Skip to content
Grey gradient background

International Education

International Education

Mar 29
(Good Friday) - No Classes
Apr 8
(Special Holiday) - No Classes
May 27
(Memorial Day) - No Classes
Jun 19
(Juneteenth) -No Classes
Jul 4
(4th of July) - No Classes

Semester Long Programs

You can earn credits towards your degree of study without postponing graduation and develop skills necessary to succeed in a globalized society. Financial aid and scholarships are available to those who qualify.

Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg, Austria, where scenes representing the lakeside patio of the Von Trapp Villa were shot for the film The Sound of Music
Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg, Austria, where scenes representing the lakeside patio of the Von Trapp Villa were shot for the film The Sound of Music

In partnership with Salzburg College and the Illinois Consortium for International Studies and Programs (ICISP), JALC students can spend a semester abroad in the cultural city of Salzburg, Austria. The city is situated in the northern foothills of Alps and is famous as the birthplace of Mozart.

Program Overview

Salzburg College is a private Austrian college situated in a 16th century townhouse in central Old City. Classes at Salzburg College are taught in English by local European professors. At Salzburg College, students can study:

  • German Language
  • European Studies
  • Music, Art
  • Communication
  • Business
  • Outdoor Pursuits (hiking, biking, rafting & skiing)

The program integrates traditional classroom instruction with practical field experiences to enhance the student’s study abroad experience. Field experiences include excursions, guest lectures, immersion activities and interaction with local professionals. Field experiences for the semester program include:

  • A week of travel in Germany
  • Five days in Vienna
  • Other visits to historic and artistic sites in Germany and Austria.

Cultural events in Salzburg include concerts, plays, and exhibitions.

All students participating in a semester program are required to take German language. This program does require a departure orientation which is held at Heartland Community College in Bloomington, IL.

Program Dates

  • Fall semester: September – December
  • Spring semester: January – May

Program Application Deadline

  • Fall semester: May 1
  • Spring semester: October 1

Admission Requirements

This program is open to serious students who have a strong interest in immersing themselves in Austrian culture and history. Students need no previous study of German to apply to the program. All students are required to register for credit and participate in all classroom and program activities.

Applicants must meet the following minimum admission requirements:

  • 2.75 or higher GPA, based on 12 or more credits of college study
  • Two faculty recommendations
  • English Composition completed with a grade of B or better
  • Physician’s approval to travel

Academic Program

Students earn 15-18 semester hours in college credit in the semester program. Classes taken at Salzburg College are reflected on a student’s JALC transcript. Students are required to take the following courses:

  • Understanding Austria – 3 credit hours
  • A German course at the appropriate level – 4 credit hours

Students may then choose two or three additional courses, primarily from the humanities and social sciences.

Lodging and Meals

The cornerstone of the Austrian study abroad experience is living with local Austrian families and experiencing traditional Austrian life. Assignments to families will be based on personal interviews held during the week of coach travel in Germany that begins the program. Meals will be provided by the host family except for lunch, which can be purchased at the college.

Visa/Passport

A current passport and visa are required for students in the semester program. Upon acceptance into the program, students will be provided with directions on how apply for a visa.

Pre-departure orientation is typically held on a Saturday in Normal, IL at Heartland Community College. Attendance is required.

The program fee is $12,930 per semester, subject to change. Fees cover:

  • Tuition and related administrative cost at Salzburg College
  • Housing and meals in Salzburg, except during field trips and college break
  • Major field trips (two for the semester program)
  • Required cultural activities
  • HealthSelect Overseas Platinum insurance through HTH Woldrwide

Fees do not cover:

  • Airfare
  • Passport/Visa
  • Some meals during German and Vienna field trip
  • Personal expenses
  • Daily commuting expenses
  • Personal laundry fee
  • International Student ID card
  • Fees associated with certain courses
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, China
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an, China

In partnership with the Illinois Consortium for International Studies and Programs (ICISP) and the College of Lake County (CLC), JALC students can spend a semester abroad at Xi’an International University in Xi’an, China. This unique partnership enables students to immerse themselves in the culture of Xi’an, one of the oldest cities in China and home to the famous Terracotta Soldiers.

Program Overview

Xi’an is home to one of the four ancient capitals of China, and students in this program will experience the culture and rich history of China. Study at Xi’an International University provides an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in Chinese culture by attending courses, ranging from Chinese language to humanities, on a campus of 40,000 students. Students will live on-campus with other Chinese and American students attending the University.

This is a faculty-led program; a faculty member from an ICISP member institution will be on site in China to serve as a faculty liaison to students. This program is offered only in the fall semester. Students interested in studying in the spring or summer semester in China should consider programs offered in Chongqing.

