A Message From The International Center
We’re excited to share our fall highlights! It’s been a busy season at the International Center, and we continue to be inspired by the breadth and depth of global engagement happening here at Cal Poly.
This fall, we welcomed (back) 232 international students to campus, along with 19 international scholars who have joined us to teach and conduct impactful research. We sent 1,250 students on study abroad/away programs, and saw 320 students participate in Cal Poly-affiliated international trips. This marks our highest number of students abroad to date, representing a nearly 10% increase from last year alone. Additionally, as Cal Poly approaches the milestone of becoming a designated Hispanic-serving Institution (HSI) and advances its goals of supporting Black student success, we are proud to continue furthering the University’s commitment to equitable access to global opportunities for students of all backgrounds and experiences.
Dive in to read firsthand stories from our students’ global experiences, hear from faculty teaching and conducting research abroad, and discover what exciting activities the International Center has planned for 2024-25!
Along with the dedication of our outstanding professional and student staff here at the International Center, each milestone and success story is possible because of your support. Thank you for being part of this journey, and here’s to another year of creating positive global impact together!
Cari Vanderkar, Assistant Vice Provost for International Programs & Senior International Officer
By The Numbers
International Center Reaches New Study Abroad Milestone
Our commitment to providing transformative, experiential learning extends far beyond the classroom. We collaborate closely with students, faculty, and the broader community to offer a wide array of world-class programs that bring learning to life.
Each year, we support over 1,200 students as they embark on journeys that, for many, mark their first experience abroad. These global adventures not only broaden their horizons but enrich their academic and personal growth in profound ways. Likewise, we are thrilled to welcome hundreds of international students who choose Cal Poly as their academic home in the U.S., where they make invaluable contributions to our campus culture and community. Together, we’re building a vibrant, globally connected campus that prepares our students for a diverse and dynamic world.
Last year, 1,250 students participated in study abroad and study away programs. Top participation by college was led by the Orfalea College of Business, followed closely by the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Architecture and Environmental Design. The top destinations for students studying abroad were Spain and Italy.
We also support international students in making the transition to life in San Luis Obispo a smooth and enjoyable one. Through comprehensive orientation programs, visa advising, employment workshops, and engaging social events, our initiatives strive to help international students adjust to life on campus and immerse in beloved American traditions, like our annual Halloween pumpkin carving event, which was held last month. It was a unique opportunity for students to experience a classic fall celebration, connect with peers, and create memories together. We look forward to more cultural exchanges and celebrations that help our international students feel truly part of the Cal Poly family!
This fall, 202 matriculated international students and 30 non-degree international students enrolled, representing 57 countries. The top countries of origin from which Cal Poly received international students were India, China, Germany, and Myanmar. Among international students joining us on campus, top enrollment was led by the College of Engineering, followed by the College of Architecture and Environmental Design.
See our complete data overview below.
First Year Go Launches
Pilot Program Heads to Seville in Spring 2025
This year marks the exciting launch of our new First Year GO (Global Opportunities) program in Seville, Spain in spring 2025! Designed for students in the College of Liberal Arts and the Orfalea College of Business, and open to any student for whom the courses align well with their degree progress, this landmark program offers an immersive curriculum set in the vibrant heart of Andalusia, Spain. Thanks in part to our incredible programmatic team and generous support from our sponsors and scholarship donors, students will have the unique opportunity to develop leadership skills and cultural humility while making lasting connections with fellow first-year students and peers abroad.
Bridging Borders
Spotlight on Faculty Engagement
Through International Exchange programs, faculty from both Cal Poly and Hochschule München University of Applied Sciences (HM) have the exciting opportunity to engage in teaching abroad for a term or academic year. Discover how our faculty are embracing this high-impact experience abroad and how Cal Poly is supporting guest lecturers from HM right here on campus.
Interested in exploring a faculty exchange for yourself? Contact the International Center or your academic department to learn more about participating universities and exchanges available through your academic college.
