By the Numbers: International Center Sends Record Number of Students Abroad, Welcomes 219 International Students to Campus
Last year, the International Center sent a record-breaking 1,521 students on study abroad and away programs, representing a 21% increase over last year alone. This marks the largest cohort of outbound students ever at Cal Poly, a major milestone. Based on preliminary data, the cohort is also among the most diverse in the University’s history. 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.
This fall, 193 matriculated international students and 26 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. There were 66 new matriculating students this fall, compared to 67 last year. Among international students joining us on campus, top enrollment was led by the College of Engineering with 85 students, followed by the College of Architecture and Environmental Design with 36 students and Orfalea College of Business with 35 students.
Coding and Culture: Cal Poly in Alicante Program Blends Technology, Culture and Innovation
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries worldwide, from science and biotechnology to business and education. Launching in 2026, the new Cal Poly in Alicante: Artificial Intelligence and Language program invites students from all majors to explore how Spanish language and culture can inspire smarter, more inclusive AI technologies. Through site visits to local companies and collaborative service-learning projects, students will explore how AI is powering breakthroughs across industries and gain valuable insights into understanding AI as not just a tool — but as a global force for change.
Combining study abroad with an innovation lab experience, the program blends interdisciplinary coursework, experiential learning and immersive cultural experiences. Students earn four units of Cal Poly academic credit through a 2-unit computer science course (CSC 200/400, taught by Prof. Paul Anderson) and a 2-unit Spanish culture course (WLC 400, taught by Prof. Karen Muñoz-Christian) during spring 2026. In early summer, students and faculty leaders will take their learning overseas to Alicante, Spain, for a two-week immersive experience.
Building the Future: Study Abroad Alum Designs Official Lego Set
Computer science major and recent study abroad returnee Alex Sahli can now add another achievement to his resume — he’s now a globally recognized Lego set designer.
The Semester at Sea alum recently saw his Italian Riviera creation selected to become an official Lego set, one of fewer than 70 fan-designed models ever produced by the company. Built from 3,251 pieces and inspired by his travels through the Mediterranean, the set features pastel buildings, cobblestone streets and sweeping cliffside views — plus a mini Sahli complete with a camera in hand.
“Traveling and LEGO have both been lifelong interests of mine,” says Sahli. “Realizing both of these things in this set, and being able to share it with the world, has been a really special experience for me.”
Sahli submitted the design to the Lego Ideas platform while still in high school. Three years and 10,000 fan votes later, his set was officially greenlit. During the rigorous review process, Sahli took countless design calls — sometimes from cafés in Lisbon or Airbnbs in Ghana — before the set launched to the general public at $299. He earns 1% in royalties and received 10 free copies of the set.
Alongside his LEGO success, Sahli has contributed his photography from his Semester at Sea voyage to the International Center’s outreach efforts, inspiring the next generation of global Mustangs.
Follow Sahli and his builds on Instagram: @galaxybrickworks.
Expanding Global Horizons: Second Cohort Set to Return to Seville, Building on Success
After a successful debut in spring, the First Year GO (Global Opportunities) program is heading back to Spain — inviting a new cohort of incoming Cal Poly students to enhance their academic journey in one of Mediterranean Europe’s most dynamic cultural cities. Developed in collaboration with the College of Liberal Arts and the Orfalea College of Business—and open to any student whose degree progress aligns with the program’s curriculum—this distinctive initiative blends academic exploration with cultural immersion in the vibrant heart of Andalusia. Building on the strong foundation established by our inaugural cohort of 30 first-time, first-year students — and made possible through the dedication of our programmatic team and the generous support of our sponsors and scholarship donors — who contributed more than $180,000 in scholarships for 2025, students once again have the opportunity to cultivate leadership skills while forging meaningful connections with their peers abroad. For these students, First Year GO is more than a study abroad program — it’s the beginning of a lifelong global perspective.
New Spaces, New Faces: International Student Meet and Greet Kicks Off Fall Quarter in Reopened Kennedy Library Courtyard
On September 17, the International Center kicked off the year with its annual Meet & Greet, warmly welcoming a vibrant new cohort of international students. The event — which marked the first International Center event held in the newly reopened Robert E. Kennedy Library courtyard — was filled with lively conversation, laughter and community spirit.
