Through ISEP, a membership-based study abroad organization, CMU students have the opportunity to study abroad at more than 150 universities all over the world. CMU has been a member of the ISEP network since 2010.
ISEP offers multiple study abroad options for CMU students including Direct, Exchange, Summer, and Internships. Learn more about each program and their deadlines in the drop-down boxes below.
To be eligible for study abroad, students must meet the following requirements and submit all items required by both ISEP and CMU prior to the deadline:
- At the time of application, students must have a transcript from CMU with at least one semester of grades. Note: there are several schools that require a minimum of a junior standing at the time of the study abroad.
- Have a 2.75 or higher GPA at the time of application.
- Submit an academic reference when required, transcript, and language evaluation (depending on program) as part of the online ISEP application process. Instructions for these items are found in your online application.
- Learn about the placement process and what happens after you submit your ISEP study abroad application.
- Create an account at ISEP and start by exploring all the options offered using the Program Finder. Attend an Information Session, come by during open office hours, or stop by a table in the UC to learn more about studying abroad and the application process.
- Research programs and universities and add them to your application.
- Read the information that ISEP offers about each university. Make sure to look at the courses offered, term dates, academics, housing, and location. This will help you find foreign schools that fit your needs best.
- Understand the difference between Direct and Exchange Programs that ISEP offers and review the Application FAQs. If applying for direct, you only need to list one program/school on your application.
- Complete the application
- Complete only one application with ISEP, regardless of the number of schools you apply to.
- Request a physical copy or PDF of your official transcript from the CMU Registrar's office.
- For exchange applications, a faculty/instructor recommendation is required. This is requested through the application but it is recommended to speak with the faculty member or instructor first to confirm they are willing to complete the recommendation and by any upcoming deadline.
- Some programs require a language evaluation. This is also requested through your application. If you have questions about who can complete your language evaluation, please contact us.
- Submit the application
- You must have your application approved by the CMU Study Abroad office after you submit it to ISEP so be sure you submit your application at least a few days before the deadline. This way, we will have time to review your application and make corrections if needed.
- There is a non-refundable application fee of $100 that must be paid before the deadline for your application to be submitted to ISEP. The application fee is $100 regardless of the number of schools you apply to.
- To pay the application fee, click on “Invoices & Payments” in your ISEP Dashboard.
Exchange deadlines:
Fall, Summer, or Full Year Semester - March 1
Spring semester - September 15
Exchange Program Details:
- Visit ISEP's website to explore the many locations around the world available to you as a Colorado Mesa Student.
- With the Exchange option, outgoing students pay CMU for tuition and fees, housing, and meal costs. This includes:
- 15 credit hours based on the student's tuition classification
- A double room in Grand Mesa with the unlimited meal plan
- Scholarships and financial aid:
- CMU merit scholarships can be used for up to two semesters
- Financial aid may be used for two semesters
- For outside or private scholarships, contact the donor or organization directly
- Placement chances vary per location, therefore students going abroad through Exchange may not get their first choice. Flexibility is important! Choose the top three or four programs you are most interested in. You may request up to ten sites, but generally three to four is sufficient, as long as you have chosen at least one site with a "fair" or "good" chance of placement.
- $100 non-refundable ISEP application fee.
- $450 non-refundable ISEP placement fee at the time of placement acceptance at the foreign university.
- Students pay the ISEP Exchange insurance fee which varies from country to country. Students can see the different insurance plans on the ISEP website.
- Students pay for visa (if applicable) and travel arrangements.
- Learn more about the Exchange Placement.
Direct deadlines are more flexible, but the priority deadlines are:
Students should still plan to submit when possible their direct application by the exchange deadline:
- Fall, Summer, or Full Year semester - March 1
- Spring Semester - September 15
Direct Program Details:
- Students pay ISEP for all associated costs but may be responsible for food/meals and sometimes housing. Read through the program page on ISEP's website to understand what the Direct cost covers for a particular location.
- Health insurance is covered in the direct program cost.
- Students are guaranteed to study at the university of their choice, as long as they meet the minimum academic requirements therefore you only need to put one university/program on your application. If you are putting both exchange and direct programs on your application, make sure that the direct option is last with no other schools listed after.
- Direct is a great option for students wishing to study abroad with a friend or at a specific location.
- Federal Financial Aid can be utilized however, unlike on exchange, CMU merit scholarships cannot be used.
- Financial aid may be used for up to two semesters.
- For outside or private scholarships, contact the donor or organization directly.
- $100 non-refundable ISEP application fee.
- $450 non-refundable ISEP placement fee at the time of placement acceptance.
- Students pay for visa (if applicable) and travel arrangements.
- Learn more about the Direct Placement.
- Summer programs are direct only. Direct deadlines are generally more flexible/later than exchange program deadlines.
- Students should still plan to submit when possible their direct application by the exchange deadline:
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Summer – March 1
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Summer Program Details:
- Summer study abroad programs are a great way to travel, experience another culture and earn academic credit in a shorter period of time (4, 6-, and 8-week options).
- Students pay ISEP directly.
- Program costs vary per location and length of study.
- Students pay for visa (if applicable) and travel arrangements.
- Summer is a great option for athletes or students with rigorous academic schedules.
- Students are encouraged to meet with the CMU Financial Aid Office to assess whether financial aid could be utilized during a summer study abroad.
- Learn more about the Summer Placement.