Faculty-Led Study Abroad
Program Features
At-a-Glance
- Discipline-specific learning that supplements the Sac State curriculum
- Classes are taught by Sacramento State faculty
- Apply your knowledge to real-world experiences
- Understand the historical foundations of diverse cultures firsthand
- Infuse international, intercultural, and global dimensions into your academic experience
Overview
At Sacramento State, we believe international education experiences play a key role in the intellectual, personal, and professional growth of our students. Studying abroad gives students the opportunity to apply their knowledge to real-world experiences, understand the historical foundations of diverse cultures firsthand, and expand their horizons. The decision to study abroad has the potential to be the most transformative and inspirational experience of a student’s academic career.
Faculty-Led Study Abroad (FLSA) programs are short-term, international experiences designed for students who would like to study abroad – and stay on track for graduation – but cannot spend an entire semester or academic year abroad. These programs allow students to infuse international, intercultural, and global dimensions into their academic experience. Programs vary in length, and classes are taught by Sacramento State faculty.
The goals of education abroad are multi-faceted. They include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Discipline-specific learning that supplements the Sacramento State curriculum
- Placement of a discipline in its international context
- Country/region-specific learning
- Language acquisition
- Personal and professional development
Audience
- Sac State students who would like to earn academic credit towards graduation.
- Community college students, or students from other universities, who would like to earn academic credit from Sacramento State.
- Students who have family commitments and cannot be away from the family for a semester or longer.
- Students who want to study abroad but cannot leave their extracurricular activities (clubs, fraternities, sororities, etc.) by embarking on long-term programs.
- Student-athletes who want to study abroad during their off-season (programs are offered during summer, winter, and spring breaks).
- Working students who cannot be away from work for more than 2 weeks.
- Students with little and/or limited travel experience (in faculty-led programs, you are accompanied by other Sac State students and faculty during your trip).
- Students who are in majors that do not allow the flexibility to study abroad for a semester or longer.
- Students who want to build skills crucial for career readiness and life after graduation (read more about how study abroad can increase your employability and career skills).
- Students who want to build connections and expand their professional network internationally.
- Members of the community and lifelong learners who see these study abroad opportunities as a valuable learning experience.
Note:
- Only students enrolled in the course are allowed to join the program.
- Minors are not allowed to join the program.
Prerequisites
- U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a passport to enter other countries and to return to the United States. If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid for at least six months after your return date.
- Depending on the destination, a visa may also be required for entry. Participants are responsible for obtaining any necessary visas prior to travel.
Upcoming Programs
Costs
FLSA program costs consist of the following:
- Tuition & Fees: $425 per unit
- Travel insurance
- Lodging
- In-country transportation
- All academic excursions/activities
- Meals (varies by program)
Planning your finances is an essential part of preparing for your faculty-led study abroad program. Taking the time to estimate your expenses before you travel will help you budget wisely, explore available funding resources, and avoid unexpected financial challenges. A well-planned budget will allow you to focus on your academic and cultural experience with greater confidence.
Please download the Budget Worksheet and use it to help you determine what the estimated costs will be for your study abroad program.
Financial Aid
Students participating in Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs (FLSA) are eligible for financial aid (will need at least 1 unit – amount awarded will be prorated). Financial aid is not available for Winter FLSA programs.
Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid early by completing the FAFSA and contacting Sac State’s Financial Aid Office.
Scholarships
Students are also encouraged to apply to general study abroad scholarships such as:
Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarship Program
Open to students receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program. Please visit their website for more details.
Gilman-McCain Scholarship
The U.S. Department of State’s Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides awards for undergraduate child and spousal dependents of active or activated United States military personnel during the time of application (including Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Space Force, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and USPHS Commissioned Corps) to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs.
The Scholarship Office at Sacramento State also offers the option to fill out a single application to be automatically matched with scholarship opportunities.
How to Apply
Basic Requirements
Faculty-led programs are open to matriculated and non-matriculated students.
If you are a community college student, a student from another university, or a community member who would like to earn academic credit from Sacramento State, please contact the program coordinator for more information.
To be eligible to participate in any faculty-led program, you must:
- Complete and submit the program application
- Be at least 18 years old
- Complete program prerequisites (if applicable)
- Have a valid passport
If you are an F-1 student, please contact your international student advisor. In order to qualify to study abroad, F-1 students must:
- Have a valid F-1 visa to be able to return to the U.S. after the program is over
- Have received a new Form I-20 with travel endorsement
- Have maintained status
Submission Steps
Follow the instructions for the specific program you are interested in.
