Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to have a passport to study abroad?

Yes, all ISA Direct programs require that you have a passport. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with your local consulate for advice regarding traveling/studying in another country.

How do I apply for a passport?

You can find passport applications and detailed information on how to apply on the webpage of the U.S. State Department: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. Generally, post offices and sometimes courthouses serve as passport application sites.

Can I still send in the application even though I don't have a passport yet?

Yes; just leave that section of the application blank, and send us a copy of your passport when you do receive it.

If I want to apply for more than one program, do I have to send in multiple applications?

No; if you are applying for consecutive programs, please fill out the Program Information section of the application accordingly, providing information from all programs you will participate in. You will, however, need to submit 2 deposits of $350 each.

Can my application, deposit, and transcript arrive separately, or do they have to be sent together?

Application materials may arrive separately (and in any order) and do not have to be sent altogether. However, your application will not be evaluated until all materials have been received.

Does the second page of the application have to be signed by my university study abroad office or admissions office?

The second page of the application does need to be signed by your university. ISA includes this portion in the application process to encourage students to begin working with their U.S. universities' study abroad office and familiarizing themselves with their specific requirements and policies. If a student does not have this signed, we may still accept them, but we will call them to warn them of the risk that they are taking if they don't receive prior approval.

What if I don't have my flight booked before the Final Forms and Payment due date?

Your flight form and itinerary are due 4 weeks prior to the start date of your program. If we receive the information any later than that, we may not be able to arrange for you to be picked up at the airport.

Does ISA accept credit cards?

Yes, but please note that credit cards may be used for up to one-third of the program price, but not to exceed $4,500. All program fees can be paid by personal check, cashier's check, or money order.

Does ISA have a payment plan?

No; if the program is not paid in full by the Final Forms and Payment due date, a late fee of $150 is incurred. In addition, a good faith payment is required in order to guarantee a student's placement in the program: $500 for summer programs, $1000 for semester/trimester programs, and $1500 for an academic year program.

If I participate in an academic year program, do I have to pay for the entire year all at once?

In order to receive the discounted year price (versus the sum of two semesters), the academic year needs to be paid in full by the Final Forms and Payment due date.

If I withdraw, what kind of refund will I receive?

Please refer to the "Refund Policy" located on the back of the Application.

What day should I arrive?

The first day of the program, which is listed in the ISA catalogue and on the website, should be your departure date. For some programs, due to the time difference, you will arrive on the following day. You will receive more detailed flight information in your acceptance packet.

Can I arrive late? Can I arrive early?

Students may arrive late but must make sure to arrive by the date of the placement exam (see program itinerary), and students must let their appropriate admissions officer know at least 4 weeks prior to the start date of the program. Students may also arrive early but must contact their appropriate admissions officer at least 6 weeks prior to the start date of the program to arrange early host family stay or hotel reservations.

What day should I depart at the end of the program?

You should make arrangements to return to the U.S. on the last day of the program, unless you want to extend your stay in your host country for personal travel. You will finish your classes on the day prior to the last day of the program listed in the ISA Direct catalogue and on the website.

Will I be taken to the airport upon departure of the host country?

Airport transfer at the end of the program is not included in ISA Direct programs.

Can I leave the program a day early?

Possibly, but at the risk of missing classes and/or final exams, and not receiving course credit. ISA can not pre-approve time off. Students will have to resolve that with their professors upon arrival in the host country.