Faculty Exchange in Munich
Insights from Prof. Lorraine Donegan and Dr. Markus Seefried
Through International Exchange programs, faculty from both Cal Poly and Hochschule München University of Applied Sciences (HM) have the exciting opportunity to engage in teaching abroad for a term or academic year. Discover how our faculty are embracing this high-impact experience abroad and how Cal Poly is supporting guest lecturers from HM right here on campus.
Interested in exploring a faculty exchange for yourself? Contact the International Center or your academic department to learn more about participating universities and exchanges available through your academic college.
Dr. Markus Seefried, HM Professor
My name is Dr. Markus Seefried, and I am a Professor of Design at the University of Applied Sciences in Munich. Additionally, I serve as the Vice Dean of Teaching in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, responsible for organizing academic operations.
I plan to spend an academic year at Cal Poly. Although I have only been here for a few weeks, I have already gained interesting and valuable experiences. A preliminary conclusion after this time is: the organization is different, the approach to teaching is different, but the fundamental challenges and questions are very similar, almost identical. In some cases, I observe different solutions that I want to explore further.
The Cal Poly campus is impressive, set in a breathtaking landscape. This is also the strongest contrast for me compared to the campus in Munich, located in the heart of a metropolis and subject to different conditions.
What is absolutely overwhelming: the Cal Poly community, the people’s identification with the university, the proximity to the ocean, and last but not least, the weather!
Lorraine Donegan, Cal Poly GrC Professor
I had the pleasure of teaching at Hochschule München (HM) in 2022 and 2024. I teach in the Graphic Communication department and HM has a similar department/major so we have a list of courses that articulate which makes it a smooth process for the students. I was drawn to the idea of teaching at HM because many of my colleagues have taught there and loved their experience.
I taught courses in Typography for master’s and bachelor’s students. I have also taught a Project course which is flexible in terms of subject matter and can dovetail nicely with research. I teach in English and the students are quite fluent (most speak 3-4 languages) and are prepared to speak, write and present in English. Both times, I taught a ten-week session during HM’s Summer semester, which begins mid-March. If you’re planning on teaching at HM, it’s important to note that you can stay in Germany (and the Schengen Zone) for up to 90 days without a visa. Anything over 90 days requires a visa which will take a bit more planning.
I loved living in Munich! HM is an urban campus with buildings throughout the city and public transportation is very easy to navigate. Even better, you can rent a bicycle for your stay, since the city is both flat and bike-friendly! There is much to see and do: museums, historical landmarks, parks, restaurants, biergartens, you can even surf the Eisbach River, if you so dare!
Munich is centrally located, so traveling to different cities and countries is easily done. Train travel is inexpensive and in 2024 the D-Ticket (Deutschlandticket) was only 49 euros. This is the primary system used for public transportation within Munich and to connect to regional trains in Germany.
Global Program Highlight
Insights from Dr. Carrie Langner in Naples, Italy
This edition’s Global Program Highlight shines a light on the successes of faculty members Drs. Carrie Langner and Susana Lopez (Psychology and Child Development) leading the innovative new Cal Poly in Italy: Health and Culture Global Program in Naples, which provides students with unique, hands-on experiences at the intersection of health and cultural studies. Read on to discover how our faculty are making a lasting impact abroad and hear stories from their experiences in Italy!
Dr. Carrie Langner, Psychology and Child Development
“Creating and teaching on the Cal Poly in Italy: Health & Culture program has been one of my most rewarding experiences at Cal Poly. During the lead up to our time together in Italy, I wondered if two weeks abroad with students would be enough time to make an impact on students and justify all of the pre-departure efforts. I was delighted to discover that the intensity and quality of experiences exceeded my hopes. There were so many gratifying aspects of co-leading this hybrid short-term study abroad program: designing a thematic set of courses informed by a specific location and culture, implementing Learn-by-Doing activities outside of the traditional classroom, teaching alongside a beloved colleague, sharing in students’ challenges and joys as many of them had their first experience outside the U.S., and developing a strong bond with our Naples group that has continued after having returned home.”
