International Programs

Introduction
International Students & Scholars
Visiting Scholars

Study Abroad and Global Engagement
International Agreements
University Semester Abroad

657-278-2787

Associate Vice President for International Programs
Debra Leahy

Introduction

International Programs is dedicated to promoting the exchange of knowledge and experiences within Cal State Fullerton’s multicultural campus community and with the world at large. This includes providing information and assistance for international students admitted to CSUF in both undergraduate and graduate degree programs, for those attending non-degree programs and for U.S. students planning to study abroad.

Incoming international students work through the university’s Admissions Office when applying for a degree program. International students and scholars may also participate in Cal State Fullerton programs through exchange, University Semester Abroad, or customized experiences coordinated by International Programs. More information is available at international.fullerton.edu.

The staff of International Programs endeavors to provide international students with the best possible academic and personal experiences.

International Students & Scholars

International Students & Scholars provides information and assistance to international students attending Cal State Fullerton and exchange visitors, including research scholars and visiting professors. More information is available at extension.fullerton.edu/international/students.

Visiting Scholars

Cal State Fullerton welcomes visiting scholars, also known as exchange visitors, for stays of varying duration in order to conduct research, teach and/or consult with faculty members at the university. Information is available at extension.fullerton.edu/international/visiting-scholars.

Study Abroad and Global Engagement

The Cal State Fullerton strategic plan advocates for student participation in “international, service learning, internship, community engagement or other innovative instructional experiences that prepare students for professional endeavors in a global society.” Study abroad is a high-impact practice clearly aligned with this goal. Outcomes of this life-changing experience include developing analytical and critical thinking skills, cultural awareness, enhanced language skills, and a better understanding of oneself and the world. Students also develop global perspectives related to their field of study that enhance academic knowledge and professional development.

Cal State Fullerton offers a variety of study abroad options:

International Programs (IP) is the systemwide, yearlong study abroad program offered by the California State University.
CSUF Exchange Programs include semester-long study abroad experiences through bilateral agreements with partner institutions from around the world.
Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs include programs ranging in length from one week to one semester facilitated by CSUF faculty.
Independent Study Abroad.
Virtual Study Abroad opportunities.

Students are advised to start the planning process for their study abroad experience as early as possible and are invited to contact the Study Abroad Office for information and advising. Careful planning will result in selection of the best program for the student and minimize any potential difficulties with transfer credit or financial aid. Call 657-278-2787 to schedule an appointment with a study abroad adviser. Students can also sign up for information sessions about specific programs, or visit the Study Abroad and Global Engagement website.

CSU International Programs

Developing intercultural communication skills and international understanding among its students is a vital mission of the California State University. Since its inception in 1963, the CSU International Programs has contributed to this effort by providing qualified students an affordable opportunity to continue their studies abroad for a full academic year in all programs and a semester option in some countries and programs.

More than 20,000 CSU students have taken advantage of this unique study option. Also, through the CSU IP exchange partnerships, more than 5,000 international students have come to study at the CSU campuses.

International Programs participants earn resident academic credit at their CSU campuses while they pursue full-time study at a host university or study center abroad. CSU IP serves the needs of students in more than 100 designated academic majors. Affiliated with 70 recognized universities and institutions of higher education in 18 countries, CSU IP also offers a wide selection of study abroad destinations and learning environments. More information on partner institution is available at csuip.calstate.edu/.

