Types of Opportunities

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Last Updated: Jul 28, 2026, 02:22 PM

Faculty Directed ProgramsGrenoble group photo by a river

Faculty Directed or Faculty Led Programs are short-term experiences typically in the Summer, but some are also over Spring Break or Winter Intersession.  Led by an SIU faculty member, imagine the world as your classroom while earning credits toward your degree!

  • Typically occur during winter, spring or summer breaks or summer term
  • Student pays tuition, fees and additional costs directly to SIU usually in installments
  • In some cases, programs are through a sponsor in which case additional payments will be made directly to them. This will be specified in the program brochure.
  • Students typically receive 3 credits for these short-term programs, but some include more if longer or combined with direct enrollment at a host institution
  • Students are welcome to apply to most faculty-led programs, even if sponsored by a college other than their own

View SIU Faculty Programs

SIU Study Abroad Partners

  • Exchanges

    Student in front of Notting Hill Bookstore, London
    • Students pay tuition to SIU at the same tuition rate they normally pay. No tuition paid abroad
    • For Standard exchange, students pay fees, room and board abroad. Housing abroad is location dependent and may be on-campus, off-campus, or even home-stays
    • For Full exchanges (ISEP & Kansai Gaidai), students pay an exchange charge in addition based on SIU fees, room and board and receive the same services from the host university.
    • Students stay enrolled at SIU while abroad
    • Most existing SIU tuition-based scholarships still apply 
    • Students receive SIU residential credit, not transfer credit, for all courses taken abroad
    • Deadlines listed on web brochure may be earlier than normal. Please review carefully
    • Fees to participate include $200 app/admin fee, plus SIU study abroad insurance when not included in the exchange

  • Direct Enroll

    SIU student at University Veritas, Costa Rica
    • SIU students enroll directly with carefully selected universities abroad
    • Most cost-effective semester option other than exchanges
    • Programs usually include host tuition, excursions, housing arrangements and on-site support
    • Housing options can range from on-campus dorms, private apartments or host families
    • Students pay the providers directly and receive transfer credit for courses taken abroad. 
    • Students pay for the SIU App/admin fee, one credit hour to maintain SIU residence status and SIU study abroad insurance 

    Our Current Direct Enroll Partners

    • LCI Veritas, Costa Rica
    • Limerick University, Ireland
    • Perrotis College, Greece
    • Salzburg College, Austria
    • Swansea University, Wales, UK

  • Providers

    AIFs group visit to French Archives, Cannes
    • "All inclusive" programs developed and run by SIU approved study abroad providers
    • Programs offer support services and typically excursions beyond those included in Exchanges or Direct Enroll
    • Study abroad, intern abroad or do a combination of both
    • Programs usually include visa assistance, excursions, health insurance, housing arrangements and on-site support
    • Housing options can range from on-campus dorms, private apartments or host families
    • Students pay the providers directly and receive transfer credit for courses taken abroad. 
    • Provider deadlines may be earlier! Check provider websites!
    • Fees to participate include $200 SIU App/admin fee, a provider application fee, one credit at SIU to maintain residence status and SIU study abroad insurance if not included by provider

  • Beyond Study Abroad

    SIU Eclipse Research Group
    • There are many opportunities to learn abroad beyond the classroom experience including internships, research or volunteer abroad options.
    • Many of our partners offer internship opportunities in a variety of fields. These may be for credit or non-credit. These are typically unpaid because of work visa requirements.
    • There are also research abroad opportunities including the EuroScholars program at prestigious European universities through WorldStrides, Perrotis College in Greece and Universidad Veritas in Costa Rica.
    • There are also research options like the School for Field Studies or DAAD RISE in Germany which are not affiliated with SIU, but we can make individual arrangements with them.
    • Research programs will typically offer courses on the local language, culture and history in addition to the research with a host faculty.
    • There are many organizations that offer non-credit volunteer opportunities abroad, including some of our partners which offer experiences beyond the classroom.