Cleveland State University
Center for International Services and Programs
2121 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44115-2214
Campus Location
Keith Building, Room 1150
1621 Euclid Avenue
Phone: 216.687.3910
Fax: 216.687.3965
cispcsu@csuohio.edu
Web Content Contact
Natkamol Tayarachakul
n.tayarachakul@csuohio.edu
Web Technical Contact
d.arthur91@csuohio.edu
Study Abroad FAQ
During the 2007-2008 academic year, more than 120 Cleveland State University students will study abroad in more than 10 countries in more than 15 different programs and universities. Next year you could be one of these students!! This information sheet will answer some of your initial questions about studying abroad and directs you what to do next.
- What is the first thing I need to do if I want to study abroad?
- How do I find out about different study abroad options?
- What are the differences between all of the study abroad options?
- What kind of financial assistance is there for study abroad and can I use my financial aid?
- Do I need to be fluent in a foreign language in order to study abroad?
- Will I be able to earn CSU credit while studying abroad?
- What's the process for applying to study abroad?
- Are there application deadlines?
- What are the CSU study abroad application requirements?
Download the Study Abroad FAQ Handout (PDF)
What is the first thing I need to do if I want to study abroad?
Research, read, and reflect. Study abroad is a big decision. Any student considering study abroad should start researching their options at least 3 months in advance. We advise talking first to your friends, family, and professors to get their advice and to gain their support. Then spend time looking over study abroad information on the Internet. Meet with your academic adviser to discuss how study abroad fits into your major or other academic interests. Speak with language professors and/or professors who have spent time in the area of the world in which you are interested.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- What area of the world is interesting to you?
- How long would you like to study abroad and during what time of the year?
- Are you looking for a program directly related to your major or a "general" program?
- Do you want a program that is taught in English?
- Are you interested in studying a foreign language?
How do I find out about different study abroad options?
You should plan to attend the Study Abroad Fair on Tuesday, October 14, 2008 from 10:00- 1:00pm, as well as informational meetings with study abroad staff (for dates and times of these meetings, check our Calendar and Events).
Visit the Center for International Services and Programs on the 11th floor of the Keith Building, the study abroad resource area on the first floor of the university library, and visit our web site (www.csuohio.edu/internat/studyabroad.html ).You can browse through study abroad brochures, course catalogs, and viewbooks. Also, there are several study abroad search engines to aid you in your research:
www.iiepassport.org
www.studyabroad.com
www.goabroad.com
You are welcome to meet with the staff in CISP at any point to ask questions, learn about your options, and talk about study abroad. We’re open Monday-Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Evening appointments can be scheduled upon request.
What are the differences between all of the study abroad options?
There are three basic study abroad options:
- CSU Sponsored Short Term Programs (10 days to 4 weeks)
- Direct Exchange Programs (semester or academic year)
- Non-CSU Study Abroad Programs (summer, semester, or academic year)
Cleveland State sponsors 8-10 short-term faculty-led programs every year in countries such as China, Chile, Costa Rica, England, France, Germany, and Mexico. We also offer a program in India and Spain respectively every other summer. Additional programs are being developed every year by creative and engaging CSU faculty. Please see CSU-sponsored web page for the most up to date program list www.csuohio.edu/internat/sa-summerprgm.html .
CSU is also a member of an academic consortium with other public universities in Ohio. The Ohio International Consortium (OIC) offers in-state tuition for Ohio residents on study abroad programs offered through their partners. For more information and a list of programs please visit www.uc.edu/global/oic.html.
Cleveland State has direct exchange programs with partner universities throughout the world. These direct exchange programs allow students to pay CSU tuition while enrolling in a foreign university. CSU students can study at the University of Sunderland in northeastern England, Dalian University of Foreign Languages in northeastern China, Zeppelin University in Germany, Umea University in northern Sweden, Groupe ESC Clermont in central France (with French proficiency) and Chung Ang University in South Korea. In addition, business students should see the Nance College of Business Administration concerning participation in business exchange programs with various other universities throughout Latin America and Europe.
Each year a growing number of CSU students study abroad on non- CSU programs (or independent programs) in countries such as Argentina, Australia, Botswana, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand, and South Africa, just to name a few. CSU places no restrictions on where our students can study.
What kind of financial assistance is there for study abroad and can I use my financial aid?
Students may use financial aid towards the cost of study abroad and can sometimes get the amount of their award increased depending on the cost of the program. CSU allows financial aid to travel to any approved program. Also, there are study abroad scholarships. Some scholarships are need-based and others are merit-based. Application deadlines are usually quite early in the year so please plan ahead if you will be applying for a scholarship.
Do I need to be fluent in a foreign language in order to study abroad?
No. Although many CSU sponsored programs focus on language, there are also many programs that do not require foreign language proficiency.
Will I be able to earn CSU credit while studying abroad?
Yes. Students who apply through the Center for International Services and Programs will receive credit for their study abroad. Students participating in CSU Sponsored programs will receive graded credit. Students who participate in an exchange program or an non-CSU or independent program will receive ungraded credit. The approval process through CISP ensures that students know their credit transferability prior to departure.
What's the process for applying to study abroad?
Students need to apply for CSU approval to study abroad through the Center for International Services and Programs. The application is short. Students also have to apply to their foreign university or study abroad program. These two application processes can happen concurrently. CSU Study Abroad Approval Applications are available in the Keith Building room 1150 or upon request at studyabroad@csuohio.edu .
Are there application deadlines?
Yes, CSU -Sponsored programs typically have application deadlines 3-4 months prior to the start of the program. See the program director or the CISP website for the individual program deadlines www.csuohio.edu/internat/sa-summerprgm.html (Students who apply after these deadlines run the risk of not having their applications reviewed).
Non- CSU or independent programs do not have an application deadline for CSU approval. However, students do need to adhere to the deadlines of the program or foreign institution for acceptance into their program. Please see the study abroad staff in CISP if you need help.
What are the CSU study abroad application requirements?
Cleveland State requires a minimum overall GPA of at least a 2.0 in order to be approved for study abroad. Additionally, students' applications will be screened by the CSU judicial affairs officer. Anyone who has studied for at least 2 semesters at CSU or has been a transfer student for at least 1 semester is also eligible to apply for study abroad approval.