Withdrawal and Refund Policies
Students may withdraw from the program at any time before the program begins. To withdraw from a program, students must submit a request in writing to the Faculty-Led Study Program Coordinator stating their decision to withdraw from their program. Students are responsible for any expenses incurred on their behalf until the date that the withdrawal form has been received.
After a withdrawal request is received, students will be eligible to receive a refund based on the following withdrawal schedule:
| Timeline of Student Withdrawal Refund | Refund |
|---|---|
| 90 – 60 days prior to start date | Forfeit 50% of amount paid. Students are responsible for the total amount that has already been spent on the student’s behalf such as admission fees, transportation, meals, accommodation, tours, etc. |
| 59 – 30 calendar days prior to start date | Forfeit 75% of amount paid. Students are responsible for the total amount that has already been spent on the student’s behalf such as admission fees, transportation, meals, accommodation, tours, etc. |
| Less than 29 days prior to start date and after program commences | No refund |
Funds spent on a student’s behalf will be retained to ensure that the costs to the other students in the program do not increase as a result of a smaller group size.
If a student is dismissed from a program at any time due to behavioral, academic, legal, or other related issues, no refunds will be given. In this case, any expenditures relating to the students dismissal and early return are the responsibility of the student.
Please note: If a program is cancelled due to under-enrollment, 100% of the students’ payments will be refunded.
Student Handbook
Intro
At Sacramento State, we believe international education experiences play a key role in the intellectual, personal, and professional growth of our students. Studying abroad gives students the opportunity to apply their knowledge to real-world experiences, understand the historical foundations of diverse cultures firsthand, and expand their horizons. The decision to study abroad has the potential to be the most transformative and inspirational experience of a student’s academic career.
The goals of education abroad are multi-faceted. They include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Discipline-specific learning that supplements the Sacramento State curriculum
- Placement of a discipline in its international context
- Country/region-specific learning
- Language acquisition
- Personal and professional development
Before you travel abroad, it’s crucial that you read the information in this handbook and familiarize yourself with the expectations of studying abroad.
Audience
Faculty-Led Programs are ideal for:
- Sac State students who would like to earn academic credit towards graduation.
- community college students, or students from other universities, who would like to earn academic credit from Sacramento State.
- students who have family commitments and cannot be away from the family for a semester or longer.
- students who want to study abroad but cannot leave their extracurricular activities (clubs, fraternities, sororities, etc.) by embarking on long-term programs.
- student-athletes who want to study abroad during their off-season (programs are offered during summer, winter, and spring breaks).
- working students who cannot be away from work for more than 2 weeks.
- students with little and/or limited travel experience (in faculty-led programs, you are accompanied by other Sac State students and faculty during your trip).
- students who are in majors that do not allow the flexibility to study abroad for a semester or longer.
- members of the community and lifelong learners who see these study abroad opportunities as a valuable learning experience.
- students who want to build skills crucial for career readiness and life after graduation (read more about how study abroad can increase your employability and career skills).
- students who want to build connections and expand their professional network internationally.
Eligibility
Faculty-led study abroad programs are open to matriculated and non-matriculated students.
If you are a community college student, a student from another university, or a community member who would like to earn academic credit from Sacramento State, please contact the program coordinator for more information.
To be eligible to participate in any faculty-led study abroad program, you must:
- Complete and submit the FLSA application
- Be at least 18 years old
- Complete program prerequisites (if applicable)
- Have a valid passport
If you are an F-1 student, please contact your international student advisor. In order to qualify to study abroad, F-1 students must:
- Have a valid F-1 visa to be able to return to the U.S. after the program is over
- Have received a new Form I-20 with travel endorsement
- Have maintained status
Costs & Payment Instructions
Planning your finances is an essential part of preparing for your faculty-led study abroad program. Taking the time to estimate your expenses before you travel will help you budget wisely, explore available funding resources, and avoid unexpected financial challenges. A well-planned budget will allow you to focus on your academic and cultural experience with greater confidence.
Please download the Budget Worksheet and use it to help you determine what the estimated costs will be for your study abroad program.
All our Faculty-Led Programs costs consist of the following:
- Tuition & Fees: $425 per unit
- Travel insurance
- Lodging
- In-country transportation
- All academic excursions/activities
- Meals (varies by program)
To confirm your enrollment, you will need to complete the 1st payment by the given deadline.
Upon completion, you will receive an acceptance email from the Program Coordinator with more information regarding your chosen program’s next payment.
Payments can be made online through My Sac State. If needed, please reach out to the Program Coordinator for online payment instructions or contact our CCE registration line at (916)278-6984 for payment assistance.
