The CSU is celebrating more than 60 years of connecting with the world through vibrant international education programs.
Launched more than six decades ago, the CSU’s international education program offers life-changing learning experiences through study abroad, international faculty and student research opportunities, and enrolling and educating international students at each of its 23 universities.
These connections prepare students to live and work in an increasingly multicultural society, and to become engaged global citizens.
“International education is widely recognized as a high-impact practice that builds self-confidence, improves cultural awareness, promotes career preparation and academic progression and truly transforms students’ lives,” says Jaishankar Raman, director of CSU International Programs (CSU IP). “We must continue to make every effort to create affordable study abroad programs, and to bring a global education to all CSU students through a diverse international student population and innovative pedagogy.”
Take a look at just a few of the ways in which international education benefits the CSU community.
Students of the World
CSU study abroad programs offer students accessible, affordable opportunities to explore distant lands and to discover their own possibilities and passions. In 1963, CSU IP opened in five countries—Germany, Spain, France, Sweden and Taiwan—and now, sixty years later, offers study abroad opportunities with more than 60 university partners across 18 different countries and has more than 24,000 alumni.
During the 2022-23 academic year, 6,300 CSU students participated in some type of study abroad program including opportunities through CSU IP, campus bilateral exchanges, private providers and campus faculty-led programs. While the most popular destinations were Italy, Spain, Germany, France and Mexico, students studied in locations as far-flung as New Caledonia, North Macedonia, Nepal, Rwanda and Uruguay.
The CSU offers one of the most affordable study abroad programs in the nation and works to make these opportunities accessible to students from all backgrounds. Students pay low CSU tuition—roughly $6,000 per academic year for undergraduates beginning fall 2024—and campus-based fees.
While financial aid, scholarships, fee waivers and loans apply to study abroad programs, CSU IP provides additional scholarships to help students pay for travel expenses, housing, dining and extracurricular activities. This is especially important for first-generation, Pell-eligible students who are less likely to be able to afford the extra costs. Campus-based scholarships and fellowships are also available for study abroad.
“Studying abroad gave me the skills to pursue my master’s degree in political science at Chico State and become more involved in my campus community. Now, more than ever, I see myself as a global citizen,” he says.
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