Study in Southern California (in English) - ISEP Direct
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
• Soak up the sun in beautiful San Marcos, California, where world-famous attractions are at your fingertips. Your weekends could consist of rollercoaster-hopping at Legoland Park, learning about the history of wave-riding at the California Surf Museum, or a safari at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
• CSUSM is distinguished for its emphasis on hands-on experiences integrated into the academic experience.
• Join the Global Partnership program, which brings together international and American students to connect through social activities, coffee hours, and travel opportunities. International students also get the benefit of an assigned student mentor to guide and support them throughout their experience.
• Mountains, beaches, and deserts are all within a day's drive and can be enjoyed year-round due to the region’s nearly perfect weather. Great public transportation operates throughout the region and the city, so it will be a breeze getting to your next adventure.
LIFE ABROAD
A short distance from Southern California’s best beaches, CSUSM is the place for those hoping for the quintessential “California dream” experience.
LIVE
Build friendships and explore the diverse campus culture by living in the on-campus resident hall. You will have direct access to computer labs, the library, workout facilities (including a cycling studio), swimming pools, a campfire pit, and more.
DINE
Explore the expansive cuisine of Southern California, from Mexican food to fresh seafood to the iconic In-N-Out Burger! For on-campus options, meal plans are available to purchase directly from CSU San Marcos. Students who choose to purchase a meal plan will be enrolled in the “Cougar Blue” Plan, which covers 19 meals per week at the campus cafeteria and includes a flex stipend to spend at other on-campus food locations. For more independence, take advantage of the Ralphs grocery store 4 minutes from campus and prepare meals in your shared kitchen facility in the dormitory.
EXPERIENCE
Jump into campus life with multiple options to get involved at CSUSM. Connect with other students with offsite trips sponsored by the International Office and discounted outdoor trips through the Recreation Center, including hiking, surf camp, and more. Enjoy the company of students with shared interests through the numerous campus clubs, including Theater Club, Global Business Cougars, Baseball Club, co ed Soccer Club, and more.
EXPLORE
Find out why San Marcos is nicknamed the “Valley of Discovery” by partaking in one of the city’s unique shopping experiences or trying local cuisine. Explore more of the region with student discount tickets (available at the University Student Union) to local attractions including the San Diego Zoo, Disneyland, Balboa Park, and multiple museums.
THRIVE
Access some of the many on-campus support services available to students including a conversation partner program, Health and Counseling Services, the Black Student Center, the Latinx Center, Disability Support Services, the Cross-Cultural Center, and more. Also take part in the many opportunities to get some exercise during the semester, including a free gym, Physical Education & group fitness classes, intramural sports teams, and sport clubs.
What We Love About CSUSM
We love that students are welcomed with open arms on campus and that there are tons of ways to get involved without stepping foot off the university grounds. These include opportunities like joining an improv or dance team, tapping into your competitive side by participating in one of the many sports clubs, or taking part in one of the numerous on-campus events.
See ISEP Direct budget and estimated expenses (Fall)
See ISEP Direct budget and estimated expenses (Spring)
Course Description
CSUSM is distinguished for its emphasis on hands-on experiences. In addition, the campus’s modern, state-of-the-art facilities provide access to science and computer labs featuring some of the best equipment today. Students attending CSUSM through ISEP are invited to take advantage of classes offered both through their Intensive English Program (ALCI) and also from their catalog of regular university classes. Focus on taking classes only from the ALCI or only from the university catalog or mix them based on your academic and personal interests.
Whether you’re interested in taking some of the science, technology, engineering and math classes, or want to explore the vast class offerings in Health Sciences, Kinesiology, American Indian Studies, Environmental Studies, Education (Mostly online) or Media Studies, CSUSM has an almost limitless catalog of class options. To get you started, the classes in the chart below represent some of the more popular classes students have taken.
Credits Earned
Students who complete the undergraduate program in good standing can expect to earn 12 U.S. Semester credits. Students can take up to 15 U.S. Semester Credits for an additional cost paid directly to CSUSM. Each course is generally worth 3-4 U.S. credits and meets for 1 hour per credit per week (so a 3-credit class meets approximately 3 hours per week).
Science classes with labs will generally have 2-3 more class hours per week (lecture + labs) than the credits indicate (i.e., a biology class and lab may require 3 hours of lecture time + 3 hours of lab time for a total of 6 hours, but is worth 4 credits).
Sample classes available:
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Biology |
Communications |
Computer Science |
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Human Physiology |
Intercultural Communication |
Operating Systems |
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Molecular Cell Biology |
Mass Media and Society |
Computer Languages |
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Plant Diversity |
Rhetorical Theory |
Computer Architecture |
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Immunology |
Communication and Social Protest |
Game Programming |
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Biogeography |
Interviewing Principles and Practices |
Software Engineering |
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Evolution |
Health Communication |
Artificial Intelligence |
Academics
Other Academic Conditions
Spring/Fall Semester:
Students arrive: Mid January, Third week of August
Classes start: Third week of January, Fourth week of August
Classes end: Second week of May, Third week of December
Exams: Mid May, Mid December
Regular University Courses
From the class schedule website, choose a semester, then click on “Browse/Search Courses” to determine subjects that have been offered over the past year or for the current semester. Fall course schedules are typically posted in mid-April; Spring course schedules are typically posted in mid-November.
Students can also use the Course Catalog to view a comprehensive list of courses offered at CSU San Marcos and descriptions for each course. Note that not all courses in the catalog will be offered every semester.
Having difficulty finding course information? Contact your ISEP Student Services Officer whose contact information can be found in your ISEP Dashboard.
Intensive English Program
The Intensive Academic Preparation program at the ALCI offers intensive English language courses in six proficiency levels, 24 class hours per week, and small class sizes. Students will be assigned courses according to their proficiency and schedule. This includes academic courses in reading, vocabulary, academic writing, grammar, public speaking, study skills, test preparation and enrichment classes. Advanced-level students have the opportunity to take university courses for credit toward a degree. The program comes with a certificate of completion and certificate ceremony.
Nursing courses are closed to ISEP students.
Certain syllabi may be available in advance to prospective students; contact your ISEP Student Services Officer.
Semester & Prices (based on your filters)
Select a semester to calculate the price. Semesters are named according to host university's calendar.Semester Tuition
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