Compare direct entry and partner programs for studying abroad

Prospective undergraduate students planning to attend a U.S. university may want to consider incorporating study abroad as part of their college experience.

Students interested in participating in a semester or year of study abroad can choose between direct enrollment and affiliate program options.

According to online resource GoAbroad.com, direct enrollment means that students enroll directly at a university abroad and pay tuition fees directly to the school, while affiliate, or third-party provider, programs involve arranging student placements and other services for a fee.

“International students who earn a degree from a U.S. university have already had to adjust to an education system different from their home country and come away with academic and intercultural skills that help them adapt to a new environment, allowing them to succeed and thrive abroad,” says Susan Popko, vice president for international programs at Santa Clara University in California.

Here are four factors that international students should consider when deciding whether to enroll directly or use a partner program to study abroad.

Affiliate programs are structured and handle visa support, travel arrangements, local accommodation, etc. Direct enrolments are less structured and allow students to customise their experience abroad, including finding their own accommodation and exploring the culture and country independently.

“Students choose the program that best meets their academic needs,” says Katherine Sideri, former vice president of study abroad at Indiana University, “but we've found that students who are more independent-minded tend to choose direct-entry programs, while students who want more support tend to choose co-sponsored, partner programs.”

Different models provide structures that help students pursue different goals abroad.

“For example, if a student's goal is to study abroad with their peers, a direct entry program offers the most integrated experience, offering the student the opportunity to learn what life is like as a local student studying at a university,” Popko says.

Amy Rueter-McMillan, senior vice president of global marketing and strategic communications at nonprofit provider IES Abroad, said students may choose programs from study abroad providers like theirs because the school endorses them or because they don't feel comfortable enrolling directly at a college abroad on their own.

“Also, because many provider programs are specialized-focused, you may be interested in participating in a specific program abroad in writing, sustainability or health studies, for example, with field trips and cultural events that support that topic,” Luter-McMillan says.

Language requirements may vary by program and location.

“Direct entry programs tend to have more stringent language requirements and also require students to provide proof of language proficiency in various ways,” Luter-McMillan says.

Brad Sekulich, director of the Office of Overseas Education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, said language proficiency is a bit less of a concern than it used to be, as institutions around the world increasingly offer content courses in English.

“However, direct enrollment often means you have more opportunities to take courses in your major in the language of your host country, which may require more advanced language proficiency. Many partner programs offer customized curricula to develop your host country/region language and cultural skills while taking content courses in English,” Sekulić says.

“Students who are just beginning to learn a new language may prefer an English-based study abroad partner program, while students who are fluent in the host country's language may find direct enrollment more appealing because of the added challenge of improving their language skills while working through the program content,” says Patrick Moran, vice president of college admissions at the nonprofit Council on International Educational Exchange.

A key feature of the partnership program is that some or all of the courses will be offered exclusively to U.S. or international students, and therefore “may be taught in a more American style of continuous assessment and offer a very in-depth American-style curriculum,” Popko said.

When choosing affiliated or direct enrollment, students should be aware of the estimated costs.

According to Rueter-McMillan, these costs vary based on a variety of factors, including length of time abroad, location, university (in the U.S. or abroad) and housing options.

For affiliate programs, GoAbroad.com estimates that the average cost of a study abroad program worldwide is $14,295 per semester, although prices vary depending on the third-party provider and the type and amount of services provided. Direct enrollment is usually less expensive because students pay the school directly.

In some cases, students may be able to receive scholarships or other financial aid to help with the cost of studying abroad. Siedli says Indiana University has ample financial aid available, including scholarships for international students, “to help with costs whether you're in an affiliated or direct-entry program.”

The cost of the programs is published on the school's website so students can access that information before making a decision, Sideri said.

Experts recommend that students plan to meet with a study abroad advisor from their home school once they begin their study abroad. The advisor can help students explore their options and choose a program that meets their level of support and language learning needs, Sekulić says, “as well as any other academic goals they want to achieve through their study abroad.”

Prospective international students also need to plan when they will travel. Some schools, such as American University in Washington, D.C., have credit and GPA requirements for study abroad eligibility. For example, American University students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 for a semester or year-long study abroad program and be a sophomore in their second semester for either program, but some programs require students to be at least a junior and sometimes even higher, according to the university's website.

Requirements vary by university.

Whether they choose a partner school to study at or enroll directly, experts say prospective international students need to understand visa requirements early. Some universities, such as the University of San Diego in California, are offering visa workshops to help students prepare for studying abroad.

“International students should be aware that visa processing can take time and should plan early to meet deadlines,” Popko said, noting that visa procedures can change frequently.

International students studying abroad must maintain their F-1 visa status, and according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, they can lose their visa if they remain outside the U.S. for more than five months without participating in an approved study abroad program.

Visa requirements vary depending on the student's nationality and the country of destination. Usually, partner programs handle visa assistance, but students, especially those looking for direct enrollment, can discuss visa considerations with their school.

“Guidance regarding visas related to studying abroad is provided by your university's study abroad office,” Popko says.