Study Abroad 101

Steps for Participating in Study Abroad/Study Away

  1. Do you have a passport?
    • Start here to renew or apply for a U.S. passport.  Start the application process now so you don't have to pay expedite fees or stress about last-minute delays to your travel plans.
    • The Hayward City Clerk is a passport acceptance facility,or check out your local post office. 
    • Check out this Blog Post (courtesy of FirstTrip.org) for additional tips.
    • If you are not a U.S. citizen, check with your local consulate or embassy for passport application/renewal instructions.
    • Concerned about traveling outside the U.S.?  Don't worry - we have domestic exchange options as well through National Student Exchange!  Consider studying in another U.S. state or territory instead.   (Or perhaps start with National Student Exchange, and then after that apply for a study abroad program!)
  2. How does Study Abroad/Study Away work anyway?  Through our network of colleges and universities (both within the U.S. and overseas), CSU East Bay students can apply to spend up to an academic year at another institution, taking classes, living in a new culture/community, perhaps even studying another language - and working with faculty advisors at CSU East Bay to have those classes added to the CSUEB transcript and make progress in completing CSUEB degree requirements.
  3. Is this affordable?  Program costs can vary a bit by location - but there are many places in the world where the cost of living is lower than here in California.  Most financial aid can also be applied to program costs.  Take time to research and apply for scholarships as well!
  4. What are the eligibility requirements?  
    • CSUEB requires students to be in good academic standing (at the time of application and while on exchange), in good standing with the Student Conduct, Rights and Responsibilities Office, and to be eligible to enroll at CSUEB throughout the time of the program. 
    • When researching programs webpage's, please review additional eligibility criteria (such as minimum gpa, class standing, and in some cases language proficiency.)
  5. Where can I study?  CSU East Bay offers a variety of programs throughout the U.S. and in over 50 countries.  While the number of opportunities can at first feel overwhelming - do not worry - our office is here to help!
  6. How do I know which program is best for me?  What are your goals?  Start making notes about your priorities - how soon do you want to go?  What types of classes do you want to take? (GE courses, language courses, or do you want to focus on your major/minor abroad?  Do you have a geographic preference?  How long can you be away? (Programs vary in length from a few weeks, to a semester or an academic year.)
  7. Explore program options. Attend an information session, read about our programs on this website, start browsing host university websites to get a feel for the location (urban/suburban) and academics (classes in English, with locals, etc.) of the university. 
  8. Schedule an online appointment with our Exchange Program Advisor through BayAdvisor and come prepared with questions!  Our advisor can help you narrow the search once we know more about your goals!  We'll also start discussing program budget, application process, and possible scholarships.
  9. Schedule appointments with your academic department(s) to discuss the course approval process.  The more courses you have approved in advance, the easier it will be to keep on track towards graduation!
  10. Review the program costs. If you receive Financial Aid speak with a financial aid counselor to discuss your program budget and anticipated financial aid award.
  11. Complete the appropriate application(s) for your desired program(s). Make note of priority deadlines and keep in touch with our Exchange Program Advisor!

Frequently Asked Questions

Studying abroad is an opportunity for you to learn about a country/region/culture in depth, take courses that may not offered at CSUEB, learn (or improve) language skills, and gain a new perspective on your place in the world.  Study abroad participants also note that by living in an unfamiliar environment they learned more about themselves in the process.

Did you know that less than 6% of U.S. undergraduate students study abroad?  Your study abroad experience will help your resume stand out from other students.  Learn how else it can help you with your career goals.

As you begin your research, you'll want to start identifying your own goals for study abroad.  Are you interested in a particular region of the world?  Do you want to focus on completing coursework in your major, or perhaps add a minor?  Acquire or improve your skills in another language?

Take a look at Where Can I Study? for an overview of our programs, and then sign up for an Information Session or Schedule an Appointment with the Study Abroad Advisor!

Yes! Students are considered still enrolled at CSUEB and receive resident credit. Speak with your academic advisor during the application process to see how your credits will apply towards your degree- as elective, GE, major, or minor credits. Most majors can be accommodated. Some students elect to declare a minor or double major if they are not able to apply study abroad credits towards their first major.

You will be paying fees comparable to CSUEB fees, plus housing, meals transportation, personal expenses. Living costs vary from country to country.  When meeting with the Study Abroad Advisor, ask for suggestions on selecting a budget-friendly program!  It's also a good idea to start reviewing the study abroad scholarships and make time to apply for those as well!

Yes! If you qualify for financial aid, you may apply it (except for work study) to CSUEB study abroad programs.

Yes! There a number of study abroad scholarships available. See the Finances section on this website.

An academic year offers the opportunity for the fullest possible adaptation and integration. You will invest so much time and effort the first semester into learning about your surroundings and the culture, why leave before you can reap the benefits in the second semester? 

If you aren't able to be away for a semester, summer programs might be your best option.

For the most part, CSUEB study abroad programs are geared towards undergraduate students. However, it may be possible for graduate students to participate in our other study abroad programs. Students should examine program options carefully and speak with their academic department to see if and how many study abroad courses would apply to their Master's program. The student should also make an appointment with the Exchange Programs Advisor.

Many of the programs offered through CSUEB do NOT actually have language pre-requisites. In addition to the locations such as the UK & Australia, there are many institutions that teach at least a portion of their coursework in English. Scandinavia and certain programs in Asia and Africa are examples of some good alternatives to traditional English-speaking locations. 

The program websites (CSU International Programs, ISEP, National Student Exchange) all have ways to filter by major/field of study.  Our office can also recommend a few programs for you to review as you begin your research.  However, if you have a destination in mind that doesn't offer courses in your major, you could also explore adding a minor (perhaps a language, or Global Studies) or save some of your General Education requirements for your time abroad.