FAQ

Spring and Summer 2021 International Study Programs have been cancelled due to the global pandemic. We are currently planning on sending out programs during Fall semester 2021. These plans are subject to change at any time based on the current Covid-19 situation and direction from the University.

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.

Visit https://kennedy.byu.edu/isp/program-types/ to learn about the different program types offered by ISP.

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 would like to talk with somebody about finding the right program, please join our virtual information sessions (details on Find Your Program) on Tuesdays from 1:00-2:00 pm and on Thursdays from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm.
  • 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.

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 Fund Your Program 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.

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.

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.

Once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes or edits so please ensure all of your information is accurate before submitting. If you discover something important (email address, emergency contact information, etc.) is incorrect after you submit your application, please contact ISP (isp@byu.edu) for assistance.

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.

Your program director will let you know which preparation course to sign up for.

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.

As you make your final travel preparations, please take time to follow the steps listed below and review the associated information on the TravelSmartTM link at http://travelsmart.byu.edu for detailed security and health information. This information may help you reduce and manage security and health risks, as well as make you aware of what to do and who to contact for help in the event of an emergency crisis.

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.

Return to your ISP application (found at isp.byu.edu or kennedy.byu.edu/apply) and complete the following steps:

1. Agree to the “Acceptance” & “Conditions of Participation” forms.
2. Enter your Passport information and upload a photo of the information page of your passport (jpeg or png files only).
3. Pay all program fees, including tuition
4. Register for study abroad classes. If you have any questions about registration, please contact Angelique Powell (angelique_powell@byu.edu).
5. Purchase airfare through the BYU travel office (280 HRCB | (801) 422-6293 | travel@byu.edu).
6. Enter your travel information into ITMS, itms.byu.edu.

Once you have completed the above steps, come to 101 HRCB to pick up your ISP backpack.

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..

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.

If you have been officially accepted to an international study program and decide to cancel, you must give formal notification by cancelling your application online (even if program payments have not been made). No other method of cancellation will be accepted.

To cancel, go to isp.byu.edu and log in with your BYU Net ID and password. Under “My Applications”, choose the application you wish to cancel and click on the blue “Cancel” button in the bottom right-hand corner. Please explain your reason for canceling, check the box to confirm, and click the green “Confirm” button. When we receive your web cancellation, you are then officially cancelled from a program, and any resulting fees will be assessed.

Please visit the ISP Appeals 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.

Reach out to ISP Student Services: (801) 422-3686 | isp@byu.edu | 101 HRCB

Or attend one of our weekly virtual information sessions over Zoom on Tuesdays from 1:00-2:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Click here to join.

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