The fresh space came alive with conversation and the hum of new connections as incoming international students from around the world mingled with International Center staff and International Welcome Ambassadors (IWAs). An initiative of the International Center, IWAs volunteer their time helping new international students acclimate to life at Cal Poly. Attendees enjoyed lawn games, fresh coffee and donuts under sunny skies in the beautifully reimagined space.
The spirit of the day was captured by International Welcome Ambassador and International Student Assistant Emily Schneider: “One of my favorite things about the Meet & Greet was the bingo game! It was a great icebreaker and was such a fun way to start a conversation. I really enjoyed meeting new students and learning more about everyone!”
This fall, the International Center is excited to welcome (back) students from 57 different countries, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences that enrich our campus community. Here’s to a wonderful year ahead!
Celebrating Global Learning: International Education Week Returns Nov. 17–21
Get ready to travel the world — without leaving campus! From November 17–21, the Cal Poly International Center invites students, faculty, and staff to join in International Education Week (IEW), a nationwide celebration sponsored by the U.S. Departments of State and Education.
This annual tradition brings the Cal Poly community together to learn, share and explore global perspectives through engaging events, international cuisine and opportunities for connection. Whether you’re curious about studying abroad, interested in teaching overseas or simply want to experience the many cultures represented on our campus, there’s something for everyone during this exciting week.
Students can dive into a dynamic lineup of info sessions, including: Study Abroad in Africa, Study Abroad in Latin America and Transfer Students Can Study Abroad – a myth-busting session designed to show that global experiences are possible for everyone.
Don’t miss student-favorite events like Sipping Coffee and Spilling Tea, where international students share personal stories about adapting to new cultures — complete with boba tea for the first 25 attendees. On Nov. 18, A Slice of Life Abroad invites students to enjoy pizza and hear firsthand stories from Mustangs who’ve studied in destinations across the globe. Come for the food, stay for the inspiration!
Throughout the week, Campus Dining will host a showcase of a world of flavors, with a different selection of internationally themed meals each day, featuring recipes submitted by fellow global Mustangs. It’s a delicious way to experience different cultures one bite at a time! Follow @cpcampusdining on Instagram for daily menu drops and behind-the-scenes stories from the kitchen.
Faculty and staff are encouraged to take part in the learning and exploration. On Nov. 18 in Kennedy Library, join the International Opportunities for Faculty and Staff Open House to discover ways to teach, conduct research or lead programs abroad.
Now in its 16th year, International Education Week continues its tradition of fostering global engagement to reflect the International Center’s mission to foster understanding, inclusion, and curiosity through global learning.
“Our work supports Learn by Doing in a global context, preparing students to serve the international community with cultural humility and ongoing curiosity,” said Cari Vanderkar, Assistant Vice Provost for International Programs. “Studying abroad transforms lives academically, personally, and professionally. The global perspectives our students gain at Cal Poly will shape the leaders — and world — of tomorrow.”
Join us in building global connections and enriching our campus community together — celebrate International Education Week 2025!
View the full listing of events here.
Speaking the World’s Language: Language Students Go Global With Study Abroad
At Cal Poly, Learn by Doing extends far beyond the classroom. An ongoing partnership between the International Center and the World Languages and Cultures (WLC) department is helping students bring their language studies to life through global experiences. For language majors and minors, study abroad can be a pathway to not only fluency but also cultural immersion and career readiness. Studies show students who combine their language studies with an international experience strengthen their communication skills and develop intercultural competence — an invaluable asset in today’s global job market.
“When students study abroad, they can put into practice what they’ve learned in the classroom while developing new knowledge and skills in real-world settings. At the same time, they gain valuable cultural perspectives,” says Dr. Silvia Marijuan, Chair of the WLC Department. “Our partnership with the International Center helps us achieve this goal by enriching students’ learning through transformative experiences.”
The numbers speak for themselves. Between the 2023–24 and 2024–25 academic years, study abroad participation among language majors and minors has grown significantly—from 82 to 107 students. While Spanish and Italian remain the most in-demand minors, the largest increases were among Japanese and Chinese minors, reflecting a growing interest in East Asian languages and cultures.
For students ready to take their academic journey overseas, the World Languages and Cultures Department offers a number of options and resources to help students overcome language barriers and broaden their experience of the world beyond Anglophone borders. To learn more, contact Dr. Silvia Marijuan, WLC Department Chair at smarijua@calpoly.edu.
Your Global Impact: Help bring more of Cal Poly to the world
Your gift can help us improve equitable access to life-changing global experiences, helping students 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. Help make a world of difference with your gift today!