The International Students and Scholars team supports inbound students and scholars from around the world by providing pre-arrival assistance, visa advising, programming and more. This fall, the team has been able to resume in-person programs for students and is available to assist students and scholars in person and virtually.

  • Notable enrollment news for fall 2021:
    • For the first time in over a year, Cal Poly is able to host exchange students (31) and VISIT Program students (3) to attend in-person classes.
    • 327 matriculated international students enrolled for fall 2021.
    • Enrollment of new graduate students doubled.
    • India and China remain the top two countries represented by 80 and 34 students respectively. Myanmar (Burma) has moved into the top three with 20 students.Learn more about International Student Enrollment at Cal Poly
  • The International Center has launched a new flag in Poly Profile this fall quarter. Students identified by the “SEVIS International Student” flag in Poly Profile are international students in F-1 or J-1 visa status.Learn more about the SEVIS International Student Flag
  • During International Education Week the International Center hosted Pizza with the President, a chance for all international students to meet and chat with President Armstrong. Attendees met President Armstrong in the yakʔitʸutʸu Community Center for pizza and had the chance to win prizes and take photos with the president.
  • Members of the International Advisory Council collaborated with the CTLT on a resource for faculty and staff on Important Considerations for Teaching and Supporting International Students.
  • Poly Hosts are needed to help international students experience the San Luis Obispo community outside of the traditional academic setting. Poly Hosts invite international students for short, cross-cultural day activities such as a hike, going to the beach, attending a sporting event or celebrating holidays/family occasions. Please refer to the Poly Hosts Application to learn more about the program and to apply. Interested faculty and staff can email Bianca Silva, International Student Advisor, with any questions.

The International Center and student International Welcome Ambassadors have hosted a series of events through fall quarter. Various events include weekly Coffee and Tea, Friendsgiving, pumpkin carving, a cooking class during International Education Week, student panels about the international student prospective and more. International Welcome Ambassadors provide a support system to assist new international students with adapting to life in California.

“Being an International Welcome Ambassador (IWA) has been such an eye-opening experience! I have loved being able to meet so many wonderful peers from around the world and hear about their stories during Coffee & Tea, Hikes, Pizza with the President, and more! As an IWA on campus, it’s great to be able to see other friendly faces in passing!” Kristi Leung, 3rd Year, Public Health major with a concentration in Culture and Society in Health.