Frequently Asked Questions
Can I qualify for financial aid to
study abroad?
The International Students &
Programs (ISP) can assist you in choosing a study abroad program that is
eligible for financial aid consideration. For most of these study abroad
programs, you are eligible to be considered for financial aid for no more than
one academic year as an undergraduate student and no more than one semester as a
graduate student. ISP will provide you with references to many study abroad
programs.
How do I apply my financial aid
with my study abroad costs?
Applying for financial aid for
studying abroad is the same as applying for aid as a regular student. You just
file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as the
FAFSA. By filing the FAFSA, you are applying for federal grants and student
loans. We encourage you to apply early in the calendar year for assistance in
the upcoming academic year. FAFSA on the Web is located at
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov .
Do I get extra financial aid to
assist with study abroad costs?
For most programs, your eligibility
is based on CSUB's standard cost of attendance for living in off-campus housing.
In some circumstances, the ISP program advisor can provide the Office of
Financial Aid with documented proof of higher expected costs for your specific
program abroad. This could possibly increase your loan eligibility if you
weren't originally awarded your yearly maximum.
How to transfer credits?
Every ISP exchange program offers an opportunity to experience life in a foreign city while earning credit towards your degree. You will arrange for an official transcript or certificate from the university abroad to be mailed to your home university. Though the amount of credit you will receive will ultimately be at the discretion of your home university, ISP will assist you throughout the entire credit transfer process, from course pre-approval to receipt of your foreign transcript.
How do I find housing?
Housing will be provided to all exchange
students in either shared apartments or dormitories. When you arrive at your
destination, your accommodation will already be prepared for your arrival. All
housing is fully furnished and equipped with necessary basic amenities.
What do need to know before my departure?
As a CSUB student, you will receive an extensive pre-departure information packet containing detailed information about the climate, customs, culture, passport and visa regulations, and Onsite Program Director of your destination city.
What do I need to do when I arrive at the host university?
All participants will undergo an extensive orientation program upon arrival to familiarize them with their new surroundings and host university. During the orientation program our Onsite Program Directors will review health and safety information as well as cultural customs.
What insurance do I need to study abroad?
All CSUB participants will be enrolled in a comprehensive medical insurance plan specifically tailored for study abroad students.
Whom shall I contact?
During the process of your planning to study abroad, please contact ISP for assistance. After you arrived at the host university, please contact your Onsite Program advisor/director. Every exchange program is coordinated by an Onsite Program Director passionate about introducing students to a new city and way of life. He/she will help students adjust to their new homes and universities, and show them sights and scenes tourists seldom get to experience.
What resource I can find?
One very good resource that is available
online and in print is the 
Study
Abroad Handbook.
