By Nancy Navarro, Sept. 10, 2024
As Sam Houn, a communication student, stepped onto the sun-drenched streets of Spain, he felt a spark igniting within him, signaling the beginning of an extraordinary study abroad adventure. Surrounded by the enticing aromas, the lively beats of flamenco rhythms and the vivid Spanish architecture, he hadn’t fully realized the thrilling and unforgettable nature of the journey ahead.
Students can immerse in diverse cultures and savor a range of culinary delights while earning credits toward their degrees in a foreign country. Get ready to address common inquiries about studying abroad and gather essential advice. Embark on a journey to uncover the diverse opportunities for studying abroad.
“Students can do all kinds of independent or affiliated programs, so the options for students to study abroad are endless,” said Kraig Walkup, Cal Poly Pomona’s study abroad coordinator.
Faculty-Led Programs
Faculty-led study abroad programs are led by professors, allowing students to earn course credit while gaining global experience. All the courses are taught in English by CPP faculty.
These short-term and flexible programs are available during winter intersession, spring break or summer. A 2.5 or higher GPA is required, making the program available for a wide range of students. Various destinations are offered during each intersession, and application deadlines are set 120 days prior to the trip.
Students have a range of destinations to choose from for their study abroad experience, including London and Scotland, Italy, Thailand, Japan, Paris, South Korea, Germany, Costa Rica and Singapore.
Students can spend 10 days exploring Rome, Florence and Siena in Italy, focusing on “Italian Pop Culture.” Students who choose Thailand will attend classes at RMUTT University in Bangkok, and those preferring Germany can study for six weeks at Leibniz University of Hannover.
Exchange Student Programs
Students can enroll as visiting students at international universities, while students from the host institutions come to CPP. This reciprocal exchange program offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a different academic environment, while maintaining their enrollment status at CPP.
Students participating in exchange programs have the flexibility to choose their program length, ranging from a semester to a full academic year, with some summer options available. Students pay their regular tuition fees as applicable at CPP, and credits earned during the exchange are transferred back to CPP, allowing students to stay on track with their academic progress. Financial aid applies to all exchange programs, making them accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.
Exchange Student Programs offer students the chance to embark on international adventures in Germany, South Korea, Scotland, Taiwan, or France. A minimum GPA of 2.75 is required. Application deadlines for fall/summer due Feb.15 and spring exchanges are due Sept. 15.
California State University International Program
The CSU International Program is a study abroad initiative for CSU students, administered by the CSU Chancellor’s Office and catering to all 23 CSU campuses.
This semester-long program facilitates travel to more than 15 countries worldwide and is open to students from most majors. Unlike other programs, this one offers students the opportunity to select from a variety of language-learning options. They can opt to study in English or immerse themselves in a new language and study in the language of the host country.
“I would love for more students to take advantage of these programs, life changing, high impact practices and for students to graduate and be more worldly,” Walkup said.
CPP-Affiliated Programs
CPP collaborates with numerous third-party providers offering programs for a variety of majors in multiple countries to select from worldwide. A few of the cities available in this program are London, Buenos Aires, Perth and Gaborone.
Marketing student Emily Sichley is a peer advisor and an alumnus of the study abroad program who attended the American Institute of Foreign Study. Sichley studied abroad at the University College of London, which is ranked one of the top 10 universities in the world and ranked No. 9 for business, according to a U.S. News article.
Studying abroad independently, without a faculty-led group or other students from their home university, provided Sichley a unique opportunity for personal growth.
“I was more independent on it,” said Sichley. “You’re not with a faculty, staff member or anything like that — and not even with Cal Poly students when I went.”
During Sichley’s time in London, she befriended students in her program, where they created memories in Barcelona for a weekend. This independence gave her flexibility and allowed her to explore new places and cultures.
Like the other programs, this one requires a minimum GPA of 2.5 and is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors.
Financial Aid
Financial aid options are available for the programs, although they are limited during summer and winter breaks, which are considered optional terms. Eligibility is determined by the program’s duration and the number of units. Programs that match the length of a semester qualify for aid. One thing to keep in mind is that work-study opportunities are not offered in any of the programs.
“This is something you’ll remember more than anything else when you reflect back on your college career,” Walkup said. “The study abroad experience will be life changing for most students.”
Charlize Althea Garcia contributed to this article
Feature image courtesy of Jack Gisel on Unsplash
