Study Abroad
Here at California State University, Bakersfield, there are many ways to study abroad with many durations possible. The typical durations offered are 2-week programs during the Summer/Winter session, Fall or Spring semester programs, or full Academic Year programs. CSUB has study abroad opportunities in 20+ countries with about 60 partner universities!
What are the benefits of studying abroad?
- Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity for one’s academic studies in which you can experience the conventions of classrooms abroad. The units you take abroad can count towards your degree program here at CSUB. Studying abroad is a great resume builder that potential employers ask to learn more about!
- Traveling experiences are another component of studying abroad. You can experience new public transportation services that are easily accessible to travel during weekends or certain holidays to explore the area and country you are in. Traveling with other students often make expenses more affordable!
- Lifetime international friendship is another benefit to studying abroad, as you will interact with several other students. Partner universities often support to their international students with events to incorporate them into the university. You’ll have several opportunities to befriend local and other exchange students!
Broaden your global perspective and participate as a global citizen. Understand other cultures, and represent and speak on behalf of your own. Studying abroad allows you to appreciate what other countries and cultures have to offer and what the U.S. offers that isn’t available elsewhere.
Want to make studying abroad a reality? Fill out our interest form so we can connect about opportunities suited for you!
Study Abroad By The Numbers
Types of Study Abroad Programs:
1-2 week Faculty-Led Programs, Summer, Semester, and Year Programs. Check out each category below to see which programs align with your interests!
Faculty-Led Programs (FLPs)
At times, CSUB offers faculty-led programs (FLPs) as a special type of study abroad opportunity. FLPs are typically 7-14 days in a different country in which a specific CSUB professor will be leading the group of selected students. FLPs, like the traditional study abroad programs, are credit bearing towards one’s degree, as it is an academic program. Some of CSUB's faculty-led programs that have occurred or are recurring include:
- FLP Dominica with Dr. Heidi McLaughlin, 14 days on the island of Dominica in June 2025
- FLP Bulgaria/Turkey with Dr. Heidi McLaughlin - summer 2026 application soon
- FLP Italy with Dr. David Olson, two weeks in Florence/Rome area, January
- FLP UK and Ireland with Dr. David Olson, 10 days in London and Dublin, January, or April
- FLP France with Dr. Lena Taub, 10 days in Paris, June
Engineering Korea
- FLP Engineering Korea with Dr. Gyeong Sung Kim, 2 weeks in Seoul/Daejon area, July
- FLP Japan with Dr. Jon Young, 2 weeks in Osaka/Kansai area, June
- FLP Basque Country with Dr. Steven Gamboa, 10 days in June
- FLP Costa Rica with Dr. Krystal Ball, 10 days in Costa Rica, June
- FLP Micronesia with Dr. Krystal Ball, 10 days in Micronesia, July
- FLP Zambia with Dr. Krystal Ball, 10 days in Zambia, June
FLP Japan - Summer 2026!
Hear from Michael Zachary about his experience participating in CSUB's FLP Japan in summer 2024.
CSUB's Religious Studies Department plans to offer FLP Japan in summer 2026. Check out photos from FLP Japan 2024:
Partner University Summer Programs
Most partner universities offer summer programs in which students can enroll in foreign language and cultural studies that provides hands-on experience in a country where the target language is spoken. Korea, Japan, France, Germany, and Spain are the main countries where language and culture programs are promoted. Other summer programs offer regular courses such as history or economics, or even special courses that emphasize a unique component of that country; for example, Paris School of Business will typically offer luxury brand marketing courses.
Toyo University
J.F. Oberlin University
Kansai University
South Korea
Chung-Ang University
Sogang University
Latin America (Costa Rica, Guatemala, etc.)
Maximo Nivel
University of Osnabruck
JGU Mainz
Spain
Comillas Pontifical University
The Netherlands
The Hague Summer School
France
Paris School of Business
Ireland
Maynooth University
My study abroad experience has shaped me as a student and as a future educator. It has made me more open-minded about culture and languages. I decided on Sogang University because it gave me the option to take two classes [during the summer] and it included cultural trips on the weekend.Lidia Jacobo
CSU International Programs
California State University International Programs, also known as CSU IP, is the CSU’s systemwide study abroad and exchange program. Many CSU IP exchange programs are for an academic year (2 semesters) but some are flexible for one semester as well. CSU IP offers information sessions and office hours virtually. Since CSU IP exchange programs are available to all CSU campuses, not just CSUB, some programs may be more popular and competitive, such as the exchange programs in Australia, Japan, Korea, and the UK.
