Save Hundreds Every Semester: The Truth About International Edition Textbooks

Many students don’t realize this, but International Edition textbooks can save you hundreds of dollars each semester—and they’re completely legal to buy and use in the U.S. Here’s a quick primer:

What Are International Editions?

International Edition textbooks are simply versions of U.S. textbooks that are printed and distributed overseas, often in countries like India, the Philippines, and across Europe. They’re usually printed in softcover, with different cover art and sometimes different ISBNs (especially on the outside cover). However:

They contain the same content as the U.S. editions

Pagination, chapters, problem sets, and units are identical

Up to 80 percent lower prices

Are They Legal?

Yes—completely legal. While some of these books may have warnings like “Not for sale in the U.S.” printed on the cover, those warnings carry no legal weight. A 1998 Supreme Court case, reaffirmed in a 2014 decision (Kirtsaeng v. John Wiley & Sons), ruled in favor of students’ rights to purchase and resell these editions in the U.S.

Why Do Publishers Print These Editions?

They were originally created to provide affordable access to educational materials in lower-income countries. But due to the global textbook market and high U.S. textbook prices, savvy students have started buying them too.

Smart Move:

If you're looking to save money and still get the exact content you need for your classes, International Edition textbooks are a smart, student-friendly option. Don’t be discouraged by warnings—they’re there to protect publisher profits, not to protect your rights.