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

Congratulations on starting your journey!

The application process to study abroad/away is straightforward but requires time and careful planning. It is important that you follow each step below carefully and begin early to ensure you have ample time to complete the process.

How to Get Started

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

  • In these programs, students immerse themselves in the academic environment of one of ÐÔÊӽ紫ý’s partner universities while continuing to pay their regular tuition and fees to ÐÔÊӽ紫ý. 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.
  • 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.
  • ÐÔÊӽ紫ý 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 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý or the host institution. The chances of placement vary by program. 
  • 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 vary in length, and tuition is paid directly to the host institution. 
  • Winter programs are typically 1-3 weeks long and are held between Fall and Spring semesters during ÐÔÊӽ紫ý’s winter break. Tuition is paid directly to the host institution.
  • The process for receiving academic approval is covered in ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Abroad 101. To view dates and register, join the ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Abroad group in
  • Select a program (or programs) and collaborate with your ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Academic Advisor to obtain academic approval for chosen courses using the ÐÔÊӽ紫ý 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 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý to receive your official transcripts, which could delay your graduation to a future term.
    • The ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Abroad Academic Approval Form is sent to you after attending ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Abroad 101.
    • The form must be signed by your Academic Advisor and the ÐÔÊӽ紫ý 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. 
  • After you submit an application, there are still required steps to complete. The ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Abroad Advisor will guide you through each one.
  • While you wait for the next steps from the ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Abroad Advisor, apply for or renew your passport, meet with financial aid, and apply for scholarships.