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Global Programs and Services

Experience the Power of CSUSM

The Office of Global Education at CSUSM offers programs, services, and support for students who come from around the world to study at our diverse and safe Southern California campus.

Whether you're a prospective student from outside the U.S. who wants to learn more about CSUSM and how to apply, a current San Marcos student curious about study abroad opportunities, a student at one of our partner institutions looking for exchange programs, or an enrolled international student seeking information on visa issues, you'll find it all here.

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CSUSM Location
California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) is located in North San Diego County – the heart of beautiful Southern California. Just a short distance from the campus you will find California’s most beautiful beaches, mountains and deserts where you can swim, surf, hike, bicycle, golf and ski.

The CSUSM campus is conveniently situated in a small, safe, suburban city 50 kilometers north of the city of San Diego and 150 kilometers south of Los Angeles. You are within easy traveling distance of the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Disneyland and Hollywood.

International Students

Whether you're looking to apply for a bachelor's degree, master's degree, second bachelor's degree or something else, we are here to help!

Our International Admissions team is here to help you with all things international, including reviewing applications, assisting you throughout the application process, offering in-house evaluations of international academic records, answering your questions about transferring international coursework, and more!

Programs Housing Tuition and Fees Current Students How to Apply

Study Abroad

Study abroad is for everyone! With destinations in over fifty countries worldwide and programs from as short as two weeks to as long as an academic year, you are certain to find an option that suits your budget, lifestyle and academic pursuits! The best news of all is that our current CSUSM semester exchanges, CSU International Programs, and ISEP Exchange accept all forms of financial aid, including grants, loans and scholarships.

Regardless of program location, CSUSM students will earn CSU resident credit and pay the same tuition as they currently do at CSUSM for these programs! Start planning your study adventures by attending an info session today!

Learn More About Study Abroad

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American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI)

ALCI offers a variety of programs to help you improve your English, prepare for an American university, experience Southern California and more!

ALCI programs include: 

  • University Access Program: Earn credits toward a bachelor's or select master's degree and receive guaranteed admission to CSUSM.
  • Intensive English Pathway: An intensive English program for students of all English abilities, offers you a pathway to take English courses along with university courses.
  • Study @ CSUSM: Ideal for visiting or free-moving international students who want to enroll in university credit classes for one or two semesters.
  • Short-Term and Professional Programs: Full-service packages for groups of students or professionals to experience North County San Diego.
  • Teacher Training: TESL/TEFL and Educational Administrator programs combine language training and educational administration training.

"...I still remember and apply all the knowledge I gained while studying at CSUSM into my current career. That not only helps me to be able to be more creative but also assists me in building and maintaining relationships with other colleagues."

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– Anh Trinh

Class of 2020

– Anh Trinh

After graduation, I started working as an English teacher and my students were from kindergarten to high school. At CSUSM, I studied child development (focusing on 0-18 years old), and I also experienced an internship at the preschool. So what I studied at CSUSM was useful for how to interact with my students understanding their thoughts and feelings and I could build good relationships with them.

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– Arisa Kato

Class of 2014

– Arisa Kato

“I chose to come here because of the incredible computer science program. When I arrived here, I felt incredibly welcome by the staff and other students. I feel that this is my new home."

– Bandar Banawas

Computer Science, Saudi Arabia

– Bandar Banawas