Through ISEP, a membership-based study abroad organization, CMU students have the opportunity to study abroad at 150 universities in 52 different countries. CMU has been a member of ISEP since 2010.
ISEP offers multiple study abroad options including Direct, Exchange, Summer, and Internships. Learn more about each program and their deadlines in the drop-down boxes below.
To be eligible for studying 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 completed or be in the process of completing a minimum of 24 credit hours.
- Have a 2.75 or higher GPA at the time of application.
- Submit the academic reference, 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 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.
- Make sure you are aware of the difference between Direct and Exchange Programs that ISEP offers. Our ISEP page explains this in depth.
- Complete the application
- You only have to complete one application, regardless of the number of schools you apply to.
- On the ISEP page, the application can be found when clicking on your name at the top right-hand corner and selecting “Your Dashboard”. Click “Application” under the “Enrollment” tab and then select “Edit” at the top left-hand corner of the orange box.
- You can request a physical copy of your official transcript the Registrar's Office or a PDF version from CMU's website.
- Note: if you obtain the PDF version, you must upload a screenshot of the transcript rather than the original version. We cannot see your transcript if you upload the original PDF emailed to you.
- Submit the application
- There needs to be a Coordinator approval in order to submit the application to ISEP. Make sure you turn in your application at least a few days before the deadline (see the ISEP page for dates). This way, we will have time to review your application and make corrections if needed.
- To submit your application, go to “Your Dashboard” and select the “Application” tab under “Enrollment”. At the top right-hand corner, click the “Submit” button in the orange box.
- There is a non-refundable application fee of $100 that must be paid before the deadline in order 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, under “Your Dashboard” click “Invoices & Payments” under the Enrollment tab. Here, you will see the Application Fee and a button saying “Make a Payment”.
- There needs to be a Coordinator approval in order to submit the application to ISEP. Make sure you turn in your application at least a few days before the deadline (see the ISEP page for dates). This way, we will have time to review your application and make corrections if needed.
Exchange deadlines:
March 1 for studying abroad in the following Fall, Summer, or Full Year semester.
September 15 for studying abroad the following Spring semester.
Exchange Program Details:
- Go to ISEP's website to explore the many locations around the world!
- With the Exchange option, outgoing students pay CMU 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 Meal Plan A
- 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.
- $425 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:
March 1 for studying abroad in the following Fall, Summer, or Full year semester.September 15 for studying abroad the following Spring semester.
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. You only need one school on your application. If you are putting both Exchange and Direct schools on your application, make sure that the Direct option is always last with no other schools below it.
- This is a great option for students wishing to study abroad with a friend or at a specific location.
- Students can use Federal Financial Aid as normal.
- Unlike 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.
- $425 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.
The priority deadline for Summer begins March 1st, but are more flexible than Exchange deadlines.
- 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) than a full semester.
- Students pay ISEP directly, similar to the Direct option.
- These costs vary per program and placement.
- Students pay for visa (if applicable) and travel arrangements.
- Great option for 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.