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David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies
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Frequently Asked Questions

International Study Programs
  • 1. Pay all program fees ($500 upon acceptance and $1000 second payment for term programs)

    2. Enter a picture of your passport identification page on your ISP online application

    3. Enter a picture of your COVID-19 vaccination card on your ISP online application (include the most updated vaccination date, if you do not have your second shot or booster yet upload an updated picture when this is complete)

    Backpack pickup is at 101 HRCB Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Closed Tues. & Thurs. 11:00-Noon.
  • Students must meet all country- and program-specific COVID and health requirements for travel.
Find Your Program
Fund Your Program
Process To Apply
After Application Submission
After Being Accepted
Withdrawing From A Program
Covid-19 Information

Find Your Program

  • Study Abroad
    Study abroad is guided by a BYU professor in the field and offers lectures, study, and research on-site. Field trips to important locations of cultural and historical significance support the program’s academic aims and bring to life theory and principles gained in the classroom.

    International Internships
    International internships are an independent, work-oriented experience in an international setting. Students bridge the gap between their academic and professional career as they pursue personalized study with the guidance of a faculty mentor and receive individualized training under the tutelage of a field professional.

    Direct Enrollment
    Direct enrollment is an independent international experience. Unlike a traditional study abroad program, where a student travels with a BYU professor and a group of BYU students, direct enrollment is individual students immersing themselves with local and international students on a foreign campus for a semester independent of any BYU professor or other BYU students. The courses automatically transfer from the institution to count for pre-approved courses at BYU. Direct enrollment only exists with universities for which BYU has official agreements. Direct enrollment programs are limited to BYU–Provo students.

    Field School
    Field school is a research-based program that introduces students to local communities and cultures. The goal of a field school program is to give students mentored field research experience. Students are led by the faculty director to a particular community of interest and conduct field work on a project under the mentorship of the directing faculty.
  • BYU ISP offers programs that go to Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Pacific. Specific countries and cities vary year to year. Visit Find Your Program to see all of the places programs will be traveling to in the next year.
  • The majority of our programs do not require prerequisite courses and are open to all students. Check the individual program flyer to see if there are prerequisite courses or majors before applying.

    Every student going on a BYU ISP program is required to take a pre-departure preparation course.
  • Many BYU ISP programs repeat from year to year, others do not. The best way to find out if a specific program will be going again in the future is to contact the director of the program or the campus department that sponsors it.
  • Students from any college or university are welcome to apply to a BYU ISP study abroad program, provided they are committed to following the BYU Honor Code and receiving an ecclesiastical endorsement.

    Only BYU-Provo students are eligible to participate in BYU ISP international internships and direct enrollment programs.
  • Visit our Find Your Program page to see a full list of our available programs. You can search this list as well as filter by location, program type, courses (area of study), and semester.

    If you find a program you would like to learn more about, reach out to the director of the program (contact information is available at the bottom of each program page) for more information.
  • You should start looking into program options early. Typically, information for programs going during a calendar year is posted the previous fall (usually by mid-September). Applications are typically opened around the same time with deadlines varying by program. Be sure to look and apply early. Programs are subject to change and may be cancelled or new programs added at any time.
  • It depends on the program. Generally, spouses can only participate if they are full members of the program. Contact the program director or ISP for details on your specific program. Arrangements for married student housing cannot typically be guaranteed. Married students will also be asked to be fully engaged with all other participants on the program.
  • Some BYU International Study Programs may be more accommodating for a family situation (spouse + children) than others, for example, an international internship. Please reach out to an ISP coordinator for an advising session on this topic.
  • Some BYU International Study Programs may be more accommodating for special medical and/or dietary needs than others. Please reach out to the ISP office or program director before applying.

    The BYU International Security Office ((801) 422-5357 | international_security@byu.edu) can also answer questions regarding GeoBlue insurance coverage, availability of medical care for non-routine medical treatments, legality and availability of prescribed medications, etc.

Fund Your Program

  • BYU tuition scholarships, Pell Grants, and Federal Insured Student Loans may be applied to study abroad programs. BYU students are strongly encouraged to request experiential or inspired learning funding through their major/minor department and/or college. Those who complete the financial aid section of the ISP application and file a current FAFSA form at BYU’s Financial Aid Office (A-41 ASB) will be considered for a need-based study abroad scholarship (ISP Program Discount). Students may also pursue private grants and scholarships, including those listed online at kennedy.byu.edu/scholarships.

