Study Abroad

FAQ's

Study Abroad and Exchange Programs FAQs


Q: I'm interested in Studying Abroad. What should I do to learn more?

A: If you are interested in the CSU IP program (where you receive 15 units of RESIDENCE credit towards your CSUN degree), come to the International and Exchange Student Center in the University Student Union and speak with Juliet Aylmer. You can also pick up a brochure on the countries that you are interested in. For a list of the countries offered - see http://www.gateway.calstate.edu/csuienet/applicants.shtml.

You can email Juliet for an appointment at Juliet.aylmer@csun.edu (remember to include your cell phone, so she can call you to make an appointment). Information is also available online at http://www.csun.edu/international/abroad. You will find a link here to sign up for a Study Abroad/NSE workshop. The workshops run three times a week from August-late November. They last for 1 hour and will provide you with a lot of information, as well as an opportunity to ask any questions.

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Q: Can I study abroad for only one semester?

A: No. The CSU study abroad program is only available for TWO semesters. For most countries the program runs from the Fall to the Spring.

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Q: Are there summer study abroad programs?

A: The CSU IP study abroad program is only available for two semesters. However, there are other programs affiliated to CSUN which offer summer programs. See http://www.csun.edu/international/abroad/programs.htm for further information. Please note, all inquires on these programs must be directed to the individual organizations.

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Q: Is there a minimum GPA requirement?

A: Yes, the minimum requirement for the Study Abroad program varies by country and is either 2.75 or 3.0 GPA; the minimum requirement for the National Student Exchange program is 2.5 GPA.

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Q: Are these competitive programs?

A: Our Study Abroad program is competitive for some countries.

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Q: Do I have to speak the language of the country I will be applying to?

A: Not necessarily. Some countries require fluency in their native language, others offer programs taught entirely in English. Ask Juliet for details regarding the countries you are interested in.

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Q: How do I apply to Study Abroad?

A: Come to an Information session - sign up here. Or come to the International and Exchange Student Center and speak to Juliet, our Advisor. The application is made online however all required paperwork needs to be turned in to Juliet. You will need 2 letters of recommendation from faculty, official transcripts from CSUN and any other schools you have attended, proof of language proficiency (if required) and the completed online application. The deadline for most countries is February 1 each year (except Australia, New Zealand and South Africa where the deadline is May 1).

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Q: How much will it cost?

A: Through the CSU IP program you pay CSUN tuition fees while abroad, not the host campus' tuition fees.

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Q: Will I still receive financial aid while on exchange?

A: Yes. Whatever financial aid you receive here at CSUN you will receive while studying abroad.

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Q: Are there any scholarships available to help with the costs?

A: There are some scholarships for studying overseas. Please see the scholarship link for more information on scholarship opportunities.

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Q: Can I participate in these programs as a graduate student?

A: No. Our programs are specifically for undergraduate students.

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Q: Will the classes I take abroad/while on exchange count toward my degree?

A: Yes. You will receive Resident Credit for all classes taken overseas in the Study Abroad program.

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Q: How much does it cost to apply?

A: There is no application fee for the CSU Study Abroad program.

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Q: What are my chances of being accepted into the CSU IP program?

A: Some countries are more competitive than others, so make sure that you meet the minimum requirements (which are listed on the inside cover of the brochure for the country that you are applying for).

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