Cal Poly Fulbright Recipients Shine
This past summer, Dr. Nishi Rajakaruna, Cal Poly Biological Sciences Professor and 2024 Fulbright Alumni Ambassador, completed a six-week visit at North-West University (NWU) in Potchefstroom, South Africa, as part of a Fulbright Specialist Program grant. Marking his return to NWU, the award follows his 11-month Fulbright US Scholar Award at the university during the 2022-23 academic year.
Matthew Hopper, Professor of History, spent four months in Mauritius researching the topic “Liberated Africans in the Indian Ocean World from 1808-1897” for a book project at the Intercontinental Slave Museum in Port Louis. Hopper’s research focuses on the comparative history of slavery and abolition specifically of the African diaspora in the Indian Ocean.
Computer Science professor Paul Anderson has received a prestigious Fulbright Scholar award for his innovative research into the application of AI in managing low back pain. On exchange in Murcia, Spain, Anderson will conduct research aimed at deepening our understanding of chronic pain by drawing on global insights.
In Summer 2025, Cal Poly faculty member Sara Lopus will travel to Belo Horizonte, Brazil, as the recipient of a 2024-2025 Fulbright US Scholar Award. There, she will join a former classmate at the Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais in researching how household compositional conditions may impact positive outcomes in children’s education. Lopus, an associate professor in Cal Poly’s Department of Social Sciences, brings extensive expertise in family demography in foreign settings.
A Cal Poly Biological Sciences professor will be taking a trek to the Arctic Circle as the recipient of the prestigious Fulbright Scholar Award. In July 2025, Dr. Jean Davidson will venture to Northern Iceland to advance her research in bioinformatics in partnership with the University of Akureyri.
For more information about Fulbright Scholar awards or opportunities to host a Fulbright Scholar In-Residence, contact Cari Vanderkar, Fulbright Scholar Liaison or Nishi Rajakaruna, Fulbright Alumni Ambassador.
Dr. Nishi Rajakaruna Receives Fulbright Grant for Groundbreaking Environmental Research in South Africa
This past summer, Cal Poly Biological Sciences Professor and 2024 Fulbright Alumni Ambassador Dr. Nishi Rajakaruna completed a six-week visit to North-West University (NWU) in Potchefstroom, South Africa, as part of a Fulbright Specialist Program Grant. Marking his return to NWU, the award follows his11-month at the university during the 2022-2023 academic year.
On this visit, Dr. Rajakaruna co-led a workshop aimed at introducing portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) technology to discover native, metal-hyperaccumulating plants that can be used for mine restoration. The workshop, attended by researchers from South Africa, Zimbabwe, India, Brazil, and Australia, explored findings from Dr. Rajakaruna’s research into herbarium specimens which could hold the keys to unlocking the potential of these plants. This novel application could help reduce heavy metal toxicity and pollution in soil – lessening environmental impact and improving ecological resilience near manmade mines.
Accompanied by two master’s students and host Professor Stefan Siebert, Rajakaruna visited herbaria at University of Pretoria, University of Witwatersrand, and the South Africa National Biodiversity Institute to scan over 500 specimens to assess their metal-accumulation capabilities. While there, Dr. Rajakaruna delivered five presentations on his research on the ecology of serpentine-associated plants at NWU, including a guest lecture in Geoecology, a course he co-developed and taught during his previous Fulbright tenure.
During his visit, Dr. Rajakaruna was invited to present his ongoing research in Geoecology at the School of Animal, Plant & Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand. He also facilitated workshops for South African citizens interested in applying for Fulbright awards, all of which were well-attended.
Dr. Rajakaruna’s research can soon be found in forthcoming scientific publications and will serve as the foundation for future grant applications to continue his collaborative efforts in southern Africa. Not one for leisure, what time he had to spare was spent pursuing his passion for wildlife photography, documenting 165 bird species, and sharing his experiences and observations daily with his global community of students, colleagues and friends on social media. Follow Dr. Rajakaruna’s latest adventures on Facebook!
