Choosing Your Program
Whether you want to spend a year, a semester, or a few weeks becoming a global citizen, SJSU has a program that will provide you with an amazing opportunity to learn about different cultures and perspectives. Choose your adventure and see what the world has in store for you!
Program Types
SJSU offers a variety of program options that provide different experiences and learning environments.Study at a Partner University
- SJSU ExchangeStudy at a partner university abroad for a semester or a year with an SJSU Exchange. Take classes at institutions around the world that have the best academic fit, course offerings, and international student services, while paying your regular SJSU tuition, and receiving SJSU credit for every class you take! These programs are only open to SJSU students.
- CSU International Programs (CSU IP)
California State University International Programs (CSU IP) provide students in the CSU system with an affordable opportunity to study abroad for a semester or year. Students earn SJSU credit while studying at a host university or study center, taking major, minor, and GE courses. Many programs offer opportunities to study the local language and culture.
- International Student Exchange Program (ISEP)SJSU is a member of International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP), a non-profit organization that offers study abroad options at over 200 universities in 51 countries. You can study with ISEP for a semester or a year and immerse yourself in classes at local universities while receiving SJSU credit. If you are interested in studying abroad in a location that is off the beaten path, ISEP has the program for you.
- Summer School Abroad (SSA)
Take classes at an international university for 2-8 weeks during summer break on a Summer School Abroad (SSA) program. With support from the Study Abroad and Away office, you get to travel independently while you earn SJSU credit and take classes with other international students.
- National Student Exchange (NSE)
SJSU has joined the National Student Exchange (NSE) to offer low-cost domestic options for Spartans to study away for a semester or year at 170 culturally diverse campuses in the continental United States, Hawaii, and the territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Study & Travel with SJSU
Travel with a group of classmates and an SJSU program leader on a Faculty-Led Program or Alternative Break Program. Faculty-Led Programs (FLPs) are SJSU credit-bearing courses taught abroad by SJSU faculty from various academic fields for 2-4 weeks during the winter and summer breaks. Courses typically range from 3-6 units and several programs satisfy graduation requirements; many programs are open to all majors.
- Winter Faculty-Led Programs (FLP)Winter Faculty-Led Programs (FLP) enable students to study abroad with SJSU faculty and classmates during the Winter Session in January. All winter programs offer one course focused on a particular theme.
- Summer Faculty-Led Programs (FLP)
Summer Faculty-Led Programs (FLP) offer students the opportunity to study abroad with SJSU faculty and classmates and earn SJSU credit during the Summer Session. Most options are 2-3 weeks long and focus on a particular theme with 1-2 courses taught by SJSU faculty.
Identifying Your Goals and Preferences
There are many different program options and it can sometimes be a little overwhelming to know where to begin. It can help to first think about what your goals and priorities are for a study abroad or away experience. What do you want to get out of your study abroad or away experience? What do you want to achieve or accomplish personally, academically or professionally? What is motivating you to study abroad or away?
Once you have identified some goals, consider the different factors involved with choosing a program. How would you prioritize them? Below are some of the factors you may consider:
- Type of experience/learning environment: Do you want to travel with a group of SJSU students or are you looking for a more independent experience?
- Academics: Are there any specific courses or requirements you are looking to fulfill during your program?
- Location and geographic interests: Are there particular locations you are interested in? Do you want to be in a big city or small town?
- Timing/length: What time of year do you want to go (ex: fall, summer)? How long do you want to be away (ex: 2-3 weeks, semester)?
- Housing: What type of housing arrangements would you prefer?
- Language: Do you want to study in another language or take courses in English?
- Finances: Are you looking for a program that does not cost much more than being on campus? Would you like to use your financial aid for study abroad?
- Accessibility: Are there certain services or accommodations you would require to be successful? Please note that students requesting accommodations on their study abroad program due to disability-related limitations are required to register with the Accessible Education Center (AEC) at least 60 days before the program start date. However, we strongly encourage registering prior to or as part of applying to the program in order to inform a student’s choice of program. If you need accommodations, please register online.
Use this worksheet to identify your goals, think through your program preferences, and draft a goal statement, which will help guide your program search and planning.
Searching for Programs
Search for programs on the Spartans Abroad Portal (SAP). Click on Discover Your Program to use the program discovery tool. Type in keywords and use the search filters to narrow down your options in a variety of ways (ex: by term, country, program type, programs of study, language of instruction, etc.) You can click on the star icon for each program that interests you in order to save to your favorites and revisit later. You will need to have already created an account in SAP to save your preferences by logging in with your SJSU ID and password.
Contact Us
Study Abroad and Away
College of Professional and Global Education (CPGE)
One Washington Square San Jose, CA 95192-0135
Email: spartansabroad@sjsu.edu
Phone: (408) 924 2670