Program Types
You can choose to study abroad for a few weeks, a semester, or a full year. Options include:
CSUSB-Led Programs
What is it? CSUSB-Led programs are unique to our university. They are led by CSUSB faculty and staff with expertise in the location you are traveling to and provide 24 hour support. Some programs are offered annually, while others are offered only once. There are programs are offered every summer. Occasionally, Spring Break and Winter Intersession programs are available.How long am I abroad? These are short programs, between one and five weeks in length.
Where Can I go? Destinations vary each year. Typically, we offer at minimum program options in Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, but we have also offered programs in Japan, Thailand, Costa Rica, Peru, Mexico, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, the Czech Republic, and more. Search for CSUSB-led programs (formerly called "faculty-led programs") for a full list of program offerings. New opportunities are listed each year on the following schedule:
- Spring Break programs are listed in October
- Summer programs are listed in November
- Winter programs are listed in March
Who is eligible? Any CSUSB student with a 2.0+ GPA may participate, unless otherwise indicated in the program brochure. CSUSB-Led programs provide the best support for students using veterans benefits to finance their study abroad participation, and for those who require disability accommodations. CSUSB-led programs may be the only study abroad option available to students with a low GPA. CSUSB programs are also sometimes able to accommodate students from other universities, CSUSB faculty and staff, and even community members.
How much does it cost? It depends on your program. All CSUSB-Led programs run on a break even basis. What that means is that you are paying for the cost of the trip, but nothing more. The "Program Fee" will typically cover your accommodations and all transportation and other costs associated with the program itinerary. Some programs will cover additional expenses, like meals or even airfare. You are also provided with travel insurance for emergencies. The Program Fee is typically between $1500 and $4000.
Additional costs include CSUSB tuition for the associated course(s), flight (if not covered by the program fee), meals, and independent travel and entertainment. All of these expenses are dependent not only on your destination and length of stay, but also your personal spending habits. There is additionally a $150 application fee for all programs. Review the "Cost" tab of the program you are interested in for more details.
Application deadlines
- January/February to study abroad in Summer
- November to study abroad over Spring Break
- June to study abroad over Winter Intersession
Exchange Programs
What is it? Exchange programs are bilateral -- between CSUSB and another university overseas. These exchanges are "balanced" -- meaning that when we send a student to the host institution, the host institution sends a student to CSUSB. Some students prefer exchange programs because they allow for a very independent experience overseas -- you may be the only CSUSB student on the host institution campus. At maximum capacity, we can typically send no more than five CSUSB students per term. This also means that exchange program placement can be competitive. Because there is less on-the-ground guidance and support, these programs are best for students who have some international travel experience, or who are otherwise very comfortable with independently navigating new cities and processes and self-advocating to solve their problems and get their needs met. How long am I abroad? Most of our exchange programs offer a semester abroad or a year abroad option. Your year can begin in the Fall semester (Academic Year abroad) or in the Spring semester (Calendar Year abroad). We do also offer some summer exchange opportunities.
Where can I go? We currently have exchange programs in South Korea, Japan, and France. Search for exchange programs for a full list of options.
What classes can I take? It depends on the campus you choose. To see your options, click on the "Coursework" tab of the brochure of the program you are interested in. Typically students take classes to fulfil requirements for their major or GE requirements. Sometimes students are attracted to coursework that is unique to the host campus. Many students complete language learning classes, as well (sometimes these are required for all exchange students). Before you leave for your program, you will complete a Transfer Credit Agreement Form that maps out how your coursework abroad will fulfil degree requirements at CSUSB.
Who is eligible? Any CSUSB student with a 2.0+ GPA may participate, unless otherwise indicated in the program brochure. Because spots are limited, exchange program participation can be competitive. For the Seijo exchange program, at least one semester of college-level Japanese is required (and at least one full year is recommended), and placement priority is given to Japanese minors.
How much does it cost? It depends on your program. Exchange programs are typically less expensive than CSUIP programs. A semester-long program will typically cost $8,000 to $10,000 for all expenses (including meals, accommodations, insurance, airfare, and personal expenses) with the exception of CSUSB tuition (you do not pay tuition to the host university). A full year-long program will typically cost between $13,000 and $17,000 for all expenses except CSUSB tuition. Some programs offer scholarships or free housing to help reduce the cost of attendance. Additional costs include the CSUSB Education Abroad registration fee ($250 per semester) and the cost of your international insurance plan (about $275 per semester). Review the "Cost and Scholarships" tab of the program you are interested in for more information.
