Cal State LA students can study abroad through a variety of programs beyond CSU International Programs and Cal State LA exchange programs. Affiliate and independent study abroad programs can provide additional destinations, academic subjects, program lengths, internships, language study, research, and other international learning opportunities.
More Ways to Study Abroad
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.
Affiliate Study Abroad Programs
Cal State LA works with selected study abroad organizations that offer a wide range of international programs, including semester, academic-year, summer, internship, language, research, and experiential-learning opportunities.
Program structure, academics, eligibility requirements, costs, scholarships, housing, and student support vary by provider and destination. Explore the options below and work with the Cal State LA Study Abroad team before committing to a program.
AIFS Abroad
AIFS Abroad offers semester, summer, and international internship programs in destinations around the world across a broad range of academic areas.
CIEE
CIEE offers a large portfolio of semester, summer, January-term, internship, and flexible study abroad programs in destinations around the world.
IFSA
IFSA offers direct-enrollment opportunities, study abroad programs, internships, and career-focused experiences at universities and program locations around the world.
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 Apply to an Affiliate Program
Contact the Cal State LA Study Abroad team before applying, paying a deposit, or making a financial commitment to an affiliate program. We can help you understand academic credit, financial aid, University requirements, and other considerations before you move forward.
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. However, finding a program online does not automatically mean that it is appropriate for your degree plan, eligible for financial aid, or that academic credit will transfer to Cal State LA.
Contact the Study Abroad team before applying, paying a deposit, or making other financial commitments to an independent program.
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. When comparing programs, consider:
- Academic subjects and available courses
- How coursework may apply toward your Cal State LA degree
- Program length and academic calendar
- Total cost and available financial aid or scholarships
- Housing and living arrangements
- Language requirements
- Internship, research, service, or experiential-learning opportunities
- Student support provided before and during the program
- Health, safety, insurance, and emergency support
- Your personal goals and readiness for the experience
Academic Planning and Credit
Studying abroad should be part of your academic planning, not separate from it. Students should discuss proposed study abroad coursework with their 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.
Planning early gives you more time to identify programs and coursework that support your degree progress and graduation goals.
Financial Planning and 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 study abroad scholarships have application 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.
Explore the Gilman Scholarship
Fund for Education Abroad
The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) 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.
Explore Fund for Education Abroad Scholarships
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.
Explore the Gilman-McCain Scholarship
Scholarships and Grants from Study Abroad Providers
Many study abroad organizations also provide their own need-based, first-generation, Pell Grant, travel, and access scholarships. Students considering an affiliate program should review the provider's funding opportunities in addition to applying for national scholarships.
- AIFS Abroad: offers scholarships and grants including Pell Grant, Gilman, Fund for Education Abroad, work-study, and other eligible partner grants. Explore AIFS scholarships and grants
- CIEE: offers need-based and merit funding including GAIN Travel Grants, GAIN Scholars Grants, and Gilman Go Global funding. Explore CIEE scholarships and grants
- IFSA: offers scholarships including funding specifically designed to support first-generation college students. Explore IFSA scholarships
- SIT Study Abroad: offers need-based scholarships and grants, including a Pell Grant Match for eligible students. Explore SIT scholarships and grants
Search for Additional Scholarships
Funding opportunities are also available based on destination, academic field, language, identity, career interests, and other eligibility factors. Students should search broadly rather than relying on a single scholarship.
- GoAbroad Scholarship Directory: search study abroad scholarships by destination and other criteria. Search GoAbroad Scholarships
- IIE Study Abroad and Scholarship Resources: explore international programs and scholarship opportunities managed or identified by the Institute of International Education. Explore IIE Student Funding Resources
Build a Complete Study Abroad Budget
When comparing programs, look beyond the advertised program fee. Consider the complete cost of participation, including:
- 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.
Before You Apply or Pay a Deposit
Contact Cal State LA Study Abroad before committing to an affiliate or independent program. We can help you understand the University's study abroad process and identify academic, financial, registration, credit, and other considerations that should be addressed before departure.
Compare All of Your Study Abroad Options
Affiliate and independent programs are only two of the pathways available to Cal State LA students. Depending on your goals, a CSU International Program, Cal State LA exchange, faculty-led program, or another international learning opportunity may be a better fit.
You do not need to decide on a particular program before talking with Study Abroad. Exploring several options can help you identify the experience that best fits your academics, interests, budget, timeline, and goals.
Explore Study Abroad at Cal State LA
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.
Cal State LA Study Abroad
Library Palmer Wing, Room 4503
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 323-343-3170