To learn more about the exchange programs through CSU IP, visit the IP Exchange Partners website.
CSU IP Application Deadlines
- For fall/academic year programs: February 15
- For spring/calendar year programs: September 15
Bilateral Exchange Programs
A bilateral exchange program is the study abroad agreement specifically between CSUB and another university overseas, unlike CSU IP opportunities that are available to all CSU campuses. This allows for a higher likelihood of being selected for a bilateral exchange program.
When it comes to tuition, CSUB students will pay tuition at CSUB (at the current CSUB tuition rate) rather than pay tuition towards the host university at their own designated rate. CSUB students will be responsible for other expenses such as airfare, living expenses, and personal expenses. (Some bilateral partner universities require exchange students to live on campus in their dormitory facilities, while others do not.)
To learn more about our bilateral partner universities, visit our Explore Programs page.
Japan was genuinely life-changing for me. I met so many wonderful people and learned so much about another culture and way of life. This opportunity has opened so many doors for me, and I have made some new life-long friends.Zach Pifer
Sample Budget Sheet (Estimations)
Student Financial Aid Packages can be utilized for all CSU IP and Bilateral Exchange program costs.
| Items | Costs | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Cost to the University (Fall 2026) | - | - |
| (Expenses student pays directly to CSUB) | - | - |
| Tuition and fees (In-State/live at home)* | $ 4,471.00 | |
| Application & Travel Insurance Fees | $450.00 | $150 app fee; $300 insurance fee per sem. |
| Total University Cost | $ 4,921.00 | - |
| 2. Additional Out of Pocket Costs | - | - |
| Visa-related Fees | $81.00 | |
| Korean Medical Insurance | $280.00 | Korean National Insurance Service (NHIS) |
| Housing for 4 months | $1,300.00 | Partner university dormitory rate per sem. |
| Meals | $700.00 | |
| Transportation | $600.00 | |
| Personal Expenses | $1,700.00 | books, supplies, other personal expenses |
| Roundtrip Airfare | $1,400.00 | - |
| Total Additional out of Pocket Cost | $6,061.00 | - |
| Total Estimated Program Cost | $10,982.00 | - |
*(Including state university fees and campus-based fees for 2026-27)
Based on Chung-Ang University exchange program information
Connect with us or find your program
Drea Roberts's Study Abroad Experience in South Korea
FLP Paris, France
On June 13, 2022, ten CSUB students departed for a ten-day trip to Paris, France, sponsored by the Beaver Foundation. Accompanied by CSUB French professor, Dr. Lena Taub, these students travelled throughout Paris and put their classroom knowledge of the French language to the test! The ten-day trip involved visiting several famous landmarks and museums, such as Notre Dame, the Louvre Museum, Versailles Castle, and the Eiffel Tower.
In order for the students to achieve immersion in French culture and society, they were given several different oral tasks to enhance their comprehension and basic communication skills, such as buying groceries, purchasing metro and museum tickets, ordering dinner, and greeting people appropriately in the French language. The students were also graded on having consistent journal reflections on each excursion, as well as delivering 5-minute presentations on their findings to their peers. CSUB students not only had the opportunity to visit distinct locations as a group, but also freely explore local shops and cafes in smaller pairs.
FLP Global Nursing, Cusco, Peru
On July 1, 2022, 21 CSUB nursing students left the U.S. for a 10-day trip to Cusco, Peru. Welcomed by Maximo Nivel, one of CSUB’s partner schools, these nursing students were accommodated in a student residency for the duration of their stay. FLP Peru gave these students a wonderful opportunity to join medical campaigns that Maximo Nivel organizes to treat patients within the country that may not normally have access to healthcare.
From providing checkups to local children and adults to addressing general healthcare topics, such as personal hygiene, sexual education, and dental care, CSUB’s nursing students were also given the opportunity to explore the area and learn more about Peru’s rich history and indigenous communities. Students also enjoyed a hike in Rainbow Mountain as well as the marvelous visit to Machu Pichu. This hybrid approach of exploration and education while in Peru provided the nursing students with several other opportunities, such as visiting hospitals and clinics and receiving Spanish language instructions.
Contact Us
Study Abroad and Fulbright Programs Office
If you would like to meet with us to discuss study abroad opportunities, please fill out our interest form to schedule an appointment!