Application deadlines
- February 15th to study abroad in Summer, Fall, and the Academic Year
- September 15th to study abroad in Spring and the Calendar Year
CSU International Programs (CSUIP)
What is it? CSUIP programs are exchange programs between the CSU system and international universities. The programs are created through and administered by the Chancellor's Office, which oversees all of the CSU campuses. You can study abroad together with old friends and make new ones from other CSU campuses. Each program will typically receive between 10 and 100 CSU students each term. These programs are great for students who want to experience life abroad alongside other American students, and who want to have on-the-ground assistance to facilitate their academic and everyday needs. CSUIP also offers many opportunities to enhance your language skills -- in Spanish, French, Italian, German, Chinese, Japanese, and more -- or even to learn a language from scratch!
How long am I abroad? Program options vary. Some partners allow for semester-long and year-long exchange, while other programs allow only year-long exchange. Dependent on the partner institution, year-long exchanges may begin in the Spring semester (Calendar Year exchange), the Fall semester (Academic Year exchange), or both. In 2025, CSUIP offered its first summer program and the Chancellor's Office has indicated that more summer options may be made available in future years.
Where can I go? CSUIP programs are available in Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and South America. Search for CSUIP programs on our website, or directly on the CSU IP website for specific countries and campus locations.
Who is eligible? Any CSUSB student may participate. The minimum GPA varies by program and for more competitive programs a higher GPA is essential. Some programs do also have language requirements. Others are geared toward students in particular fields (like Music, Architecture, Business, or Communication Studies).
Note that acceptance for CSU IP programs is competitive; not every student who applies will be selected to participate.
How much does it cost? It depends on your program. CSUIP maintains a spreadsheet with approximate program costs. A semester-long program can cost $10,000 to $21,000 for all expenses (including meals, accommodations, insurance, travel, and personal expenses, CSU tuition). Year-long programs range in cost from $19,000 to $42,000. Click on the "Program Costs" tab of the CSUIP brochure of the program you are interested in for more details. CSUIP scholarships are available.
Application deadlines
- January 15th to study abroad in Fall and the Academic Year (Germany, Chile, Japan)
- February 15th to study abroad in Fall and the Academic Year (all other programs)
- September 15th to study abroad in Spring and the Calendar Year programs
Direct Enroll Programs
What is it? Direct enroll programs are your opportunity to enroll in a summer school program at a university overseas. You enroll directly with the host institution, which will typically arrange your accommodations and sometimes an airport pickup, and will provide the academic content of your program. You register with the CSUSB Education Abroad Office for course credit transfer, qualification for CSUSB financial aid, and CSUSB emergency support. Direct enroll programs offer flexible programming options and a wide range of courses, creating an opportunity for almost any student to study abroad.
How long am I abroad? All direct enroll programs are offered in summer. Program length varies from two weeks to nine weeks. Some programs offer multiple sessions that can be combined to lengthen the program.
Where can I go? CSUSB is continuously adding new Direct Enrollment partners. Current opportunities are located in Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Peru, Mexico, Kenya, and Jordan. Search for Direct Enroll opportunities.
What classes can I take? It depends on the campus you choose. To see your options, click on the "Coursework" tab of the brochure of the program you are interested in. Typically students take classes to fulfil requirements for their major or GE requirements. Intensive language instruction is also available in Spanish and Arabic. Before you leave for your program, you will complete a Transfer Credit Agreement Form that maps out how your coursework abroad will fulfil degree requirements at CSUSB.
Who is eligible? Any CSUSB student with a 2.0+ GPA may participate, unless otherwise indicated in the program brochure (some partners do have higher GPA requirements). These programs are not competitive -- so long as you are accepted by the host institution, you can register with CSUSB to participate.
How much does it cost? It depends on your program. Program fees charged by host institutions range from $800 to $2500 per term. Additional expenses include transportation to reach the host country, housing, meals, course-related expenses, and independent travel and entertainment, the cost of which will depend on location, length of stay, and individual spending habits. You do not pay tuition to CSUSB for direct enroll programs (but your units still count for summer financial aid eligibility and residency credit). You do pay a $150 CSUSB registration fee and an additional fee for mandatory travel insurance ($80 to $150, dependent on destination and length of stay). Review the "Cost" tab of the brochure of the program you are interested in for more information.
Application deadlines
- Two months before program start date (ranges from March to June)
Other Options
- External Programs | If you choose to study abroad through an independent international educational organization ("third-party provider"), you will find a broad range of options! However, the Education Abroad Office is not able to provide administrative support. You will need to file a Temporary Leave Petition, your financial aid package cannot be used to fund participation, and you will be responsible for confirming and orchestrating credit transfer back to CSUSB.
- "Study Away" Program | National Student Exchange provides opportunities for university students to spend one semester or one academic year at another university in Puerto Rico, Canada, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, or somewhere else in the United States. This is a great opportunity for students who would like a study abroad experience, but are not able to leave the country. The National Student Exchange Program at CSUSB is overseen by the Office of Student Engagement.
- Field Trips | Occasionally, CSUSB is able to offer additional opportunities for students to travel overseas for internships, research, conferences, service learning, and performances. Students do not earn academic credit for these experiences.