ISP FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

That’s correct. Because you are applying independently you will need to make your own flight reservations and buy your own flight ticket. Please double check with your university. 

Payment deadlines can be found under each program’s page. You will pay the total amount due. In the payment chart you receive from us via email or through your university, it is the "Total Estimated Price" plus transportation and kitchen kit rental (if you want these services). 

Please email isp.programs@pdx.edu right away to notify us about your cancellation. You can find our cancellation policy HERE. (Scroll to the end of the page)

Prior to your departure, you will receive an email with flight preparation information from us. In this email you will get instructions on how to contact us. If anything happens, message us. 

You do not need to turn in any passport or visa documentation to us. The application only asks for basic information such as full name, date of birth, address, email, etc… and what program you are applying for. 

Our Open Enrollment non-credit short-term programs are not considered full-time academic programs. This means that if you are ESTA eligible, you can participate in our programs with that waiver. You can also participate with a B-visa (Tourist). 

Yes. We provide visa support letters but we cannot provide visa or immigration advice. 

You will receive a list of items in that pre-departure email (Q4), but you should bring what you would take to any trip. If you are staying in the dorms, towels, bed sheets, pillows and toilet paper will be provided. If you are staying in a homestay, all toiletries and meals will be provided. Students must bring a laptop or tablet for their class.  

After you apply, you will receive that payment link email, you will receive a visa support letter email and you will receive a pre-departure preparation email. So keep an eye out for each of these emails. 

Our entire ISP team is available to support our students in any form necessary. We currently have staff that are fluent in Japanese and Spanish that can help facilitate communication. 

Yes. Please email us if you wish to pre-purchase a meal plan for the duration of your stay in Portland. Meal plans are purchased by number of meals (10, 15, 20, 30…). This cost will be added to the program tuition. If you do not want to pre-purchase a meal plan, you can still get food from any of the restaurants or cafeterias on campus at any time. 

As of summer 2025, the full price for a room is $2,260 for 3 weeks and $2,960 for four weeks. 

If you pay for your own room, you will be guaranteed a microwave along with a kitchen kit ($30.00). If you pay to share with another roommate, we will do our best to room those who paid for kitchen items together so a microwave can be guaranteed. However, we do have a limited number of microwaves so this is subject to availability.

Kitchen kit + microwave = $30.00, Kitchen kit alone = $30.00

Summer season dorm room includes: desk, bed, bed sheets, pillow and pillow case, chair, fan, lamp, sink, mini fridge/freezer, stove, cabinets. In the bathroom: shower, toilet, trash bin, toilet paper, towels. *There is one bathroom per dorm room.

Fall/Winter season dorm includes: desk, bed, bed sheets, pillow and pillow case, chair, lamp, sink. In the bathroom: shower, toilet, trash bin, toilet paper, towels. *There is one bathroom for every four occupants.  

No. We will accommodate your traveling needs. 

Yes. We'll provide instructions on how to sign up for campus wi-fi. 

Conversation partners are program staff (usually PSU students) who join you and three or four other students to carry-out casual conversations for one hour. There are no specified activities or topics during conversation partner sessions.