Matthew Hopper, Professor of History, spent five months in Mauritius researching the topic “Liberated Africans in the Indian Ocean World from 1808-1897” for a book project at the Intercontinental Slave Museum in Port Louis. Hopper’s research focuses on the comparative history of slavery and abolition specifically of the African diaspora in the Indian Ocean.
Prof. Paul Anderson Receives Fulbright Scholar Award to Advance Chronic Pain Research Through AI
Computer Science professor Paul Anderson has received a prestigious Fulbright Scholar award for his innovative research into the application of AI in managing low back pain. On exchange in Murcia, Spain, Anderson will conduct research aimed at deepening our understanding of chronic pain by drawing on global insights.
In collaboration with the Universidad de Murcia on the southern coast of Spain, Anderson’s research aims to address a pressing challenge: the fragmentation of chronic pain research due to increasing specialization, which often hampers interdisciplinary discoveries. His work aims to enhance precision in diagnosing, personalizing treatment, and improving patient outcomes for one of the world’s most prevalent ailments. With opioid prescriptions often associated with chronic pain management, this research promises a new approach that could reduce reliance on opioids and improve patient quality of life.
Anderson’s work will contribute to an AI-assisted comprehensive framework for chronic pain management. This partnership with the Universidad de Murcia, renowned for its strengths in knowledge modeling and biotechnology, underscores the importance of including input from a diversity of stakeholders, from patients to clinicians to therapists to and researchers. The project will illuminate new opportunities to incorporate cultural, structural, and social considerations in AI-powered frameworks to mitigate bias.
Beyond research, Anderson looks forward to new opportunities to promote international collaboration and integrate learning and teaching by harnessing the power of AI. While abroad, he intends to build a multicultural research team of faculty and tech-savvy students for on-site and in-person research and teaching. “I’m excited to discover how the relatively new field of artificial intelligence can be leveraged to make new advances in biomedicine,” Anderson said. Through his research, Anderson hopes to develop globally relevant teaching materials and ultimately shape the future of biomedicine and chronic pain treatment.
CLA Faculty Member Receives Fulbright Award to Study Families in Brazil
Next summer, Cal Poly faculty member Sara Lopus will travel to Belo Horizonte, Brazil, as the recipient of a 2024-2025 Fulbright US Scholar Award. There, she will join former classmate Dr. Maria Carolina Tomás (Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais) in researching the household compositional conditions associated with favorable outcomes for children’s schooling.
Lopus, an associate professor in Cal Poly’s Department of Social Sciences, is an experienced scholar of family demography in foreign settings. While pursuing her PhD, she lived in Mozambique, where she conducted a household survey about parental investments in children’s nutrition and schooling. More recently, she has analyzed publicly available data to study marriage and fertility outcomes across dozens of sub-Saharan African countries.
This past year, Lopus’s research scope broadened from its focus on African societies to include Latin America. In a paper co-authored with Chilean scholar Daniela Urbina (University of Southern California) and Maggie Frye (University of Michigan), for example, she documented assortative mating patterns across 16 Latin American countries, including Brazil, to challenge long-held notions about how marriage trends respond to gendered changes in educational composition. With her Fulbright Award, Lopus will build upon her emerging Latin American research agenda while working alongside Brazil’s leading demographic scholars and immersing in Brazilian culture. Through this collaboration, Dr. Lopus aims to build upon her foundational efforts to better understand key demographic trends in Latin America and uncover insights into population dynamics on a global scale. Although this marks Lopus’s first visit to Brazil, it will not be her first time living in a Portuguese-speaking country. In addition to her time in Mozambique, Lopus had the opportunity to spend three consecutive summers in Portugal teaching intensive Portuguese language courses at the University of Lisbon, the University of Coimbra, and on the lush island of São Miguel in the Azores archipelago.
