Getting Started

We congratulate you on your decision to study abroad.  The international experiences and skills you will gain during your study abroad program will be invaluable for your own cross-cultural awareness and will likely pay dividends for your future employment opportunities. 

Essential words to keep in mind when planning to study abroad: remain FLEXIBLE and OPEN-MINDED.  Remember that the host country is not the U.S. Instead, You will be seen as ambassadors for the U.S. and CSULA, so this is your opportunity to be a goodwill ambassador who can change some of the negative perceptions or stereotypes about Americans into positive ones !

Why Study Abroad?

Students choose to study beyound their own borders to:

• Explore their family heritage
• Build critical foreign language skills
• Demonstrate maturity and cultural awareness to prospective employers
• Build cross-cultural communication skills
• Dispel stereotypes
• Define their academic & career goals
• Globalize their college experience
• Build their resume and expand their career possibilities

How to Get Started?

As soon as you know you're interested, here are a few things to help you start the process:

• Go to a Study Abroad Information Session
• Do Research on the CSULA programs
• Meet with advisors & mentors
• Set goals & start saving for your expenses
• Research scholarships
• Get your passport: www.travel.state.gov
• Get involved in CSULA’s international community
• Research the consulate's office and tourist bureau for your host country