PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Building on an innovative 28-year history, California State University San Marcos is a forward-focused institution, dedicated to preparing future leaders, building great communities and solving critical issues. Located on a 304-acre hillside overlooking the city of San Marcos, the University is just a short distance from some of Southern California’s best beaches and an hour from the U.S.-Mexico border. CSUSM enrollment is over 17,000. 

San Marcos is located in northern San Diego County and offers beautiful beaches, an hour drive to the mountains and desert, a downtown nightlife, world-class shopping and more all within a short trip from campus. 

Fields most recommended for ISEP students include anthropology, literature and writing, global studies, history, music and native studies. Research opportunities may be available to students who are proactive about arranging them with faculty. 

Check out five reasons to study abroad in California!

HOUSING

Students will be placed into suite-style apartments in either the University Village Apartments or the Quad. These residence halls offer a variety of study spaces, workout facilities, outdoor pools and free laundry. The suites vary in size and style, but most students will be placed in an 8-person suite that includes 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a living area, and a kitchen. The exact room type for placement will be dependent on space availability. Please note that single rooms will not be available through the ISEP housing package. 

MEALS 

Students will be automatically enrolled in the 19 Meals Per Week option in CSUSM's brand new dining facility (opening August 26, 2022). In addition, students will receive flex money that can be used throughout the semester at various campus eateries. Students will be responsible for their own meals during orientation week.

*Calendar Year students are not eligible for ISEP housing or meal benefits over the summer break. 

Course Description

Use the class schedule website to search for courses by term. Click “Browse/Search Courses” then filter by term, subject and level. Fall course schedules are typically posted in April; Spring course schedules are typically posted in 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 Advisor whose contact information can be found in your ISEP Dashboard. 

Website for Course Availability

ISEP STUDENT SERVICES OFFICER Jacki D'Amico 703-504-9977 | JDAmico@isep.org Thanks for your interest in ISEP Study Abroad! I’m your Student Services Officer and main point of contact here at ISEP. As you search for programs, I'll be available to answer any questions you might have. Feel free to contact me at any point in your search process for help, tips or advice.

Academics

Undergraduate
(in English)

*This program is OK for Sophomores

Fields of Study

  • Area Studies:

    Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies, Other Gay/Lesbian Studies Native American Studies Women’s Studies

  • Biology Recommended!

    Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

  • Business:

    Business Management Economics

  • Communication Recommended!

  • Computer and Information Sciences Recommended!

  • English Language and Literature:

    American Literature (United States) General Literature Writing

  • Foreign Languages and Literatures:

    French Language and Literature German Language and Literature Linguistics Spanish Language and Literature

  • History:

    American History (United States) History, Other

  • International/Global Studies Recommended!

  • Law/Criminal Justice

    Criminology

  • Liberal Arts and Sciences

  • Mathematics

  • Natural Resources/Conservation

    Environmental Science

  • Philosophy and Religious Studies

    Philosophy

  • Physical Sciences:

    Chemistry Physics

  • Psychology

    Developmental and Child Psychology

  • Social Sciences:

    Anthropology Human Development and Family Studies Political Science and Government Sociology

  • Visual and Performing Arts: Recommended!

    Acting Dance Design and Visual Communications Drama and Theatre Arts Film Studies Fine Arts and Art Studies, Other

Academic Requirements

  • TOEFL iBT Score: 61
  • TOEFL Writing Score: 19
  • IELTS Score: 5.5
  • IELTS Writing Score: 5.5

Special Needs Support

  • Mental Health
  • Mobility
  • Hearing
  • Visual
  • Speech
  • Learning

Other Academic Conditions

Graduate study is allowed with approval of the academic department. Accounting, Information systems, nursing and kinesiology courses are closed to ISEP Exchange students. Certain syllabi may be available to prospective students in advance; contact your ISEP Student Advisor.

Please note that exchange students holding U.S. citizenship are not eligible to attend this institution. 

PASSPORT: All students must have a valid passport to participate in this program. If you do not have a valid passport, we suggest you start the application process as soon as possible. 

VISA: All non-U.S. citizens will be required to obtain a visa. For more information on the process and estimated cost, please review the ISEP Country Handbook here.

Semester & Prices (based on your filters)

Select a semester to calculate the price. Semesters are named according to host university's calendar.


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