Semester in Los Angeles (SiLA) is Cal State LA's non-degree study program for international students who want to spend a semester or academic year studying in Los Angeles while continuing progress toward a degree at their home university.
SiLA Is Not Currently Accepting General Applications
Cal State LA is not currently operating Semester in Los Angeles as a regularly scheduled cohort program and is not accepting general applications or routine partner-university nominations at this time.
International Programs is evaluating future SiLA programming and the administrative, academic, immigration, and student-support infrastructure necessary to provide participants with a successful Cal State LA experience.
In limited circumstances, Cal State LA may be able to review an inquiry from an individual student depending on the proposed term, academic goals, course availability, immigration eligibility, timing, and the University's capacity to provide the necessary administrative and student support.
An inquiry is not an application and does not guarantee that SiLA participation will be available.
Interested in an Individual SiLA Experience?
If you are currently enrolled at a university outside the United States and are interested in studying at Cal State LA for a semester or academic year, you may contact International Programs to describe your proposed study plans.
Please include your:
- Home university
- Current degree program or major
- Current year or level of study
- Proposed semester at Cal State LA
- Academic subjects or courses you hope to study
Discover Semester in Los Angeles
When offered, SiLA gives international students the opportunity to study alongside Cal State LA students and faculty while experiencing one of the world's most diverse and dynamic global cities.
SiLA combines university study with the opportunity to experience the communities, cultures, industries, creative life, and extraordinary diversity of Los Angeles.
Experience Semester in Los Angeles
Get a glimpse of the Semester in Los Angeles experience and what it means to study at Cal State LA while living and learning in Los Angeles.
What a SiLA Experience Can Offer
Study at Cal State LA
Take eligible Cal State LA courses taught by University faculty and study alongside students from Los Angeles, California, and around the world.
Earn University Credit
Successfully completed coursework appears on an official Cal State LA transcript. Your home university determines how Cal State LA credit applies toward your degree.
Experience Los Angeles
Study in a global metropolitan region shaped by extraordinary cultural, linguistic, creative, civic, and economic diversity.
Join the Campus Community
When SiLA is operating, participants can connect with the academic, cultural, student-life, and community resources available across Cal State LA.
Academics and Course Enrollment
SiLA is designed as a non-degree academic experience. Participants select eligible Cal State LA courses that complement the academic work they are completing at their home institution.
Students should work with their home university before participation to determine which subjects and types of courses are appropriate and how credit earned at Cal State LA may apply toward their degree.
Explore the Cal State LA University Catalog
Course Availability
SiLA participation does not guarantee enrollment in a specific Cal State LA course.
Course enrollment may depend on:
- Available space after regularly enrolled Cal State LA students register
- Course prerequisites
- Academic level
- Instructor or department approval
- Course restrictions
- Schedule conflicts
- Other University enrollment requirements
Students considering SiLA should identify multiple acceptable course options and should not make participation decisions based on the expectation of enrolling in one particular course.
How SiLA Course Registration Works
When SiLA is operating, course enrollment is coordinated through the applicable Cal State LA non-degree and Open University processes administered through the College of Professional and Global Education.
Open University allows non-matriculated students to enroll in eligible Cal State LA courses on a space-available basis. Current Open University procedures require course availability and may involve instructor approval before enrollment. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Do Not Register Independently as a Substitute for SiLA
Students interested in Semester in Los Angeles should contact International Programs before attempting to register independently through Open University. Open University course registration by itself does not create participation in SiLA and does not provide the immigration, onboarding, advising, or other support associated with an approved international student program.
SiLA Student Support
A successful SiLA experience requires more than access to classes.
When Cal State LA operates SiLA, program support may include:
- Pre-arrival information and onboarding
- Course-selection and enrollment assistance
- International student orientation and welcome activities
- Immigration advising when applicable
- Connections to Housing and Residence Life
- Connections with academic departments and faculty
- Campus-resource referrals
- Support throughout the student's semester at Cal State LA
Cal State LA considers its ability to provide these services when determining whether SiLA participation can be supported for an individual student or future cohort.
Immigration and Form DS-2019
International students approved for SiLA may require immigration sponsorship appropriate to their individual circumstances.
If Cal State LA determines that SiLA participation can be supported, International Programs will provide the student with instructions regarding the appropriate immigration process and any documentation required for review.
Submission of a SiLA inquiry does not establish eligibility for J-1 Exchange Visitor status and does not result in issuance of a Form DS-2019.
Housing in Los Angeles
Students considering a semester in Los Angeles should begin thinking about housing early. Cal State LA Housing and Residence Life offers on-campus housing options, but housing availability is limited and is managed separately from SiLA participation.
SiLA participation does not guarantee University housing.
Explore Housing at Cal State LA
Housing and Residence Life currently provides both residential-community information and housing application resources directly through its website. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Become Part of Cal State LA
The value of studying abroad extends beyond the classroom. A SiLA experience can provide opportunities to meet students from across Los Angeles and around the world, connect with faculty, participate in campus activities, and experience the communities that make this region distinctive.
Students at Cal State LA have access to opportunities involving:
- Student organizations and campus involvement
- Cross-cultural engagement
- Research and creative activities
- Academic support
- Career development
- Health and well-being
- Arts, athletics, and campus events
- Community engagement throughout Los Angeles
For Partner Universities
Cal State LA values the universities and international partners that have helped students participate in Semester in Los Angeles.
Current Partner Status
SiLA is not currently accepting general partner cohorts or routine student nominations.
Partner institutions interested in discussing future SiLA participation, renewing an existing relationship, or exploring the possibility of an individual student should contact International Programs directly before referring students to an application or enrollment process.
Looking Ahead
Cal State LA remains committed to creating meaningful opportunities for students from around the world to learn in Los Angeles and become part of the University community.
Information about future SiLA application periods, partner participation, program services, deadlines, and other requirements will be published here when the University is prepared to support broader participation.
Interested in SiLA?
SiLA is not currently accepting general applications, but International Programs may review a limited individual inquiry to determine whether participation could be considered.
Before contacting us, please be prepared to provide your home university, current degree program, proposed semester, and the academic subjects you would like to study.
Send an Individual SiLA Inquiry
Contact International Programs
Students and partner universities with questions about the future of Semester in Los Angeles may contact International Programs.
International Programs
California State University, Los Angeles
Library Palmer Wing, Room 4503
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 323-343-3170