Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the application deadlines for the programs?

2. Do I need to have a certain major and/or are there prerequisites?

3. Will I be able to get credit for my major?

4. What is the academic structure like?

5. Will I be able to use my financial aid?

6. Is there financial aid available from IHP?

7. Can I receive graduate credit?

8. Can I do this program even if I am graduating this year?

9. Do I need to know a language?

10. Will I be able to get a sense of every country if I am only there for 4-8 weeks? 

11. What visas will I need and how do I apply for them?

12. What immunizations will I need to go overseas?

13. Will I need my laptop computer during the program? 

14. Will I have access to e-mail?

15. How much free time will I have?

16. How do I plan my vacation?

17. Can my parents visit me during the school year?




Questions with Answers:


1. What are the application deadlines for the programs?

For Fall and Full-Year Programs:

Early decision Deadline:            January 15

Final application Deadline:            March 15

For Spring Programs:

Early decision Deadline:            June 1

Final application Deadline:            October 1


2. Do I need to have a certain major and/or are there prerequisites?
You do not have to have a particular major to participate in IHP.  IHP does not have any course prerequisites.  Typically, IHP has students from a wide variety of majors (Art, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Philosophy, English, etc.).  It is important, however, that you have a demonstrated interest in the theme that you will be studying on the program.

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4. Will I be able to get credit for my major?
How your credits transfer depends upon your major and your college or university.  You should speak with your study abroad advisor or dean as well as your academic advisor to discuss how the IHP credits may transfer.  IHP also provides course syllabi for those professors who would like to review the content and assignments of each course.


5. What is the academic structure like?
Attending IHP is unlike attending college or university at home.  The structure involves daily back to back classes and scheduled activities that take a number of forms.  You will have lectures and engagements with a variety of individuals including your traveling faculty, in-country coordinators, and guest speakers from the host country.  Guest lectures and field visits also comprise a strong portion of your academic experience.  IHP assignments consist of a variety of written and oral exercises, readings, discussions, and field-based observation and data gathering.


6. Will I be able to use my financial aid?
Federal aid often can be transferred to assist with the cost of the IHP program.  Some colleges and universities will also transfer their institutional aid (Grants, Scholarships) to IHP.  To find out if your school transfers their aid, you should contact your study abroad office and your financial aid office.   You should also check to see if your school provides scholarships for students going on study abroad programs.  Some of these scholarships have early deadlines for which you will need to prepare far in advance.

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7. Is there financial aid available from IHP?
Students may apply for need and merit-based IHP grants. IHP awards are applied toward the program fee. Grants range from $100 to $8,000; dollar amounts vary depending on the student’s circumstances. Grants are typically around $2,000 and do not exceed $6,000 except in cases of extreme need. Students requiring financial aid are encouraged to apply by a program’s early decision deadline.  To apply, students must submit an IHP Grant application with supporting documentation. Applications are available from the IHP website. All IHP Grant application materials should be sent to IHP. The deadlines for IHP Grant applications and general admission are the same. Generally, grant application decisions will be mailed within one to four weeks of admissions notification. More information on applying for an IHP Grant can be found at www.ihp.edu/aid.


8. Can I receive graduate credit?
Students only receive undergraduate credit for IHP.  Whether and how the credits will transfer is subject to the policies of your home college or university.


9. Can I do this program even if I am graduating this year?
Yes, IHP has had post-bachelor students participate and students are not required to be currently enrolled as undergraduates.  The major concern for post-bachelor students may be financial.  Because you are not enrolled in a college or university, you may not be eligible to have financial aid from non-IHP sources.


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10. Do I need to know a language?
No, all of IHP’s lectures are conducted in English or through an interpreter.  Normally, at least one person in your host family will speak at least some English.  You will also be provided with “survival” language lists in each country. 


11. Will I be able to get a sense of every country if I am only there for 4-8 weeks? 
It is true that you are traveling extensively during much of the IHP program.  During IHP you are meeting with leaders from that country, exploring the country first-hand and living with a host family.  IHP provides opportunities that bring you to the core of each country and culture.  You will be amazed at the types of connections you develop to places and people, and the importance of these relationships developed in a relatively short period of time.


12. What visas will I need and how do I apply for them?
You are responsible for obtaining a passport and the appropriate visas.  You will need a valid passport to apply for visas. Prior to the start of the program, IHP will send a Student Handbook to accepted students.  The Handbook outlines the visa application process for the countries where one is needed.  Note that visa requirements are subject to change and you are responsible for understanding all requirements.


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13. What immunizations will I need to go overseas?
Immunization requirements vary by country, and some countries may require proof of immunization before entry or issuance of a visa.  It is REQUIRED that you consult your physician, with an IHP itinerary in hand, prior to departure.  Much of this information will be outlined in the IHP Student Handbook, mailed to accepted students prior to the start of the program.  For further information, contact a travel medicine specialist, the Travel Clinic Directory (http://www.travmed.com), or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/travel/) or call 877-FYI-TRIP.


14. Will I need my laptop computer during the program? 
You will not need to bring your computer with you nor does IHP encourage students to bring computers.  Computers place an additional burden on you for carrying equipment and may also create additional concerns and distractions.  Handwritten assignments are the norm during the program.


15. Will I have access to e-mail?
You should not expect to have regular access to e-mail.  There may be cyber cafes that you can seek out to use, but IHP neither provides nor guarantees access to e-mail.


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16. How much free time will I have?
Generally students will have one free afternoon per week for errands and banking.  You will also have two consecutive free days each week, generally Saturdays and Sundays.


17. How do I plan my vacation?
Students are fully responsible for organizing their own independent travel arrangements.  Students must advise the coordinator and the faculty about their plans for weekends and vacation, and must also keep their hosts advised of anticipated arrival and departure times. 


18. Can my parents visit me during the school year?
Parents or friends are welcome during vacation or free weekends.  When appropriate and convenient to faculty, coordinators or guest lecturers, they may sit in on a class.  It is IHP policy that students are not excused from IHP for these visits; unexcused absences may result in a lowering of the course grade.  Guests are not permitted in homestays or on field trips. 


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