California State University, San Marcos Academic Program

Study abroad is studying or working as a student in a different country, either virtually or in person to broaden your academic, cultural, and social horizons. Study abroad is what we do!

SAF is part of IES Abroad, a not-for-profit provider founded in 1950 with 140+ study abroad and internship programs around the world for college/university students. 

With our comprehensive study abroad application support, advice, and orientations, we make the process as simple as possible. Our close relationship with home and host universities should give you peace of mind, knowing your choice to study through SAF ensures you're safe and secure every step of the way. We guarantee housing for the duration of your study abroad adventure and are available whenever you need us, on the ground, to support you in every part of your experience.

Before you settle on a single program, consider what appeals most to you: a small or large campus, language development or for-credit study, academic prestige or building relationships and experiences, and many other factors. This website includes many useful tools, such as our Program Finder, to help you understand which program might be best for you. You can also connect with SAF's Study Counselors, youro parents, and home university staff to help you in your decision. SAF is here for you, too!

With decades supporting international study, we have gathered thousands of stories from SAF Scholars in hundreds of cities. For each destination, we have student blogs and location articles to help you in your decision. You may also be able to reach out to SAF Alumni or an SAF Student Counselor who can give you all the tips and helpful information you need as you prepare for life overseas.

Many host universities offer both merit- and need-based scholarships to short-term visiting students, often made available exclusively through the Study Abroad Foundation and applied in the SAF Program Fees. For more information on scholarships, see our scholarships page. If you're interested in university scholarships, discuss your goals with your SAF Student Counsellor.

For both SAF and IES Abroad, student health and safety is at the forefront of all we do. All SAF Program Fees include a mandatory health insurance policy. You submit a medical form to SAF as part of your application so our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can support your health and medical needs while abroad.  You can also read more information about our health and safety protocols. 

 Some SAF projects include escorted short-term tours, which are included automatically in the program's fee. Semester programs rarely include additional trips outside of the regular curriculum because each person has their own destination and travel requirements.

We love connecting students with our alumni! Our student blog and global ambassadors give you a comprehensive glimpse at the study abroad experience. SAF Alumni are often at recruitment seminars and webinars, so you can chat with them. If you would like a conversation with a SAF Alum, reach out to us to find out about next steps.

Generally, SAF cannot guarantee spots in specific courses at your host university - but we can advise you about what you need to do to maximize your chances in securing the courses you want. Your SAF Program Specialist can even support you in enrolling in your classes.

The best way to increase your chances of landing the courses you want is to finish your SAF application early, stay in touch, and work with your SAF Program Specialist to ensure a smooth enrollment into the courses of your choice. 

Host universities occasionally restrict courses or expect a certain level of knowledge before accepting students into courses. You might need to provide transcripts from your home university as evidence that you'll be comfortable with the content being delivered in specific courses. 

Your home university may require you to focus purely on your major if you still need credit to complete your degree. For the period you're abroad, you're registered as a full-time student at your host university and retain your student status at home. You should check that your home Academic Affairs Office will accepts credits from your desired study abroad program, and that they're easy to transfer, so your graduation is not delayed. If you've completed all the credits you need to graduate, you can choose courses that appeal to your interests. It's wise to check the list of pre-selected overseas university courses with your college or academic office before going abroad.

Of course! SAF has a wide range of programs available for students who already have an undergraduate degree.

If you're already enrolled in a graduate or post-graduate degree, you may like to consider studying abroad in one of our graduate programs. If you're currently a working professional, you may like to consider a virtual program. Use our handy Program Finder tool to filter by these options

Generally speaking, yes! Most programs accept student applications within a year of graduation. You may need to submit your university transcripts and language scores to show you meet the admission requirements. As you may have already met the graduation requirements for your main degree at home, you may not need to request credit transfer or report to your home university about your study abroad outcomes.