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CSU International Programs

The International Programs (IP) is a system wide overseas study abroad program of the CSU and enables CSU students to pursue academic and career enhancing studies abroad. IP is affiliated with more than 50 distinguished universities and other institutes of higher education in 17 countries where participants pursue course work for CSU resident credit. Currently in its 39th year of continuous operation, the academic excellence of IP has been recognized by respected organizations such as the Council on Learning and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The goal of IP is to provide international academic opportunities in the framework of a California State University degree program. With a special focus on academic year studies, IP offers' participants and array of study options related to specific degree and career objectives. IP is a unique part of the spectrum of study abroad opportunities available at each CSU campus.

The International Program was established by the CSU Board of Trustees in 1963 as the official study abroad program of the California State University system. It offers a true international academic experience. IP's guiding principle is that students should be "immersed" in the academic and living environments in their host countries. Accordingly, all instruction is offered by recognized host universities or by distinguished host country faculty. Students live in the communities where their studies are pursued. Learning the language of the host culture to achieve maximum social integration is always a high priority for IP students.

IP keeps costs as low as possible. Enrollment fees are kept at an affordable level because part of your costs is supported by the state of California. IP also takes steps wherever possible to minimize costs. These factors make IP the most affordable study abroad opportunity for California residents. Nonresidents will be required to pay nonresident fees while enrolled through IP. In addition, financial aid is available. If you qualify for financial aid, you may apply it to your year abroad. Each CSU campus financial AIDS’s office has a counselor available to talk with your about questions relating to study abroad and financial aid.

Along with the CSU International Programs, sponsored by the Chancellor's Office, students have the option of studying abroad through other organizations and universities, for up to one year. The staff in International Center Office, UH 235, will aid you in finding a program right for you. These are the steps a student must follow:

  1. Choose a study abroad program which you want to study abroad through. The International Center office has brochures and books that advertise many programs in countries all over the world. They also sponsor the Study/Work Abroad Fair once a year, in October. At the fair you can talk to representatives to find out more about their respective programs.
  2. After you have decided which program to is right for you, you need to choose the classes which you want to study and get them approved by a faculty advisor. The classes must meet the requirements of your degree or certificate program to be eligible for financial aid. Class descriptions and other information pertaining to your program, will facilitate your advisor's decision. Classes that meet General Education requirements must be approved by a qualified advisor, preferably an evaluator from Records, Registration and Evaluations.
  3. The International Center office has a form that will facilitate the class approval process.
  4. Make an appointment with the director of the International Center, Elsa Ochoa-Fernández, for program approval. Upon approval, the director will write a letter to the Financial Aid Office, these letter which will assist you in getting your award, as well as assuring that your classes are approved for your degree.

For scholarship information, please visit IIEPassport.

For more information about CSU International Program, please contact Elva Salgado, esalgado@csusb.edu, at (909) 537-3204 or check out California State University International Program.