ASPIRE Exchanges

Arts + Sciences Programs for International Research and Education (ASPIRE): Student exchange programs

What’s an exchange program?

It’s a semester or year-long study abroad opportunity for College majors with the College’s partner universities (and their students come here too!)

Why would I choose ASPIRE Exchange?

It’s an immersive intercultural experience. You are enrolled directly in the host university overseas.
It’s not expensive. It costs about the same as attending IU Bloomington.
It allows you to make progress on your degree.

While knowing the language of the host country is obviously an advantage, students may take a full slate of English-taught classes at all partners except USFQ in Ecuador and Sorbonne University in France.

Meet our Peer Ambassadors

Applications

Applications for Fall 2023 and AY 2023-24 are open now with a due date of March 1.

Application Information

"Cultivating skills necessary for my professional goals – such as cross-cultural communication, global-mindedness, and empathy – without hindering my academic ones is one of the main reasons I was drawn to this program."

Ella, ASPIRE Exchange student to England

Questions? Write to collOIA@iu.edu to reach Pete Giordano or Carolyn Lantz, or request an appointment through SAS.

Applying for an Exchange

Please be sure to present a thoughtful application. Students apply for a specific partner university; you may apply for more than one but you will need to complete separate applications. You may also apply for another study abroad program through the Office of Overseas Study and if you are accepted for both, you can choose later.

Check out what is needed for an application.

Application information

You will find fact sheets and other information on our exchange programs below.

Some courses at our partner universities are already approved for equivalent IU courses. The College can review all courses a student takes abroad to determine how they would be articulated as IU courses. Course Equivalencies How-To Guide.

Explore our exchange programs

Ecuador

Universidad San Francisco de Quito

Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), one of the top universities in Ecuador, includes a main campus on the outskirts of Quito and a campus on the Galápagos Islands. Scholarships available for biology majors!

Learn more

England

University of Manchester

The University of Manchester is considered one of the top teaching and research universities in Europe. Located in a cosmopolitan city, it’s an ideal spot for experiencing cultural activities.

Learn more

France

Sorbonne University, Paris

Located in one of the world’s most exciting cities, Sorbonne University (SU) in Paris is an excellent option for students pursuing the sciences. Scholarships are available for science majors!

Learn more

Germany

University of Bayreuth

Find your ideal setting for an immersive experience in German language and culture in the German town of Bayreuth. UBT provides a wide range of disciplines and a comprehensive Institute of Germanic Languages and Literatures. (Spring semester only)

Learn more

Germany

University of Mannheim

Study at the best social science university in Germany on a campus centered around a palace! Students can take English-taught courses in Mannheim’s School of Social Sciences as well as courses of general interest elsewhere in the university. Students in psychology, sociology, or political science are eligible for this program.

Learn more

Russia

Higher School of Economics, Saint Petersburg

The Higher School of Economics in beautiful Saint Petersburg offers many areas of study including the social sciences, arts and humanities, or area studies.

This program is currently suspended.

Learn more

South Korea

Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul

Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), one of the oldest universities in the world, is still among the most well-respected. You can study a wide variety of disciplines on the university’s two campuses.

Learn more

Spain

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid

Enjoy a semester in Spain without being fluent in Spanish at the Universidad Carlos III in Madrid. While there, take part in all Spain’s exciting capital city has to offer.

Learn more

Sweden

Linköping University

Returning exchange students rave about their experience at Linköping University (LiU), a welcoming Scandinavian university with many innovative courses available in English.

Learn more

Taiwan

National Chengchi University, Taipei

National Chengchi University (NCCU) in Taipei is one of East Asia’s top schools, especially in the social sciences, with a well-developed program for students that includes Mandarin language classes.

Learn more

Not seeing the destination you want above? We are adding exchange partners. Tell us where you would like to go!

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*Ruby the cat portrays a sophomore studying history at Indiana University. He's thinking about studying abroad in Europe during his junior year.* (Credit: Cody Thompson)

Learn more about ASPIRE Exchanges

FAQs

Eligibility

Application information

More College study abroad programs

ASPIRE Semester: Italy

Short-Term study abroad

ASPIRE Exchanges