Program Dates

August-December, annually.

Program Application Deadline

May 15

Admission Requirement

This program is open to serious students who have a strong interest in immersing themselves in Chinese culture and history. Students need no previously study of Chinese to apply to the program. All students are required to register for credit and participate in all classroom activities.

Applicants must meet the following minimum admission requirement:

  • 2.75 or higher GPA, based on 12 or more credits of college study
  • Two faculty recommendations
  • English Composition completed with a grade of B or better
  • Physician’s approval to travel

Academic Program

Students earn 12-13 semester hours in college credit in the semester program. All students earn JALC credit; classes taken at Xi’an International University are reflected as JALC classes on an JALC transcript. Courses are selected from an abbreviated list, though Xi’an International University reserves the right to cancel any course with fewer than five participants. Students are required to take the following courses:

  • History of Chinese Culture and Society
  • Chinese Literature and Art

Students may then choose two or three additional courses, primarily from the humanities and social science fields.

Lodging and Meals

Students will live in university dormitories with Chinese, American, and other international students. Rooms are double occupancy and each room has its own Western style bathroom and kitchenette. Students will have access to both traditional Chinese foods and Western cuisine. Xi’an International University does have a large cafeteria where students can obtain meals at very affordable prices. The cost of food, however, is NOT included in the price of this semester abroad program so as to allow students the flexibility to eat at locations of their own choosing.

Visa/Passport

A current passport and visa are required for students in the semester program. Upon acceptance into the program, students will be provided with directions on how apply for a visa.

Orientation

Pre-departure orientation will be held approximately one month prior to departure and will cover important information related to safety, security, insurance and program expectations. Attendance is required.

Program Fees

The program fee for Xi’an is estimated at $5,500. Price is subject to change based on airline fuel surcharges and/or currency exchange rates. The program fee includes:

  • Round-trip international airfare
  • Visa fee
  • In-country transportation
  • XAIU tuition and fees for 12-13 credit hours
  • Faculty liaison
  • ICISP fees
  • Lodging-double occupance (additonal cost for single occupancy)
  • Cultural field trips
  • Emergency medical and travel cancellation insurance

Additional expenses not included:

  • Cost of food (approximately $500-700)
  • Personal expenses (approximately $500-$1,000)
  • Passport
Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury Pilgrims
Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury Pilgrims

Study abroad in the land of Hemingway, Chaucer, and Shakespeare! Students interested in spending a semester in England can explore British history, culture and society at Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) and earn JALC credit. The Canterbury program is the longest standing program of the Illinois Consortium of International Studies and Programs (ICISP) and among the most popular destinations for JALC students studying abroad.

Program Overview

This semester-long program introduces students to British civilization and literature and provides cultural excursions to some of England’s most historic sites. Canterbury is located in the seat of Kent in Southeastern England, about 60 miles (98 kilometers) from central London. Canterbury is a historic English city and is home to Canterbury Cathedral and Marlowe Theater. Canterbury is also within proximity of regional transportation; many students spend weekends in London or surrounding towns exploring the English countryside. As part of the program costs, students will participate in several excursions and cultural trips to neighboring historical sites such as Stonehenge, Tower of London and Dover Castle. Cultural excursions vary by semester.

The Canterbury program is faculty-led; a faculty member from an ICISP institution will be on site during the entire semester to serve as a liaison between CCCU and JALC students for any concerns or issues that may arise. This program does require a pre-departure orientation which is held at Heartland Community College in Normal, IL.

Program Dates

  • Fall semester: September – December
  • Spring semester: January – April

Application Deadline

  • Fall semester: May 1
  • Spring semester: October 1

Admission Requirements

This program is open to serious students who have a strong interest in immersing themselves in British culture and history. All students are required to register for credit courses and participate in all classroom and program activities.

Applicants must meet the following minimum admission requirements:

  • 2.75 or higher cumulative GPA
  • Minimum of 12 semester hours of college-level coursework completed
  • Two faculty recommendations
  • English Composition (ENG 101) completed with a grade of B or better
  • Physician’s approval to travel

Academic Program

All students earn JALC credit; classes taken at CCCU are reflected as JALC courses on a transcript. Students will take four courses for a total of 12 semester credits. Students will enroll in two required courses:

  • Modern Britain
  • Survey of British Literature OR Survey of British History

In addition, students will choose two electives from an approved listing of courses, primarily composed of humanities and social science courses.

