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International Student and Scholar Services

Course Information

Non Degree-Seeking Students

Course registration for exchange students is a specialized process. Students will receive help from both the J-1 Exchange Coordinator in International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and an Academic Advisor in University College (U-College).

How to Get Started

  • See which courses are offered each semester. One of the best ways to do this is by looking up the course you are interested in through the Course Finder. Some courses are only offered in the fall or spring.
  • Speak with your advisor at home about which courses are appropriate for your level of study and experience.
    • Based on your Course Request Form, ISSS and U-College will then collaborate with academic advisors in departments across campus to approve your courses. The advisors will review your requests and transcripts from home to consider your prior academic experience and see whether seats are open in courses you have requested.
    • Exchange students will be registered for as many courses as possible before arrival and will work with staff during orientation week and the first week of classes to finalize schedules.

Choosing Courses

The higher the course number, the more background knowledge you will be expected to have and generally the more challenging the course will be. Here is what course numbers mean at Illinois State:

  • 100-level courses are intended for 1st- and 2nd-year students.
  • 200-level courses are for 2nd- and 3rd-year students.
  • 300-level courses are for 4th-year and some graduate students.
  • 400-level courses are for graduate students.

You may also wish to consider your level of English fluency and that you may need time to adjust to the American style of education in your first semester.

Many international students are surprised by the amount of reading and assignments due every week. International students are advised to take a courseload of 12 credit hours (or 9 for graduate students). Exchange students are also encouraged to make time for social and cultural activities as a part of the requirements of the J Visa program.

Degree-Seeking Students

Exchange students completing degrees at Illinois State University will be assigned an academic advisor in the specific department noted on the DS-2019 who will help students enroll in classes. This advisor will work with ISSS to arrange as much of your schedule as possible before your arrival on campus. After arriving on campus, you should meet with your departmental academic advisor to discuss your plan of study and course registration.

Transcript Updates

If your transcript from home has been updated since you applied to Illinois State University, please scan and email it to arwagon@IllinoisState.edu. Any new classes you have taken could increase your ability to enroll in specific courses at ISU.