Extended Education and International Programs

Students who study abroad acquire international skills and global understanding. Live abroad and see the world in a whole new way. Employers want real world experience.Your employer will value your ability to look at things from different points of view. You will get a real education by living in the community and learning a new language and culture.

Studying abroad benefits students in numerous ways that carry beyond the time at their home university. If you are a student considering studying abroad, think about the many ways the international experience can contribute to your personal, professional and academic development:

Study Abroad enhances your education. It adds a new perspective to your studies. You will see things from another point of view, which will help you to develop your analytical and critical thinking skills.

Study abroad builds your résumé. We sometimes impose limitations on ourselves, curbing our progress toward our goals. By leaving the familiar behind to encounter different people and places we gain a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Study Abroad teaches understanding of another culture. Living and learning in another culture in the midst of the unfamiliar adds to our understanding of the variety of cultures in our world and gives us a maturity and perspective that can be gained in no other way.

• Review CSUIP program options, focusing on their course catalogs and application deadlines.
  • Research courses at the host university/program that align with your academic goals, ensuring they fulfill GE, major, minor, or elective requirements.
  • Confirm the availability of enough courses to meet at least 15 CSUMB credits per semester.

• Select a program (or programs) and collaborate with your CSUMB Academic Advisor to obtain academic approval for chosen courses using the Education Abroad Academic Approval Form
  • This form must be signed by your Academic Advisor and the Education Abroad Advisor. 
  • A copy of the form must also be uploaded to the "Pre-acceptance" section of the Education Abroad Application (see step 5 below).
    • Once approved by the appropriate major advisor and/or GE representative, this worksheet will facilitate the transfer of course credit toward your major, minor, and GE requirements.
    • NOTE: Remember that studying abroad may affect your graduation date. It may take anywhere from 2-6 months for CSUMB to receive your official transcript. This may result in the need to delay your graduation to a future term.

• Schedule a CSUIP Virtual Advising appointment or attend a drop-in advising hour for additional guidance.
• Education Abroad 101 information sessions are held weekly. Join the Education Abroad group in MyRaft to view dates and registration links. 

• Complete the CSUIP application by the deadline ensuring you have "campus coordinator" approval. This approval can only be obtained from the CSUMB education abroad advisor after a virtual meeting.

• Upon acceptance into your CSUIP program, submit a CSUMB Education Abroad application within one month. 

• Be aware that the host university may have additional application requirements. Ensure timely completion of any necessary documents.

• Once your acceptance to your CSUIP program of choice has been confirmed, apply for your student visa.
• Remember to adhere to the information and steps provided by your host university for obtaining your visa.

• Upload flight information to Education Abroad post-acceptance application.
• Confirm participation in your Education Abroad program.

• Summer/Fall orientations are typically held in April.
• Winter/Spring orientations are typically held in December.

• Pass your classes
• If needed, check in with the Education Abroad team
• Have a great time and share your experience with us through social media! Follow @csumbinternational on Instagram #StudyAbrOtters