The International Programs (IP) is the system wide overseas study program of the CSU and enables CSU students to pursue academic and career enhancing studies abroad. IP is affiliated with over 50 distinguished universities and other institutes of higher education in 17 countries where participants pursue coursework for CSU resident credit. Currently in its 39th year of continuous operation, the academic excellence of IP has been recognized by respected organizations such as the Council on Learning and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The goal of IP is to provide international academic opportunities in the framework of a California State University degree program. With a special focus on academic year studies, IP offers participants and array of study options related to specific degree and career objectives. IP is a unique part of the spectrum of study abroad opportunities available at each CSU campus.

The International Program was established by the CSU Board of Trustees in 1963 as the official study abroad program of the California State University system. It offers a true international academic experience. IP's guiding principle is that students should be "immersed" in the academic and living environments in their host countries. Accordingly, all instruction is offered by recognized host universities or by distinguished host country faculty. Students live in the communities where their studies are pursued. Learning the language of the host culture to achieve maximum social integration is always a high priority for IP students.

IP keeps costs as low as possible. Enrollment fees are kept at an affordable level because part of your costs are supported by the state of California. IP also takes steps wherever possible to minimize costs. These factors make IP the most affordable study abroad opportunity for California residents. Non-residents will be required to pay nonresident fees while enrolled through IP. In addition, financial aid is available. If you qualify for financial aid you may apply it to your year abroad. Each CSU campus financial aid office has a counselor available to talk with your about questions relating to study abroad and financial aid.

Along with the CSU International Programs, sponsored by the Chancellor’s Office, students have the option of studying abroad through other organizations and universities, for up to 1 year. The staff in International Student Service Office, UH 235, will aid you in finding a program right for you. The steps a student must take follows:

1. Choose a study abroad program which you want to study abroad through. The IC office has brochures and books that advertise many programs in countries all over the world. They also sponsor the Study/Work Abroad Fair once a year, in October. At the fair you can talk to representatives to find out more about their respective programs.
2. After you have decided which program to is right for you, you need to choose the classes which you want to study and get them approved by a faculty advisor. The classes must meet the requirements of your degree or certificate program to be eligible for financial aid. Class descriptions and other information on your intended study abroad program will facilitate your advisor’s decision. Classes that meet General Education requirements must be approved by a qualified advisor, preferably an evaluator from Records, Registration and Evaluations. The IC office has a form that will ease the class approval process.
3. Make an appointment with the director of the IC, Elsa Ochoa-Fernández, to approve the Program. Ms. Ochoa-Fernández, upon approval, will write a letter to the Financial Aid Office to assist them in awarding your financial aid. Along with aiding you to receive financial aid this procedure will help assure that your classes are approved for your degree.

For scholarship information, please visit http://www.studyabroadfunding.org

For more information about CSU International Program, please contact Elsa Ochoa-Fernández at (909) 537-5193 or check out the World Wide Web at: http://www.gateway.calstate.edu/csuienet/