Australia – Griffith University, Macquarie University, Queensland University of Technology, University of Queensland, Western Sydney University

Canada – Concordia University

Chile – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

China – Peking University (Beijing)

Denmark – Danish Institute for Study Abroad

France – Aix-Marseille Université, CY Cergy Paris Université, École Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay (ENS), ESSCA, Aix-en-Provence Campus (effective Spring 2024), Institut Catholique de Paris, Institut Polytechniques des Sciences Avancées (IPSA), Institut Supérieur d’Electronique de Paris (ISEP), Science Politiques Saint-Germain-En-Laye, Sorbonne Université, Université d’Evry Val-d’Essonne (UEVE), Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ), Université Paris Cité, Université Gustave Eiffel, Université Panthéon-Assas, Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, Université Paris 8 - Vincennes-Saint-Denis, Université Paris Nanterre, Université Paris-Est Créteil Val-de-Marne (UPEC), Université Paris-Saclay, Université Sorbonne Nouvelle (formerly Paris 3), Université Sorbonne Paris Nord

Germany – Hochschule Biberach, Hochschule der Medien Stuttgart, Hochschule für Forstwirtschaft Rottenburg, Hochschule Furtwangen, Hochschule Konstanz, Hochschule Mannheim, Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Umwelt Nürtingen-Geislingen, Hochschule Reutlingen, Hochschule Ravensburg-Weingarten ,Hochschule Ulm, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie, Pädagogische Hochschule Freiburg, Pädagogische Hochschule Ludwigsburg, Staatliche Hochschule für Musik Trossingen, Staatliche Akademie der Bildenden Künste Stuttgart, Universität Freiburg, Universität Heidelberg, Universität Hohenheim, Universität Konstanz, Universität Mannheim, Universität Stuttgart, Universität Tübingen, Universität Ulm

Ghana – University of Ghana

Israel – University of Haifa

Italy – CSU Florence Study Center, Accademia di Belle Arti Firenze

Japan – Waseda University, University of Tsukuba

Mexico – Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Campus Querétaro

South Africa – Nelson Mandela University

South Korea – Yonsei University, Korea University

Spain – Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Universidad de Granada

Sweden – Uppsala University

Taiwan – National Taiwan University

United Kingdom – University of Bradford, University of Bristol, University of Hull, Kingston University, Swansea University, University of Birmingham

Students participating in CSU IP pay CSU tuition and program fees, and are responsible for airfare, accommodations, meals and other personal expenses. Financial aid, with the exception of Federal Work-Study, is available to qualified students and limited scholarship opportunities are also available. All programs require students to maintain good academic and disciplinary standing; many programs are open to sophomores or graduate students. California community college transfer students are eligible to apply (to select programs) directly from their community colleges. Students must possess a current cumulative grade-point average of 2.75 or 3.0, depending on the program, and must fulfill all coursework prerequisites. Additional program information and application instructions can be found online at calstate.edu/ip.

CSUF Exchange Programs

Cal State Fullerton has bilateral exchange agreements with several international university partners. The cost of participation varies from country to country, but generally includes Cal State Fullerton fees, housing, meals, transportation and incidental expenses. Costs often are comparable to studying at CSUF while living in a nearby apartment. Students who qualify for financial aid may apply it to exchange program costs. No overseas tuition is charged; students pay regular CSUF campus fees, plus international transportation, living and related expenses. Semester and summer programs are available.

Academic advising before departure is essential. Admission requirements and application deadlines vary depending on the program. More information is available at extension.fullerton.edu/studyabroad.

Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs

Faculty-led study abroad programs include programs ranging in length from one week to one semester facilitated by CSUF faculty. Interested students are encouraged to review department and college websites and contact the Study Abroad Office for additional information about upcoming programs. More information is available at extension.fullerton.edu/studyabroad.

Independent Study Abroad

Students may also consider participation in a program run by a private organization or another university. Academic credit transfer and financial aid can be arranged in advance through completion of a Non-CSUF Study Abroad Program Application, which is available at extension.fullerton.edu/studyabroad.

International Agreements

Cal State Fullerton fosters a global outlook by establishing and maintaining official relationships with universities abroad. A list of active agreements is available upon request by contacting International Programs at 657-278-2787.

University Semester Abroad

International students who want to study at an American university for a semester or a year can enroll in University Semester Abroad and take credit-bearing courses that transfer to their home university. USA staff work closely with students and their home institutions to help guide course selection and enrollment. More information is available at extension.fullerton.edu/international/usa.