For majors or minors, an overseas experience of academic and cultural studies is recommended. For Chinese language study, students have can choose between two types of programs at three international campuses:

• Those who participate in the International Programs of the California State University may undertake an academic year at certain designated institutions of higher learning located outside the United States (see below).
• Those who participate in bilateral programs set up by San Francisco State University can choose to study abroad either for a semester or for a full year at certain designated institutions of higher learning located outside the United States (see below).

All students in the overseas language programs should consult with an adviser to ensure that courses taken abroad can be applied to the major, the minor, or the degree at San Francisco State University.

For the Chinese major, fifteen (15) of the 30 upper division units required must be taken at the home campus. For the minor, eleven (11) of the 21 upper division units must be taken at the home campus. For graduate students, eighteen (18) of the 30 units required for the masters degree must be taken at the home campus.

Before being admitted to a study abroad program, students need to have achieved at least an intermediate level of proficiency in the language of the host country.