Affiliated Programs

UT Austin has agreements with several respected and comprehensive affiliate organizations that provide a wide variety of program options to give students a plethora of education abroad opportunities from which to choose.

The programs coordinated by affiliate providers cover hundreds of locations, span thousands of topics and include experiential learning opportunities such as service learning and internships. Some affiliate programs are quite competitive. Admissions decisions are typically confirmed within two weeks after the application deadline.

How to Pick An Affiliate Program Provider

To determine the best program for you, consider the type of academic experience you want (large program or small cohort), your housing options (homestay, apartment or dorm), and your budget. Programs that are more expensive often have built-in excursions. Ask questions in an Education Abroad Live Q&A session and browse Abroad 101 to read through peer reviews for programs you’re considering.

Affiliate Providers
AIFS API Arcadia CET
CIEE CYA DIS IAU
IES IFE IFSA RILA
SIT SRAS    

How to Find a Program

Visit the affiliate provider’s website for a full list and description of programs. For a quick programs overview, visit the Education Abroad program search portal.

Terms

Fall, Spring, Summer, or Year

Credit

Students maintain full-time enrollment at UT Austin; minimum of 12 hours during a fall or spring semester; 3 hours during a summer term. Find more information on credit and grades on the Study Abroad Credit page.

Cost

  • Affiliate program fees
  • $75 application fee
  • $600 affiliated studies fee
  • $19 per week for mandatory overseas insurance
  • Personal costs for transportation, housing, food and incidentals

Housing

Most programs offer the choice to reside with a host family or in an apartment or dorm.

Language of Instruction

Most courses are taught in English, however, many of these organizations specialize in language acquisition.

Funding

Most affiliates have special scholarship programs, including scholarships for diverse and first-generation college students. Browse the provider’s website for details. Additionally, there are scholarships for affiliated students via the Global Assist scholarship database. All students should apply for the International Education Fee Scholarship (IEFS).

Full-time enrolled students participating in Affiliated Studies programs will be able to draw on federal financial aid and some institutional scholarships, but will not be able to receive tuition-based scholarships/grants (e.g. Texas Grant, UT Tuition Grant, Be-On-Time Loan or Top 10% Scholarship). All of these funds require a student to maintain enrollment in a tuition-based registration category. Students in Affiliated Studies do not pay UT Tuition; they pay a $600 administrative fee to maintain enrollment.

Get Started

  1. Watch the required Explore - Education Abroad 101 session.
  2. Watch an optional Explore - Regional session to learn more about available programs in your regions of interest. Check the approved affiliate provider website and choose any in-person abroad programs in the portfolio.
  3. Attend an Education Abroad Live Q&A session with an education abroad program coordinator to ask questions. A different provider is invited each week - view the 2021 schedule to learn more.
  4. Use the Explore Education Abroad and Ready to Apply Affiliate checklists as self-guided resources.
  5. Watch the required Ready to Apply session before filling out UT online application and if you have questions, talk to your program coordinator in a Live Q&A virtual session.
  6. Attend a virtual information session hosted by the organization. See the affiliate's website for details. Learn about the application process on the How to Apply for Affiliated Programs page.

Direct Enrollment Programs

UT Austin has several partnerships with universities that facilitate direct enrollment. These “one-way” exchanges use the affiliated program model.

Important Note About Virtual Programs

At this time, UT Austin has not approved any virtual programs offered by affiliated program providers. Students wanting to participate in a virtual program may do so, but will follow the non-UT program process outlined on the bottom of the Semester Programs page. Credit is not guaranteed, and you will not be eligible for federal financial aid.