Definitions of Types of Programs

As a UNI student studying abroad, there are many types of programs from which you can choose in order to find the best fit for you. In general the program you choose will either be a UNI Exchange Program, Partnership Program, Iowa Regents' Program, Short-Term Program, Instructor-led Program, or Affiliate Program.

UNI Exchange Programs

The UNI Study Abroad Center has exchange programs with over 70 foreign institutions in a number of different countries. These programs allow UNI students to study at the various foreign institutions with which we have formal agreements, and in turn allow overseas students to study at UNI. Generally, UNI students take regular university courses with students from their host country. Some universities also offer a selection of courses geared for foreign students, which may be taught in English.

Students participating in UNI exchange programs earn regular in-residence UNI credit, just as if they were taking courses on campus at UNI. These transfer credits are pre-approved to satisfy graduation requirements toward major, minor, LAC, and/or elective courses. All grades earned for the courses undertaken are computed into the official UNI GPA, just as they would be for grades earned in courses taken on campus.

UNI exchange students pay their regular UNI tuition (in-state or out-of-state) just as if they were studying at UNI. In most cases students are responsible for paying for housing, food, transportation, and general costs of living in the host country, just as a student would pay for those same expenses while studying at UNI. A few programs offer discounted room/board, and/or a stipend. Some programs may also have a program fee.

Exchange semester program costs consist of UNI tuition/fees* ($3679 for in-state), $8075 for out-of-state), in-country costs* (housing, meals, personal expenses) of $5050, and airfare costs (from $1220 to $1570) depending on the program.

* Amounts are based on 2011-12 academic year costs. Students should consult with the Study Abroad Center for the most current fees.

For a list of exchange programs click here.

Partnerships & Iowa Regents’ Programs

In some cases UNI has an established relationship with a foreign institution that is not considered within the exchange programs. These partnership programs give UNI students more options in choosing the appropriate program. Some partnership programs are also considered Iowa Regents' programs. These programs are established by the three Iowa Regents' Universities (University of Northern Iowa, Iowa State University and University of Iowa) and participants within the program will most likely come from a mix of the three.

Though partnership and Iowa Regents' programs do utilize the same credit approval and transfer system as UNI exchange programs, students should know that tuition costs and fees* tend to be significantly higher than in-state UNI tuition, ranging from $4,000 to $8,250 for partnership programs and $7,975 to $11,340 for Regents' programs.  In-country costs* (housing, meals, personal expenses) tend to range from $4,780 to $7,480 for partnership programs and average about $8,950 for Regents' programs. Airfare costs* range from $1,220 to $1,770, depending on the program location.

* Amounts are based on 2011-12 academic year costs. Students should consult with the Study Abroad Center for the most current fees.

For a list of Partnership programs click here.

For a list of Iowa Regents' programs click here.

UNI Short-term Non-Instructor-led Programs

Short-term programs allow UNI students to study abroad for a shorter amount of time than a semester. This is ideal for students who are unable to be away from home or campus for a semester or longer. Generally, they tend to occur in the summer months, although some short-term programs happen during winter and spring break.

Students who study on short-term programs will go through a similar application process to those who study on longer-term programs. Oftentimes the short-term program takes place on a foreign university campus and lasts 4-12 weeks long. The tuition and fees that students pay on these programs is usually that of the foreign institution, and not that of UNI.

For a list of short-term programs click here.

UNI Short-Term Instructor-led Programs

A UNI instructor-led program is one that is sponsored by a UNI Study Abroad Center and led by a UNI faculty, adjunct faculty or staff member. Typically, the courses offered are designed by UNI faculty, adjunct faculty or staff and taken with fellow UNI students.

The type of credit earned may vary depending on the specific structure of the UNI instructor-led program selected. In general, however, students participating in Instructor-led programs earn in-residence UNI credit and grades, just as if they were taking courses on campus at UNI.

Students pay regular UNI tuition and fees for the instructor-led course(s) for which they have registered. In addition to regular UNI tuition and fees (from $725 to $1,800 depending on the number of credits taken), students pay a comprehensive program fee, called Foreign Travel, prior to departure which often includes the housing, in-country transportation, cultural activities, and group meals for the duration of the program.  Foreign Travel costs range from $700 to $2,300 depending on the program.  The final big expense that students should expect to pay is airfare, normally ranging from $650 to $1700, depending on program location.  Flight arrangements, as well as arrangements for housing, in-country transportation, cultural activities and group meals are made on your behalf by the Study Abroad Center, in collaboration with the Course Leader of each course.

* Amounts are based on 2011-12 academic year costs. Students should consult with the Study Abroad Center for the most current fees.

For a list of current Instructor-led Programs, click here.

Affiliate Programs

A program affiliated with UNI is run by a for-profit organization or program provider that has an official agreement with the UNI Study Abroad Center stating that its program or programs are approved for the automatic transfer of credit. Each affiliated program is different; all of them, however, are designed specifically for US students.

Students participating in these programs take many of their courses at the affiliate’s “institute” or “center” with other American students. Often students with advanced language skills, however, may take university courses at an associated university with students from the host country.

Most affiliates charge a comprehensive fee for participation, which typically includes tuition, housing, food, and possibly transportation. Oftentimes, the cost of such programs is more expensive than UNI exchange programs. Students should consult the specific affiliate’s program catalog for detailed cost information.