Financial Aid
Students participating in Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs (FLSA) are eligible for financial aid (will need at least 1 unit – amount awarded will be prorated). Financial aid is not available for Winter FLSA programs.
Awards for summer are based on remaining financial aid eligibility not used in the prior fall and/or spring semesters at any college.
Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid early by completing the FAFSA and contacting their financial aid coordinator.
Scholarships
Students are encouraged to apply for general study abroad scholarships such as:
- Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarship Program – Open to students receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program. Please check the website for more details.
- Gilman-McCain Scholarship: The U.S. Department of State’s Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides awards for undergraduate child and spousal dependents of active or activated United States military personnel during the time of application (including Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Space Force, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and USPHS Commissioned Corps) to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs.
Directories for Study Abroad Scholarships
Withdrawal and Refund Policies
Students may withdraw from the program at any time before the program begins. To withdraw from a program, you must submit a request in writing to the program coordinator stating your decision to withdraw from their program. You are responsible for any expenses incurred on your behalf until the date that the withdrawal form has been received.
Refunds based on the following withdrawal schedule:
| Timeline of Student Withdrawal Refund | Refund |
|---|---|
| 90 – 60 days prior to start date | Forfeit 50% of amount paid. Students are responsible for the total amount that has already been spent on the student’s behalf such as admission fees, transportation, meals, accommodation, tours, etc. |
| 59 – 30 calendar days prior to start date | Forfeit 75% of amount paid. Students are responsible for the total amount that has already been spent on the student’s behalf such as admission fees, transportation, meals, accommodation, tours, etc. |
| Less than 29 days prior to start date and after program commences | No refund |
Once the program has started, all fees are non-refundable. If a participant chooses not to participate in a program activity (such as a field trip, excursion, cultural event, included meals, etc.), no portion of the unutilized program fee will be refunded.
If a participant receiving financial aid withdraws from a faculty-led program, the participant must contact their Financial Aid Coordinator immediately, as withdrawal may affect the participant’s financial aid disbursement.
Unfortunately, faculty-led courses may be canceled if enrollment is insufficient to provide appropriate instruction or if contracts with service providers are incomplete before the start of the course registration. If a program is cancelled, 100% of the students’ payments will be refunded. However, Sac State is not responsible for refunding any personal expenses (e.g. flights, spending money, etc.) if the program is canceled for any reason.
Note: Participants are responsible for booking and purchasing their flights. We suggest that at the time of purchase, participants should insure their flights against trip disruption and/ or cancellation or have fully refundable tickets.
Travel Documents
You must have a valid U.S. Passport to enter and leave most foreign countries.
Sacramento State offers passport services to students and community members at The Passport Place located in Modoc Hall (7301 Folsom Blvd., 4th floor). For information, please visit The Passport Place website. Additional Passport Information: Visit the U.S. Department of State’s website or call the customer service line at (877) 487-2778.
You may also need to obtain a travel visa for the country you are visiting. To determine if a travel visa is needed for the country you will be visiting, go to the U.S. Department of State’s website. Enter the country you will be visiting in the search box, “Learn about your destination.”
Note: Starting in 2024, U.S. citizens will need to request a travel authorization to travel to Europe.
Health & Safety
At Sacramento State, the health and safety of our students and university personnel is paramount, and we carefully examine all travel warnings to determine if and how the warning could impact the safety of participants in our programs.
- If a program is cancelled, 100% of the students’ payments will be refunded.
- For any university-related travel, travelers for all programs should monitor how the global health situation develops. At the time of purchase, participants should insure their flights against trip disruption and/or cancellation or have fully refundable tickets.
- Students preparing for any future programs abroad should consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. Department of State for ongoing recommendations.
Vaccinations
You should check the following websites for health advisories/vaccination recommendations, as well as general guidance on health issues such as safe food and water precautions for the country you are visiting.
- World Health Organization: Travel precautions and latest updates for travelers
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Information on vaccines, medicines, and advice
Travel Insurance
Participants in any Sacramento State Study Abroad program will be granted (prior to departure from Sacramento) travel insurance covering bodily injury and death of the participants in the amounts listed below (included in the program price). Emergency evacuation and repatriation will also be covered in the insurance plan, and the insured will be covered from point of departure to point of return.
Minimum coverage amounts required are:
- Accident & Illness medical expenses: $50,00 per incident (at least 80% of eligible expenses)
- Emergency evacuation/repatriation: $10,000
- Maximum deductible: $500
Pre-departure Orientation
Before you leave on your trip, the California State University system requires you to attend a pre-departure orientation.
