International Exchange
Study at Cal State LA Through Your Home University
Cal State LA welcomes students from our international exchange partner universities to study in Los Angeles for a semester or academic year. Exchange students become part of the Cal State LA academic community while continuing their degree studies through their home university.
The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) coordinates the immigration and exchange-visitor process for eligible J-1 exchange students, while academic departments and campus partners support course enrollment, student life, and the broader Cal State LA experience.
Exchange Basics
What Is a Cal State LA Exchange Student?
Exchange students are currently enrolled students from designated Cal State LA partner universities who come to Cal State LA for a temporary, non-degree academic experience.
Participation is based on a formal exchange agreement between Cal State LA and the student's home university. Exchange students remain connected to their home institution while studying at Cal State LA.
Your Home University Must Be a Cal State LA Exchange Partner
Students cannot apply independently for exchange status. Your home university must have an active exchange agreement with Cal State LA and must nominate you for participation.
Other Study Paths
What If My University Is Not an Exchange Partner?
Students whose universities do not have an active exchange agreement with Cal State LA are not eligible to participate as J-1 exchange students through this program. You may still have other pathways to study at Cal State LA.
Earn a Cal State LA Degree
Students interested in completing an undergraduate or graduate degree at Cal State LA should explore admission as an international degree-seeking student.
Study for One or Two Terms
Students who are not participating through a university exchange agreement may wish to explore Semester in LA or other non-degree study options when available.
From Nomination to Approval
How the Exchange Process Works
The exchange process begins with your home university, not with a direct application to Cal State LA.
Explore the opportunity with your home university. Confirm that your institution has an active exchange agreement with Cal State LA and that you meet your home university's requirements.
Receive a nomination. Your home university exchange or study abroad coordinator nominates eligible students to Cal State LA.
Complete the Cal State LA exchange application. After nomination, follow the instructions provided by your home university and Cal State LA.
Submit required academic, financial, and immigration information. Additional documentation may be required before the exchange and J-1 sponsorship processes can be completed.
Receive your exchange and immigration instructions. Approved students will receive information about the Form DS-2019, J-1 visa process, arrival, enrollment, and other next steps.
Your Home University Coordinator Is an Important Partner
Questions about nomination, home-university approval, exchange selection, and the status of your nomination should normally begin with your home university exchange or study abroad coordinator.
Eligibility & Application
Prepare a Complete Exchange Application
Eligibility
Exchange students must meet both Cal State LA institutional requirements and applicable U.S. Department of State requirements for participation in the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.
- Current enrollment and good standing at an eligible Cal State LA exchange partner university
- Nomination by the student's home university
- Academic preparation appropriate for the proposed study at Cal State LA
- Sufficient English-language proficiency to participate successfully in University coursework and daily life
- Sufficient financial resources for the exchange period
- Eligibility for J-1 Exchange Visitor status
Exchange Application Materials
Application requirements may vary by exchange cycle and student. Students should follow the current instructions provided through their home university and Cal State LA.
- Cal State LA exchange application information
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of English-language proficiency when required
- Passport biographical information
- Proof of financial support
- Other academic or immigration documentation requested by Cal State LA
Nomination and Application Deadlines
Exchange nomination and application deadlines are established for each academic cycle and are communicated directly to Cal State LA's partner universities.
Students should work with their home university coordinator and begin the process well in advance. Late nominations or incomplete applications may affect a student's ability to participate in the intended semester. Do not rely on older application packets or requirements that may still appear elsewhere online.
Costs & Immigration Documents
Understand the Financial and J-1 Sponsorship Process
Tuition & University Fees
Eligible exchange students generally receive a waiver of Cal State LA tuition for the exchange period, subject to the applicable institutional agreement.
Students remain responsible for applicable mandatory campus fees and personal or program-related costs including housing, meals, transportation, books, insurance, visa/SEVIS costs, airfare, and personal expenses.
Form DS-2019
Eligible exchange students approved for participation are sponsored in J-1 Exchange Visitor status.
ISSO creates the student's SEVIS record and issues the Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status, after required academic, financial, and immigration documentation has been reviewed.
The Form DS-2019 is an immigration document. It is not a visa and does not by itself authorize entry to the United States.
Applying for a J-1 Visa
Students who require a J-1 visa will generally use the Form DS-2019 issued by Cal State LA as part of the visa application process.
Students may also need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, complete the Form DS-160, and follow the current requirements of the U.S. embassy or consulate where they apply.
Cal State LA does not issue visas and cannot guarantee visa appointment availability or visa approval.
Required Health Insurance
J-1 Health Insurance Requirement
Cal State LA-sponsored J-1 exchange students are required to purchase and maintain the University-approved Gallagher health insurance plan for the applicable period of their J-1 program unless Cal State LA has approved a qualifying government-sponsored insurance exception.
