These programs are typically short and range from several weeks to one quarter or semester. The majority of participants are U.S. students, but they may not always be from the same institution. Students from the sponsoring institution usually earn resident credit. Exchange programs are formed when a U.S. institution enters into a written agreement with an institution in another country to exchange an equivalent number of students. The terms and conditions of each exchange program vary according to the agreement and often only allow students from the participating institutions to enroll.
Many exchange programs require participants to remain abroad for a full academic year.
These programs generally offer a high degree of immersion into the culture of the host institution and country and require intermediate to advanced levels of knowledge of the host country's language. The name of the college, university or consortium sponsoring the program. The name of the college, university or institution of the host country that is affiliated with the program. The host may provide facilities, faculty and other support. The minimum grade point average required of this program, which is sometimes negotiable.