International Education and Engagement

Introduction
International Students & Scholars
Visiting Scholars

Study Abroad and Global Engagement
International Agreements
University Semester Abroad

657-278-2787
international@fullerton.edu

Director of Strategic International Recruitment and Enrollment Management
Christine Pircher-Barnes

Introduction

International Education and Engagement at CSUF serves as a pivotal gateway for cultivating enrollment pathways for learners and scholars from around the world, and nurturing a sense of inclusion and belonging by embracing the rich cultures within the international community. By offering transformative study abroad experiences and other impactful international and intercultural programs, International Education and Engagement engenders cultural awareness and prepares students to succeed in an interconnected world.

International students have the opportunity to join California State University, Fullerton in various capacities. They may enroll as degree-seeking students, pursuing undergraduate or graduate programs across a wide array of disciplines. Alternatively, students can participate in specialized programs, such as the Exchange Program or the University Semester Abroad program enabling students to experience a semester of academic life at CSUF without committing to a full degree. Additionally, CSUF provides customized experiences tailored to meet specific academic or professional objectives, accommodating diverse interests and goals.

International Students & Scholars

International Students & Scholars provides information and assistance to international students attending Cal State Fullerton and exchange visitors, including research scholars and visiting professors. More information is available at extension.fullerton.edu/international/students.

Visiting Scholars

Cal State Fullerton welcomes visiting scholars, also known as exchange visitors, for stays of varying duration in order to conduct research, teach and/or consult with faculty members at the university. Information is available at extension.fullerton.edu/international/visiting-scholars.

Study Abroad and Global Engagement

The office of Study Abroad & Global Engagement strives to connect its diverse community of students, faculty and staff with global opportunities that enrich their academic and professional lives and drive personal development and transformation. As a high-impact experiential learning opportunity, study abroad programs enhance international awareness and understanding, cross-cultural competence and global workforce preparedness.

Cal State Fullerton offers a variety of study abroad options:

International Programs (IP) is the systemwide, yearlong study abroad program offered by the California State University.
CSUF Exchange Programs include 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.
Virtual Study Abroad opportunities.

Students are advised to start the planning process for their study abroad experience as early as possible and are invited to contact the Study Abroad Office for information and advising. 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. Students can also sign up for information sessions about specific programs, or visit the Study Abroad and Global Engagement website.

CSU International Programs

Developing intercultural communication skills and international understanding among its students is a vital mission of the California State University. Since its inception in 1963, the CSU International Programs, a systemwide department operating from within the CSU Chancellor’s Office in Long Beach, California, has contributed to this effort by providing qualified students an affordable opportunity to continue their studies abroad for a full academic year. More than 15,000 CSU students have taken advantage of this unique study option. In addition, CSU International Programs has student exchange agreements with institutions worldwide. California welcomes our international exchange students and values our reciprocal partnerships with top universities around the world.

International Programs participants earn resident academic credit at their CSU campuses while they pursue full-time, yearlong study at a host university or special study center abroad. The International Programs serves the needs of students in over 100 designated academic majors. Affiliated with more than 70 recognized universities and institutions of higher education in 18 countries, the International Programs also offers a wide selection of study locales and learning environments.

International Programs pays all tuition and administrative costs for participating California resident students to the same extent that such funds would be expended to support similar costs in California. CSU IP participants are responsible for all personal costs, such as transportation, room and board, living expenses and home campus fees. Financial aid, with the exception of Federal Work-Study, is available to qualified students.

To qualify for admission to the International Programs, students 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 the intensive language acquisition programs in China, France, Germany, Mexico and Taiwan, or the Study in English programs in Korea, Mexico, Sweden and Taiwan. California Community Colleges transfer students are eligible to apply directly from their community colleges. Students must also possess 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.

Students can begin to explore study abroad programs, requirements and eligibility on the study abroad brochure pages of this site. Incoming exchange students can begin by reviewing the list of CSU IP exchange partners to ensure their home university is on the list. If it is, students should contact the exchange coordinator at their home institution to understand the selection and admissions processes; if it is not, students are welcome to apply to the California State University as an international student.

Australia – Griffith University, Macquarie University, Queensland University of Technology, University of Queensland, Western Sydney University

Canada – Concordia University

Chile – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

China – Peking University (Beijing)

France – Aix-Marseille Université, CY Cergy Paris Université, École Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay (ENS), ESSCA, Aix-en-Provence Campus (effective Spring 2024), Institut Catholique de Paris, Institut Polytechniques des Sciences Avancées (IPSA), Institut Supérieur d’Electronique de Paris (ISEP), Science Politiques Saint-Germain-En-Laye, Sorbonne Université, Université d’Evry Val-d’Essonne (UEVE), Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ), Université Paris Cité, Université Gustave Eiffel, Université Panthéon-Assas, Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, Université Paris 8 - Vincennes-Saint-Denis, Université Paris Nanterre, Université Paris-Est Créteil Val-de-Marne (UPEC), Université Paris-Saclay, Université Sorbonne Nouvelle (formerly Paris 3), Université Sorbonne Paris Nord

Germany – Hochschule Biberach, Hochschule der Medien Stuttgart, Hochschule für Forstwirtschaft Rottenburg, Hochschule Furtwangen, Hochschule Konstanz, Hochschule Mannheim, Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Umwelt Nürtingen-Geislingen, Hochschule Reutlingen, Hochschule Ravensburg-Weingarten ,Hochschule Ulm, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie, Pädagogische Hochschule Freiburg, Pädagogische Hochschule Ludwigsburg, Staatliche Hochschule für Musik Trossingen, Staatliche Akademie der Bildenden Künste Stuttgart, Universität Freiburg, Universität Heidelberg, Universität Hohenheim, Universität Konstanz, Universität Mannheim, Universität Stuttgart, Universität Tübingen, Universität Ulm

Ghana – University of Ghana

Israel – University of Haifa

Italy – Accademia di Belle Arti Firenze

Japan – Waseda University, University of Tsukuba

Mexico – Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Campus Querétaro

South Africa – Nelson Mandela University

South Korea – Yonsei University, Korea University

Spain – Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Universidad de Granada

Sweden – Uppsala University

Taiwan – National Taiwan University

United Kingdom – University of Bradford, University of Bristol, University of Hull, Kingston University, Swansea University, University of Birmingham

Students participating in CSU IP pay CSU tuition and program fees, and are responsible for airfare, accommodations, meals and other personal expenses. Financial aid, with the exception of Federal Work-Study, is available to qualified students and limited scholarship opportunities are also available. All programs require students to maintain good academic and disciplinary standing; many programs are open to sophomores or graduate students. California community college transfer students are eligible to apply (to select programs) directly from their community colleges. Students must possess a current cumulative grade-point average of 2.75 or 3.0, depending on the program, and must fulfill all coursework prerequisites. Additional program information and application instructions can be found online at 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 often are comparable to studying at CSUF 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. More information is available at extension.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 contact the Study Abroad Office for additional information about upcoming programs. More information is available at extension.fullerton.edu/studyabroad.

Independent Study Abroad

Students may also consider participation in a program run by a private organization or another university. 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 extension.fullerton.edu/studyabroad.

International Agreements

Cal State Fullerton fosters a global outlook by establishing and maintaining official relationships with universities abroad. A list of active agreements is available upon request by contacting International Education and Engagement at 657-278-2787.

University Semester Abroad

International students who want to study at an American university for a semester or a year can enroll in University Semester Abroad and take credit-bearing courses that transfer to their home university. USA staff work closely with students and their home institutions to help guide course selection and enrollment. More information is available at extension.fullerton.edu/international/usa.