Semester Study Abroad Options

International Student Exchange Program (ISEP)

Bridgewater proudly partners with ISEP, the International Student Exchange Program, which is a global exchange program that provides students with an immersive semester or full-academic year abroad experience. ISEP offers programs at over 300 institutions in over 40 different countries around the world.

Placement can be competitive depending on a student’s preferred site. The application deadline for ISEP Exchange programs is generally mid-August for Spring programs and mid-February for Fall and Academic Year programs.

Soka University, Japan

Soka University offers both a quiet, welcoming campus and also access to bustling Tokyo. Students can choose to focus entirely on Japanese language studies, or they can combine language studies with other courses taught in English.

• Language courses
• Elective Courses

Because of Japan’s Academic Calendar, this site is only offered for Spring or full-year placement only, and interested students should contact the Office of Study Abroad by February prior to when they would like to study abroad.

Bridgewater students can study off campus for a semester on many other non-Exchange programs. These are ideal for students who would like a specific choice in location and program.

Participants in Affiliated Programs are responsible for the cost of their selected program, which varies for each provider and site. Bridgewater institutional grants, scholarships and financial aid are not available for these programs. Generally, federal and state aid (including loans and Pell Grants), and outside scholarships can be transferred. Students will need to complete paperwork with the Office of Financial Aid, in addition to any financial aid disbursement forms required by the program provider.

For a semester abroad, students should budget for travel-related costs such as airfare, country visas, travel insurance, and meals and housing if not included in the program base price. Participating students can apply for support through the College’s Globalization Fund scholarship program to help with airfare and other expenses.

Programs include:

Affiliated Study Abroad Programs – students can explore a wide range of providers, but here are a few that BC students have studied abroad with recently:

• ISEP Direct programs: ISEP Direct offers a wide range of immersive programs, guaranteed placement at the university of choice and a thoughtfully customized experience.
• ISA: A high-touch provider with programs all over the world. In recent years, BC students have traveled to Spain and Morocco on ISA programs.
• Global Semesters: The Global Semesters program on the beautiful island of Cyprus has been popular with BC students for years. The University of Nicosia offers a wide variety of classes and modern accommodations.