Study Abroad
CSULB offers numerous opportunities for study abroad through programs at universities throughout the world. For more information on the programs available, visit the Study Abroad website or drop by the Center for International Education in Foundation Building Suite 230 to pick up pamphlets and brochures about the various programs.
Money Matters. Do not rule out studying abroad because of cost. Many programs charge the same tuition and fees as CSULB. There are additional costs, of course, associated with studying abroad with any of the programs. Carefully read through the program material and assess what personal resources you may be able to draw upon for a study abroad semester or year. We recommend you set up an appointment with a Financial Aid Counselor via Beach Connect in Single-Sign-on the semester before studying abroad.
A number of scholarship opportunities exist for students wishing to Study Abroad, including opportunities from CSULB as well as other outside organizations.
The Study Abroad website has information on the variety of financing options available to you.
Scholarship Opportunity for Pell Grant Eligible Students:
The Gilman Scholarship Program is an undergraduate grant program for U.S. citizens of limited financial means to enable them to study abroad, thereby internationalizing their outlook and better preparing them to thrive in the global economy. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.
Financial aid may be applied to the costs of study abroad programs associated with CSULB through the Study Abroad Office. Students who previously have not applied for financial aid may consider applying in order to be eligible for federal student loans to help cover the costs for Study Abroad.
|
Type of Aid |
CSU System |
Direct Exchange |
London / Florence Semester |
Independent Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Federal Pell Grant |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Cal Grant Fee Awards |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
Cal Grant Stipend |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
State University Grant |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
Middle Class Scholarship |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Federal SEOG |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
EOP Grant |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
Federal Work-Study |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loans |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Direct PLUS Loans |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Private Loans |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Scholarships* |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
* Subject to individual scholarship criteria
Application Process
- Follow all standard steps for applying for Financial Aid (submitting the FAFSA or DREAM Application).
- Award offers will be made starting in late June for the following academic year. Initial awards will be based on CSULB costs.
- After you have been accepted into a study abroad program, you may have your cost of attendance (COA) adjusted. Cost of attendance adjustments may increase your eligibility for additional loan funds.
- Meet with a representative from the CSULB Study Abroad Office and complete the appropriate Study Abroad Financial Aid Form
- Meet with a Financial Aid Counselor to go over the impact on your financial aid as well as when aid will be released
Financial aid is typically released 10 days prior to the start of the CSULB semester. If your Study Abroad program begins on – or before – the CSULB semester start date, your funds will be released to Student Financial Services on the date reflected in your MyCSULB Student Center.
Many Study Abroad programs begin after the semester start date for CSULB. In these instances, your financial aid will be released to Student Financial Services on the actual first day of classes for your program.
Arrange for direct deposit of your financial aid refund to your checking account. Be sure to enroll in e-Refund through your Student Center by clicking on "Enroll in e-Refund" under the Finances section. This will minimize delays in your receipt of your funds while studying abroad.
