Study Abroad at CSUSM

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Common Misconceptions

I can’t afford it

I don’t know how to speak a foreign language

It will delay my graduation

I can only go abroad my Junior year

I need to fulfill my major/minor/GE requirements here at CSUSM

I can’t go for an entire year

Turkey

The Basics

19 countries – over 50 institutions!

Go abroad as early as the summer following your freshman year or as late as your senior year

Duration:

Summer (2-12 weeks) Semester (16 weeks) Year (9-12 months)

Breakdown of programs:

Immersion

Non-Immersion

Special Focus

Language & Culture

Hungary

Program RequirementsMust be enrolled as a CSUSM student

Cumulative GPAMost programs require a 2.75 GPA, some a 3.0

Good Academic Standing through semester prior to departure

Pre-requisites met

Language GPA (if applicable)

Thailand

AcademicsCan take classes to fulfill major, minor, GE or language requirements

Receive CSU resident credit for courses taken on exchange & IP, otherwise transfer

Will be required to take a full-time course load while abroad, currently 15 semester units

Singapore

Faculty-led Summer Programs

Usually intensive language & cultureValladolid, Spain—Spanish L & C

San Jose, Costa Rica—Spanish L & C

Possible Rome, Italy for History/Classical Studies

Possible Taipei, Taiwan for Adv. Business

Other destinations according to faculty interest

Exchange Programs…

11 countries (more to come!)

Semester or Year options

Must have 60+ semester units

2.75 GPA (3.0 for Japan, Taiwan)

Can accommodate most majors

CSU resident credit

Applications due for fall semester study: April-May, for spring semester, October

www.csusm.edu/global

CSU International Programs

CSU system-wide study abroad program

19 countries, many prestigious institutions

Year-long study only

Learn Language programs in China, France, Germany & Mexico are open to sophomores

Applications due February 1 and May 1 (for Australia, NZ, & S. Africa only)

www.calstate.edu/ip

Outside Programs…If we don’t offer a country you’re interested in, you can study abroad through a third party provider, either a business for study abroad or another university open to enrollment by outside students

www.goabroad.com/

If you go through a provider, you cannot take upper-division GE and will earn transfer credit for all course work

Limited financial aid does apply

Where will I live when I study abroad?

Dorms/Residence Halls

Apartments (University Owned & Private)

Homestay

Private Homes

I don’t have a friend to go with. Won’t I be lonely?

The majority of students don’t go with a friend. Most students make friendships with classmates. You’ll also have a chance to meet other CSU students who are going on your program before departure. Even those who are shy learn to branch out and befriend at least a few around them. The more friendly and willing to interact you are, the faster you’ll get to know and get to like people, just like here. Homestays, dorms, and apartments are all quite social in their own ways and yet another venue to find a friend.

Will I have any time to travel?

This will be the freest time of your life!

Many students travel in country on weekends and during longer breaks, between countries

STA Travel has some very good short trips/tours for many popular destinations at a very good price

Cheap airfare: www.easyjet.com/ www.ryanair.com/

Most students travel by rail. Your school will tell you about student discounts

Funding Study Abroad

Not necessarily more expensive than CSU to study abroad

Some programs are very inexpensive: Korea, Hong Kong

Financial Aid goes with you

Many scholarship opportunities available for students who study abroad

Gilman

General CSUSM scholarship

Egypt

Benefits of Study Abroad

TRAVEL!

Continue to make progress towards your degree

Learn a new language

Make friends from all over the world!

Internship opportunities available in certain countries

Gain international work experience!

Get a competitive edge for jobs and/or graduate schools

Gain a greater appreciation for culture & diversity

Vietnam

Final Words

Apply EARLY!Better to go abroad early on in your academic career

• More flexibility!

• More opportunities to participate in multiple programs!

If you wait until your senior year, you could encounter issues with:

Senior residency requirement

Exceeding the number of graduation units

Returning in time for commencement

India

Come see us in the Office of Global Education, Craven 3200

Email tgabbard@csusm.edu to set up an advising session & talk about your options

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! We’re here to help!

Check Us Out!

Thanks for coming!