Where do you want to study abroad? Why?
If you are a foreign language major/minor it makes sense to go to a country that speaks that language, but what about history, art, business, chemistry or other majors that are not as clear? 

Having an open mind is key!  Many students believe that not knowing a second language will prevent them from going to a non-English speaking country, but this is not always the case.  Many programs offer courses in English, even though the language of the country is not.  It is important to look at many things, not just language, when deciding on a location.

Remember the purpose of studying abroad is to study, so you want to make sure the location you choose has courses that can be used to satisfy requirements for your degree.  Feel free to meet with a Study Abroad Office representative to discuss locations that will match your major and interests.

Do you have any financial constraints?
Money is the most common obstacle to studying abroad, but it doesn't have to be.  There are several programs with costs similar to attending Cal State Fullerton.  The California State University IP, CSUF Exchange the CSUF department programs all charge the same tuition students pay while attending Cal State Fullerton.

CSU IP offer students the chance to study abroad for two semesters, and the estimated expenses range from $11,000 – 23,000, depending on location and current exchange rates.  This cost includes: tuition, housing, air fare (estimate), personal expenses (estimated), insurance, and group activities (depending on location).

If you do not think you can go for two semesters, look into going for one.  The CSUF Exchange and Department programs offer one semester options in a variety of coursework and will typically cost from $6,000 – 15,000, depending on location and exchange rates.  There are even a few summer programs available.

Financial aid and scholarships can help offset the cost of studying abroad.  There are many scholarships out there (including 10 given away by the Study Abroad Office every year) that students have applied for, and gotten.  Also, financial aid currently received for study at Cal State Fullerton may be applied to the cost of a program, depending on the program. 

Meet with a Study Abroad Office representative to discuss financing your study abroad experience.  The Study Abroad office has many resources including our website for financial aid and scholarships to help you fund your experience abroad.

When would you like to study abroad, and for how long?
Typically, Junior year is the best time to study abroad.  Student's are finishing their general education requirements and are starting to work on their major courses.  However, this is not the only time students can go abroad there are programs that Sophomores and Seniors can participate on as well.  Freshman and Sophomores will have the most difficulty finding a program.

How long to study abroad is also a question that students struggle with.  Many students do not think they can afford to go for a semester or an academic year.  In fact according to the Open Doors Report over 50% of US students studying abroad go for 8 weeks or less, while only 37% go for a semester and 5.5% go for the full year.

At Cal State Fullerton, students have the option of going abroad for a full year for a similar cost of attending Cal State Fullerton in person, while still completing a minimum of 30 units and completing coursework in their major.  There are also several affordable semester programs that will allow students to take general education and/or major course work.

In some cases going for a full year or a semester is not possible due to certain obligations, and there are also summer programs.  However, if finances are the reason for going for a shorter amount of time, be sure to look at semester or year long options, as it might be surprising how affordable they can be.

What are your specific goals for studying abroad?
This can be a very difficult question to answer, as many students don't fully understand their reasons for going abroad until they have returned. You may be looking for something specific. You may want to do an internship involving political science, film and TV production, business or environmental conservation. You may be going primarily to perfect your language skills, to experience a new culture, or to strengthen your resume.

Whatever your reasons and your goals we can help point you in the direction of a program that will offer you the right opportunity. Let us know what you hope to gain from the experience. Each program has a unique personality; they all have strengths, they all have weaknesses, and we can help you find the program that is the best fit for you.

Are there any course requirements that you must fulfill while studying abroad?
It is easier to find a program that meets your needs if you know what classes you still need to take, but at the same time if you are looking for a very specific course that does make finding a program more difficult.  Major electives are the common courses students take abroad, and the more specific the list of classes you need, the harder it will be to find a program, but it doesn't necessarily mean it is impossible.

Your major department will be the ones to approve courses you take abroad as requirements for your major at Cal State Fullerton, so you should be in contact with your academic advisor for your major. 

The Study Abroad Office does not approve courses for transfer; this must be done by the academic department of the class.  You should meet with a representative from the Study Abroad Office for more information and for assistance in locating programs that offer coursework in your major.

Have you discussed studying aboard with your parents/guardian/other interested parties?
It is important to discuss studying abroad with parents/guardians or anyone who might be affected by your going abroad.  You will want to explain why this is important to you and how you plan to make it a reality. As you start gathering more information you should share it with family and friends.

Parents are often worried about three things, how much it is going to cost, are you still going to graduate on time, and are you going to be safe?  The Study Abroad Office can help answer those questions, so feel free to have your parents call, e-mail or even attend an advising session so they can have their questions answered as well.

Have you discussed your study abroad plan and its effect on your academic plan with your academic advisor?

This is very important; studying abroad is about going to school and taking courses that will satisfy requirement for your degree.  Regardless of if you are planning to study abroad you should meet with your academic advisors regularly, at least once a year if not once a semester.

The Study Abroad Office cannot tell you what classes you still need to take in order to graduate, or if the classes you are hoping to take while abroad will satisfy those requirements, that must be done by your academic advisor.

Do you have dependents?
You might be surprised to find out there are several programs that will allow you to take dependents, whether children or a spouse or both.  It is important to remember that the cost will be increased due to the additional expenses associated with more people.  Also, education or child care can be expensive. 

Please meet with a representative from the Study Abroad Office to discuss this in more detail.