A Message From The International Center

Dear International Center Colleagues and Supporters,

This spring has brought key reminders for us to continue to work toward building bridges – of support for our international community members, of opening up pathways for high-impact opportunities, and of broadening channels for learning about disciplines and everyday life from myriad perspectives.

The International Center has provided resources and support to international students and recent alumni directly and indirectly affected by terminations in SEVIS, and we were pleased to share the news of the reinstatements of their visas. We appreciate the outreach from colleagues in many corners of campus including from those who attended the engaging panel discussion with four international students moderated by colleague Dr. Sonia Ramrakhiani from the School of Education.

We celebrate the success of providing nearly 30% of our study abroad students with scholarships, including those from generous donors, Cal Poly colleges, partner program organizations, and from national fellowships and awards.

We are also thrilled with the launch of the inaugural First Year Global Opportunities program (First Year GO!) this spring and to share highlights from the staff mentor and program lead on the ground in Seville, Spain. With 30 students enrolled and 83% of them having received scholarships, we’re off to a wonderful start for this new initiative!

We hope you enjoy the stories and highlights from our international students, faculty and scholars as well as of our events this year. Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement in global education.

In partnership,

Cari Vanderkar, Assistant Vice Provost for International Programs
& Senior International Officer

Big Wins for Global Learning: Record-Breaking Year for Study Abroad Scholarships

In an exciting new milestone, the International Center awarded over $500,000 in study abroad scholarships this past year—helping 370 students realize their dreams of studying abroad. That’s nearly 1 in 3 students receiving financial assistance, marking a new record with 29% of participants earning scholarships.

This year, 25 Spain-bound students were awarded scholarships to support their study abroad experience on the inaugural First Year GO (Global Opportunities) program in Seville. Of this group, 15 students with high financial need received Global Scholarship awards, which average a generous $9,500. The scholarships are part of a broader effort to expand global learning opportunities for first-year students. “Scholarship support opens door for students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to go abroad, increasing access to high-impact learning and personal development opportunities that are hallmarks of international education” said Stacey Shimizu, Assistant Director of the International Center.

For many students, studying abroad is more than just an academic experience—it’s a life-changing opportunity to grow personally as well as intellectually and broaden their worldview. That was certainly the case for Priscilla, a Computer Science major who studied abroad in the UK. “During my time in London, I was able to fully immerse in the culture. I went from feeling like a foreigner to feeling like a local. The program gave me an opportunity to engage with my peers and professors in ways that extend far beyond the classroom.”

Building on this success, the Center is setting its sights even higher: to continue bridging the gap by supporting half of all students who go abroad. With the generous support of our donors and partners who share our commitment to the power of global learning, the future of our work has never looked brighter.

Discovering Seville: First-Year Global Opportunities at Cal Poly

Insights from Dr. Dawn Janke, Executive Director, Cal Poly Office of Writing and Learning and Program Leader, First Year GO

Though some students were initially nervous about making friends, the cohort quickly connected and began building lasting memories. With the support of the CEA CAPA team, they spent their first weeks exploring Seville, taking long walks, navigating the bus system (sometimes getting a bit lost, but enjoying where it took them), finding favorite cafés, becoming fans of the local fútbol team (¡Vamos Betis!), and learning to feel at home in their new neighborhood.

I enjoyed sharing in several special moments with them, whether over a lunch of local specialties, during a city bike tour, or on a group excursion to Córdoba. One evening, I even cooked dinner for the students (sloppy joes and coleslaw!) as a way to celebrate community and offer a small taste of home.
Inside the classroom, students are studying international business with a professor who also owns a local ice cream shop, exploring Moorish and Gothic architecture, and engaging in writing and critical thinking. Outside the classroom, they’ve been immersing themselves in Seville’s vibrant daily life, shopping at neighborhood markets, practicing Spanish with locals, and celebrating new friendships at birthday picnics in the park. They’ve also embraced important cultural discoveries, including checking out what McDonald’s, Popeyes, and Costco are like in Spain.

First Year GO is more than a study abroad program–it’s a meaningful first-year experience that blends academic exploration with cultural immersion. The students are off to a strong start, and it’s been an honor to witness the beginning of their journey.

I hope these photos offer a glimpse of the excitement!

International Engagement Symposium Spotlights Global Innovation at Cal Poly

Cal Poly’s International Center will host the annual International Engagement Symposium on May 7 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the 1901 Marketplace Pavilion, inviting faculty and staff to explore this year’s theme: Bridging Borders through Innovative Global Research, Teaching and Programming.

