Global learning can be one of the most meaningful parts of your Cal State LA education. Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to learn in a different academic and cultural environment, develop new perspectives, build intercultural skills, and connect your degree and career goals to the wider world.
There is no single way to study abroad. Programs vary in location, length, academic focus, cost, language, housing, and level of support. The best program is the one that fits your academic goals, financial circumstances, personal needs, and the experience you want to build.
Start With Study Abroad 101
Before choosing a program or making financial commitments, begin with Study Abroad 101, Cal State LA's online Canvas introduction to studying abroad.
Study Abroad 101 introduces the major program types, academic planning, costs and funding, scholarships, program selection, preparation, and the steps involved in moving from interest to participation.
Complete Study Abroad 101 before requesting individual study abroad advising or submitting a Cal State LA study abroad application.
Explore Your Global Learning Options
Cal State LA students can choose from several pathways. Program structure, cost, eligibility, academic credit, length, and application procedures vary, so compare your options before deciding which type is right for you.
CSU International Programs
Study abroad through the California State University system at partner universities around the world. CSU IP is especially well suited to students interested in immersive semester and academic-year experiences.
Cal State LA Exchange Programs
Study at one of Cal State LA's international partner universities while remaining connected to Cal State LA. Options may include semester, academic-year, and selected shorter experiences.
Affiliate & Independent Programs
Explore additional international opportunities through organizations such as AIFS Abroad, CIEE, IFSA, SIT Study Abroad, and other approved program pathways.
Faculty-Led Programs
Cal State LA faculty may offer short-term global learning programs connected to University courses. Locations and opportunities vary by academic year.
Find the Program That Fits You
Do not begin by asking only, "Where do I want to go?" A strong study abroad decision also considers what you need academically, what you can afford, how long you can be away, the kind of support you want, and what you hope to gain from the experience.
You do not need to have everything figured out before you begin. Study Abroad 101 and the resources below will help you work through those decisions.
Plan Your Global Experience
Expand any section below for guidance as you explore and prepare.
Choosing the Right Program
Think about the experience as a whole rather than choosing a program based only on destination.
Questions to consider include:
- Which courses or academic requirements do I hope to complete?
- Do I want a summer, semester, academic-year, or shorter experience?
- What can I realistically afford?
- Can my current financial aid be used for this particular program?
- Do I want to study in English, another language, or both?
- Do I prefer a large university, smaller program, urban environment, or another setting?
- What type of housing and on-site support would make me successful?
- Are there accessibility, health, dietary, religious, identity, or other personal considerations I should investigate?
- How does this experience connect with my academic, professional, or personal goals?
Scholarships & Funding Your Global Experience
Do not assume that studying abroad is financially out of reach. Scholarships, financial aid, program selection, destination, length, housing, and personal spending choices can substantially change the final cost.
Start researching funding before you apply to a program. Many major scholarships have deadlines months before departure.
Major Study Abroad Scholarships
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
A U.S. Department of State scholarship for eligible undergraduate students receiving a Federal Pell Grant who plan to participate in credit-bearing study or internships abroad.
Explore the Gilman Scholarship
Fund for Education Abroad (FEA)
Provides scholarships to eligible undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need, with a particular commitment to expanding access to education abroad.
Explore Fund for Education Abroad
Freeman-ASIA
Provides need-based support for eligible U.S. undergraduate students studying abroad in East or Southeast Asia.
Explore Freeman-ASIA
Gilman-McCain Scholarship
Supports eligible undergraduate children and spouses of active or activated U.S. military personnel participating in credit-bearing study or internships abroad.
Explore the Gilman-McCain Scholarship
Program Provider Scholarships
Many study abroad organizations also offer their own scholarships, grants, and need-based awards.
- AIFS Abroad Scholarships & Grants
- CIEE Scholarships & Grants
- IFSA Scholarships
- SIT Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
Search for Additional Scholarships
Scholarship opportunities change frequently. Search broadly and begin early.
Search the GoAbroad Scholarship Directory
Scholarship deadlines and eligibility requirements change. Always confirm current requirements directly with the scholarship organization before applying.
Academics, Courses & Degree Progress
Study abroad should be part of your academic plan, not separate from it.
Meet with your academic advisor early to discuss:
- Courses you still need for your degree
- Major, minor, general education, or elective requirements
- Potential course equivalencies
- Prerequisites and sequencing
- Your expected graduation timeline
- Whether the proposed term is academically appropriate
Courses completed abroad may be able to satisfy Cal State LA degree requirements, but how they apply to your specific degree must be reviewed through the appropriate academic process.
Do not assume that a course abroad will automatically satisfy a particular Cal State LA requirement simply because the course titles appear similar.
Students considering study abroad during their final terms should plan especially carefully. Transcript processing and evaluation of coursework completed abroad may affect graduation timing.
Costs, Budgeting & Financial Aid
The cost of studying abroad varies widely. Some programs may cost considerably more than a semester at Cal State LA, while others may be comparable or, depending on destination and living costs, even less expensive.
Compare the total cost of participation, not just the advertised program fee.
Build a budget that includes:
- Tuition or program fees
- Housing
- Meals
- Round-trip airfare
- Passport and visa expenses
- International health or travel insurance
- Local transportation
- Books and academic materials
- Phone and internet expenses
- Personal expenses
- Emergency funds
- Changes in currency exchange rates
Can I Use Financial Aid?
Financial aid may be available for some study abroad programs, depending on the program structure, your individual financial aid eligibility, enrollment requirements, and applicable federal, state, and University rules.
Do not assume that your existing financial aid will automatically apply to every study abroad program.
Work with Financial Aid and Scholarships early, particularly before committing to a program or paying nonrefundable costs.