Lodging and Meals

Students will live with a local British family. The homestay experience is the cornerstone of the English program and provides students with wonderful opportunities to gain firsthand experience with British culture. The International Office at CCCU screens local families carefully to provide JALC students with a safe, secure introduction to everyday British life. Many of the families have hosted students for years and have become veteran guides to life in Canterbury.

Linens and breakfast will be provided for the student by the home-stay family. There will be kitchen access for the rest of the meals. There is also a cafeteria on campus from which the students are able to purchase food.

Most home-stays are within a 30-45 minute walk from campus. Some home-stays may be further away; in such instances, local public transportation is available.

Visa/Passport

Students are required to have a current passport to travel to England. Passports must be valid for a minimum of six months from the anticipated date of return. Students who need to apply for and acquire a U.S. passport should visit theDepartment of State website for instructions on applying for a passport. Allow a minimum of eight weeks for standard passport processing. Rush service is available for an additional fee; check with the Department of State for current rates.

Visas for U.S. citizens are not required if studying in England for less than six months. Further information will be provided at orientation.

Orientation

Pre-departure orientation is typically held on a Saturday in Normal, IL at Heartland Community College. Attendance is required.

Program Fees

The semester program fee is $8,970 USD. The program fee covers:

  • Instructional costs
  • Homestay
  • Breakfast provided daily
  • Course-related field trips
  • HealthSelect Overseas Platinum insurance through HTH Worldwide

Fees do not cover:

  • Airfare
  • Passport
  • Lunch and dinner
  • Books
  • Refundable library deposit (campus and town)
  • Personal expenses
Leighlinbridge Castle
Leighlinbridge Castle

In partnership with Illinois Consortium for International Studies and Programs (ICISP) and Elgin Community College, students can spend a semester abroad at Carlow College in Carlow, Ireland. The semester program is administered by Elgin Community College, but students will earn credit on an JALC transcript.

This unique partnership enables students to immerse themselves in the culture of Ireland and visit County Carlow. Carlow is only one and a half hours southwest of Dublin in the gentle rolling hills of some of Ireland’s most beautiful countryside. The academic program contains culture courses and well as electives in the humanities and social sciences.

Nicknamed the Emerald Isle for its lush green landscape, Ireland is an island in the North Atlantic which features coastal mountains, agricultural lowlands and numerous rolling hills, lakes and bogs. With a population of 54,000, Carlow is home to two colleges including Carlow College, known to locals as St. Patrick’s College.

Located 50 miles south of the thriving capital city of Dublin, Carlow is best described as a quintessential Irish country town. Affectionately referred to as “Carlow-Town” by the locals, Carlow serves the nearby rural areas of the Barrow Valley.

Program Overview

The Illinois Consortium for International Studies and Programs is proud to sponsor a semester-long study abroad program to Carlow College, in Carlow, Ireland. The program is available in the fall and spring semesters.

Students in this program will enroll as full-time students at Carlow College. The cornerstone of the program is The Irish Experience course which provides students with an introduction to the history, culture, and people of Ireland. This course includes field study for students and a forum for inquiry into the country they reside in for the academic term. Also available are both Irish history and literature courses. The remaining course options are similar to those students take at their home college. Attention has been paid to identifying courses that will help students fulfill general education requirements for their degree programs. Participating in a semester abroad need not delay a student’s graduation date.

A faculty member from an ICISP member institution will be on-site in Carlow to serve as a faculty liaison to students, the Carlow College faculty and administration, Elgin Community College, and ICISP. While this individual will be a support for students and other individuals, s/he will also provide service to Carlow College as a visiting professor or in another mutually agreed upon capacity.

Program Dates

  • Fall semester: September 11 – December 20
  • Spring semester: January 4 – May 9

Program Application Deadline

  • Fall semester: May 15
  • Spring semester: October 15


Admission Requirements

This program is open to serious students who have a strong interest in immersing themselves in Irish culture and history. All students are required to register for credit and participate in all classroom and program activities.

Applicants must meet the following minimum admission requirements:

  • 2.75 or higher cumulative GPA
  • Minimum 12 semester hours of college-level coursework completed
  • Two faculty recommendations
  • English Composition (ENG 101) completed with a grade of B or better
  • Physician’s approval to travel
  • Recommendation of the International Office

Academic Program

Students will take 12 transferable college credits.
Required courses:

  • The Irish Experience (3)
  • 3 elective courses (9)

This required class is structured of American students and provides a safe environment in which the students can learn about Ireland. Students will then choose four additional courses from an approved selection of classes primarily composed of humanities and social sciences fields.