Join fellow globally-minded colleagues and this year’s speakers: Dr. Ahmed Deif, Professor of Operation and Supply Chain Management (OCOB), Dr. Silvia Marijuan, Professor of Spanish & Applied Linguistics (CLA), and Dr. Nick Babin, Professor of Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) as they share insights into global research, perspectives on current issues facing the international community, and explore ways to enhance Learn by Doing through global initiatives. “The Symposium aims to foster cross-cultural collaboration and inspire a more inclusive and internationally engaged campus community,” said Cari Vanderkar. “We look forward an enlightening afternoon of networking and insightful dialogue in the effort to shape the future of global initiatives on campus.”

Inbound Perspectives: Insights from International Students at Cal Poly

From the Cape Coast to the Central Coast: Ashesi Students Make Their Mark on Cal Poly

Each year, the International Center is honored to welcome hundreds of bright young minds from around the world through various exchange programs. This edition, we’re pleased to spotlight two promising international students already making an impact on campus: Daryll Dufu, a 3rd year Mechanical Engineering major from Ghana, who reflects on the cultural and academic contrasts between Cal Poly and his home institution, Ashesi University and how the Learn by Doing ethos attracted him to Cal Poly; and Aynur Murtuzaliyeva, a master’s candidate pursuing her degree in Special Education, who hopes to share best practices learned to introduce meaningful change to the education system in her home of Azerbaijan.

This winter quarter, Cal Poly welcomed three students to campus from our newest exchange partner, Ashesi University, located in Berekuso, Ghana. These students represent the second-ever incoming cohort to join the exchange program, which launched in 2022. Despite their short time here thus far, these students have already made a significant impact on campus and have found opportunities to share their rich culture with the Cal Poly community. Among their many contributions are helping this year’s Taste of the World team to refine the recipe for Jollof Rice, a popular Ghanian dish and one of the featured recipes at this year’s event, which highlights cuisines from around the world. Daryll Dufu, physics major, reflects on his experience immersing in American culture for the first time at Cal Poly:

“I was truly excited to get the chance to study at Cal Poly because I generally loved the idea of Learn by Doing. As someone studying Mechanical Engineering back home, I thought it’d be really cool to learn stuff beyond the theoretical aspects of things but really get my hands dirty in what we were studying, and I haven’t been disappointed. Prime example: I’m taking ME419, and the same class is [offered] back at my home university. While my friends back home are doing virtual labs, I get to actually tinker around with servo motors, hydraulics and two tank systems — and I genuinely think that’s super cool.

I’ve found the people here to generally be pretty cool, both students and staff alike, and have made some good friends through some of my classes and general interactions around campus. I’ve also loved spending time in the Black Academic Excellence Center. I think the initiative to start a space like that for Black students in a predominantly White institution is great. I’d never really considered what it’d be like being a minority in a space being as I’m from Ghana where most if not everyone local to the country is Black. It’s genuinely been a great time and definitely worth the trip.

To anyone thinking of studying abroad I’d say go for it, it would not just give you some perspective on how vast and different the world around you is but would also help open you up to opportunities you might have never found if you never left your comfort zone.”

From a Rural Classroom to a Global Stage: An International Student’s Inspiring Journey

Leaving behind the familiar landscapes of her small village in Azerbaijan, Cal Poly international student Aynur Murtuzaliyeva embarked on a life-changing journey to California, where she is now pursuing a Master’s in Special Education at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Motivated by the challenges she witnessed in her home country’s education system, she set out to find better ways to support children with diverse learning needs who remain underserved. She hopes to apply knowledge gained from her experience at Cal Poly to help build a more inclusive education system back in Azerbaijan and ultimately bring meaningful change to the lives of children like her own son.

“I never imagined leaving my small village in Azerbaijan, where life moves according to tradition and the natural beauty of the mountains surrounds us. Yet here I am, thousands of miles away in California, pursuing a Master’s in Special Education at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. I hope to have a positive impact on the lives of children, both in my homeland and beyond.

As a teacher in Azerbaijan, I witnessed firsthand the struggles of my students—not because they lacked potential, but because the educational system failed to accommodate their unique needs. Some of my students were highly intelligent but found it difficult to stay seated, while others had brilliant minds but struggled to communicate. These challenges were not a reflection of their abilities, but a result of a system that was not equipped to support them. This realization ignited a deep desire in me to find a way to help.

That desire led me to Cal Poly, where I am now pursuing my Master’s in Special Education as a Bilingual Credential Scholar. Arriving in California, I carried not only my academic ambitions but also the heavy heart of a mother who had to leave her son behind in Azerbaijan. The decision to study abroad was a difficult one, but I knew that the knowledge and experience I would gain here would ultimately benefit my son and children like him, both in Azerbaijan and around the world.

Studying in a foreign country has been a transformative experience. It is not merely about acquiring academic knowledge, but about adjusting to a new environment, culture, and educational system. Despite the challenges, I have never felt alone in this journey.

