As the Class of 2029 settles in and campus springs back to life, the International Center is gearing up to host the annual Study Abroad Fair, happening on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Kennedy Library.
The International Center’s most well-attended event of the year, the Study Abroad Fair aims to showcase Cal Poly’s study abroad opportunities and dispel common myths about the accessibility of global experiences, bringing goals to study, research, and intern abroad within reach – even for those who may have believed otherwise due to financial, personal, or logistical barriers.
“The Fair is a dynamic way to connect students with opportunities that foster Learn by Doing in a global context,” said Cari Vanderkar, Assistant Vice Provost for International Programs and Senior International Officer. “I always look forward to the lively atmosphere and hearing from enthusiastic students about their aspirations for going abroad.”
Attendees will have the chance to speak with program representatives and advisors while exploring hundreds of program options in about 70 countries. Opportunities include multi-country programs and even domestic study-away options which do not require a U.S. passport. Faculty interested in leading or developing future programs abroad are also encouraged to attend.
“We encourage students to bring their questions and concerns so we can help turn their goals into actionable plans,” said Jessica Michelsen, Study Away Coordinator at the International Center. Advisors will be available to guide students through everything from the application process and travel logistics to navigating financial aid options. Students can also chat with program leaders and past program participants to gain valuable, real-world insight into the experience.
A common misconception is that studying abroad demands a long-term commitment. In fact, programs range from one week to an entire academic year, making it easier to align with students’ academic schedules and personal preferences. Programs are also available in different formats, with accommodations ranging from apartments and hostels to living with a homestay family, offering the chance to immerse more fully in local language and culture. One program, Semester at Sea, even allows students to experience multiple cultures as a cruise ship becomes their traveling campus.
Programs are offered year-round, offering students academic flexibility of being able to customize their global studies based on when is convenient for them. “Right now, summer and fall are the most popular times to study abroad or away,” Michelsen added. “We also get a lot of questions about which programs align with certain majors, and Cal Poly offers a wide array of study abroad opportunities allowing students to earn major, minor, and GE credit while experiencing new cultures.”
One of the highlight programs is First Year GO (Global Opportunities), which is based in Seville, Spain. Designed for first-year students in the Orfalea College of Business, the College of Liberal Arts, or students for whom the courses articulate well with their degree progress, the program offers a unique opportunity to begin college life immersed in the rich cultural heritage of Andalusia.
“Our first full cohort recently returned from the program in Seville, and we’re learning about the transformative impact of the program. We’re excited to continue expanding access to such global experiences for students early in their academic careers,” said Vanderkar.
For many students, the idea of studying abroad sparks excitement, curiosity, and perhaps a bit of uncertainty. But for students like Emily Panales-Castillo, a participant in First Year GO’s 2025 Cohort, that uncertainty turned into the experience of a lifetime. “Anyone can tell you that studying abroad could be an amazing experience, but experiencing that feeling for yourself is life-changing. You’ll learn so much about different cultures and yourself as well! It’s a wonderful time to experiment! Go out and do fun things with new friends! Just don’t be afraid of signing up and being open to new experiences. Plenty of help is provided, just make sure to seek it,” Panales-Castillo said.
Scholarships ranging from $1000 – $15,000 are available through the First Year GO program, thanks to the generous support of an anonymous donor, the College of Liberal Arts, the Orfalea College of Business, and program partner CEA CAPA Education Abroad. Additionally, the International Center offers a variety of scholarships for all Cal Poly study abroad and away programs, awarding over $500,000 in scholarships in the 2024-25 academic year, with 29% of study abroad participants receiving awards.
While the benefits of studying abroad—from personal development to career advancement—are well documented, access remains a challenge for many students in the U.S. According to the Institute of International Education, only about 10% of American undergraduates participate in study abroad programs. At Cal Poly, around 23% of undergraduates study abroad by the time of graduation. We are looking to increase this percentage while also increasing access to students underserved in our programs. Through events like the Study Abroad Fair, the International Center is making global education a realistic and enriching opportunity for all Mustangs.
Learn more about the Study Abroad Fair.