Lodging and Meals

Housing is provided at Lennon House, a newly renovated residence hall on the college campus. Students will have a private bedroom and will share living space, kitchen, and bathroom with two or three other students. WiFi is available in the residence hall. Laundry facilities are available on the premises. The cost of housing is included in the program fee paid to Elgin Community College. Meals, however, are not included in the fee. A nice selection of grocery stores and eating establishments are located within walking distance.

Visa/Passport

A current passport and visa are required for students in the semester program. Upon acceptance into the program, students will be provided with directions on how apply for a visa.

Orientation

Participation in a pre-trip orientation is mandatory. The orientation will be approximately six weeks prior to departure. Details will be sent upon acceptance.

Program Fees

This program for the 2014-2015 academic year is estimated at $7,300. The program fee includes:

  • Instructional Costs at Carlow College
  • Course-related Field Trips
  • Housing
  • Linen Rental
  • Faculty Liaison
  • ICISP Cosponsored Program Fee
  • Orientation Materials
  • Mandatory Insurance

The program fee does not includes:

  • Transatlantic Transportation
  • Meals
  • Passport
  • Visa
  • Airport Transfer to/from Carlow
  • Personal expenses

The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Sea, better known as Seville Cathedral.
The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Sea, better known as Seville Cathedral.

In partnership with the International College of Seville (ICS) and the Illinois Consortium for International Education and Programs, JALC students can spend a  semester abroad in Seville, Spain. At the heart of the beautiful and rugged region of Andalucia, the city of Seville has a rich and diverse history.

Program Overview

The International College of Seville (ICS) is a private, independent center of education that promotes international education and cultural understanding. The school is located in the neighborhood of El Provenir near the Maria Luisa Park. The college contains a reference library, TV room, internet facilities, quiet study areas and spacious classrooms. The program offers students the chance for comprehensive cultural immersion in the life of the Spanish community, complete with a local home stay with a Spanish family, cultural excursions and field trips.

This is a faculty-led program. Students will study intensive Spanish language and culture, along with electives in the fields of humanities and social sciences. Students interested in studying abroad in Seville are encouraged to apply early to allow extra time for visa processing. This program requires a pre-departure orientation which is held at Heartland Community College in Bloomington, IL.

Program Dates

  • Fall semester: September – December
  • Spring semester: January – May

Program Deadlines

  • Fall semester: May 1
  • Spring semester: October 1

Admission Requirements

This program is open to serious students who have a strong interest in immersing themselves in Spanish culture and history. Students need no previous study of Spanish to apply to the program. However, students with advanced Spanish language abilities may be able to enroll in courses at the University of Seville. Each student is required to register for credit and participate in all classroom and program activities.

All students must meet the following minimum admission requirements:

  • 2.75 or higher GPA, based on 12 or more credits of college study
  • Two faculty recommendations
  • English Composition completed with a grade of B or better
  • Physician’s approval to travel

Academic Program

Students will attend classes at the International College of Seville and may earn 13-18 college credits per semester. Successful completion of required courses will be recorded as credit on your JALC transcript.

  • Spanish languages courses based on placement test (8 semester hours)
  • Spanish culture course: “Three Cultures: Jews, Muslims, & Christians in Spain” (3 semester hours)
  • Service learning course (1 semester hour)

In addition, participants will take one or two elective courses from an approved course listing.

Lodging and Meals

The cornerstone of the Spanish study abroad experience is living with local Spanish families and experiencing traditional Spanish life. Host families provide three meals per day and access to laundry facilities. There are generally one or two students per host family.

Students who do not wish to live with a host family may live in a privately owned student residence. The residencies are double share with three meals per day and access to laundry facilities.

Visa/Passport

A current passport and visa are required for students in the semester program. Visa applicants must first obtain a passport prior to applying for their visa. The visa application must be processed through the Spanish Consulate in whose jurisdiction (state) the applicant lives. Some Spanish Consulates now require up to four weeks to process visa applications.

Orientation

Pre-departure orientation is typically held on a Saturday in Normal, IL at Heartland Community College. Attendance is required.

Program Fees

The program fee is $10,080 a semester, subject to change.

Fees cover:

  • Instructional costs
  • Airport reception for designated flights
  • Housing with laundry and full meal plan
  • Health insurance – private clinics, medical specialists, house calls, 24-hr. support service
  • Free cell phone for duration of semester
  • Cultural visits & field trip excursions
  • Free Wi-Fi access
  • Tutorial assistance
  • On-site library & study areas
  • “Intercambio” program with Spanish students
  • ICISP fees
  • $100 refundable housing deposit

The fee does not cover:

  • Airfare
  • Passport/Visa
  • Personal expenses