Program Options & Initial Steps in the Process to Study Abroad/Away

• All students are required to attend Education Abroad 101 to participate in CSUMB Education Abroad programs. During these sessions, the Education Abroad Advisor will cover everything you need to know to get started, including program options, academic approval, and more.
• Education Abroad 101 workshops are available both virtually and in person. To view dates and register, join the Education Abroad group in MyRaft.
• Students are required to attend Education Abroad 101 before meeting individually with the Education Abroad Advisor.

• When selecting a program, consider your personal, academic, and professional goals for studying abroad/away.
• Review our program offerings, focusing on each program's course list, costs, and application deadlines. 

Semester/Yearlong Program Options

• 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.

Summer/Winter Program Options

• Summer Programs: Summer programs vary in length, and tuition is paid directly to the host institution. 
• Winter Programs: Winter programs are typically 1-3 weeks long and are held between Fall and Spring semesters during CSUMB’s winter break. Tuition is paid directly to the host institution.

• The process for receiving academic approval is covered in Education Abroad 101. To view dates and register, join the Education Abroad group in MyRaft. 
• 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.
  • Once approved by the appropriate major advisor and/or GE representative, the academic approval form will facilitate the transfer of course credit toward your major, minor, and GE requirements.
  • Remember that studying abroad may affect your graduation date. It may take 2-6 months for CSUMB to receive your official transcripts, which could delay your graduation to a future term.
  • The Education Abroad Academic Approval Form is sent to you after attending Education Abroad 101.
  • The form must be signed by your Academic Advisor and the Education Abroad Advisor.
  • You must provide your academic advisor and/or approver with course descriptions and syllabi for each course to get it approved.

• You cannot submit an application until you have academic approval (See Step 3).
• The application you submit depends on the program that you have chosen. 
  • Direct Exchange Programs
  • Fee-Paying Study Abroad Programs
  • Summer Programs
  • Winter Programs
  • CSU International Programs (CSUIP)
  • National Student Exchange (U.S., Canada, and U.S. territories)
• After you submit an application, there are still required steps to complete. The Education Abroad Advisor will guide you through each one.
• While you wait for the next steps from the Education Abroad Advisor, apply for or renew your passport, meet with financial aid, and apply for scholarships.