International Programs and Global Engagement

Introduction
International Students
Study Abroad Opportunities for U.S. Students
The California State University International Programs

CSUF Exchange Programs
Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs
Independent Study Abroad
International Agreements
Visiting Scholars

Interim Dean of University Extended Education and Associate Vice President for International Programs and Global Engagement

Kari Knutson Miller, Ph.D.

Office/Department Websites

University Hall 244/College Park 207
fullerton.edu/international
fullerton.edu/studyabroad
fullerton.edu/world
internationaladmissions.fullerton.edu/

Study Abroad

Charity Hammond Kuczynski
Juim Lee

International Student and Scholar Services

Christine Pircher-Barnes, Director
Jean Hotta
Jessie Shin
Cristina Garcia

International Admissions and Outreach

Joseph Lee Sañosa, Director
Amy Dam
Nicole Feliciano
Lauren Lopez
Carolina Rosells

Introduction

“We are a comprehensive, regional University with a global outlook.” - Preface, University Mission Statement

International Programs and Global Engagement coordinates the University’s commitment to internationalization. The office initiates and administers contacts with partner institutions around the world in order to foster the exchange of faculty and students and coordinate international programming. Areas include Study Abroad and Exchange, University Semester Abroad, the American Language Program, Student and Scholar Services, and International Programs and Partnerships.

International Students

International Programs & Global Engagement is dedicated to promoting the exchange of knowledge and experiences within our multicultural campus community and with the world at large. This includes providing information and assistance for international students admitted to Cal State Fullerton in both undergraduate and graduate degree programs and for U.S. students planning to study abroad.

Incoming international students work through the University’s Office of Admissions and Records when applying for a degree program. International students may also participate in Cal State Fullerton programs through exchange, University Semester Abroad, the American Language Program, or customized experiences coordinated by International Programs and Partnerships.

More than 2,900 students from 81 nations studied at Cal State Fullerton in fall 2014. The staff of International Programs & Global Engagement endeavors to provide international students with the best possible academic and personal experiences. International student services are described on the website at fullerton.edu/international/.

Study Abroad Opportunities for U.S. Students

The Cal State Fullerton strategic plan advocates for student participation in “international, service learning, internship, community engagement or other innovative instructional experiences that prepare students for professional endeavors in a global society.” Study abroad is a high impact practice clearly aligned with this goal. Outcomes of this life-changing experience include development of analytical and critical thinking skills, cultural awareness, enhanced language skills, and a better understanding of oneself and the world. Students also develop global perspectives related to their field of study that enhance academic knowledge and professional development.

Cal State Fullerton offers a variety of study abroad options:

International Programs (“IP”) is the system-wide, year-long study abroad program offered by the California State University
CSUF Exchange Programs includes semester-long study abroad experiences through bilateral agreements with partner institutions from around the world
Faculty-led Study Abroad Programs include programs ranging in length from one week to one semester facilitated by CSUF faculty
Independent Study Abroad

Students are advised to start the planning process for their study abroad experience as early as possible and are invited to visit University Hall 244 for information and advisement. Careful planning will result in selection of the best program for the student and minimize any potential difficulties with transfer credit or financial aid. Call 657-278-2787 to schedule an appointment with a study abroad adviser. You can also sign up for information sessions about specific programs, or visit fullerton.edu/studyabroad.

The California State University International Programs

The California State University International Programs (“IP”) is an academic year program that serves the needs of students in over 100 designated academic majors. Affiliated with more than 50 recognized universities and institutions of higher education with centers in 18 countries, IP also offers a wide selection of study locales and learning environments. IP participants remain enrolled at CSUF and earn residential credit. Students pay an IP participant fee and home campus fees. All personal expenses are the student’s responsibility.

Australia

Canada

Chile

China

Denmark

France

Germany

Ghana

Israel

Italy

Japan

Korea

Mexico

South Africa

Spain

Sweden

Taiwan

United Kingdom

IP participants earn resident academic credit at their CSU campuses while they pursue full-time study at a host university or special study center abroad. IP pays all tuition and administrative costs for participating California resident students to a similar extent that such funds would be expended to support similar costs in California. Participants are responsible for all CSU tuition and program fees, personal costs, such as transportation, room and board, and living expenses. Financial aid, with the exception of Federal Work-Study, is available to qualified students. International Programs & Global Engagement at CSUF works closely with the Office of Financial Aid to maximize students’ financial opportunities.

To qualify for admission to CSU International Programs, students generally must have upper-division or graduate standing at a CSU campus by the time of departure. Students at the sophomore level may, however, participate in intensive language acquisition programs in Canada, China, France, Germany, Korea, Mexico, Sweden and Taiwan. California community college transfer students are eligible to apply directly from their community colleges. Students are also required to have a current cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or 3.0, depending on the program for which they apply. Some programs also have language study and/or other coursework prerequisites.

Additional information and application materials are available at CSUF in University Hall 244. You may also send a written request to: CSU International Programs, 401 Golden Shore, 6th Floor, Long Beach, California 90802-4210. For more information, visit calstate.edu/ip.

CSUF Exchange Programs

Cal State Fullerton has bilateral exchange agreements with several international university partners. The cost of participation varies from country to country, but generally includes Cal State Fullerton fees, housing, meals, transportation, and incidental expenses. Costs are often comparable to studying at Cal State Fullerton while living in a nearby apartment. Students who qualify for financial aid may apply it to exchange program costs. No overseas tuition is charged; students pay regular CSUF campus fees, plus international transportation, living and related expenses. Semester and summer programs are available.

Academic advising before departure is essential. Admission requirements and application deadlines vary depending on the program. Application forms and further information are available in University Hall 244 or on fullerton.edu/studyabroad.

Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs

Faculty-led Study Abroad Programs include programs ranging in length from one week to one semester facilitated by CSUF faculty. Interested students are encouraged to review department and college websites and to visit University Hall 244 for additional information about upcoming programs.

Independent Study Abroad

Students may also consider participation in a program run by a private organization or another university. Reference materials and Web directories about such opportunities are available in University Hall 244. Academic credit transfer and financial aid can be arranged in advance through completion of a Non-CSUF Study Abroad Program Application, which is available at fullerton.edu/studyabroad.

International Agreements

Cal State Fullerton fosters a global outlook by establishing and maintaining official relationships with universities abroad. A growing list includes almost 100 institutional-level agreements as of spring 2015. Cal State Fullerton’s oldest institutional relationship began in 1984 with Fudan University in Shanghai, China.

A list of active agreements is available upon request by contacting International Programs and Global Engagement at 657-278-2787 or visiting fullerton.edu/world (see “International Partners”).

Visiting Scholars

Cal State Fullerton welcomes visiting scholars, also known as Exchange Visitors (EV), for stays of varying duration in order to conduct research, teach, and/or consult with faculty members at the university. Information is available on the website at fullerton.edu/world/visiting-scholars/visiting-scholars.html.