Check out just some of the international exchange programs we offer at CSUMB!

Download the CSUMB International Programs Application for Exchange (73kb pdf file - opens in a new browser tab/window).

Hundreds of thousands of people just like you graduate every year. How will you distinguish yourself?

Living and learning in another culture adds to your understanding of the world and gives you a maturity and perspective that can be gained in no other way. Graduating from college is one thing, but graduating with experience that employers and graduate schools are looking for makes you a stronger candidate in this ever-growing, ever-competitive workplace. This is your chance to do something different, define who you are, and show the world what you can do.

The CSUMB Office of International Programs offers a variety of programs to students wishing to study overseas or participate in an exchange program within the United States or its territories. Some study abroad programs require a year-long commitment, while other study abroad or “study away” experiences last for just a few weeks, a summer, or a semester. Whatever your academic program or personal interests are, there is a program that is right for you!

Begin your journey now!

STEP 1. Contact the Office of International Programs.
You can study abroad at any point in your academic career, with the exception of the first semester of your freshman year. Many programs have prerequisites, so make sure to contact our office as early as possible to begin planning! If you want to study abroad in your junior year, for example, you should attend one of our information sessions and come talk to us in your sophomore year - or even earlier - to begin discussing your options, possible program requirements, and to fill out the application.

STEP 2. Meet with your faculty advisor.
Your faculty adviser can help you select the appropriate study abroad or exchange courses and will help you adjust your academic learning plan and timeline. If you have not yet declared a major or have not been assigned a faculty adviser, contact the academic department where you plan to declare a major and ask that office to assist you. Otherwise, contact the lower-division advising office for assistance.

STEP 3. Finalize your program decision and begin application.
Review the information about the program(s) to which you plan to apply and, with the help of the Office of International Programs, begin the application process. Download the CSUMB International Programs Application for Exchange (73kb pdf file - opens in a new browser tab/window).


Look through the other tabs on this page to learn more about your study options and to find programs that complement your major.

CSU International Programs (CSUIP)
Through the CSU International Programs you can earn resident academic credit at CSUMB while pursuing full-time study at a host university or special study center abroad. The CSU International Programs serve the needs of students in over 100 designated academic majors. Affiliated with more than 70 recognized universities and institutions of higher education in 18 countries, CSUIP offers a wide selection of study locales and learning environments. This program requires a year-long commitment and accepts all financial aid.
http://www.gateway.calstate.edu/

National Student Exchange (NSE)
Students interested in participating in an academic exchange within the United States, its territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands), or Canada are encouraged to consider the NSE program. NSE was established nearly forty years ago, and now includes more than 180 participating colleges and universities. Students who participate in NSE find that this exchange program places them in life-changing situations that challenge their thinking, augment their educational and personal experience, and encourage them to take risks and reap the rewards of doing so. Each year, 4,500 students are placed by NSE member campuses. Year-long and semester options are available and all financial aid is accepted.
http://nse.org/

AIFS, CEA, ISA, USAC, and GlobaLinks are study abroad organizations that provide language study programs as well as English elective programs from foreign accredited universities. Each program includes student services such as transfer credit assistance, housing placement, course registration assistance, on-site support staff, organized excursions, and study abroad scholarships. Each program has its own dedicated staff that will work with you and help you at every stage of the study abroad process. Year-long, semester, and summer options are available. Each program accepts only federal financial aid (i.e. no state aid is accepted).

American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS): www.aifsabroad.com
Cultural Experiences Abroad (CEA): www.gowithcea.com
International Studies Abroad (ISA): www.studiesabroad.com
University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC): www.usac.unr.edu
GlobaLinks: www.globalinksabroad.org

CSUMB's Office of International Programs recognizes that students often have study abroad interests beyond what is currently offered by the affiliated programs. In order to support CSUMB students who opt to participate in a non-affiliated study abroad program, the Office of International Programs will provide limited assistance in reviewing potential programs and will advise the student on the credit transfer process. These programs are neither associated with nor endorsed by CSUMB.

A major difference between the two program types is that students participating in an affiliated program retain CSUMB student status, whereas students participating in a non-affiliated program must maintain leave of absence status. Prior to starting a non-affiliated program, CSUMB students are required to submit a formal leave of absence request from Admissions and Records. Other significant differences with a non-affiliated program are that while the application and approval process may be similar to that of the affiliated programs, credit transfer as a result of completing a non-affiliated program to CSUMB is not guaranteed and, in most cases, no campus-based financial aid is available.

Students hoping to transfer units or fulfill major/GE requirements through a non-affiliated course should get approval from their faculty/major adviser prior to committing or participating in a study abroad program. Prior to making arrangements with any non-affiliated program, however, it is strongly recommended that you contact Holly White.

Download the CSUMB International Programs Application for Exchange (73kb pdf file - opens in a new browser tab/window).

Correlation Worksheet (18kb pdf file - opens in a new browser tab/window). This worksheet is provided for you and your advisor to develop an approved and transferable list of courses while participating in a study abroad or exchange program. Once approved by your faculty advisor and respective major representative, this worksheet will facilitate the transfer of course credit toward your major, minor and ULRs. Please complete this form and return it to the Office of International Programs before departing for your study abroad program.

Note: list all classes you might take while abroad. Listing a class does not lock you in to taking that class, but obtaining transfer approval beforehand ensures that you will receive credit for the course upon your return to CSUMB.