    Visit the scholarship page for more information on the ISP Program Discount and other scholarships.
  • You need to indicate that you want to be considered for ISP financial aid, this does not happen automatically. To be considered for this aid you need to have at least a 3.0 GPA.
  • Only currently enrolled, undergraduate BYU–Provo students with a minimum 3.0 GPA are eligible to apply for the ISP Program Discount. Students must also submit a Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) by the deadline listed in the current online application. International students should contact ISP Student Services, 101 HRCB, (801) 422-3686, or isp@byu.edu, for further information on how to obtain a FAFSA score. Undergraduate BYU-Provo students on almost all study abroad and field school programs and some internship programs are eligible to receive the ISP Program Discount. For a current list of the programs that qualify, contact ISP Student Services.
  • These program discount amounts vary depending on financial need, GPA, year in school, major, length and type of program, and other pertinent factors. Typical ISP Program Discounts may be in the range of $0–1,000.
  • Click the green “Apply for Program Discount” button at the top of your application. Provide a brief explanation if there are extenuating circumstances concerning your financial need that you would like the ISP Program Discount Committee to know. Students must also submit a Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) by the deadline listed in the current online application.
  • You can apply for the ISP Program Discount as part of your program application. However, you will not be eligible to receive any financial aid awarded by ISP until you have been accepted into a program. You can apply for other, non-ISP scholarships before being accepted into a program.
  • Yes. Due to payment deadlines, you may need to pay a deposit and/or other program fees before you receive your scholarship. If you receive a scholarship after making payments, your scholarship money will be added to your “My Financial Center”. The funds will be used to pay any outstanding charges on your account. Any remaining balance will then be refunded to you.

    Please notify the Financial Accounts assistant, 207 HRCB, (801) 422-6690, kennedy_accounts@byu.edu, and the Financial Aid office, D-155 ASB, (801) 422-4104, of any financial discount you plan to apply to the cost of your international study program.

Process To Apply

  • Students can only apply for one program per semester, or multiple as long as they are for different semesters.
  • Any student who is matriculated at BYU-Provo. Current students of BYU-Idaho and BYU-Hawaii are not considered BYU students.
  • All students participating on an ISP program are required to obtain an ecclesiastical endorsement. BYU students who register for ISP must have a current ecclesiastical endorsement on file with the University.
  • Visit endorse.byu.edu and start the endorsement process for a Continuing/Currently Enrolled Student (current BYU Students) or Applicant Student (non-BYU students). Non-BYU Provo students must be endorsed by both their bishop and stake president.
  • Acceptance rates vary by program and depend on group size and program requirements. If you apply early, you typically have a better chance of being accepted into your program of choice.
  • The $35 application fee is non-refundable unless ISP cancels the program.
  • To access your current application, please visit isp.byu.edu. You will be required to log in with your BYU Net ID and password. Once logged in, you will be able to see your in-progress application on the main screen. Click on the program to open it up and continue with the application.
  • If you are a BYU-Provo student, your personal information should automatically transfer into the application. If your information is not transferring all data, please exit the application and try again. Make sure your personal information in MyBYU under ‘Update my Personal Information,’ is up-to-date. If you are continuing to experience difficulties, please email isp@byu.edu and an ISP assistant will assist you with your application. If you are not a BYU-Provo student, you will need to manually enter this data (this includes BYU-Idaho and BYU-Hawaii students).
  • If you are a BYU student, your ID photo will automatically be used for your application. If you are not a BYU student, you will need to upload a picture. Make sure your picture is a .jpg or .png file and has a file size under 1.7 megabytes. If you are continuing to experience difficulties, please email isp@byu.edu and an ISP assistant will assist you on this matter.

After Application Submission

  • Notification about application status varies from program to program. Some directors start interviewing before the application deadline while others wait until the application has closed. Reach out to your program’s director for specific details.

After Being Accepted

  • Congratulations! Watch for an email from International Study Programs with the next steps you need to make. Make note of payment due dates, registration deadlines, and prep course schedules. Your director may have additional steps for you to take so be sure to look for communication from them.
  • The payment schedule for your program will be sent to you when you are accepted to a program.
  • Course requirements vary from program to program. Visit your program page or contact the director of your program for details.

    Participants may not take any other courses on an ISP program, including BYU Online courses, without approval from the program director and ISP. During the study abroad you should only be registered for the study abroad sections, any other sections will add additional fees to your account.
  • Brigham Young University’s International Travel Management System (ITMS) allows you to plan and register your trip abroad with BYU. Before leaving for your trip abroad, please be sure that all itinerary items have been added to ITMS including flight plans, specific locations of accommodations, activities, and excursions. Also be sure to include your emergency contact information. This way, BYU can contact you and help you in the event of an emergency abroad.

