What Is International Programs (IP):
IP students in “Plaza Mayor” Madrid, Spain
One of the many remarkable services available to California State University, Long Beach students is the ability to study abroad in 18 over countries worldwide. IP is the overseas study abroad program of the CSU system that is affiliated with more than 50 distinguished universities and other institutions of higher education. IP provides academic opportunities within the framework of the CSU degree program, in which resident credit is given to participants earned over one academic year of study abroad. The IP program offers a wide selection of course options and accommodates over 100 degrees and career objectives. IP’s goal is for students to be “immersed” in the academic and living environments of their host countries.
History:
IP has been operating for 41 years and has received recognition from respected organizations such as the Council on Learning and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. IP was established by the CSU Board of Trustees in 1963 as the official study abroad program of the California State University system. Coursework is completed in the host universities or by the distinguished host country faculty. Students live in the communities where their studies are pursued and the IP groups embark on exciting excursions within the country being visited. Learning the language of the host culture to achieve maximum social integration is considered a high priority for IP students as well as an enriching cultural experience gained from being engrossed in a new surrounding.
Financial Costs:
IP attempts takes steps wherever possible to keep costs of the program at a minimum. Enrollment fees are kept at an affordable level because part of the costs are supported by the state of California. These factors are what make IP the most affordable study abroad opportunity for CSU students. If you already qualify for financial aid at CSU, Long Beach, it will apply while you participate in the IP program. Scholarships are available in addition to financial aid. The financial aid office has a counselor available that you can speak with concerning questions relating to study abroad and financial aid. Non-residents are required to pay nonresident fees while enrolled through IP.
Benefits:
One of the benefits IP offers over other programs is that it is over a full academic year giving participants the opportunity to fully experience a country as a “local.” Some of the many benefits available to students who choose to study abroad through the CSU IP program over other international programs include:
- No overseas tuition or administrative costs are charged.
- Students earn resident credit for all overseas course work.
- All campus financial aid, with the exception of work study, is applicable overseas.
- IP assists students in arranging the details of their year abroad, including academic planning, transportation, visas, and housing.
- Once overseas, students receive assistance from a CSU resident director and/or local staff.
Patricipant remarks:
California State University, Long Beach student, Elizabeth Adle, a former participant of CSU IP 2002-2003, who studied in Madrid, Spain last year said, “The countless benefits I received from participating in the IP program range from the everlasting friendships I formed, to the many amazing historical sights I had the opportunity to visit, to the invaluable lessons I learned both in and out of the university that have for ever changed my outlook on life.”
Eligabilty Requirements:
The eligibility requirements for each program are provided in the countries brochures. They include coursework prerequisites and language requirements. Most programs require a 2.75 GPA while other require 3.0; however, in few cases student not meeting GPA requirements have been considered. Applicants need to be enrolled in a CSU Campus or be an eligible transfer student from a California Community College.
Countries Where IP is Offered:
The countries students can choose to study abroad in include: Australia, Canada, Chile, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Mexico BCLAD, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Zimbabwe.
Further Information:
For more information on visit the IP Coordinator on campus, the Center For International Education (CIE) office located on campus in 201 Brotman Hall or visit the website at www.calstate.edu/ip The website includes basic FAQ’s, academic requirements, how to download a program application and much more useful information. Other useful websites related to the IP program are the following:
- www.gateway.calstate.edu.csuienet/bulletin/programs
- www.gateway.calstate.edu/csuienet/ip_info.shtml
- www.csu-ip.calstate.edu
Sources IP brochure available at the Center for International Education in 201 Brotman Hall
The Internet sites provided above