Getting Started

Research, read, and reflect. Going away to pursue an educational experience off-campus as part of your degree is a big decision. Any student considering this should start researching their options at least 6 months in advance. 

Talk with your friends, family, professors, and networks to get their advice and support. 

Meet with your academic coach to discuss how education away fits into your degree plan.  

Explore this website to get familiar with different programs and destinations. 

When thinking about your options, consider:

• What region or culture interests you the most? Why?
• How long would you like to study away and during what time of the year? Do you want to be away for a few weeks or a whole semester?
• Are you looking for a program directly related to your major or just a "general" program?
• Do you want a program with courses taught in English or are you seeking immersion in a foreign language?
• Are you interested in fulfilling remaining degree requirements or just having an experience that will provide general credit
• How can I learn more? What are my resources? 
   

There are many ways to explore your options: 

• Attend the Education Away Fair held each Fall semester.
• Visit us in Berkman Hall, suite 412 during drop-in hours to chat with peer advisors.
• Schedule a one-on-one advising meeting for personalize guidance.
• Pick up free printed program guides ("viewbooks") in our office.
• Browse searchable program databases:
  • www.iiepassport.org
  • Goabroad.com
  • GoOverseas.com
• Read student reviews at Abroad101 for firsthand experiences. 

CSU students can choose from three main types of programs:

1. Faculty-led Programs Abroad (FLPA) are typically from 9 days to 4 weeks long. Participants earn graded, in-residence credit while traveling with their CSU classmates and professors. See our Faculty-Led Programs Abroad webpage for the latest offerings.
    
2. Reciprocal Exchange Programs are for a Fall or Spring (or both). These are established, two-way student mobility pathways either abroad or at a U.S. institution member campus of the National Student Exchange consortium. 
    
3. Affiliate Programs offer the most flexibility of all of the options because they're in every corner of the world. These programs result in transfer credits. 

Students may use financial aid towards the cost of Education Away and can sometimes get the amount of their award increased depending on the estimated cost of participating in a program, referred to as the cost of attendance (COA). CSU allows both federal and most institutional aid to travel to any approved program.  Please plan ahead if you will be applying for scholarships. Some scholarships are need-based and others are merit-based. Application deadlines are usually quite early so plan ahead if you will be applying for scholarships.

Not necessarily!  Many programs are taught in English, even in non–English-speaking countries. Some programs do require or include language study — your education away advisor can help you find the best match for your goals. 

Yes. Students who apply through and are approved by the Center for International Services and Programs (CISP) for a program away will receive either "transfer" or "in-residence" credits, assuming a passing grade(s) is earned and a transcript is received. 

Faculty-Led Programs: Graded, in-residence CSU credit.

Reciprocal Exchange Programs: In-residence CSU credit, with letter grades required on the host transcript (does not impact your CSU GPA). 

Affiliate Programs: Transfer credit (does not impact your CSU GPA).

The CISP team will help you to confirm how the credits will transfer before you undertake any program, so there are no surprises.

It’s simple! We recommend meeting with a CISP advisor before starting any application.

Submit the general CSU approval form through CISP to be officially approved as a CSU student to be on “education away” leave. You'll then apply directly to your host university or program for admission.

General approval form: Apply here.

National Student Exchange application: Apply here. 

• Faculty-Led Programs: Check the individual program webpage
• Reciprocal Exchange: Apply at least one year in advance to allow for placement coordination.
• National Student Exchange: Rolling admissions; March 1 priority deadline for best campus selection.
• Affiliate Programs: Deadlines vary by provider — check each program’s website.
   

The general CSU approval application has no deadline but we recommend students submit by Oct 1 for Spring, Feb 1 for Summer/ Fall.

To be approved for study away, you must:

• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (some programs require 2.5 for admission).
• Be in good academic and disciplinary standing with CSU.
• Have completed two semesters at CSU (or at least one semester as a transfer student).
• Have no outstanding holds or financial restrictions.

CISP works with CSU’s Judicial Affairs and Bursar’s Offices to verify eligibility. Check the full list of criteria here.

Whether your goal is to see the world, gain new skills, or expand your professional network, there’s a study away experience for you. Our team is here to make the process clear, affordable, and exciting — every step of the way.

Email us, stop by Berkman Hall Suite 412, or schedule an appointment today!