Study Abroad in Southern California: A Semester You’ll Never Forget

If you’re an international student considering traveling to Southern California for university studies, this program is for you. California State University, Fullerton, also known as Cal State Fullerton or CSUF, welcomes international students among others, and offers a one-of-a-kind experience in Orange County, California.

Top Five Reasons to Study at CSUF in Southern California

What’s not to love about sunny weather, cultural diversity, a wide range of academic options and vibrant student life? CSUF University Extension offers the whole package for a memorable semester abroad. In fact:

1. California is the top U.S. state for international students, with more than 140,000 choosing to study here in recent years. Statista
2. CSUF is quite experienced in welcoming international students and has strong support services for you. For example, CSUF reports 1,500 international students from nearly 80 countries. You’ll have access to more than 3,200 university classes across 100+ majors, and you’ll study alongside American students and your international peers.
3. Cal State Fullerton gives you the opportunity to combine academics with exploration, from state-of-the-art on-campus exercise facilities, a botanical garden, a performing arts center, museums, and outdoor venues and activities including beaches and surf to hiking and nightlife to internships in major industries like entertainment, technology and tourism. extension.fullerton.edu/usa
4. If you want an international-student-friendly semester in a campus setting with lots of support and a Southern California location, Cal State Fullerton is an excellent choice.
5. Located in Fullerton, Orange County, California, CSUF is a lively college town with ethnic food choices, indoor and natural outdoor activities and shops galore — it is the perfect spot for someone looking to have a jam-packed day and nightlife.

If your goal is to study for one to two semesters in the U.S., and learn and live somewhere exciting, meet people, have unforgettable experiences, then you’re in the right place. https://extension.fullerton.edu/usa

What You Can Do While You’re Here

Studying abroad isn’t just about classes, it's also about the experience, the people, and the location. Here are some highlights of what you can explore in Southern California during your semester:

Beach + Outdoors

• Surfing or simply relaxing at beaches like Huntington, Laguna, Newport, or Santa Monica Beach.
• Hiking in the nearby hills or mountains: take in ocean views one moment and fresh mountain air the next. https://extension.fullerton.edu/usa/so-cal.aspx
• In one day, you could travel from the beach to a mountain, all in one car ride, a unique Southern California perk.

Theme Parks + Culture

• If you’re at CSUF, you'll be close to Disneyland (just about 7 miles away). extension.fullerton.edu
• Just a short car ride away in L.A., you’ve got museums like The Getty Center, film studios, music venues — you’ll never run out of things to do.
• Campus events: concerts, theatre productions, student clubs with international peers.

Meet People + Build Networks

• Join an international students’ club, attend cultural nights, make friends from all over the world and from the U.S.
• Use your time to explore the local labor market, perhaps internships for your future or partnerships at the Career Center.
• Living abroad builds your confidence, your global mindset and your story.

How to Get Started & What to Plan

Here’s a 7-step checklist to help you get ready for Cal State Fullerton:

1. Do your research. Visit extension.fullerton.edu/usa and ensure that CSUF is your school of choice. Take a look at the classes offered.
2. Decide which semester. Do you want to attend during the Spring or Fall semester or both? On-campus, outdoor activities, and local events differ by season.
3. Arrange visa/immigration paperwork. As an international student you’ll need to follow U.S. visa requirements.
4. Secure your budget and finances. Consider tuition/semester costs for housing, food, living, and entertainment. You may want to search for scholarships or support services.
5. Plan for your arrival and orientation. Get settled in your housing. Attend orientation, meet your advisor, and explore the campus and the local neighbourhood.
6. Balance your time. While your academics are important, make sure you schedule exploration: ethnic dining, botanical gardens, beaches, hikes, cultural visits, experiencing local life.
7. Enjoy your semester abroad. If you’re an international student looking to study in the U.S. for one semester, Southern California offers academic excellence, a memorable experience, and a global peer community. Cal State Fullerton is a welcoming, student-friendly environment, so get ready to embark on a semester that combines learning with life!

With our CSUF University Extension team, we’re always ready to support you, from pre-arrival to orientation to getting settled into student life. Feel free to reach out to us through our website. We look forward to serving you in Southern California for a once in a lifetime transformative and exciting experience.