Info for Exchange Partner Staff
The information below is for staff at exchange partner institutions for use in promoting the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on your campus and assisting students in the application process.
Who You & Your Students Will Work With
When your students apply as an exchange student, they will work with Illinois Abroad and Global Exchange (IAGE), an academic college’s study abroad office, and International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). It is important to understand the difference between these offices. Click the boxes below to learn more.
Language of Instruction
English
Academic Calendars
For information about the Academic Calendar, including the exams and breaks, please visit the Office of the Registrar’s website. For recommended arrival times to campus and the new international student checklist, visit the International Student and Scholar Services website.
Dates & Deadlines
Please refer to the reciprocal exchange agreement between the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and your institution for the correct dates and deadlines.
U.S. Classroom Culture
The academic environment in the classroom at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign may be very different from the student’s home institution. In the United States, instructors often encourage active participation, emphasize group projects, communicate with students frequently, and foster an informal classroom setting.
Credit System
Coursework is counted in semester credit hours. In general, one credit hour represents a one-hour class period that requires at least two hours of individual study each week for one semester. Thus, a semester 3-credit hour course would meet for three hours a week and the student would be expected to perform at least six hours of homework, self-study, and/or research outside of class. A full semester course load is considered 12-18 credit hours.
Grading System
An explanation of the grading system can be found on the Office of the Registrar's website.
Application Requirements, Process, & Deadlines
Please refer to the Application Process page.
Selecting Courses
- Enroll in courses at a variety of levels. Students are discouraged from taking more than three courses at the 300-level or higher at one time.
- Diversify course selection. It is recommended that students do not take more than three courses in their major, especially in engineering and the sciences. To better facilitate advising, students should limit their courses to two to three academic departments.
- Ensure your student enrolls in the minimum number of courses needed to maintain their student status. A minimum of 12-18 credit hours per semester is required to maintain full-time student status. Review the Full Course of Study page on the ISSS website.
- Undergraduate and graduate courses have different permissions. Undergraduate students are limited to 100- to 400- levels courses; enrollment in 500-level courses or higher are by permission only, and permission may not be granted.
Course Registration
Students will receive information about course registration after acceptance. Initial registration begins in late May (for August entry) and late November (for January entry). Final registration is often not completed until students arrive on campus and meet with an academic advisor.
Visa & Immigration Matters
All visa and immigration matters will be processed through International Student and Scholar Services. Please refer to the Application Process page for introductory visa and immigration information.
Emergency Resources
If a student from your university is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, they should call 911 immediately. If the emergency is not life-threatening, they may contact the University of Illinois Police Department or the Office of the Dean of Students for resources and support.
