Select the Right Program

Are you ready to pick your study abroad destination?

• If Yes, then check out the Apply page for upcoming deadlines.

• If No, here are some additional tips for picking the right program for you:

Deciding which study abroad program is right for you can sometimes seem a bit overwhelming. With so many possibilities, you can sometimes feel as though you are swamped with too much information. But, fear not. Start by considering the list of questions below. Then, read over the following pages about program types, academic issues, financial considerations, and the application process.

Feel free to e-mail the Study Abroad Office with your questions: sabroad@fullerton.edu.

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There are a number of factors to consider when selecting a study abroad program. Talk to the Study Abroad Advisor to discuss your interests and goals.

1. Program Features
2. Internship and Service Learning
3. Language of Instruction
4. CSUF Study Abroad Programs
5. Housing
6. Length and Term
7. Residence Credit vs. Transfer Credit

Program Features
Study abroad programs may offer one or a combination of the following types of opportunities:

Field or Classroom
Learn in a classroom at a university or in the field collecting data or seeing art first hand.
Research
Gather information for your senior paper or honors work.
Field Study & Excursion
Some programs include many structured activities that take you to local sites or other countries.
Volunteer
Connect with a local organization to offer support and gain experience.
Work
In rare cases, you can work while abroad; otherwise you can arrange to work after your study program.

On-Site Staff, Support, & Services
Some programs offer high levels of support while others are very independent. Be sure to choose a program that will meet your needs.

Resident Credit
All CSU and CSUF programs offer this credit. Your courses will show up on your CSUF transcript and your grade from abroad will affect your GPA.

Transfer Credit
Non-CSUF programs offer this credit. Your courses do not show on your CSUF transcript, but your grades abroad will still affect your GPA.

Internship or Service Learning
Internships for Credit

1. Internships abroad can allow you to observe or gain hands-on experience in your field. Benefits to doing an internship as part of a your study abroad program include:
2. Placement services
3. Ability to use financial aid to cover costs
4. On-site support for housing and problem solving
5. Academic component that allows credit to be offered

1. Your activities in the internship depend on many things:
1. The country you are in (do they have a tradition of internships?)
2. Your past experiences in the field (the more experienced you are the more likely you will be able to get an internship.)
3. The field you are interested in (some countries have tight regulations around working with people in the health care or other industries.)

Be sure to review our Work, Intern, and Volunteer section of this site.

Service Learning

• Service-learning provides direct experience applying content, ideas, and issues discussed in a class through volunteering at a community organization. Students support the organization
  and its goals, and the organization gives students the opportunity to serve the community and develop professional skills and contacts. Structured reflection on the experience is an essential component of a service learning program.

Language of Instruction

1. Many programs in non-English speaking countries offer courses in English. For example Yonsei University in South Korea and University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands offer many courses in English. Be sure to investigate ALL of your options.

1. Another Language: You have many options to study a language or study your discipline in another language. Some programs provide intensive language study.

CSUF Programs & Affiliate Partners
CSU International Programs
These academic year study abroad experiences are developed and administered by the CSU Office of International Programs. Cal State Fullerton students receive resident credit, and coursework is developed to meet General Education and CSU degree requirements. On-site staff is available to provide support and services.

CSUF Exchange Programs
These study abroad experiences are developed, administered, and evaluated by Cal State Fullerton. Students receive full services from the Study Abroad Office. On-site staff are available to provide support and services in-country.

CSUF College & Department Programs
Several CSUF departments and colleges sponsor their own programs. Students receive full services from those offices on campus. See a list of departments and colleges that work with the Study Abroad Office or see departmental and custom programs. Check with the sponsoring department for deadlines and application procedures.

Outside Programs
Cal State Fullerton students can attend and possibly receive credit for many Non-CSUF programs, called Outside Programs. These programs come from a wide variety of sponsors with no direct Cal State Fullerton affiliation. Faculty have not reviewed the quality of these programs and credit is not guaranteed. Students have the responsibility to ensure quality and credit on these programs. Guidelines and information on program planning and academic credit are available at Outside Programs.

CSU Sponsored Programs
CSUF students can do programs from any Cal State University system school. Students will work directly with the appropriate office at the system school that sponsors the program.

ACCOMODATIONS ABROAD
Most study abroad programs offer one or more of the following options.

Homestay
Living with a family in another country is one of the highlights of an international experience. It is an opportunity to experience the daily life of the host country from a firsthand perspective and to develop lifelong ties to the host family. It is also a good way to learn another language.

One or two meals a day are generally taken with the family.

Apartment
Living in an apartment allows more independence for students. The key to a successful stay in an apartment is to be mindful and respectful of the landlord’s guidelines and expectations.

Students cook for themselves using the kitchen facilities provided.

Dorm
Dorms tend to be on or near campus and have facilities nearby such as cafeterias and laundry. Dorm living also allows students to meet host country and other international students.

Some dorms have shared kitchen facilities and others offer a meal plan or require students to purchase food locally.

Length & Term
Programs vary in length from three weeks to twelve months. As you plan for study abroad, think about what length and term will give you the experience you are looking for.

Academic Year, Calendar Year, Semester, Southern Hemisphere programs, winter break, and summer sessions all have different dates and deadlines. Plan accordingly.

Contact Information »

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