Having another private U.S., international, travel, employer, parent, spouse, or home-country insurance policy does not ordinarily replace this requirement.
Use the Required Cal State LA Plan
Cal State LA uses one approved insurance program so required coverage can be consistently administered and verified throughout participation in the Exchange Visitor Program.
Students may maintain additional insurance if they choose, but additional coverage does not replace the required Cal State LA-approved plan unless a qualifying government-sponsored exception has been approved.
Review the Current Insurance Instructions
The International Student & Scholar Health Insurance page explains the required plan, purchase process, coverage period, and approved exceptions.
Academics & Status
Plan Your Courses and Maintain J-1 Status
Choosing Courses at Cal State LA
Exchange students should work closely with their home university when planning courses. Your home institution determines how Cal State LA coursework will apply toward your degree.
Course availability is not guaranteed. Enrollment may depend on available space, prerequisites, department or instructor approval, academic level, schedule conflicts, and other University enrollment requirements.
Students should identify several acceptable course options before arriving and remain flexible during the enrollment process.
Maintaining J-1 Student Status
Exchange students are responsible for maintaining their J-1 status throughout the exchange period.
- Maintain the required full course of study
- Maintain a valid passport
- Maintain required health insurance
- Keep address and contact information current
- Participate in approved academic activities
- Follow applicable employment restrictions
- Consult ISSO before changes that could affect J-1 status
Talk with the Office of Study Abroad Before Making a Change
The Office of Study Abroad is the primary point of contact for J-1 exchange students. Contact the Study Abroad team before dropping courses, withdrawing, changing your academic plans, accepting employment, extending your exchange, or making another decision that may affect your exchange program or J-1 status.
Before You Travel
Preparing to Arrive in Los Angeles
Continue monitoring communication from Cal State LA and your home university after your exchange is approved.
- J-1 visa and immigration documents
- Travel arrangements
- Housing
- Health insurance
- Course planning
- Orientation and required check-in
- Transportation in Los Angeles
- Living expenses
Housing
Exchange students interested in living on campus should explore Housing and Residence Life as early as possible. Housing availability is limited and housing arrangements are separate from acceptance into the exchange program.
Practical Pre-Arrival Planning
Use the practical pre-arrival guide for transportation, health, campus access, everyday services, and getting established in Los Angeles. Immigration requirements remain on this J-1 Exchange Students page.
Live & Explore
Make Los Angeles Part of Your Exchange
Your exchange experience extends beyond campus. Learn about transportation, neighborhoods, everyday services, local culture, events, beaches, Southern California travel, outdoor recreation, and practical tools that can help you make the most of your time in the region.
After You Arrive
Arrival and Mandatory J-1 Check-In
J-1 exchange students must complete the required ISSO arrival and check-in process after entering the United States and arriving at Cal State LA.
ISSO must validate the student's participation in SEVIS after arrival. Follow the instructions provided by ISSO and complete all required check-in steps by the announced deadline.
Contact ISSO immediately if your arrival will be delayed or if your plans change before the beginning of the semester.
Your Cal State LA Experience
Build Community and Use Campus Resources
Your exchange is about more than taking classes. It is an opportunity to meet people, experience Los Angeles, participate in campus life, share your perspectives, and learn with students whose experiences may be different from your own.
Make Cal State LA Your Community
Join student organizations, attend events, connect with faculty, participate in research and cultural activities, use campus resources, and become part of the Cal State LA community.
Academic, Health & Student Support
Exchange students have access to many of the same campus resources that support other enrolled Cal State LA students, including academic support, the Library, Career Center, Student Health Center, CAPS, student involvement, the U-SU, and Cross Cultural Centers.
Employment and Internships
J-1 exchange students have specific federal restrictions governing employment and practical training. Do not begin employment, an internship, or another compensated activity without first consulting ISSO and receiving any required authorization.
Completing Your Exchange
Before You Leave Cal State LA
As your exchange comes to an end, make sure you complete both University and immigration-related responsibilities.
Before You Depart
- Complete your academic responsibilities
- Resolve outstanding University account matters
- Follow housing checkout procedures, if applicable
- Confirm how your transcript will be provided to your home university
- Review J-1 departure and immigration requirements
- Inform ISSO if you plan to depart significantly earlier than expected
Take Your Cal State LA Experience Home
Exchange is designed to build connections across institutions, cultures, and countries. We encourage you to remain connected with the people you meet at Cal State LA and to share your experience with students and faculty at your home university.
Your perspective is part of what makes international exchange valuable, both while you are at Cal State LA and after you return home.
International Students & Scholars Office
Questions About Your Exchange?
Prospective exchange students should first contact the exchange or study abroad coordinator at their home university.
Students who have been nominated or accepted by Cal State LA may contact ISSO regarding immigration and exchange-program requirements.
International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO)
Library Palmer Wing, Room 4053
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 323-343-3170