Semester/Year-long programs

Review our program offerings focusing on each program's course list, costs, and application deadlines.

Direct Exchange Programs: In these programs, students immerse themselves in the academic environment of one of CSUMB’s partner universities while continuing to pay their regular tuition and fees to CSUMB. The chance of placement in this type of program is high, as long as you submit your application on time and meet the program requirements.
CSU International Programs (CSUIP): These programs are offered through the Chancellor's Office and are available to all students in the 23 CSU campuses. Students participating in CSUIP pay tuition and fees directly to the Chancellor’s Office. The chances of placement vary by program and we highly encourage students to apply by their priority deadline.
National Student Exchange (U.S., Canada, and U.S. territories): CSUMB is a member campus of the NSE consortium which allows students to study away throughout the United States, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Depending on the program, tuition and fees might be payable to either CSUMB or the host institution. The chances of placement vary by program.
Fee-Paying Study Abroad Programs: These programs require students to pay tuition, fees, and housing directly to their host institution. Although financial aid isn’t available for these programs, many students find the benefits—including academic and professional growth and personal development—make the investment worthwhile.

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 12 CSUMB credits per semester for direct-exchange, fee-paying study abroad, and National Student Exchange (NSE) programs. You must take at least 15 units per semester if you select a CSU International Program (CSUIP).

Note: If you choose CSUIP, you can find the application process here. You can find the application process for NSE here.

The Education Abroad 101 workshops are held virtually and in person. Join the Education Abroad group in MyRaft to view dates and register.

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 4).

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 2-6 months for CSUMB to receive your official transcript, which could delay your graduation to a future term.

Complete and submit the pre-acceptance section of the Education Abroad application through the Uni-hub application system.

Make sure your financial aid is in order, apply for scholarships, and budget for your time abroad.
Research flight options (don't buy until you are fully admitted to the program).
Apply or renew your passport (must be valid at least 6 months past your return to the U.S.).
How to get your unofficial transcripts

Once your nomination has been accepted, apply to your host university or CSUMB affiliate program.

Note: You cannot apply to your host university until the CSUMB Education Abroad team nominates you.
Complete your application early to receive necessary documents for your visa (if applicable), housing, etc.

Once accepted into your program, apply for your student visa, if required.
Work with the CSUMB Education Abroad Advisor if you have any questions about the process of applying.
Remember to adhere to the information and steps provided by your host university for obtaining your visa.

Extended Education and International Programs