We are excited to share updates with you about the International Center and have some featured stories to keep you all engaged in our internationalization efforts! Please see our highlights and reminders about:

  • Study Abroad and our timeline for decisions about fall 2021
  • International Students and Scholars
  • International Travel for Employees
  • International Agreements
  • Faculty International Opportunities

Study Abroad

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the work of the International Center significantly. We started off the 2019-20 academic year strong with nearly 1,000 students abroad with 894 study abroad participants and 79 international trip participants. View Study Abroad Data about destinations, types of programs, top majors and college participation for fall and winter. Please take a look!

Study abroad has been canceled since spring 2020 and through July of this summer. Only programs in countries where the Department of State and CDC travel advisories are at level 2 or lower will be allowed to run on a case-by-case basis at this point. We will be making decisions about all other programs that start in August and September by June 15. We recommend that students not make non-refundable purchases or commitments at this time and we encourage students to enroll in fall courses on campus as a back-up. Students pursuing independent options abroad for study or internships that are sponsored by Cal Poly through credit or funding must go through the International Center for appropriate approvals. Information can be found on International Travel.

International Students and Scholars

The International Students and Scholars team continues to provide visa advising, programming, pre-arrival assistance, and support to help international students and scholars have successful experiences at Cal Poly.

View Fall 2020 International Students & Scholars Data.
A few updates:

  • The International Club is back and they’ve hit the ground running! I-Club has hosted various events including a weekly I-Chat about culturally relevant topics, guest speakers and a virtual cultural expedition.
  • International Welcome Ambassadors (IWAs) have been selected for the 2021-22 academic year. The IWAs support international students in their transition to life at Cal Poly and in the community.
  • Cal Poly employees can volunteer to support international students through the International Poly Host program. This program helps foster connections between the Cal Poly community and our new international students!
  • Fall immigration guidance: The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) guidance from March of 2020 for F-1 visa students is extended through the 2021-22 academic year. This means that new students entering the U.S. in F-1 status for the first time will need to be enrolled in at least one in-person class. Continuing students in F-1 status as of March 9, 2020, can maintain status if they are enrolled full time, whether in or outside of the U.S., either in person or online. Please see the International Center COVID-19 page for details.

International travel for employees

International travel for employees not traveling with students will now go directly through the Concur system managed by Strategic Business Services (SBS). Poly Travel will reflect this information and the process for approvals. They request that travelers allow 60 days for approvals. Faculty/staff who wish to travel abroad with students will continue to work with the International Center. Information can be found on International Travel.

International Agreements

As a reminder to the campus community, all international agreements and MOUs (Memoranda of Understanding) must go through the International Center for appropriate approvals and signatories. View information about agreement types.

Virtual International Exchange

We appreciate all of the collaboration with virtual international exchange opportunities for our students. We continue to support virtual exchange and international program development through annual grant opportunities. Faculty may find information about international opportunities on our Faculty Opportunities tab. Please note the Global Program Development Grant extended deadline of June 1.