Why Study Abroad?
San Francisco State University takes a unique approach to making study abroad both affordable and accessible for all students. SFSU offers study abroad programs across the globe, giving you the chance to grow personally, advance academically, build career-ready skills and immerse yourself in new cultures and experiences that will last a lifetime. As a student, you have the opportunity to go abroad for up to four semesters.
Students who study abroad are more likely to:
- Get jobs faster after graduation — often at higher salaries
- Earn higher GPAs after returning
- Graduate sooner than students who do not study abroad
On your abroad program, you will enjoy:
- Cheaper cost of living abroad
- Access to financial aid abroad
- Earning SFSU resident credit
- Paying the same SFSU/CSU tuition
You can go abroad for your major or minor, upper and lower division general education (GE) or go for language learning!
Applying is online, free and only takes a small amount of time. Our office will provide you with assistance every step of the way. Discover more about our study abroad program!
The #1 regret of college graduates is not studying abroad!
Upcoming Application Deadlines
September 15, 2026 for spring 2027 and calendar year 2027 programs.
Watch this video before scheduling with a study abroad advisor.
Your First Step to Going Abroad
Watch our pre-advising information meeting as a first step and then schedule an advising appointment with us or join a workshop.
Funding Your Experience
Explore scholarships and other cost-saving solutions so you can travel abroad and advance your degree.
Featured Programs
Read about some of our most popular study abroad programs.
HK: City University of Hong Kong – Business
City U Business is a globally centered business school located at the main Kowloon campus in the heart of Hong Kong. SFSU students will find a warm and welcoming campus environment with extra care and support for the exchange student community.
UK: University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham (UoB) is one of the UK's most prestigious and beautiful universities. Students attending the University of Birmingham are guaranteed student accommodations at very affordable prices. Birmingham has UK's largest Christmas market and more miles of canals than Venice, Italy.
Korea: Chung-Ang University (CAU)
Chung-Ang University (CAU) is a lively, bustling college that offers more than 600 courses in English across its two campuses in Seoul and the city of Anseong in the surrounding Gyeonggi Province. CAU provides students with a Korean buddy who can introduce them to the city and the campus.