At Cal Poly, I have been fortunate to learn from mentors who have profoundly shaped my academic and professional development. Dr. Leah Wood, Miriam Burlakovsky, Lori Thomas Hicks, and Mariah Chavez have all played pivotal roles in guiding my studies, offering invaluable insights that extend beyond the classroom. Their approach to teaching is centered on real-world application, and it is this practical perspective that has made my experience here so meaningful.

One person who has been particularly instrumental in my journey is Stephen Allan Crutchfield. His support and understanding have helped me navigate the challenges of balancing academic demands with personal commitments. He recognized that I am not only a student but also a mother and a teacher striving to bridge two worlds. His guidance has been invaluable, particularly during moments of uncertainty and homesickness.

I am also deeply grateful to Cal Poly Cares, particularly Nick Blick and Courtney Moore, for their exceptional support. Their dedication to assisting students with dependents has made a significant difference in my ability to focus on my studies while managing the challenges of being an international student and a mother.

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my family and friends. Their encouragement has kept me grounded, even when the distance between us felt overwhelming. To my son, who is my greatest motivation: every step I take is for you, and one day, I will return with the knowledge and experience to make a difference in your life and the lives of other children like you.

This journey is not just about earning a degree; it is about gaining the skills and perspectives necessary to transform special education in Azerbaijan. I am committed to returning home as a leader in education, equipped with the tools to support and uplift the children who need it most.
The work I have begun here at Cal Poly is just the beginning. I look forward to applying the knowledge I have gained to create meaningful change in the education system in Azerbaijan, and to contribute to a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.”

Construction and Conservation: Cal Poly Students Take Learn by Doing to the Jungle in Panama Restoration Project

A team of Cal Poly Construction Management students recently swapped their hard hats for hiking boots on an unforgettable spring break in the heart of Panama’s tropical dry forest.
As part of an experiential learning course led by Dr. Scott Kelting, students enjoyed a unique opportunity to engage in service-learning on Panama’s Azuero Peninsula. There, they joined forces with Pro Eco Azuero, a local nonprofit working to restore one of the most endangered ecosystems on Earth, protect the critically endangered Azuero spider monkey, and promote sustainable farming practices.

For the students, it meant getting their hands dirty through seed collection, cultivation, and reforestation activities to propagate native species and empower local farmers—experiences that brought their classroom lessons on sustainability to life in a powerful way. “It was inspiring to see our students so engaged in meaningful, on-the-ground conservation work,” said Dr. Kelting. “Their experience with Pro Eco Azuero gave them a real-world understanding of sustainability and the power of community-led ecological restoration. These are the moments that make experiential learning transformative.”

While there, students had the opportunity to immerse in the country’s rich culture and natural beauty on excursions around Panama City and the surrounding coastline – including a surfing lesson, fishing trip, and a visit to the Panama Canal. More than just an academic trip, the journey sparked a deeper understanding of the intersections between conservation efforts and the built environment, and the role tomorrow’s builders play in shaping a more sustainable world.

Fourth Annual Passport Event Unlocks the World for 110 Students

The world awaits 110 Cal Poly students, who this February submitted their applications to become first-time U.S. passport holders at the International Center’s fourth annual Passport Fair. Funding for this year’s event, provided by co-sponsors CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange) and all six Cal Poly colleges, covered the $165 application fee for student applicants, bringing students a step closer to realizing their dreams of studying abroad. The International Center is also grateful to the U.S. Postal Service for its ongoing partnership, which brings passport agents onto campus for the event. Of students awarded this year, over two-thirds were students of color, and nearly 80% were Pell Grant recipients. Faculty and staff had the opportunity to renew their passports as well.

Assistant director of the International Center Stacey Shimizu encourages eligible students to seize this unique opportunity during their academic career. “We envisioned this event as a way of simplifying the application process and easing the financial burden for students in need,” Shimizu explained. By bringing resources onto campus where students are, the event aims to clear barriers to accessing study abroad.

“Having that passport in hand allows students to explore a range of international opportunities beyond traditional study abroad programs,” says Shimizu. “Like attending an international conference with a faculty member, participating in an international service-learning project, or traveling abroad for a week of field study as part of a class.”

First-time passport recipients like Food Science and Nutrition major Marbella Robles are excited to broaden their horizons. “I think, to me, gaining a passport feels much like freedom; I grew up and stayed in the same place all my life so having the opportunity to leave and properly experience the world is a fantastic feeling,” she said.

