A. Definition of an IEPA
An IEPA is broadly defined as an independent study abroad experience developed by a student in conjunction with a faculty member, approved by an academic department and the ICIC, during which the student will be enrolled full- or part-time at Elon. Elon credit will be granted at the end of the program. IEPAs are generally academic internships, independent research, or an Elon independent study abroad. Students planning to do an IEPA must meet with an Isabella Cannon International Centre (ICIC) advisor to have the location abroad approved. Approval will not be given to locations where there are U.S. State Department Travel Warnings in effect.
B. Academic Credit
Speak with your Academic Advisor about the most appropriate type of independent international experience for you. This may be an internship, independent research, or independent study. Discuss with your Academic Advisor who an appropriate faculty mentor would be for your IEPA.
Once a faculty mentor is established, meet with the faculty mentor to discuss the goals, objectives, and requirements (including the number of contact hours, assignments, readings, etc.) of the IEPA.
C. Elon and Non-Elon Financial Aid/Loans
During an IEPA, students could still be eligible to receive all federal and Elon financial aid and loans, provided that they still meet the requirements of each particular award. For summer study, a separate financial aid application is required and applications are available through the office of Financial Planning.
On an IEPA, you are eligible to apply for an ICIC need-based scholarship. If you are planning on doing a 499 Independent Research Course, you may qualify for an ICIC research-based scholarship. Please visit the ICIC website at www.elon.edu/studyabroad for information on the deadlines for these applications.
D. Experiential Learning Requirement
An IEPA will fulfill your Experiential Learning Requirement (ELR).
E. International Accident and Health Insurance
All Elon students studying abroad and receiving Elon academic credit are required to purchase international accident and health insurance through the ICIC. The insurance coverage is provided by HTH Worldwide Insurance Company at a reasonable cost and varies based on the length of stay. For the exact cost, please contact the ICIC. Coverage will be from the date of departure through the date of return and the charges will be added to your student account. Once enrolled, you will receive an email from HTH Worldwide enrollment division with verification of enrollment, an insurance card, and instructions on how to register online, where there is an extensive list of medical providers world-wide and a wealth of other information by location. A 24-hour emergency assistance hotline is also included in the policy. An HTH brochure is included with this packet and comprehensive policy information is available on the ICIC website.
A. Follow the appropriate process for independent study, research or internship approval of the academic department in which you will be seeking credit.
B. Meet with an ICIC advisor for location approval and complete all necessary IEPA paperwork through the ICIC.
C. Register and pay for the appropriate number of Elon credit hours.
D. Become familiar with Elon’s study abroad insurance coverage and know what to do in case of a medical emergency or if emergency assistance is needed.
A. Before you leave for your IEPA
• Complete all of the IEPA required forms (see below) and submit them to the ICIC no later than one month prior to departure.
• Submit the following documents to the ICIC with your IEPA required forms:
1) Passport Copy
2) Copy of Course Registration Form (for internship, research, or independent study), signed by all the appropriate parties.
3) Travel Dates and Calendar
4) Flight itinerary
5) Contact Information Abroad
• Contact Residence Life if you will require housing upon your return to Elon.
• Discuss your plans with the Financial Planning Office.
• Make sure you have important contact information for people and offices on campus that you might need while abroad – advisor, residence life, registrar, etc.
• Communicate with your faculty mentor and the ICIC prior to your departure to ensure that all your necessary paperwork has been received.
B. While Abroad
1) Keep documentation related to your IEPA: notes, hours, research, etc. Bring it all back to Elon to document your experience.
2) Stay in contact with your faculty mentor and academic advisor.
3) LEARN and have a wonderful term abroad!
C. When You Return
1) Complete any final projects or papers stipulated in your academic course proposal.
Note: Should your plans change and /or if you cancel your study abroad experience, you must notify the ICIC in writing.
Below are some resources created by students who have participated in IEPAs for students considering pursuing an IEPA.
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