Study Abroad at Cal State LA
Find a global experience that fits your academic goals, financial circumstances, personal needs, and vision for your future.
Build a Global Experience That Fits You
Global learning can be one of the most meaningful parts of your Cal State LA education. Studying abroad allows you 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.
See Where Cal State LA Can Take You
Wondering what studying abroad is actually like? Hear from Cal State LA students who have been there, explore opportunities around the world, and learn more about cost, scholarships, and making study abroad work for you.
Follow Cal State LA Study Abroad on Instagram for student stories, upcoming opportunities, and practical tips to help you get started.
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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.
The course introduces program types, academic planning, costs, funding, scholarships, program selection, preparation, and the steps involved in moving from interest to participation.
Complete Study Abroad 101 before requesting individual advising or submitting a Cal State LA study abroad application.
Explore Your Global Learning Options
Program structure, cost, eligibility, academic credit, length, and application procedures vary. Compare the available pathways before deciding which type is right for you.
CSU International Programs
Study 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 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 decision also considers what you need academically, what you can afford, how long you can be away, the support you want, and what you hope to gain.
You do not need to have everything figured out before you begin. Study Abroad 101 and the planning resources below will help you work through those decisions.
Plan Your Global Experience
Expand each section for guidance as you explore your options and prepare for participation.
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 help me succeed?
- 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 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.
Begin researching funding before applying. 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
Scholarships for eligible undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need, with a commitment to expanding access to education abroad.
Explore Fund for Education Abroad
Freeman-ASIA
Need-based support for eligible U.S. undergraduate students studying abroad in East or Southeast Asia.
Explore Freeman-ASIA
Gilman-McCain Scholarship
Support for 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
- AIFS Abroad Scholarships & Grants
- CIEE Scholarships & Grants
- IFSA Scholarships
- SIT Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
Search for Additional Scholarships
Search the GoAbroad Scholarship Directory
Scholarship deadlines and eligibility requirements change. 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 a course abroad will automatically satisfy a Cal State LA requirement 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 less expensive.
Compare the total cost of participation, not only the advertised program fee.
Build a budget that includes:
- Tuition or program fees
- Housing and 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 and emergency funds
- Possible changes in currency exchange rates
Can I Use Financial Aid?
Financial aid may be available for some programs, depending on the program structure, your individual eligibility, enrollment requirements, and applicable federal, state, and University rules.
Do not assume your existing financial aid will automatically apply to every study abroad program.
Work with Financial Aid and Scholarships before committing to a program or paying nonrefundable costs.
Health, Safety & Preparing to Travel
Preparation includes understanding the health, safety, legal, cultural, and logistical environment of your destination.
Before departure, 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 .
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 abroad.
As you compare programs, consider:
- How are aspects of my identity understood in the host culture?
- Are there local laws or social norms I should understand?
- Will I need accommodations for a disability or health condition, and how are they arranged?
- Will my religious, dietary, mobility, medical, or other needs be reasonably supported?
- What support is available if I experience discrimination, harassment, or another challenge?
- What additional preparation might help if this is my first international experience or first time living away from family?
These considerations should help you make an informed 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, pending immigration matters, undocumented status, or another status 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 travel using advance parole should consult a qualified immigration attorney before departure.
Study Abroad staff can explain 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 the following steps:
- Complete Study Abroad 101.
- Identify programs that fit your academic, financial, and personal goals.
- Meet with your academic advisor about 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 program application processes.
- Complete any required host-university or provider application.
- Obtain required academic approvals.
- Complete 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. Follow the deadline published for your specific program and begin early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak another language?
No. Many 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 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 in qualifying programs. Consult Financial Aid and Scholarships before making financial commitments.
Is study abroad only for certain majors?
No. Students from many academic disciplines can participate. Available programs and how coursework applies toward the degree vary by major.
Can graduate students study abroad?
Some opportunities may be available. Graduate students should discuss participation with their graduate advisor early.
Will studying abroad delay graduation?
Not necessarily. Careful planning can allow coursework abroad to contribute toward degree progress. Course planning and international transcript processing may affect the graduation timeline.
How early should I start?
Start as early as possible. Program, scholarship, financial aid, passport, visa, and academic-planning timelines may 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 University processes related to enrollment, financial aid, academic credit, and your Cal State LA student record.
Advising and Applications
Study Abroad Advising
Study Abroad 101 answers many beginning questions and helps you prepare for an individual advising conversation.
After completing the course, advising can help with:
- Choosing the program type that best fits your goals
- Program selection
- Application processes
- Scholarship opportunities
- Preparing for departure
- Questions specific to your proposed experience
Academic and financial advising are also essential. Your academic advisor determines how study abroad fits into your degree plan. Financial Aid and Scholarships determines how financial aid rules apply to your individual circumstances.
Study Abroad Portal
Use the Cal State LA Study Abroad Portal to explore programs and manage applicable 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. 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 for questions about program options, advising, applications, and next steps.
Office of Study Abroad
California State University, Los Angeles
Library Palmer Wing, Room 4053
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 323-343-3170
