International Education Week
November 16, 2026 - November 20, 2026
Get ready to embark on a global journey right here at Cal Poly! Join us for International Education Week, hosted by the Cal Poly International Center, from Nov. 16-20! An initiative of the U.S. Departments of State and Education, International Education Week celebrates the benefits of international education and cultural exchange.
This year’s events will provide exciting opportunities for the campus community to come together to learn, share, and experience global cultures and perspectives.
See the full lineup of events below:
Color Key
Cal Poly SLO campus
Cal Poly Maritime campus
Both campuses
pre-International Education Week event
Italian Filmmakers (From Puglia with Love: A Cinematic Exchange)
November 10, 2026 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Palm Theatre SLO
Celebrate Italian cinema, culture and cuisine with an aperitivo catered by Café Roma, screenings of five short films by emerging Italian filmmakers, and a Q&A with directors and representatives from Italy’s Noci Film Fest.
Monday, Nov. 16
Study Abroad 101 Workshop (Virtual)
4 p.m. – 4:50 p.m., Virtual
Register for Study Abroad 101 Workshop (Virtual)
This interactive, peer-guided workshop provides guidance on important study abroad topics, such as financial preparations, academic planning and program options. You can also talk with a trained peer advisor about any questions you have!
Tuesday, Nov. 17
CEA CAPA Pop-up
10 a.m. – 2 p.m., UU Plaza Cal Poly SLO campus
Come celebrate International Education Week with CEA CAPA, where a team of Alumni Ambassadors will be available to answer your questions about study, intern, business consulting and pre-health/pre-law shadowing programs in over 20 international destinations. Sign in at the event to be entered into a raffle for a $1,500 flight credit, luggage set, travel backpack and airtag!
Cal Poly in Panama Info Session (Virtual)
11 a.m. – 11:50 a.m., Virtual
Register for Cal Poly in Panama Info Session
Students in all majors are invited to attend this session to learn about this hands-on, sustainability-focused spring break program. For this program, students take an online course during the spring semester at Cal Poly, and travel together to Panama during spring break.
Study Abroad Resource Fair
11 a.m. – 1 p.m., The Quad, Maritime campus
Learn about the hundreds of study abroad options available to you through Cal Poly’s International Center! Cal Poly and CSUIP study abroad advisors will be on hand to answer questions.
Sipping Coffee and Spilling Tea — International Student Perspectives
2 p.m. – 2:50 p.m., Building 35, Room 104, Cal Poly SLO campus
Panel discussion of international student perspectives. International students will share their experiences at Cal Poly and in the San Luis Obispo community.
CEA CAPA Info Session
3 p.m. – 3:50 p.m., Building 35, Room 104, Cal Poly SLO campus
Come learn about CEA CAPA’s study, internship, business consulting and pre-health/pre-law shadowing programs offered in 20+ destinations around the world and hear from past Cal Poly participants!
CSUIP Info Session
3 p.m. – 4 p.m., ABS 102, Maritime campus
Looking for an affordable way to study abroad? Discover CSU International Programs and explore spring and summer opportunities available to Cal Poly Maritime students!
Financial Aid and Scholarships Info Session
4 p.m. – 5 p.m., ABS 102, Maritime campus
Studying abroad may be more affordable than you think! Join us to learn how to use financial aid and explore scholarship opportunities to help fund your global adventure.
Twistgiving and Trivia
6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Cal Poly Partners Pavilion, Cal Poly SLO campus
Join Campus Dining for international-themed trivia and put your global knowledge to the test!
Wednesday, Nov. 18
Drop-in Advising
9 a.m. – 12 p.m., ABS 102, Maritime campus
Ready to take your education global? Meet with a study abroad advisor to explore programs and get guidance on applying for spring or summer 2027!
Fulbright U.S. Student Program Info Session
11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Virtual
Join the Fulbright U.S. Student Program Info Session
Join us to learn about Fulbright awards for graduating seniors and graduate students. We will discuss the application and selection processes and provide advice on how to submit a competitive application. The session is open to all students and is best suited for highly motivated juniors, seniors, and current grad students. Honors students are encouraged to attend.
Chef’s Choice
11 a.m. – 3 p.m., 1901 Marketplace, Cal Poly SLO campus
An executive chef from Campus Dining will take over a food station in the 1901 Marketplace for a special culinary experience! Follow @cpcampusdining for details.
Study Abroad Funding for Military-Connected Students
3 p.m. – 3:50 p.m., Virtual
Register for Study Abroad Funding for Military-Connected Students
Learn how to fund your study abroad experience and make this life-changing investment even more affordable! We will discuss utilizing military benefits, financial aid and scholarships.
Get the Scoop on Study Abroad
4 p.m. – 4:50 p.m., Building 35, Room 104, Cal Poly SLO campus
Register for Get the Scoop on Study Abroad
Enjoy Cal Poly Creamery ice cream with a panel of study abroad alumni who participated in unique programs across the globe! Come with burning questions and cool your anxiety over discussion and dessert.
International Game Night
5 p.m. – 7 p.m., Building 35, Room 103, Cal Poly SLO campus
Learn how to play board games from around the world while enjoying pizza and international snacks!
Thursday, Nov. 19
Study Abroad 101
11 a.m. – 11:50 a.m., Building 35, Room 104, Cal Poly SLO campus
This interactive, peer-guided workshop provides guidance on important study abroad topics, such as financial preparations, academic planning and program options. You can also talk with a trained peer advisor about any questions you have!
Italian Conversation Group
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Building 52, Room E48, Cal Poly SLO campus
Learn a few fun Italian phrases, share some refreshments and explore exciting opportunities to study abroad in Italy!
International Opportunities for Faculty and Staff
12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Building 35, Room 104, Cal Poly SLO campus
Cal Poly faculty and staff are warmly welcome to come learn about international opportunities. Topics covered will include teaching abroad, leading non-credit international group trips, proposing a new custom Cal Poly Global Program, applying to teach on a campuswide Cal Poly Global Program, proposing a new international exchange partner university, developing a virtual international exchange, attending a professional development seminar abroad and applying for international fellowships. This session is open house-style, so feel free to drop in anytime.
National Student Exchange Info Session
3 p.m. – 3:50 p.m., Virtual
Register for National Student Exchange Info Session
Join our info-session to learn more about the National Student Exchange (NSE)! NSE provides accessible collegiate study away to undergraduate students at member colleges and universities in the United States, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Friday, Nov. 20
Study Abroad 101 (Virtual)
4 p.m. – 4:50 p.m., Virtual
Register for Study Abroad 101 (Virtual)
This interactive, peer-guided workshop provides guidance on important study abroad topics, such as financial preparations, academic planning and program options. You can also talk with a trained peer advisor about any questions you have!