1. Study Abroad at CSUSM
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

2. 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

3. 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

4. Program Requirements Must be enrolled as a CSUSM student
Cumulative GPA
Most 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

5. Academics
Can 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

6. Faculty-led Summer Programs
Usually intensive language & culture
Valladolid, 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

7. 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

8. 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)

9. 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
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

10. Where will I live when I study abroad?
Dorms/Residence Halls
Apartments (University Owned & Private)
Homestay
Private Homes

11. 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.

12. 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:
Most students travel by rail. Your school will tell you about student discounts

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. Check Us Out!
Come see us in the Office of Global Education, Craven 3200
to set up an advising session & talk about your options
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! We’re here to help!

17. Thanks for coming!