    Since you booked your flight through BYU’s Travel Office, your flight itinerary will automatically populate into the registration system. You also have the option of entering in the information manually.
  • All participants in a BYU ISP program must register for BYU credit. You must register for the designated, ISP-created courses. You must not register for regular BYU day classes or BYU Independent Study Classes for the semester or term you are abroad. If you do, you will be assessed additional program fees. Registration will depend on the type of program you have chosen. Most ISP Students will register for the courses associated with their programs; students will be notified of exceptions to this.
  • 1. Pay all program fees ($500 upon acceptance and $1000 second payment for term programs)

    2. Enter a picture of your passport identification page on your ISP online application

    3. Enter a picture of your COVID-19 vaccination card on your ISP online application (include the most updated vaccination date, if you do not have your second shot or booster yet upload an updated picture when this is complete)

    Backpack pickup is at 101 HRCB Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Closed Tues. & Thurs. 11:00-Noon.
  • The BYU International Security Office ((801) 422-5357 | international_security@byu.edu) can answer questions regarding GeoBlue insurance coverage, availability of medical care for non-routine medical treatments, legality and availability of prescribed medications, etc.

Withdrawing From A Program

  • Once you have been accepted to an international study program, if you choose not to participate, you can withdraw from the program. Please note, the application fee is non-refundable (unless the program is canceled by ISP) as is the $500 (term) or $1000 (semester) deposit you pay when you are accepted to a program. If you withdraw from a program, you will be charged additional fees in accordance with the ISP cancellation policy found on the ISP cancellation page.
  • Please visit the ISP Cancellations page for more information and directions on how to submit an appeal.
  • Your application is specific to the program you applied for. In order to change to a different program that takes place during the same term or semester as your original program, you will need to cancel the application for your current program and reapply to the new program.

    Please note, there is no guarantee that you will be accepted to a new program nor that all of your fees and payments can be transferred. Please consult with your directors and ISP before proceeding.

Covid-19

  • Fall Semester 2021 was our first semester back abroad since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are currently planning on sending out programs during 2022. These plans are subject to change at any time based on the current Covid-19 situation and direction from the University.
  • Students must meet all country- and program-specific COVID and health requirements for travel.
  • If it becomes necessary for ISP to cancel a program, all program payments made to BYU ISP (including the $35 application fee) will be refunded to the student’s BYU financial account. ISP is the only office authorized to cancel any of its programs.
  • Faculty and students participating on an ISP program will be required to follow all national and local government protocols, travel and public/private restrictions, curfews, quarantine requirements, BYU COVID-19 policies and ISP program guidelines. This may include meeting pre-travel entry and exit testing and vaccination requirements, mandatory quarantines, wearing a mask in public (indoors and outdoors) and on public transportation, social distancing, limiting group/meeting sizes, abiding by local curfews and travel restrictions, and following through with CDC post-travel testing and quarantine/self-isolation guidelines.
  • Every effort will be made to provide an educational and fulfilling experience. However, due to the unprecedented and volatile situation created by the Covid-19 pandemic, students seeking to participate in a program during this time will need to be flexible and able to adapt to constantly changing circumstances and plans. If you have concerns, please contact your program director or ISP.
  • BYU’s international health insurance provider, GeoBlue, will cover medically-necessary prescribed diagnostic testing (from a doctor), contact testing, and medical facility admission testing for COVID-19. They will also cover doctor/physician consultation fees and medical costs eligible under BYU’s plan. If deemed medically appropriate for the illness/injury according to BYU’s plan provisions, GeoBlue will cover quarantine in a medical/hospital setting, and medical evacuation. As part of the GeoBlue Global Wellness Assistance Program, BYU students will have access to TeleMed services and mental health resources for emotional support. For more information, please visit the GeoBlue COVID-19 Updates site.

Contact Information

  • Reach out to ISP Student Services: (801) 422-3686 | isp@byu.edu | 101 HRCB
  • Reach out to the faculty director(s) of the program. They are the best resource for questions regarding itinerary, program-specific policies, and courses. Their contact information can be found towards the bottom of the program’s page.
  • ISP Scholarships: (801) 422-3686 | james_mayo@byu.edu
  • BYU Financial Aid Office: (801) 422-4104 | D-155 ASB
  • Kennedy Center Financial Accounts: (801) 422-6690 | kennedy_accounts@byu.edu
  • BYU International Security Office: (801) 422-5357 | international_security@byu.edu
  • Talk to BYU Travel: (801) 422-6293 | 280 HRCB