Exchange Students

Why study at ESU?

East Stroudsburg University is a medium size university with a lot to offer to international students. Students at ESU thrive in a friendly environment with small and medium size classes. International students have the opportunity to work and interact directly with professors and become involved in campus activities and students organizations. As a residential university, you will be able to share and meet with friends and find plenty to do.

East Stroudsburg University is located in the city of East Stroudsburg, PA nestled in the Poconos Mountains, Northeast Pennsylvania. The Poconos is a long time favorite destination for vacationers and outdoor lovers. Both East Stroudsburg and Stroudsburg boroughs are college student friendly featuring several pubs and restaurants.

East Stroudsburg University is close to major cities. In about 90 minutes you can get to New York City and in less than two hours to Philadelphia. Other cities within one–hour drive are Scranton, Wilkes–Barres, and Allentown in Pennsylvania.

Getting to ESU is easy. ESU is right off Interstate 80 that connects East Stroudsburg with New York City (NYC). There is a regular bus service between NYC and East Stroudsburg via Martz Trailways. ESU is close to three international airports:

• Newark, NJ (EWR), (70 miles)
• Lehigh Valley Airport, PA (ABE), (37 miles)
• Wilkes–Barres Airport, PA (AVP), (52 miles)

If you are an international student seeking full admission, please visit our Admission's Office website.

Exchange students coming in Fall 2024

*Exchange students must be from a Global Partner of ESU.

Please read the information below carefully as it applies for all students who have been admitted to ESU on exchange:

Admissions: Please fill out the ESU admission application packet (this will be sent to you via regular mail and can be also be downloaded from the web). Once you have completed your application form, mail it along with an official transcript to the Office of International Programs and National Student Exchange. We will not be able to process your placement or register you for classes until we have received your application and transcripts.

eCard: A number of facilities (including library, cafeteria and recreational center) at ESU require the use of an eCard for access. The eCard is issued once you are at the University. During orientation session, we will take you to the eCard center, you will get your picture taken and obtain this important document.

Housing and Meals: Housing at ESU is limited and works on a first come, first served basis. In order to process your housing request, please be sure to fill out the housing form in the application packet and return it to the Office of International Programs at your earliest convenience. In addition, the university dining service offers different meals, each with a different value. Please choose one plan in the form enclosed in your exchange packet. This information does not apply to ISEP students.

Health Insurance: We require international and NSE students to be covered by medical and health insurance during their time at ESU. With the exemption of students coming through ISEP exchanges, all international students are required to purchase the ESU health insurance plan during the time of study at ESU. NSE students are required to show proof of insurance. A photocopy of both sides of your health insurance card is sufficient. If you are not covered under an insurance plan, you will be automatically enrolled in ESU health insurance at your cost. This information does not apply to ISEP students.

Grace Period: J-1 exchange visitors may remain the U.S. for 30 days following the expiration of Form DS-2019. Extremely important - you may not apply for a J-1 status related benefit during the 30 day grace period. During the 30 day grace period:

• You may not apply for admission to the U.S. in J-1 status.
• You may not apply for a program extension.
• You may not apply for employment authorization.
• You may not work or study.

Unless you make a non-frivolous application to change status for a start date before the end of the 30 day grace period, you must depart the U.S. before the end of the grace period. This information applies to J-1 visa holders only.

Student Health Center: ESU has a comprehensive Student Health Center (SHC), which is used mostly for primary and preventive care. In order to have access to this service, SHC Center requires a Medical History Report from all students. Without this document, SHC is unable to provide health care. Please find the form in this link. Visit with a Physician to fill it the form and send to the Office of International Programs.

Course Registration: Course registration is competitive at ESU. Some classes fill up quickly. Please fill out the course registration form in the application packet and return it to the Office of International Programs at your earliest convenience. We will try our hardest to get you in the courses you need. However, we cannot guarantee finding a place for you. Please consider alternative courses that will work for your academic progress at your home university.

Student Conduct: Please be mindful that while you are on exchange at ESU, you will be considered an ESU student with the same privileges and responsibilities as regular students. Please review the student handbook to learn about what is expected of you during your period of exchange.

Date of Arrival: All exchange students are expected to arrive at ESU in late August. Please send your travel information to the Office of International Programs at your earliest convenience. The Office of International Programs will coordinate one airport pick-up on the date of arrival, using Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) as a point of reference. Students who cannot be at EWR at the time of the ESU pick-up will be contacted directly and will be given directions on how to arrive by bus to East Stroudsburg. Further information will be sent as the date of arrival approaches.

Application Deadline: If you want to be considered for an exchange during a semester, please be sure to contact the Office of International Programs for deadline dates.