Download the IEP Customized Program Inquiry Form.

• What are the program objectives?
• What country or countries (multi-country) would you like to take students to?
• Will the program include credits issued from your institution? If so, how many?
• How many weeks will the program be?
• When will the program take place?
• What is the maximum number of students you would like to take?
• Will there be any pre-requisites for students to participate on this program?
• Do you want the program to include excursions? If so, how many and where?
• Do you want language courses to be offered?
• Do you have a target program cost in mind?
• What type of housing will best suit your program?
• What are your initial concerns?

The following items are included in each IEP customized program, unless otherwise noted or requested.

On-Site Staff

In addition to utilizing the in-country staff and support networks at a particular program location, an IEP staff member will accompany the staff or faculty member(s) from your university to provide support and assistance for the duration of the program.

Pre-Departure & On-Site Orientation/Materials

IEP will conduct a pre-departure orientation session on your campus to review the program and itinerary, culture shock, health and safety issues, travel advice, and answer questions. Each participant will receive a comprehensive pre-departure packet with emergency contact numbers, country information, housing, and the information discussed in the orientations. Upon arrival, the group will also receive an on-site orientation to meet in-country staff, review the geographic location, cultural norms, and all other relevant program information.

Roundtrip Airfare

Group flights are arranged from the airport of choice. Deviations are allowed on an individual basis and for an additional fee.

Housing

Your university selects the housing option best suited to your students based on program objectives, comfort, price range, and availability. Student accommodation is typically arranged in hotels, dormitories, or homestays. Faculty and staff are typically housed in an apartment or single accommodation hotel room. Non-traditional accommodation, such as a cruise ship, monastery, or campground for example, may be arranged upon request and as available.

Ground Transportation

All program-related ground transportation will be pre-arranged by IEP before arrival. IEP takes the group size into consideration when booking ground transportation by coach bus, trains, cruises & ferries, or otherwise.

Classroom/Facility Space

IEP will arrange classroom/facility space, Internet access, equipment rental, and other amenities as requested and available.

Excursions

Tours and program-related excursions are frequently cited as the highlight of a program. Staff and faculty may request particular excursion sites or simply suggest particular dates or times for IEP to schedule a cultural, historical, or tour-based excursion. Entrance fees, special accommodation arrangements, and transportation to and from the excursions are pre-arranged.

Travel Insurance

Each participant will receive travel insurance and be issued proof of insurance prior to departure. Travel insurance provides coverage for baggage delays, passport replacement, and 24/7 travel assistance worldwide.

On-Campus Marketing Materials

IEP will create a promotional flyer and/or information packet for you to print and distribute in your office and on bulletin boards around campus.

Additional Inclusions

Additional inclusions may be added to the customized program itinerary. In the past, some universities choose to include tuition, a welcome or farewell dinner, additional meals, guest speakers, language training, and on-site cultural events as a part of the planned program itinerary. Inform your IEP representative of your particular requests.

Not Included in an IEP Customized Program

IEP and Jacksonville University does not issue credit for a customized program unless otherwise agreed upon. All passport/visa, medical insurance, and personal spending expenses are the sole responsibility of the participant.

Program Cost

The program cost for all IEP customized programs, unless otherwise noted, includes the roundtrip airfare from city of choice, housing, ground transportation, classroom/facility space, excursions, travel insurance, on-site staff, pre-departure and in-country orientation and materials, and on-campus marketing materials as requested. Other inclusions such as tuition, meals, and language training may be incorporated into the cost of your customized program. The program cost is determined by the country location and exchange rate, travel and housing expenses, excursions, minimum number of participants, and other logistical inclusions.

Financial Aid

IEP accepts all federal, state and private grants, loans and scholarships when applicable. All participants wishing to use financial aid must first receive approval from your home institution’s financial aid office, by completing the IEP Financial Aid Verification Form, which can be obtained upon request. Should your office or department choose to grant financial aid for participants, the terms and conditions under which the aid will be granted and disbursed will be agreed upon in writing in the contract signed by IEP and your institution.

