California State University, Bakersfield offers various opportunities to study in other states and countries. Currently six programs are offered through the university:

Western Undergraduate Exchange - WUE

WUE is the Western Undergraduate Exchange, a program of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). Through WUE, students in western states may enroll in many two-year and four-year college programs at a reduced tuition level: 150 percent of the institution's regular resident tuition. WUE tuition is considerably less than nonresident tuition. All of our undergraduate fields (except Nursing) are available to WUE students.

National Student Exchange

Cal State Bakersfield is one of over 100 state colleges and universities within the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands that participate in the National Student Exchange program. Students may spend a year or part of a year at one of these institutions and return to CSUB to complete their undergraduate education. This program provides the student with new academic and social experiences through a simplified admissions process and assurance of full academic credit at CSUB during the term of exchange at a minimal cost to the student.

To qualify for participation in the National Student Exchange program the applicant should:

• be a full-time student at CSUB (at least 12 units),
• be a sophomore or junior during the term of exchange; and
• have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.

Tuition assessed is the instate (resident) tuition at either CSUB or the host campus, depending upon the exchange plan of the member college or university. Participants must also pay for room and board, books, transportation, and personal expenses at the host school. Students are encouraged to consult with the Financial Aids Office early in the National Student Exchange application process to determine financial needs for the exchange period.

Catalogs, detailed information, and applications are available from the National Student Exchange Coordinator in the Records Office. Contact Rita Gustafson at (661) 654-3405. Also visit the official National Student Exchange website at www.nse.org.

International Students and Programs

The International Students and Programs provides a host of services for our international students from abroad, including:

• Responses to inquiries from all prospective international students.
• Close contact with international student applications.
• Academic and cultural orientation for new international students.
• Pre-departure orientation for students returning home a the end of their studies.
• Workshops to provide updated information on immigration matters, academic policy and protocol cultural and social adjustment to life in the US, resume and job interview preparation, etc.
• General assistance to international students with academic, immigration, and personal concerns.
• Initial academic advising of lower division international students.
• Advises/assists the International Student Club to plan campus events and social activities.

All international students should contact this office at 654-2014

International Student Exchange Program

This program is based on balanced one-to-one exchanges between CSUB students (home institution) and those in other countries (host institutions). Most forms of financial aid can be applied toward participation in ISEP. Students must have a 2.75 GPA to apply to ISEP. In addition, if students intend to study at an ISEP institution and pursue their coursework in a foreign language, they must have a 3.0 GPA in the language. Through ISEP, CSUB students enroll directly in ISEP institutions and apply credit earned toward their CSUB degrees. Contact ISEP Coordinator in the International Students and Programs office (MB2 211, (661) 654-2014).

Universite d'Orleans- Orleans, France

This program is based on balanced one-to-one exchanges of CSUB and Universite d’Orleans students. Student pays CSUB tuition and fees before departure to host institution. Room and board is arranged through the Universite d’Orleans. Students must have a 2.75 GPA to apply to the Universite d’Orleans. In addition, they must have the equivalent of two years of university French and a 3.0 GPA in the language. Through participation in study at the Universite d’Orleans, CSUB students enroll directly in the host institution and are integrated with native students. Most majors at CSUB are offered by the Universite d’Orleans. Contact Dr. Joanne Schmidt, (DDH B119, 654-2317)

MICEFA (Mission interuniversitaire de coordinationdes echanges franco-americains Paris - IIe de France)

This program is a Franco-American exchange based on balanced one-to-one exchanges of CSU students (home institution) and those of MICEFA (host institutions are Universites de Paris III, V, VI, VIII, X XI, XII, XIII). Students must have a 2.75 GPA to apply to MICEFA. In addition, they must have the equivalent of two years of university French and a 3.0 GPA in the language. Most forms of financial aid can be applied toward participation in MICEFA. Students enroll directly in courses at host institutions. Most majors at CSUB are offered on the various campuses of the Universite de Paris. Contact Dr. Joanne Schmidt, (DDH B119, 654-2317).

The California State University International Programs

Developing intercultural communication skills and international understanding among its students is a vital mission of The California State University (CSU). Since its inception in 1963, the CSU International Programs has contributed to this effort by providing qualified students an affordable opportunity to continue their studies abroad for a full academic year. More than 12,000 CSU students have taken advantage of this unique study option.

International Programs participants earn resident academic credit at their CSU campuses while they pursue full-time 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 16 countries, the International Programs also offers a wide selection of study locales and learning environments.

For a list of participating countries and schools click here or for more information on The California State University International Programs visit www.gateway.calstate.edu/csuienet/index.shtml.