply to Essex Abroad's application and select the ISEP option by the Study Abroad deadline - this makes sure we have your information in our system and are aware of your plans to study through ISEP

If you choose to study abroad through ISEP, you will pay a non-refundable application fee of $100, and a $425 placement fee when you accept the University you have been offered. You may also be obliged to take out ISEP’s Health Insurance which currently costs $27 per week (approx. $115 per month) for individual participants. If, after you have accepted the offer, you then decide to withdraw this fee will not be refunded.

ISEP offer a number of scholarships which you must apply for directly. You can find out more on the ISEP scholarship webpages.

Here's a handy table detailing the fees and costs for 2023-2024 (for 2024-2025 you can expect up to a 10% increase)

1. Make a study abroad application on the Essex Abroad online portal and select 'ISEP Exchange' as your first and only choice by the Essex Abroad deadline of 11 January 2023.
2. Visit the ISEP website
3. Create an account and continue with your application on ISEP website
4. Select your home university as University of Essex and apply for up to 10 universities abroad through the ISEP Exchange programme

The deadline to apply for ISEP for studying abroad is 1 March each year.  You must have already applied through Essex Abroad to be eligible to apply for ISEP (please note the Essex Abroad application deadline is 11 January 2023).

More information about the ISEP Exchange programme, the cost and fees is on ISEP Exchange website

In preparation of your travels, Essex Abroad will issue you with an invoice, which will detail the costs of your ISEP meal plan and accommodation fees. You are required to pay for accommodation and a meal plan at your home institution in order to be eligible for your ISEP Exchange. If you do not make this payment by the stated deadline, you will not be eligible to complete your exchange.

Should you decide to withdraw from your ISEP year abroad, please read our policy on refunds below.

Before you have paid your invoice

If you decide to withdraw from your ISEP Exchange before making a payment against your invoice, you will not be charged any of the required fees by Essex Abroad (meal plan and accommodation). This policy does not apply to the fees that you have already paid to ISEP directly. For information on the ISEP withdrawal and refund policies please refer to their website.

After you have paid your invoice

If you have paid your accommodation and meal plan fees, and decide to withdraw from your ISEP Exchange, you will not be entitled to a refund. Refunds will only be considered in line with the University of Essex’s Compensation and Refund Policy (.pdf), which states (Section 8): “In all cases, where the University is able to provide continuity of study leading to a University of Essex Award, the University will not normally refund any tuition or other fees, or offer any compensation, except where there are exceptional circumstances.”

In the case of exceptional circumstances, each refund request will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you wish to make a case for exceptional circumstances, please submit a request to essexabroad@essex.ac.uk, including supporting evidence.

ISEP have various advisors to guide you through the process from application to arriving in your host country.

Contact your ISEP study abroad advisor