Third-Party Provider Program Explanation

At present, Lyon College maintains memberships with two study abroad provider organizations that offer discounted program options to Lyon students: CONAHEC, the Consortium for North American Higher Education Collaboration, and ISEP, International Student Exchange Programs.

Another provider offering access to multiple study abroad sites is the Irish-American Scholars Program. Qualified applicants may receive access to courses and scholarship support for a semester at participating institutions in Northern Ireland, including Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, St. Mary’s University College, Stranmillis University College, and Belfast Metropolitan College.

Consortium for North American Higher Education Collaboration (CONAHEC)

CONAHEC offers reasonably priced, university-based semester exchange programs in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Its website includes a searchable database that allows students to explore programs by major and location.

Application deadlines are typically in September or October for spring programs and in February for the following fall. Lyon may nominate up to two students to a single institution and up to eight students total during each nomination period.

Most CONAHEC opportunities are semester-long rather than summer programs. If you find a program that interests you and need more information, contact the Director of International Education in Lyon 218, at Ext. 7229, or by email at international@lyon.edu.

International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP)

International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP) is another study abroad organization of which Lyon College is a member. ISEP provides access to institutions in more than 30 countries across six continents and offers semester, year-long, and summer programs, as well as volunteer and internship opportunities abroad.

Because ISEP Direct is not a tuition exchange program, students are responsible for the tuition charged by the host institution. As a result, summer programs may sometimes be among the more affordable ISEP options.

Most of the information you will need about ISEP Direct, the program type covered by Lyon College’s membership, can be found here.

Application Requirements

Applicants for third-party programs must have at least a 3.00 GPA, apply no later than the second semester of their junior year, complete a study abroad application packet, including a recommendation form from their academic advisor, and meet the application requirements of their chosen overseas institution.

Students begin the application process by obtaining and submitting their application materials to the Director of International Education. Qualified applicants are then nominated to the receiving institution, which makes the final admission decision.

Once accepted into an eligible program, qualified students may receive up to $3,000 in Nichols Scholarship funding for a semester- or year-long program and up to $2,000 for a program lasting at least one month.

Irish American Scholars Program

Student Opportunity for a Tuition-Free Semester of Study in Northern Ireland
Who May Apply

Current sophomore and junior students at U.S. colleges that participate in Study USA, formerly known as the Business Education Initiative (BEI), may apply.

Institutions that have agreed to host a Study USA student during the current academic year may also submit student applications for the Irish-American Scholars Program, even if there is no Study USA student currently on campus.

Students may not attend a university in Northern Ireland during their final semester of study. To obtain a visa, students must be able to show that they are required to return to the United States to complete their degree. Because of this requirement, juniors may apply only for the fall semester.

Freshmen are generally not eligible to apply because they have not yet completed enough coursework in their major field of study.

Student Comments

“Studying in Northern Ireland was amazing. I learned to be more independent and resourceful in addition to improving my communications skills.”
– Mathew Kirkpatrick, Exchange Student at Ulster University Fall 2017

“Personally, I found the academic system in N. Ireland too focused on finals… The international student presence enlarged my cultural knowledge and enriched my experience. The prevalence of sports clubs on campus provided me with the beginnings of what is hopefully a life-long interest in practicing martial arts.”
– Kacey Johns, Lyon Exchange Student at Ulster University, Fall 2004

“I say that every student who has the opportunity to go study abroad (should) try and do it. It’s an amazing experience and it looks very good on your resume. There is no excuse for someone not to go study abroad. Going to Belfast is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I made many friends, and had a lot of new experiences that I could never have had in the States. I will never regret making this decision.”
– Payton Ouber, Lyon Exchange Student at Queens University, Spring 2013

You can find more information about participating universities and colleges in Northern Ireland, the application process, and the cost of living for students at the links below:

Irish-American Scholars Details – More detailed information about the Irish-American Scholars Program.

Video of Queen's University Belfast

Video of Ulster University in Northern Ireland

International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP)

With ISEP, you can study at the Universidad del País Vasco (University of the Basque Country).

The Universidad del País Vasco, or University of the Basque Country, is a public university located along the Atlantic coast of northern Spain. Its main website and Visiting Student Handbook provide additional information for international students.

The university has three main campuses: Álava in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Biscay in the Bilbao area, and Gipuzkoa in Donostia-San Sebastián.

Álava, sometimes spelled Araba, is the university’s smallest campus and includes seven faculties and schools located near the center of Vitoria-Gasteiz. The city is the administrative capital of the Basque Country and has a population of more than 230,000.

Vitoria-Gasteiz is known for its extensive green spaces and commitment to sustainability and has previously been recognized as a European Green Capital. Its historic district includes the Cathedral of Santa María, and the city is also home to a modern art museum. The surrounding region offers archaeological sites, woodlands, parks, hiking trails, mountain biking, water sports, and paragliding opportunities.

Students traveling to Vitoria-Gasteiz typically fly into Bilbao Airport and continue to the city by ground transportation.

Fact Sheet

For estimates of living expenses, application requirements, and visa information, see the university’s Partner Fact Sheet.

Student Comments

“I loved the experience… I am glad I did the exchange. I find myself more mature and happier… (as a result).”
– Jose Poblete, Exchange student Spring 2018, Biscay Campus

“Traveling made me want to keep knowing new places and to have a positive impact on the world with the skills I was given.”
– Omar Fabila, Exchange student Spring 2018, Biscay Campus

Omar Fabila also commented on the lack of personal attention to students at a large public university, particularly on the Biscay campus, the lecture-centered teaching style used by some instructors, and the importance of arranging housing in advance.

You can find more information about the University of the Basque Country, visa requirements, and student life at the university at the links below:

Universidad del País Vasco Details

Video of College Students Talk About Studying Abroad in Bilbao, Spain

Video of My Study Abroad Experience in Bilbao, Spain

Video of UPV/EHU: Our University, Your University