Lopus will travel to Belo Horizonte with her husband and elementary school-aged children. This marks their first big research trip since spending the summer of 2018 together in Kenya, where Lopus helped create and disseminate a survey of farming households, and where the family celebrated her daughter’s first birthday. This latest trip presents a meaningful opportunity for the family to experience a new culture while contributing to important research, continuing their tradition of combining academic pursuits with shared family adventures.
Cal Poly students who are interested in language immersion programs should look into the Critical Language Scholarship Program, through which the US State Department covers the costs for American students to learn critical languages – including Portuguese – while living abroad.
Jean Davidson Receives Fulbright Scholar Award for Bioinformatics Collaboration in Iceland
A Cal Poly Biological Sciences professor will be taking a trek to the Arctic Circle as the recipient of the prestigious Fulbright Scholar Award. In July 2025, Dr. Jean Davidson will venture to Northern Iceland to advance her research in bioinformatics in partnership with the University of Akureyri. Accompanied by her husband and three children (11, 8, 6), Dr. Davidson will reside in Iceland through December, where she will collaborate with local faculty to enhance their bioinformatics instruction and research program.
The project will incorporate datasets specific to Iceland’s unique environment, particularly focusing on genomes and gene expression profiles of local endemic species. These datasets will provide Icelandic students with experiential learning opportunities in the classroom, allowing them to study genomic adaptations of species in extreme northern climates. While on her exchange, Dr. Davidson also aims to bolster computational teaching across biological science courses and ultimately establish a long-term collaborative relationship between Cal Poly and the University of Akureryri.
Through her efforts, she envisions a deepening partnership on future research initiatives and scientific publications, fostering student engagement through Learn by Doing and paving a path to international scientific discovery for students beyond the continental divide.
Global Initiatives
Go Global during International Education Week—November 18-22
Mark your calendars! We’re gearing up to host a wide range of activities celebrating international education the week of November 18! Join us to learn about study abroad opportunities in the Global South, hear firsthand accounts from students about their experiences living abroad – including insights from our international students here at Cal Poly- and enjoy international dishes curated by our international students and prepared by Campus Dining. Faculty are invited to participate in our virtual open house exploring international opportunities for faculty. An initiative of the U.S. Departments of State and Education, IEW celebrates the power of international education and cultural exchange. We hope to see you there!
2025 Passport Event
Passport Initiative Continues to Unlock Global Opportunities
Now in its fourth iteration, the International Center is thrilled to announce the 2025 Passport Event, which provides funding for 100 students to apply for their first passport. Building on the success of our inaugural event in Winter 2020, this year’s event is made possible through the generous support of all Cal Poly colleges and our valued partner provider, Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), whose matching gifts will help underwrite the costs of passport application fees for applicants. CIEE will sponsor 50 passports, while all six Cal Poly colleges are collectively funding 50 passports for Cal Poly students. We look forward to empowering more students to take their first steps toward global experiences!
Mustangs Abroad
Exploring Sustainable Engineering in London
We always love hearing from our Global Mustangs who have ventured out on study abroad programs! These stories not only inspire others to explore the world but also highlight the profound impact of cultural exchange and engaging with the global community.
Featured in this edition of Mustangs Abroad is Kyle Andrew Marshall, who shares how his time in London has deepened his commitment to sustainability in the built environment and expanded his worldview. Dive into his story and discover the transformative impact of studying abroad!
Kyle Andrew Marshall, General Engineering Senior
“This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in London, immersing myself in the city’s rich history, diverse culture, and sustainability efforts. My courses covered everything from the evolution of London as a global capital to the management of natural resources and the impact of British colonialism.
A key focus was sustainability. Through lectures and field trips to sites like Kew Gardens and the Thames Barrier, I gained firsthand insight into London’s initiatives for environmental conservation and carbon footprint reduction. These experiences deeply resonated with me and further inspired my commitment to pursuing sustainability in my future work.
