Exchange Programs

Explore Exchange Programs

Click on a program below to find more information including available terms, coursework and budget sheets! Visit our Start Here webpage to learn more about the education abroad process, advising options, scholarships and financial aid.
a traditional Japanese building surrounded by cherry blossomsa castle in EnglandNew Zealand mountains rising behind a field of flowers
Kansai Gaidai University:
Hirakata, Japan		Keele University:
Stoke-on-Trent, England, UK		Lincoln University:
Christchurch, New Zealand
An Australian sunsetA building from above, in the New Zealand mountainsA bridge over water in Heidelberg, Germany
Macquarie University:
Sydney, Australia		Massey University:
North Island, New Zealand		SRH University:
Heidelberg, Germany
Swansea University from above, the ocean in the backgroundBuildings on the river in Bamberg, GermanyA castle in Exeter, UK
Swansea University:
Swansea, Wales, UK		Universität Bamberg:
Bamberg, Germany		University of Exeter:
Exeter, England, UK
A very old castle in LeicesterA bridge over water, with string lights above it in LimerickA building at Reading University
University of Leicester:
Leicester, England, UK		University of Limerick:
Limerick, Ireland		University of Reading:
Reading, England, UK
University of Southern Australia at sunsetAerial view of the university of tasmania
University of South Australia:
Adelaide, Australia		University of Tasmania:
Hobart, Australia

What is an exchange program?

Exchange programs are direct relationships between CSU and universities abroad. CSU students go abroad to study at our exchange partner universities and students from those universities come to CSU to study. These long-standing relationships ensure great communication, well-rounded support for students, academic flexibility and the benefit of knowing there will be multiple CSU students at the same university abroad. Exchange programs also provide the unique opportunity to connect with students from your host university on campus at CSU both before and after your time abroad.

NOTE: All students are advised to consult with their academic advisor and/or department to discuss how an education abroad program will fit into their specific graduation plan.

Why Choose an exchange program?

Affordability

The direct relationship with our exchange partner universities allows CSU to keep the cost of exchange programs as close as possible to the total cost of attendance on campus in Fort Collins. Students participating in exchange programs pay CSU tuition and course fees and do NOT pay tuition and course fees to the host university. This means the biggest part of the program budget, tuition and fees, will look very similar to a semester at CSU. Additionally, most financial aid and scholarships CSU students receive can be used toward an exchange program. These factors combine to make exchange programs among the most affordable education abroad programs available.

Academic Flexibility

Students participating in an exchange program have access to a wide variety of coursework at their host university and, in most cases, can take nearly any class the host university offers. While we strive to help students find a program that is a good academic fit and will keep them on course to graduate, students are NOT restricted to only taking courses within their major/minor. This means you can explore satisfying some AUCC credits, some major requirements, and even some courses of personal interest, all as part of the same program. We have intentionally sought out exchange partners that provide good academic fits for a variety of areas of study, including STEM majors.

Personal Growth

One of the primary benefits of any education abroad experience is the opportunity for personal growth and the broadening of horizons. Exchange programs provide a healthy balance of structured support and independence that can facilitate development in:

  • Confidence – Navigating the process of going abroad and studying at an international university through an exchange program can build your belief in your own ability to pursue your goals and take on new challenges.
  • Intercultural Competency – The balance of support and independence can result in a deeper understanding and appreciation for the intricacies of the culture of your host country. Whether you live on campus, in a homestay, or in independent housing, an exchange program immerses students in the daily campus life of an international university and the surrounding community.
  • Adaptability – Every country around the world has its own unique academic system. Through exchange programs, students fully engage in the higher education experience abroad and develop flexibility both in their perspectives of life and their capacity to function successfully through change and difference.

Community and Connection

One of the most unique aspects of exchange programs is the opportunity to form connections and find community before, during, and after the program. Each of our exchange programs sends multiple CSU students to the same campus abroad every semester, so students have the assurance of knowing there will be other CSU students on the same campus. Students can even request to be housed together if they choose. This creates a built-in support system of fellow students going through many of the same experiences.

Each of our exchange partners also sends students to CSU study, providing opportunities to meet students from your host university before you go abroad and after you return to CSU! This is a fantastic way to get a student perspective on life in your host country and on campus at the university where you’ll study, get tips on the best places to eat and sites to see, and meet people who can personally relate to your experiences abroad!

Well-Rounded Support

CSU partners with trusted universities abroad to offer our exchange programs. Our partner universities each have a study abroad office on campus that is there to serve and support CSU students coming to study through our exchange programs. The semester typically starts with a full orientation experience which is an opportunity to get to know other students there on exchange and become familiar with the campus and the staff there to support you throughout your program. While you always have the support of our office and access to CSU’s various systems of support, the on-site presence of our partners provides more immediate resources and added assurance during your time abroad.

The CSU Office of International Programs (OIP) continuously monitors and evaluates travel alerts in all countries where CSU students intern abroad.  All program participants are covered by International Medical and Evacuation Insurance.  For more information on safety and Education Abroad, please visit our Health & Safety page.

How to Choose an exchange program

Each of our exchange programs is unique. For more specific information about the exchange programs offered through CSU, click on any of the programs above to access the full program details. There, you can find information regarding:

  • Eligibility
  • Location
  • Dates
  • Program Costs
  • Academic Credit
  • Housing and Life in Country
  • Application Process

Questions?

For questions regarding exchange programs at CSU, please contact Education Abroad in the Office of International Programs.