INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

As part of the International Leadership Academy, you will have the option of participating in an international experience which will enhance your understanding of global leadership. There are a variety of options in terms of countries, costs and timeframes. The ILA will inform you about the available opportunities during the seminar.

The University of Utah offers hundreds of options for summer, semester or academic year study abroad programs.  You can take classes in English or totally integrated with native speakers. 

Think about these questions as you review your options on-line.

  • Why do you want to study abroad?
  • Where do you want to go? Why?
  • When do you want to go?
  • How long would you like to stay?
  • How will study abroad fit into your academic program at the U?
  • Do you want to study in a foreign language or take classes in English?
  • What degree of cultural immersion are you ready for?
  • How much money can you afford to spend?

Once you have collected information about several programs, then it is time to meet with a study abroad advisor.  Schedule an appointment (581-5849) in advance so we will be ready for you.  The advisor's job is to explain the application, preparation, and pre-departure phase of your experience as well as answer any questions you may have.  Our advisors have visited many study abroad programs and can often give you valuable information not available on-line or in program brochures.

There are literally thousands of study abroad options of varying duration and type.  It’s important to understand the different types of programs that you can choose from.  You should begin your research by familiarizing yourself with the various types of programs:

Faculty-Led Short Term Programs

These programs are offered mainly during the summer (and sometimes spring break) and range from 2-6 weeks.  Participants earn University of Utah resident credit while studying abroad.  These are the shortest programs and generally the least expensive.

Exchange Programs

On reciprocal exchange programs, a student pays tuition and fees at University of Utah to study in a foreign institution.   Housing costs are typically paid at the host institution. Reciprocal programs are Financial Aid eligible. Students earn transfer credit while studying on a reciprocal program. Programs are available for a semester (fall or spring) or an academic year.  Classes in almost any major are available.

ISEP - International Student Exchange Program
ISEP is a program that allows University of Utah students to study at one of over 100 foreign universities while paying U of U resident tuition and U of U room/board.   The International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) is a consortium of colleges and universities throughout the world that allows for the exchange of students between member institutions.  Because the U of U is a member, undergraduate students have the opportunity to study abroad at ISEP member institutions while paying resident tuition, fees, room and board.  Classes in almost any major are available.

IE3 Global Internships

International internships are a great way to gain valuable international work experience while earning credit at the same time. A program fee is charged in lieu of tuition. The program fee includes academic credit (up to 12 quarter credit hours the first term) and most forms of financial aid can be applied toward the costs of an internship.

Hinckley Institute of Politics
The Hinckley Institute at the University of Utah offers both domestic and international internships.  For more information, visit their web site:  http://www.hinckley.utah.edu/internships/index.html

Affiliated Programs
Affilliated programs are approved by the University of Utah International Center and University of Utah financial aid can be used on these programs.  All applicants must apply through the U of U International Center.  Intensive language programs and programs taught in English are available.

Other Programs

There are many study abroad programs throughout the world that may interest U of U students but that are not affiliated in any way with the University of Utah. Students should be aware that they cannot use U of U financial aid on these programs. However, one of these programs may have exactly what you are looking for in a study abroad experience and, therefore, they should at least be considered.

You can search for other programs on-line at:

www.studyabroad.com
www.iiepassport.org

The Resource Library in the International Center also has literature from many programs offered through other colleges and organizations that you are welcome to review.