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ISEP (International Student Exchange Program) is an international student exchange network that has more than 300 member universities in 50 countries; 146 universities in USA, 4 in Canada, 12 in the UK, 23 in France, 9 in Spain, 7 in Sweden, 14 in Australia, 8 Japan, 4 in Argentina. Okan University is the first member university in Turkey. ISEP has prestigious universities in its network in different continents. Besides promoting academic and cross-cultural learning through its worldwide network of higher education institutions, ISEP also facilitates academic mobility through innovative and affordable programs to achieve authentic global learning.

Since the language of instruction is English at host instituitions during the exchange period, we recommend our students to have valid IELTS/TOEFL results.

Some of the members of ISEP:

Universities in USAInternational Universities
San Diego State UniversityUniversidad del Salvador – Argentina
University of IowaUniversity of Western Sydney – Australia
Louisiana State UniversityTokyo International University – Japan
University of MississippiThompson Rivers University – Canada
University of NebraskaUniversity of South Pacific – Fiji Islands
North Caroline State UniversityInstitut dEtudes Politiques de Rennes – France
Clemson UniversityProvidenca University – Taiwan
University of VermontUniversity of East London – England
Washington State UniversityUniversity of Ghana – Ghana
University of WyomingUniversity of Zurich – Switzerland
University of MontanaUniversity of Malaga – Spain
Virginia Technical UniversityUniversity of Stellenbosch – South Africa
University of Texas El PasoMassey University – New Zealand


Basics: Application
Students should have a minimum GPA of 2.75 and must be in good academic standing at OKAN. To be eligible, students must have completed at least one academic year of university coursework. This means that freshman students can also make their applications with their first semester transcripts – considering that they will have completed their first year by the time they become exchange students.

Students do not apply directly to ISEP but submit their application to their ISEP Coordinator at OKAN. The ISEP Coordinator forwards all applications to ISEP. Students participating in this exchange program may study at an ISEP member university for one or two semesters without paying extra tuition fees to host universities. Students need to pay the application fee directly to ISEP. Health insurance is also provided by ISEP. Housing and meal package fees should be paid to Okan University so the students can benefit from these services during their exchange at the member university.

Selecting the Host University
Students should visit the ISEP websiteto find out which member universities are open to exchange students at any given time because all ISEP members may not participate in student exchanges every year. This means that students may not be able to choose from among all 300 schools at one time. In order to apply, students must make a host site request list of maximum 10 Universities. You may also use this link to see the filter.. Based on the openings, ISEP Center will place the student in one of these Universities. While preparing for ISEP application, students must be aware of some criteria and rules (Please check: How to Apply) – the first three preferences at a student’s list are given priority by ISEP.(They try to place the student in one of these universities.) Students must make a research to find a suitable university by themselves and then get final confirmation from their Faculty Coordinators about the compability of the curriculum between host and home universities. The Faculty Coordinators will advise them which courses they may take while they are studying at the host university. Moreover, while selecting these universities, students should always check the application rules and limitations set by the university, as well as language requirements and academic calendar.

Step by step application process

  1. Download the application form and read the instructions (Click to download)
  2. Students make a resarch on universities and prepare a “host site request list”. Please make an appointment with your academic advisor to see which courses you need to take abroad. You will need to carefully research courses on the host institution’s website and complete the “Course Request List” page for each school on your “Host Site Request List” in the ISEP application form.
  3. Submit the application form to International Office after you get confirmation from your Faculty Coordinators.
  4. The International Office might conduct interviews with the applicants and nominate selected students to ISEP with their documents. Students pay application fees directly to ISEP at this stage.
  5. ISEP places students to host universities in accordance with students’ preferences. (results are usually announced in March)
  6. ISEP sends placement letters to International Office and the students. Students are asked to confirm their placement results and are asked to sign the confirmation letter. After that, the host university sends an acceptance letter to the students. (which can be used in visa application.)

Students can get in touch with the International Office of the host university and should apply for visa and arrange their travel accordingly.

Please see the ISEPofficial web site for further information.

Students need to submit

  • Application Form
  • Letter of Intent (English)
  • 2 Academic References
  • 2 Copies of your Passport
  • Official Transcript – (The minimum grade point average to apply for ISEP: 2.75/4.0)
  • $ 425 Application Fee (The amount may increase depending on academic year.)
  • Language Proficiency Report (Most of the universities in USA require TOEFL exam score, thus student should provide TOEFL score during application if requested.


Submit original and a photocopy of the following:

  • Participant Profile: General student information and terms
  • Host Site Request List: List of your preferred ISEP sites abroad
  • Language Proficiency Report: Evaluation of your language skills by your home university
  • Educational History Form: International students only; description of past studies
  • Personal Statement: One essay of 300-500 words
  • 2 Academic References: Completed by two university-level professors or academic advisors.
  • Course Request Lists: List of courses requested at each host site requested
  • 2 Original Photocopies of your Passport: Make two legible copies of the identification page of your passport.