Study Away
The Illinois Tech Student Mobility Office administers several types of study away programs in cities around the United States and countries all over the world. These program types are further explained below. Programs are available year-round, including during the academic year, fall and spring semesters, summer, and winter and spring breaks. You can expand upon a current course of study, focus on learning a foreign language, fulfill major course requirements or experiment with various elective requirements.
Program Types
Why is the program type important?
The program type determines how your financial aid and classes will work! You can learn more here.
Faculty-led Programs
Faculty-led programs are created and led by our own esteemed Illinois Tech faculty! This means that these programs are specifically designed for what IIT students need and on top of that, programs are very hands-on and interactive. Students pay tuition to IIT and financial aid works as if they are still on campus. Credit is IIT credit, not transfer credit, and it will count towards students’ GPA. These programs include international and domestic opportunities!
Exchange Programs
Exchange programs work on the principle of a one-for-one exchange of students, with a balance of students being maintained on a rolling basis. You pay IIT tuition for the term you are abroad, in order to take courses at a foreign institution alongside students from the host country. Your institutional and federal aid will still apply. Proficiency in the host language may be required, though there are many universities around the world in which the language of instruction is English. Courses must be approved ahead of time to fulfill Illinois Tech requirements. Courses will act as transfer credit.
Partner Programs
Partner programs are similar to exchange programs in that you take courses at the host institution with whom we have a relationship; however, you pay tuition directly to the school and only federal aid may apply. Courses must be approved ahead of time to fulfill Illinois Tech requirements. Courses will act as transfer credit.
Provider Programs
Provider programs are conducted either in foreign institutions or a special program center. You pay one fee to a program provider, and it often includes tuition, housing, insurance, and some field trips. Federal aid may apply and many providers offer scholarship competitions. Courses must be approved ahead of time to fulfill Illinois Tech requirements. Courses will act as transfer credit.
Below you will find a list of profiles of Illinois Tech's approved Program Providers:
Academic Programs International (API)Provider OverviewAcademic Programs International (API) was founded in 1997 by four women (the Founding Mamas) dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable study abroad programs for U.S. students. Their diverse experiences abroad, first as students and later as professionals, shaped their philosophy on the value of international education as a means of promoting intellectual curiosity, cultural sensitivity and holistic personal development. API firmly believes that extensive pre-departure preparation, coupled with strong support services on-site, facilitates academic, cultural and linguistic learning. Within the supportive environment of the API programs, API participants are encouraged to explore their host communities and become increasingly independent and confident in their own abilities. API also believes that international educational experiences should be accessible to as many participants as possible, and in that vein, seeks to include as many components in the program price as possible for participants at a low cost. Types of Programs: Semester, Summer, & Internship Once you have started an application through API, register your study abroad program with Illinois Tech below. |
CEA Study AbroadProvider OverviewSince 1997, CEA has maintained one simple philosophy: To provide high-quality international academic programs and services. That means support at each step of your experience, from the moment you apply to the day you return home. Along the way you'll learn to communicate across cultures. You'll earn credits while gaining valuable skills. And you'll discover more about yourself than you ever thought possible. Perks like on-site staff to show you the ropes, cultural engagement activities, and 24/7 health and wellness support enhance your life abroad, while internships, service learning, and volunteer opportunities help build your career readiness. You can even keep that study abroad experience alive after your program ends by becoming a CEA Alumni Ambassador and sharing the benefits of international education on your own campus! Types of Programs: Semester, Summer, & Internship Once you have started an application through CEA, register your study abroad program with Illinois Tech below. |
CIS AbroadProvider OverviewOur study abroad programs offer exceptional support, incredible activities and accredited courses. Our host institutions range from large, English-speaking universities to small study centers focused on language and culture. We send students to over 20 countries! Types of Programs: Semester, Summer, & Internship Once you have started an application through CIS Abroad, register your study abroad program with Illinois Tech below. |
KEI AbroadProvider OverviewKEI was founded on the belief that education abroad should be attainable for all students regardless of their academic focus, professional interests, foreign language proficiency and financial means. Our core values of cultural understanding, global participation and access to education are integral to all KEI programs. Types of Programs: Semester, Summer, & Internship Once you have started an application through KEI Abroad, register your study abroad program with Illinois Tech below. |
The Education Abroad Network (TEAN)Provider OverviewThe Education Abroad Network (TEAN) is a full-service international education provider specializing in immersive study and internship programs throughout Asia Pacific that provide unforgettable experiences and unbeatable value. We offer students meaningful journeys abroad that not only meet high academic standards, but are culturally engaging, tailored to individual students’ interests and, of course, full of adventure! We also think of everything. With more than 20 years of welcoming students to Asia Pacific and a dedicated on-the-ground staff, we’re experts at what we do and have strong partnerships with more than 30 leading universities throughout the region. TEAN completely manages students’ experiences from beginning to end – while still fully encouraging students to explore and grow both independently and as a group. Types of Programs: Semester, Summer, & Internship Once you have started an application through TEAN, register your study abroad program with Illinois Tech below. |