Program Payments

Some institutions feel that it is best to collect student payments internally and issue IEP a program payment check or wire from their university office or department. Other institutions do not have the ability or desire to handle program payments and prefer that IEP accept individual program payments from the participating students. IEP will discuss the program payment options and process with you prior to the implementation phase of the customized program process. IEP will also work with individuals or your office to set up an interest-free payment plan.

Faculty/Staff Benefits

All faculty and staff members receive complimentary airfare, transportation, accommodation, and program-related meals on an IEP customized program. Your office or institution determines the minimum number of students that must participate on the program in order for the program to run. Based on this number, IEP will determine how many students are needed in order for one faculty member to receive full benefits. For example, for every 8 participating students, 1 staff or faculty member receives the full benefits. If 12 students participate, then 1 faculty or staff member receives full benefits and the second staff or faculty member receives partial benefits. If your office or department prefers to handle faculty and staff benefits internally, IEP can certainly customize the benefits package to suit the requirements or needs of your department.

Please click here to view where IEP currently offers customized programs. IEP will make recommendations about locations according to the needs of your particular course or program. Customized programs may be available in additional locations. Contact an IEP representative about your desired program location.

What makes IEP unique in terms of customized programs?

IEP offers many unique site locations and is flexible in all areas when working together with a college or university to plan a customized program. Past IEP university partners have commented on the close, professional, and prompt working relationship that IEP develops with the office and staff during the planning, implementation, and follow-up phase of the program. Additionally, IEP arranges all faculty-led programs for Jacksonville University and has a unique understanding of what faculty members need and want in an international program. IEP has customized programs for professors from highly specialized academic areas, such as nursing, marine biology, and journalism and media.

What types of universities has IEP worked with in the past and what programs did IEP customize for them?

IEP has worked with both state and private colleges and universities from across the United States. Below are the most recent examples of customized IEP programs: “The Cultural & Spiritual Heritage of Greece” in Greece, University of South Carolina “Nursing” in London, England, Tarleton State University Alternative Spring Break at the School for the Blind & Deaf, in the Dominican Republic, Old Dominion University Alternative Spring Break at Domingo Boca Orphanage, in Ecuador, Keane State University “Interactive Media & Communications” in England and Germany, Jacksonville University

How far in advance can IEP customize a program?

The ideal planning cycle for a customized program is 12 months in advance. Typically, universities begin the customization process during the summertime to plan for the upcoming fall, spring, and summer overseas programs. It is certainly possible in some circumstances to customize a program 7-10 months in advance, however, this must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. It is essential that student recruitment begin as soon as possible.

Do you customize programs for large groups?

Absolutely. IEP takes the number of participants into consideration before making logistical decisions, for both large and small groups. Large groups present different challenges and require additional planning, so it is important to contact IEP at least 10-12 months in advance to begin planning a program for a large group. In the past, IEP has customized programs for 50 students or more on a single program.

Do you customize programs for J-Term, May-Term, Winter Break, and Spring break?

Yes. IEP can customize a program at any time throughout the year. Alternative Spring Break programs have especially become increasingly popular in recent years. Certain times of the year may provide unique challenges in a particular location due to national holidays and the closures of businesses, schools, and even transportation systems. These factors are taken into careful consideration during the planning process.

If I set up a meeting or begin the planning process, am I obligated to IEP in any way financially?

No. IEP develops programs and meets with interested staff and faculty members without any financial obligation whatsoever. It is only after a contract has been signed and approved by both parties and a program payment or deposit deadline has been reached that IEP will receive any financial compensation for the planning of the program.

Are guests or family members allowed to accompany a staff or faculty member?

If a staff or faculty member wishes to have a guest or family member(s) accompany them, they must first check with the policies of their home institution. If permitted, IEP will make the appropriate housing and travel arrangements in the event that payment for the extra costs are submitted to IEP. Staff and faculty members should also consider whether the participation of their guest or family member on excursions and activities is in the best interest of the group.

I do not see my question listed here. Who do I contact?

Please feel free to contact us any time by visiting our contact page and sending an email or calling our office at Jacksonville University.

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