The pre-departure orientation is a critical part to ensure students’ safety, health, and satisfaction while abroad.
Some of the topics covered will include:
- Cultural orientation
- Basic safety measures/precautions
- Information on health concerns and risks
- How to handle money
- What to take on the trip
- How to get most out of the experience
- Legal issues of concern
- Student conduct
Student Conduct
You are responsible for your conduct as well as how it reflects on the Travel Study Program, the CSU, the State of California, and the United States.
Misconduct by one can result in the loss of opportunities for many. Therefore, it is important for you to learn and follow your host country’s standards of good conduct.
As a Hornet abroad, you are expected to:
- Complete and submit the Study Abroad Application.
- Research the country to be visited and be respectful, mindful of dress codes, and/or learn the local customs and laws.
- Obtain all necessary immunizations and prescriptions.
- Understand and comply with the laws of the host country
- Hold the University blameless and not responsible for any liability or consequence caused by your violation of the law.
- Discuss with family members/friends your study abroad plans and let them know what your travel plans are.
- Leave a detailed itinerary and the numbers or copies of your passport or other citizenship documents with a friend or relative in the U.S.
- Avoid all illegal drugs and excessive consumption of alcohol.
- Inform program staff of your whereabouts and well-being.
- Contact program staff, law enforcement officials, and the University in case of serious illness, accident, injury, or significant violation of policies or regulations.
- Understand and comply with the terms of participation, Hornet honor code, and emergency procedures of the program.
- Be an active and engaged participant in all academic and course activities associated with the program, within reason and barring any illness or injury.
Hornet Honor Code
As proud members and representatives of the Sacramento State Hornet community, we commit ourselves to actively promoting honesty, integrity, respect and care for every person, ensuring a welcoming campus environment, and striving to help every member of our Hornet family feel a strong sense of belonging. As Hornets, we will:
- Promote an inclusive campus and community.
- Listen and respect each other’s thoughts, interests, and views.
- Value diversity and learn from one another.
- Engage daily with mutual trust, care, and integrity.
- Support a culture of honor and adhere to campus policies for honesty, ethics, and conduct.
- Be proud to be Sac State Hornets.
Program Evaluation
Please complete your program evaluation. You will receive an email reminder from CCE at the end of the program asking you to complete the survey. Your feedback is very important as we review all surveys and compile data on student feedback to make improvements to our programs.
Global Resources
Interested in a semester or yearlong program? Visit the International Programs & Global Engagement (IPGE) office for additional Study Abroad opportunities.
Below are some resources for students to have international experiences after graduating from Sac State.
Teach/Volunteer
- Fulbright Program: English Teaching Assistants (ETA) program
- JET Program: in Japan
- Peace Corps: Two-year commitment with varying assignments, loan deferment, stipend, room & board
Re-entry Resources, Events & Workshops
- Student Health and Counseling Services (916.278.6461)
- U.S. Department of State: Reverse Culture Shock
Staying Connected Globally on Campus
Emergency Preparedness and Response
Travel Registration
You should register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the U.S. Department of State’s website. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Other Helpful Links
Student Testimonials
Viviana Garcia, Italy/Art 4 2025
“I was part of the winter 2025 Italy faculty lead study abroad. I am an Interior Architecture and Film Studies student and seeing so many things that I have learned in courses in real life was so surreal. Although I have lived in another country this was my first time traveling by myself to a whole new unknown country and meeting new people. I was fortunate enough to be around amazing classmates and staff, helping each other navigate this new country for most of us. I value my journey getting there, managing my flights, and ensuring I get to my destination on time. In addition, I also value the connections I made and the experiences I made with everyone while studying abroad. I have so many memories of us crying at locations because of how beautiful they were, figuring out the public transportation, and exploring new places. I would encourage everyone to be part of the study abroad, especially these short-term courses, as I would say they are adequate time between a good learning experience and a lot of personal growth as well. From this journey, I will take a lot from it and one of those things is to not be afraid of seeking new experiences and opportunities in other places or countries.”
Here’s what other students had to say:
- “I think it improves my self-esteem. I was able to travel by myself and be able to navigate with ease with the help of our guide and professor. Also, I have gained new relationships and created bonds with so many people.”
- “It would have to be the friendships I made along the way, and the confidence I gained in myself for traveling abroad. It was a wonderful experience that I would highly recommend to anyone willing to explore the city. :)”
- “Meeting new people and overcoming personal fears of air travel, talking to strangers, and putting myself out there. Since coming back from Italy, I feel as though I have a new perspective on life that is a definite positive and am finding myself excited for and seeking new opportunities as they come my way.”