Beyond academics, I fully embraced the vibrant life of London—enjoying a play at the iconic Globe Theatre, exploring local markets like Spitalfields and Brick Lane, and taking a personal trip to Scotland with my girlfriend to experience its stunning landscapes and rich history.
This journey has not only expanded my academic knowledge and widened my global understanding but also strengthened my resolve to integrate sustainable practices into my future career in engineering. I’m excited to bring these insights back to my studies at Cal Poly and continue exploring innovative solutions for a more sustainable world.
Thank you Chip Appel and Benjamin Funston-Timms for making this possible.”
Inbound Perspectives
Insights from International Students at Cal Poly
We are honored to welcome international students to Cal Poly through our many exchange programs. This edition, we’re thrilled to feature insights from two of our international students: Alex Campbell, a 3rd-year Landscape Architecture student with minors in Sustainable Environments and Theatre Arts, who hails from Hong Kong and Shannon Fracchia, a 4th-year Business Administration major from France. Discover their unique perspectives and learn about their experiences joining our community of Global Mustangs!
Alex Campbell, Landscape Architecture
Hello! My name is Alex Campbell and I’m a 3rd year Landscape Architecture student minoring in Sustainable Environments and Theatre Arts. I’m from Hong Kong, but have lived in England, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and now the United States. My time here at Cal Poly SLO has been more than great. I’ve participated in many events relating to my major and college, as well as being an International Welcome Ambassador (IWA) for over a year now. Before coming to SLO, I had many concerns and speculations about college life, however, being here for 2+ years has proved those initial thoughts wrong. I’ve had many opportunities to discover myself and where my passions lie. I was in the university’s production of Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief. I’m currently the President of a Landscape Architecture club which has proved to be fun and challenging. Professors and friends have been supportive of anything I do. They have brought the best out of me and my time here so far is one that I greatly appreciate and don’t regret. I’ve been pushed to be the best version of myself and I think it’s paying off.
Shannon Fracchia, Business Administration
Hello, my name is Shannon! I am an international student from France and a 4th year in Business Administration concentrating in Information Systems. My experience at Cal Poly has been awesome, deeply rewarding, and filled with opportunities to connect and give back to the campus community. I love being involved in various initiatives, especially those supporting new students as they transition into university life. Working with the orientation team, I’ve had the chance to help incoming students settle in, particularly focusing on assisting transfer students. Being a transfer student myself, I found myself not only guiding students but also advocating for them, a responsibility I found incredibly fulfilling. My passion for transfer student success even led me to be part of the transfer event at the Open House, where I could extend my support further. Mentoring newly transferred business students has also been a highlight, as I can share my experiences and provide guidance to help them navigate the challenges of transitioning to a new academic and social setting. Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to help international students adjust to their new environment, ensuring they feel welcomed and connected. These experiences have collectively shaped my time at Cal Poly and inspired me to continue contributing to our diverse community.
Giving Matters: Making a World of Difference
The International Center is pleased to announce the establishment of a new endowment for the “Take Flight Cal Poly Study Abroad Scholarship,” thanks to a visionary gift of $100,000 from an anonymous donor. This endowment will provide vital funding for Cal Poly students participating in campus study abroad programs, with typical award amounts in the $1,000 range. The dedication and extraordinary generosity of our donors helps advance our mission to make global experiences accessible to all Cal Poly students, regardless of background or financial situation. Students can explore the Take Flight scholarship and other available opportunities on the Cal Poly Study Abroad website. To support our efforts to enhance access to international education, consider joining our circle of donors who are making a world of difference for Cal Poly students.
Our heartfelt thanks to all of our donors for your continued support! Together, we’re transforming the future of the classroom through Learn by Doing in a global context.
Your Global Impact
Help make a world of difference today
Your gift can help us improve equitable access to life-changing global experiences, helping students with financial need and/or those from underrepresented backgrounds realize their dreams of studying abroad. Your support helps enrich our programming, scholarship offerings and outreach, ensuring that all students have the supportive resources they need to soar!