Choosing a Program

Whether you are looking for a short-term program or semester-long opportunity, there are a variety of study abroad options available to you:

Students Hiking in ChileFaculty-Led Travel Courses:

  • Typically 8 to 14 days of travel
  • ISU course with international field trip
  • Earn academic credits towards your degree
  • Travel takes place during university breaks
  • Travel with faculty and friends, class sizes vary from 8-30 students
  • Enrich your academic learning through field visits, tours and sightseeing

A travel course might be right for you if…

  • You've never traveled before
  • You want an introduction to international travel
  • You want to travel with other students
  • You want a snapshot of the different lifestyles or career paths in another part of the world

Learn more about faculty-led travel courses


Students at Acropolis in Athens GreeceSemester Programs:

  • One semester, summer or year-long options available
  • Enroll in courses at a university abroad and transfer those credits back to ISU
  • Stay on track for your degree at Iowa State by earning credits abroad
  • Step out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in another culture and place
  • Two different types of programs
    • Exchange: Pay ISU tuition and fees
    • Semester: Pay host university program/ tuition and fees

A semester or year-long program might be right for you if…

  • You are tired of being a tourist and want to truly experience another culture (you want to experience an immense cultural immersion)
  • You want to check several countries off of your bucket list
  • You are ready to gain new skills and a sense of independence
  • You are interested in learning another language

Learn more about semester programs


International Internships, Research and Service-Learning Opportunities:

  • Typically over the summer or during a semester abroad
  • Some internships/service-learning opportunities offer academic credits towards your degree
  • Option to participate in ISU and partner university programs or coordinate an experience independently

An international internship, research, or service-learning opportunity might be right for you if…

  • You have an interest in working in a different country
  • You want to be exposed to new skills and technology
  • You want an independent internship experience
  • You want an outstanding reference on your resume

Learn more about international internships, research and service-learning


Study USA (Domestic Travel)

Field to Fork Montana signExplore all that the United States of America has to offer from Coast to Coast through "Study USA" programs!

  • Learn about diverse cultures, food and agriculture systems, natural resources, and life sciences within the U.S.
  • ISU course with domestic field trip
  • Earn academic credit towards your degree
  • Travel with your faculty and friends, class sizes vary from 8-30 students
  • Students of any college and major are encouraged to apply for a program

A Study USA domestic travel course might be right for you if...

  • You've never traveled before
  • You want to experience a different region of the U.S.
  • You don't have a passport
  • You want to travel with peers and program directors

Learn more about Study USA programs


Interested in learning more about a specific program? Stop by our office, 0018 Curtiss Hall, or set up a meeting with a study abroad advisor