From Coast to Coast: Dr. Sinem Demirci’s Inspiring Journey as a Visiting Scholar from Türkiye

We’re always inspired by the diverse perspectives our visiting scholars bring to our campus community, and Dr. Sinem Demirci is no exception. Now in her second year as a Statistics Lecturer, Dr. Demirci reflects on her journey from Izmir, Türkiye, to University College London, and now to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Here, Dr. Demirci has found a dynamic teaching environment that fuels her passion for making statistics both relevant and exciting for her students. Outside the classroom, Dr. Demirci and her family are embracing the Central Coast’s stunning beauty, which is reminiscent of her hometown. Hear more from her in her own words:

“What a fantastic journey it’s been! As I step into my second year at Cal Poly, I can’t help but reflect on the path that led me here. I’m Dr. Sinem Demirci, and I am currently serving as a Lecturer in the Statistics Department. Before joining Cal Poly, I had the privilege of being a Postdoctoral Visiting Researcher and Lecturer at University College London for a year. Prior to that, I completed my Ph.D. in Türkiye, where I was born in Izmir, a beautiful seaside city in the Republic of Türkiye. And yes, I’ve been known to explore life on different continents in my spare time.

Teaching at Cal Poly has been an absolute delight. The support from my colleagues and the enthusiasm of my students makes every day truly rewarding. One of the aspects I most enjoy is crafting and adapting teaching materials to meet the diverse needs of students across fields such as life sciences, liberal arts, and business. As an educator, I’m committed to making my lectures not only relevant to my students’ academic pursuits but also to their everyday lives. While Statistics students are often captivated by the breadth of our discipline, non-Statistics students sometimes need to see how Statistics applies to their daily life, career, and future endeavors. To do so, I incorporate modern tools, relevant policy documents, and real-world contexts into my lectures that resonate with their interests, ensuring they develop the competencies needed for their future.

Outside of work, my family and I have been embracing life in California. We love hiking, frequently exploring the scenic routes around San Luis Obispo—though our daughter seems to have a penchant for a more urban and glamorous lifestyle! Both my husband and I were born in seaside cities, but our college years and previous home took us far from the coast. Now, we’re thrilled to be living close to the ocean once again, rediscovering the joy of being by the beach!

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Cal Poly community, and I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to both the Cal Poly community and the International Center for making this journey possible. Their support has been invaluable and has truly made a difference in my experience here.”

Global Initiatives: A Taste of the World Serves Up Food and Fun

Hundreds of students, faculty and staff gathered on the Baker Science Patio this February as the fragrant aromas of spicy jollof rice, chocolate Guinness cake, Cal Poly-grown Costa Rican coffee, and gingery Thai noodles wafted through campus at our annual A Taste of the World event.

The vibrant event, organized by the International Center and in partnership with two departments in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, aimed to introduce participants to global cultures through the universal language of food. The global culinary showcase features a collaboration between food science and nutrition and experience industry management students, who are responsible for developing the menu, preparing the dishes, creating brochures for each represented country, and planning activities to highlight each country’s unique traditions. This year’s featured countries were Costa Rica, Ireland, Cuba, Thailand, Ghana, and Australia. “We choose countries based on study abroad and exchange opportunities available at Cal Poly,” said Jessica Michelsen, study away coordinator. In addition to flavorful foods, attendees also enjoyed live Irish music and a performance by Cal Poly’s salsa dance club. The International Center received grant funding from USAC: University Studies Abroad Consortium and from Cal Poly’s Division of Student Affairs, and is thankful for the additional support which allowed us to enhance the event and the servings provided.

For students in Verena Alexander’s FSN 344: Food Service Operations II course, A Taste of the World was an exciting and invaluable hands-on experience in large-scale food preparation. “I don’t think anyone here has cooked for 600 people before,” said Matt Hopkins, a third-year nutrition major. “It’s an incredible chance to step out of our comfort zones.” The class spent weeks carefully selecting and testing recipes, gathering feedback from peers, faculty, and staff to refine the dishes, then scaling and standardizing them to serve hundreds of hungry attendees. This year, a highlight was collaborating with Ghanaian exchange students currently attending Cal Poly, whose authentic input played a key role in perfecting the Ghana team’s jollof rice, a beloved West African dish.

“This event is not just a chance for students to gain real-world experience, but also to showcase some of the incredible international opportunities that Cal Poly offers—many of which students may not have previously considered,” said Michelsen.

In Their Own Words

Bringing Cal Poly to the World

“I could not be more grateful for the generous support that was provided for my time abroad. I grew up on a farm in the middle of the Central Valley and I would have never thought I would be taking this trip abroad if you asked me even a year ago. This was my first trip outside of the United States and the five weeks I spent in Costa Rica was one of the most valuable experiences I have had in college, and in my life.”

– Chelsea F., Cal Poly in Costa Rica, 2024

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