Health, Safety & Preparing to Travel
Preparation for studying abroad includes understanding the health, safety, legal, cultural, and logistical environment of your host destination.
Before departure, students should review:
- Passport and visa requirements
- Current travel advisories
- Health and vaccination recommendations
- Prescription medication rules in the host country
- International insurance coverage
- Emergency procedures and contacts
- Local laws and customs
- Housing and transportation arrangements
- Communication plans with family or trusted contacts
Students should also understand the emergency resources and procedures provided by their specific program.
Review U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories
U.S. citizens and nationals may also wish to review the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
Identity, Belonging & Accessibility Abroad
Every student experiences study abroad differently. Your identities, lived experiences, language, family background, citizenship, disability, health needs, religion, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other aspects of who you are may shape your experience in ways that differ from life in Los Angeles.
As you compare programs, consider questions such as:
- How are aspects of my identity understood in the host culture?
- Are there local laws or social norms I should understand before arrival?
- Will I need accommodations for a disability or health condition, and how are those accommodations arranged?
- Will my religious, dietary, mobility, medical, or other needs be reasonably supported?
- What kind of local and program support will be available if I experience discrimination, harassment, or another challenge?
- Is this my first time traveling internationally or living away from my family, and what additional preparation might help me succeed?
These considerations should help you make an informed program choice, not discourage you from participating. Ask questions early so you can identify a program and location that support your success.
Immigration Status, DACA & International Travel
International travel can have different immigration consequences depending on a student's individual status and circumstances.
Students with DACA, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), pending immigration matters, undocumented status, or another immigration situation that may affect departure from or return to the United States should obtain individualized immigration advice before applying, purchasing airfare, or paying nonrefundable program costs.
Students considering international travel using advance parole should also consult a qualified immigration attorney regarding their individual circumstances before departure.
Study Abroad staff can help you understand program requirements, but they cannot provide individual legal advice about immigration status or the legal consequences of international travel.
Free Immigration Legal Services
The CSU Immigration Legal Services Project provides free immigration legal services to eligible CSU students and other members of the CSU community.
From Interest to Application
The exact process varies by program, but your pathway will generally include several of the following steps:
- Complete Study Abroad 101.
- Explore program options and identify programs that fit your academic, financial, and personal goals.
- Meet with your academic advisor to discuss degree requirements and coursework abroad.
- Develop a realistic budget and investigate financial aid and scholarships.
- Review the eligibility requirements and deadlines for your chosen program.
- Complete the appropriate Cal State LA and/or program-provider application process.
- Complete any required nomination, host-university, or provider application.
- Obtain required academic approvals.
- Complete pre-departure requirements, including applicable health, safety, insurance, visa, and orientation requirements.
- Go abroad prepared to learn, participate, and represent Cal State LA.
Application deadlines vary. Cal State LA, host universities, CSU International Programs, and external providers may have different deadlines. Always follow the deadline published for your specific program and begin planning early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak another language?
No. Many study abroad programs offer coursework taught in English. Other programs may require or provide opportunities for study in another language.
Can studying abroad count toward my degree?
It may. How coursework completed abroad applies toward your degree depends on the program, courses completed, and academic approvals. Work with your academic advisor before departure.
Can I use financial aid?
Financial aid may be available for eligible students participating in qualifying programs. The answer depends on your aid package and the specific program, so consult Financial Aid and Scholarships before making financial commitments.
Is study abroad only for certain majors?
No. Students from many academic disciplines can participate. The available programs and the way coursework applies toward your degree will vary by major.
Can graduate students study abroad?
Some opportunities may be available to graduate students. Graduate students should discuss participation with their graduate advisor early because program and degree requirements vary.
Will studying abroad delay graduation?
It does not necessarily have to. Careful academic planning can allow coursework abroad to contribute toward degree progress. Poor course planning, studying abroad very late in your degree, or delays in receiving and evaluating international transcripts can affect your graduation timeline.
How early should I start?
Start as early as possible. Program, scholarship, financial aid, passport, visa, and academic-planning timelines can begin many months before departure.
Can I apply directly to a program without working with Cal State LA?
Contact the Study Abroad team before committing to an outside program. Independent participation may involve important University processes related to enrollment, financial aid, academic credit, and your Cal State LA student record.
Study Abroad Advising
Study Abroad 101 is designed to answer many of the questions students have at the beginning of the process and help you arrive at an advising conversation prepared to discuss your individual goals.
After completing Study Abroad 101, individual advising can help you think through questions such as:
- Which program type best fits your goals
- Program selection
- Application processes
- Scholarship opportunities
- Preparing for departure
- Questions specific to your proposed global experience
Academic and Financial Advising Are Also Essential
Study Abroad staff can help with education abroad planning, but your academic advisor determines how study abroad fits into your degree plan, and Financial Aid and Scholarships determines how financial aid rules apply to your individual situation.
Study Abroad Portal
Use the Cal State LA Study Abroad Portal to explore programs and manage applicable study abroad application processes.
Your Global Experience Starts at Cal State LA
Studying abroad is not reserved for one type of student, one major, or students who already think of themselves as international travelers.
A global experience can begin with curiosity. From there, careful academic planning, financial preparation, and the right program can make an international experience part of your Cal State LA education.
Start with Study Abroad 101, explore your options, and build the global experience that is right for you.
Questions About Study Abroad?
Contact the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) for questions about Cal State LA study abroad opportunities, program options, advising, and next steps.
Office of Study Abroad (OSA)
California State University, Los Angeles
Library Palmer Wing, Room 4503
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 323-343-3170
Begin with Study Abroad 101 before requesting individual study abroad advising.