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Returnee Week
January 29 - February 2
Welcome home, Mustangs!
If you’ve recently returned from studying abroad and found yourself struggling to answer the question, “What’s next?”, Cal Poly International Center is here to help you discover the answer.
Your travels abroad may have concluded for now, but the journey is only just beginning. Cal Poly International Center invites recent study abroad alumni to attend its inaugural Returnee Week, which celebrates returnees and provides opportunities to unpack the experience of immersing in another culture. Join us for a week of learning, reflection, and thoughtful discussion around adjusting to “reverse culture shock” as you reacclimate to life back in the US.
Strengthen your global network as you discuss the impact of your experiences abroad with fellow returnees, exchange cross-cultural insights, and discover the common threads that weave through your unique stories. Discover strategies for navigating common challenges of re-entry, and for leveraging your international experience for success. Learn how to apply insights gained abroad in planning your next adventure as you prepare for graduation, professional pursuits, and beyond.
Monday, Jan. 29
Let’s Dish: Returnee Week Kick-Off Breakfast
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Building 52, Room E-28
RSVP for Let’s Dish: Returnee Week Kick-Off Breakfast
Join us for a light breakfast to celebrate the start of our first-ever Returnee Week and share your study abroad/away experiences with others who have also recently returned from studying abroad!
Tuesday, Jan. 30
From Here to There to Career: Capitalizing on Your Study Abroad Experience
3:10 p.m. – 4 p.m., Career Services (Bldg 124, Rm. 117)
RSVP for From Here to There to Career: Capitalizing on Your Study Abroad Experience
Back stateside and struggling to answer, “What’s next?” Co-hosted by Career Services, join us for a session of exploration as you discover new international career possibilities and learn how to weave your study abroad/away experience into your professional life!
Graduate & Go Abroad (Again!)
12:10 p.m. – 1 p.m., Zoom
RSVP for Graduate & Go Abroad (Again!)
You’ve just returned home and already cannot wait to get back abroad. You are not alone and your peers are ready to help get you abroad after graduation! Join our peer advisors as they explore different options living and working abroad. From applying to grad school or interning abroad, to figuring out how to find a job in your dream country, there are so many options for you to live the adventure of a lifetime, again!
Wednesday, Jan. 31
Get Involved at the International Center
2:10 p.m. – 3 p.m., Zoom
RSVP for Get Involved at the International Center
Can’t get enough of all things international? Come work/volunteer with us at the International Center! From being a welcome ambassador for incoming international students to helping get the word out about study abroad at Cal Poly, there are many opportunities to continue growing your international identity here on campus!
Teach Abroad
12:10 p.m. – 1 p.m., Zoom
Go abroad again and teach English! Teaching abroad isn’t just for Education or English majors and there are programs that don’t require you to speak a second language.
Thursday, Feb. 1
Fulbright Info Session
11:10 p.m. – 12 p.m., Zoom
RSVP for Fulbright Info Session
High-achieving undergraduate and graduate students in all majors are invited to attend this info session to learn more about the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.
Friday, Feb. 2
POSTPONED
Life After Abroad: Settling back Into SLO
11:10 a.m. – 12 p.m., 52, E-46
RSVP for Life After Abroad: Settling back Into SLO
Back stateside and struggling to answer, “What’s next?” Led by Counseling Services, join us for a session of sharing insights about what it’s like to be back, comparing notes on what it means to have “reverse culture shock”, and discovering how to unpack and integrate this life-changing experience into your daily routine back at Cal Poly.
All-Week Events
Photo Contest
Have a capture from your recent sojourn abroad that you’re particularly proud of? Enter our Returnee Week Photo Contest! A winner will be selected for each of the five submission categories, so break out your best “foodie” photo or a candid action shot that you think represents “Learn by Doing”. While you can enter multiple photos for consideration, each entrant will only be eligible to win in one category.
Voting begins Tuesday, Jan 16 at 10 a.m. on our Facebook page! To vote for your favorite submission in each category, just like that photo. Photos will be added to Facebook albums as they are received, so be sure to submit your entry early so it has more time to earn votes!
To enter the contest, submit your photos using the form below. The final day to submit is Friday, Jan 26 at 11:59 p.m..
Winners will be announced at the end of Returnee Week in early February.
Enter the contest here!