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Global Engagement Office

Incoming ISEP Students

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We are excited that you are interested in the International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP)!

Your university must be an ISEP member university to study through this program. Find out if your university is a member of ISEP on ISEP’s website. 

First, students apply to their home institution’s International Office and request placement at the University of Montana. Once nominated by their home institution, the student’s application is forwarded to ISEP’s office.  ISEP then reviews the student’s application and places the student at an appropriate U.S.-member university. Students cannot apply directly to the University of Montana.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact our office here: global.engagement@mso.umt.edu 

Click through the tabs below to learn more about the specifics of your study abroad in Montana!

Important ISEP Program Information

  • Incoming ISEP applicants must:

    • Apply to and be accepted by ISEP 
    • be placed at the University of Montana by ISEP
    • meet all UM requirements for admission, including English Language Proficiency requirements for the Graduate or Undergraduate level

  • After applying to ISEP, then being accepted and placed at UM, students must then apply to UM through UM's internal application. Please note that students will not be able to create and work on an application until invited by our office to do so.

    Students will receive the invitation from UM International Students and Scholars (ISS) office to start an online application once we have received the placement from ISEP. If you need clarification, please contact us at: iss@umontana.edu. 

    Once a student has access to the application (which will be sent to them by ISS staff after a student has been placed at UM by ISEP), the student will be able to access the online application by following the directions and links in the invitation email sent to them by ISS. 

    In order for a student's application to be considered, the student must complete all required questions in the application and upload all required documentation by the application deadline. 

    All questions regarding the application itself should be directed to iss@umontana.edu for support. 

  • Learn more about registration, the UM course catalog, class schedules, GrizPortal, and English as a Second Language course recommendations on our Academic Information webpage.

  • Please refer to the Program Dates and Costs webpage to learn more.

  • Learn more about accommodation options for studying abroad at the University of Montana on our Housing, Meals, Early Arrival webpage.

  • Since you are required to enroll in the ISEP Student Health Insurance Program, you will be covered by their insurance policy during your exchange program at UM. 

    Students living on campus have the option to protect their belongings through GradGuard's exclusive student-endorsed renter's insurance program. For about $11 per month, you'll be able to receive protection for damaged or stolen property. Learn more about Renter's Insurance. 

  • Visa

    ISEP students' visas are sponsored by ISEP, and not by the University of Montana. Please correspond directly with ISEP regarding any visa-related questions. 

    Travel Authorization

    ISEP students wishing to travel outside of the United States (even for travel to Canada!) during their exchange period must have their Form DS-2019 signed by ISEP central PRIOR TO THEIR
    TRAVEL OUTSIDE THE U.S.A.

    After you begin at UM, International Students and Scholars (ISS) will confirm your arrival with staff at ISEP Central who will then email you an updated Form DS-2019 with travel signature. 

    Working While on Exchange

    It is essential that you obtain permission to work while on exchange in the U.S. otherwise you will be in violation of your visa status.  As a J-1 exchange student, you can work part time on-campus (up to 20 hours per week) while classes are in session in fall and spring. No off campus employment is allowed unless a student has applied for and received explicit employment authorization to do so. This authorization is called Academic Training; you may beA picture of exchange students with a beautiful background able to complete an academic training period (an internship) as part of your exchange. 

    ISEP Exchange students must request authorization for employment and Academic Training by completing the appropriate ISEP forms, gathering required documentation, then scheduling a meeting with International Students and Scholars (ISS) office to discuss your request, and obtain necessary signatures. ISS will forward your completed request to ISEP if preliminary approval is given. Requests for academic training must be submitted to ISS by the 10th class day of any given term for which a student is requesting Academic Training. There are no exceptions to this rule. 

    Authorization for employment can be requested at any time as long as the student shows proof they already have a job offer. 

    ISEP makes all final decisions on these requests. ISS is not able to grant final approval. 

    If you receive notice from ISEP that your request to work was granted, you will need to apply for a Social Security Card at the Social Security Office with the documents ISEP provides to you. The office is located at 3701 American Way, Missoula, MT 59808, phone (866) 931-9029. If you need help preparing an application for a SSN, and understanding which documents to bring to the appointment, don't hesitate to reach out to ISS for assistance at iss@umontana.edu.