Additional Study Abroad Pathways
Affiliate & Independent Study Abroad Programs
Explore additional destinations, academic subjects, internships, language study, research, and other international learning opportunities beyond CSU International Programs and Cal State LA exchange programs.
More Ways to Study Abroad
More Program Choices, More Ways to Find the Right Fit
If you have not found the right fit through CSU International Programs or a Cal State LA exchange program, an affiliate or independent program may provide another pathway to an international experience that meets your academic, personal, and financial goals.
These programs can expand the range of destinations, program lengths, academic subjects, internships, language learning, research, and other experiences available to Cal State LA students.
Selected Study Abroad Organizations
Affiliate Study Abroad Programs
Cal State LA works with selected study abroad organizations that offer semester, academic-year, summer, internship, language, research, and experiential-learning opportunities.
Program structure, academics, eligibility, costs, scholarships, housing, and student support vary by provider and destination.
Study Abroad & Internships
AIFS Abroad
AIFS Abroad offers semester, summer, and international internship programs in destinations around the world across a broad range of academic areas.
Flexible Global Options
CIEE
CIEE offers semester, summer, January-term, internship, and flexible study abroad programs in destinations around the world.
University-Based Study Abroad
IFSA
IFSA offers direct-enrollment opportunities, study abroad programs, internships, and career-focused experiences at universities and program locations around the world.
Immersive & Field-Based Learning
SIT Study Abroad
SIT Study Abroad emphasizes global issues, intercultural learning, research, internships, and field-based academic experiences through semester and summer programs.
Before You Commit
Before You Apply or Pay a Deposit
Contact Cal State LA Study Abroad before applying, paying a deposit, or making another financial commitment to an affiliate or independent program.
We can help you understand academic credit, financial aid, University requirements, registration, and other considerations before you move forward.
Another Option
Independent Study Abroad Programs
Students may also identify a study abroad program offered by an organization or institution that does not have a formal affiliation agreement with Cal State LA.
Independent programs can expand the range of destinations and academic opportunities available to you, but they require careful academic, financial, and administrative review before you commit.
What Independent Programs Can Add
Independent programs may offer destinations, subjects, research, internships, language learning, or program formats that are not currently available through Cal State LA exchanges, CSU IP, or affiliate providers.
What Requires Extra Attention
Before moving forward, confirm academic credit, financial aid implications, University requirements, health and safety support, program quality, and how the experience will fit into your degree plan.
Compare Carefully
Choosing the Right Program
Study abroad is not one-size-fits-all. A program that is right for one student may not be the right fit for another.
Academic & Program Fit
- Academic subjects and available courses
- How coursework may apply toward your Cal State LA degree
- Program length and academic calendar
- Language requirements
- Internship, research, service, or experiential-learning opportunities
Cost, Support & Readiness
- Total cost and available financial aid or scholarships
- Housing and living arrangements
- Student support before and during the program
- Health, safety, insurance, and emergency support
- Your personal goals and readiness for the experience
Academic Planning
Plan for Credit Before You Go
Studying abroad should be part of your academic planning, not separate from it. Discuss proposed study abroad coursework with your academic advisor before departure.
Courses completed through affiliate or independent programs may require evaluation before they can be applied toward major, minor, General Education, elective, or other degree requirements.
Funding Your Program
Financial Planning & Scholarships
Cost does not automatically have to prevent you from studying abroad. Financial aid, national scholarships, destination-specific awards, provider grants, and other funding opportunities may significantly reduce the cost of an international program.
Start planning early. Many scholarships have deadlines several months before a program begins, and some require students to complete the FAFSA, demonstrate financial need, or apply before paying program deposits.
Major Study Abroad Scholarships
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
The U.S. Department of State's Gilman Scholarship helps undergraduate students with significant financial need participate in credit-bearing study abroad and international internship programs. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals who receive a Federal Pell Grant.
Fund for Education Abroad
The Fund for Education Abroad provides scholarships to U.S. undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need and works to expand study abroad participation among students who have traditionally been underrepresented in education abroad.
One FEA application may allow students to be considered for multiple scholarship opportunities for which they are eligible.
Freeman-ASIA
Freeman-ASIA provides need-based scholarships for eligible U.S. undergraduate students studying abroad in East and Southeast Asia. Awards may support summer, semester, quarter, or academic-year programs.
Gilman-McCain Scholarship
The Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides funding for eligible undergraduate spouses and dependents of active or activated U.S. military personnel to participate in credit-bearing study abroad or internship programs.
Scholarships & Grants from Affiliate Providers
Many study abroad organizations provide need-based, first-generation, Pell Grant, travel, and access scholarships. Review provider funding in addition to national scholarships.
- AIFS Abroad: Pell Grant, Gilman, Fund for Education Abroad, work-study, and other eligible partner grants. Explore AIFS scholarships and grants
- CIEE: need-based and merit funding including GAIN Travel Grants, GAIN Scholars Grants, and Gilman Go Global funding. Explore CIEE scholarships and grants
- IFSA: scholarships including funding specifically designed to support first-generation college students. Explore IFSA scholarships
- SIT Study Abroad: need-based scholarships and grants, including a Pell Grant Match for eligible students. Explore SIT scholarships and grants
Search for Additional Scholarships
Funding opportunities may also be available based on destination, academic field, language, identity, career interests, and other eligibility factors. Search broadly rather than relying on a single scholarship.
- GoAbroad Scholarship Directory: Search GoAbroad Scholarships
- IIE Student Resources: Explore IIE Student Funding Resources
Build a Complete Study Abroad Budget
Look beyond the advertised program fee. A complete budget should account for:
- Program and tuition charges
- Housing and meals
- Airfare and local transportation
- Passport and visa costs
- International health insurance
- Books and academic expenses
- Personal expenses
Financial aid and scholarship eligibility varies by student and program. Begin planning early and work with Cal State LA Study Abroad and Financial Aid before making financial commitments.
Student Stories and Opportunities
See Where Cal State LA Can Take You
Follow Cal State LA Study Abroad on Instagram for student stories, program ideas, scholarships, deadlines, and practical guidance as you compare affiliate, independent, and other study abroad pathways.
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Compare Your Options
Affiliate & Independent Programs Are Two Study Abroad Pathways
Depending on your goals, CSU International Programs, a Cal State LA exchange, a faculty-led program, or another international learning opportunity may be a better fit.
Office of Study Abroad
Need Help Finding the Right Program?
You do not need to know exactly where you want to go before talking with Study Abroad. We can help you explore programs based on your academic goals, interests, budget, timeline, and the kind of international experience you are looking for.
Office of Study Abroad
California State University, Los Angeles
Library Palmer Wing, Room 4053
Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
323-343-3170